Gloria Coles’s Comments (group member since Nov 16, 2017)

Gloria Coles’s comments from the Flint Public Library Reads! group.

Join members of the Fiction Only Book Club this February 19th at 12:00 PM for a discussion of "American Marriage" by Tayari Jones.

Janet wrote: "I'm almost finished with The Room on Rue Amelie. I'm glad it's a quick read because it is predictable and, even though it is a time period that I enjoy reading (1938-45) and in France, I think it i..."

Thanks for your input, Janet!

Two recommendations for "The Other Americans" by Laila Lalami! Here is a blurb from the publisher: "From the Pulitzer Prize finalist and author of "The Moor’s Account", here is a timely and powerful novel about the suspicious death of a Moroccan immigrant—at once a family saga, a murder mystery, and a love story, informed by the treacherous fault lines of American culture."
Sounds like a fascinating read!

It's officially summer! Which books can't you wait to read? Which books do you recommend? Please join the discussion and let us know!

The Fiction Only Book Club met today to discuss "Auntie Poldi and the Sicilian Lions" by Mario Giordano. And what an interesting meeting it was! Members had many different opinions on the book and the main character, Auntie Poldi.

The book was translated from German to English and many members commented on the quality of the translation. It seemed that there were too many unnecessary, unknown words. Or words and phrases that didn't make sense in the context in which they were used.

Some members did not know what to make of Auntie Poldi. Was she beautiful and vivacious, or a sad, lonely, heartbroken woman? It was hard to get a clear picture of her. Some thought she made friends too quickly and shared too much with them and her relatives.

The Italian food and countryside were described in detail, which many members found interesting. Also, the history of sulfur mining in Sicily was discussed, something that few members knew about.

If you've read "Auntie Poldi and the Sicilian Lions", please let us know your thoughts!

The FOBC had a full house for the discussion of "The Leavers" by Lisa Ko. We also had a few new members so the club continues to grow!

Members had varied opinions about The Leavers. Most agree that the author tackled many issues in one book: immigration, displacement, abandonment, adoption, assimilation, and addiction,

One member thought it was a difficult read as it was hard to determine readily from who's point of view a chapter was being told from. Another member wished she had listened to the book so she knew the proper pronunciation of Chinese names and places. A few members thought Ko's writing was very poetic and musical.

One of the best things about the FOBC is hearing the thoughts and opinions of so many different people. It allows you see a book through the eyes and experience of others.

If you've read The Leavers, please let us know what you think. If you are a member of the FOBC and would like to continue the conversation, please do so!

Hello and welcome to all of our new members! We are so happy you joined!
Please feel free to tell us what you are reading, participate in reading challenges, and our online discussions.
Happy Reading :)

All,
Have you joined Flint Public Library's first ever Adult Winter Reading Challenge? If not, there is still plenty of time to join, read, and win prizes (mainly books!)
We still have a few weeks of winter left. Let's spend it reading!!

To join, click this link: http://fpl.readsquared.com/

Have you read August Snow yet? If so, please let us know what you think.
And don't forget, Stephen Mack Jones will at the Library February 28 at 6:00 for a book talk, selling, and signing. We hope to see you there!

Michael wrote: "Reading 'My Brilliant Friend' by Elena Farrante, the first novel in quartet. I am in about 60 pages and hooked. It is the story of two girls growing up in post WWII Naples, poor but intelligent in ..."
Thanks for your input, Michael! I've heard great things about Farrante's books. I wonder how the television show compares to the book?!

Tell us about the books you are reading or have read to fulfill the Winter Reading Challenge missions and challenges.

The Winter Reading Challenge runs from February 15th to March 30th. Sign up online: http://fpl.readsquared.com/

Please join us at the Fiction Only Book Club meeting on January 16th at 12:00 to discuss "Imagine Me Gone" by Adam Haslett. If you can't make the meeting, please leave your comments on Goodreads: we want to know what you thought of the book!

The Library of Michigan released their list of Michigan Notable Books for 2019: https://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmic...
Several of the authors have visited the Flint Public Library already and Mitch Lutzke, "Page Fence Giants", will be here February 27 at 12:30 PM for Booked For Lunch Michigan.
Have you read any of these books? Tell us about them!

The Fiction Only Book met this past Wednesday to discuss "Green and Ancient Light" by Frederic Durbin. The majority of opinions regarding the book were favorable, even from those members who do not typically like fantasy. Members thought the grandmother and the grandson were very likable characters and that the imagery was wonderful. Some members initially didn't care for how the author used initials instead of full names for characters but understood why after reading further. And most were intrigued by the Grove of Monsters.

We finished the meeting by discussing other authors and books we are reading and would recommend. Books mentioned include: The Alice Network by Kate Quinn, The Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly, and The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. Authors that members recommended are Louise Erdrich and James Lee Burke.

Also mentioned was the online book club "Now Read This", a partnership between PBS News Hour and The New York Times Book Review, https://www.pbs.org/newshour/features...

If you've read A Green and Ancient Light, please let us know what you thought of the book!

The FOBC met this past Wednesday to discuss The Home for Unwanted Girls. The discussion was very interesting and lively as members had different opinions about the book's story line, characters, and the author's writing style. Some members loved the story and thought the book was a very realistic portrayal of two teenagers in love, while others thought the characters were not developed enough. Several members were not pleased with the author's writing style.

All members agreed that the book's backstory - Quebec orphanages in the 1950s being turned into mental institutions in order to receive more funding - was atrocious and unconscionable.

We invite you to reach your own conclusion regarding the book's merit. The Library has several copies; check one out today and let us know what you think about the The Home for Unwanted Girls.

The Fiction Only Book Club had a full house for today's discussion of "Little Fires Everywhere". We talked about the book for a whole hour! The majority of members really enjoyed the book, thought the pacing was just right, and that the characters were fully developed. Some members, however. mentioned that some of the things didn't seem plausible (she's STILL driving the Rabbit?)

Topics that were discussed and debated include awarding custody to the McCullough's, Mrs. Richardson's strained relationship with Izzy, despite almost losing her as a child, and Mrs. Richards feelings towards Mia.

Please tell us your thoughts!

Janet wrote: "I started the book one night after I went to bed and finished it the next afternoon. I could hardly put it down! I really enjoyed Karen Dionne's visit and talk. I was impressed with how 'real' and ..."

I'm so glad you enjoyed Karen Dionne's visit and her book. She is such a great presenter. And it is rewarding to see someone so genuine achieve success at their craft. You can just tell how grateful she is for all that she has achieved.
Ann

Thank you to Karen Dionne, the author of the Marsh King's Daughter, and all Fiction Only Book Club members and their guests for attending yesterday's meeting. I think the meeting was a huge success.

Do you have questions or aspects of the book you would like to discuss? Did you like the book? I would love to hear feedback.

The aspect I found most chilling yet so plausible and realistic was how Helena could still love her father after all he had done to her and her mother. I think it is so difficult for some children to let go of familial bonds even though they are destructive and certainly not healthy.

I am also inspired to visit the Upper Peninsula. I have always wanted to take a trip there but now more than ever.

Let us know your thoughts!
Ann

Karol wrote: "Flint wrote: "Let us know what you're reading this summer! We would love to know! Let's get the discussion started :)" I'm reading The Johnstown Flood by David McCullough"

I bet the book is fascinating! A historical event, such as the Johnstown Flood being covered by David McCullough, is sure to be interesting. Have you read "In Sunlight, in a Beautiful Garden" by Katheen Cambor? It is a fictional account of the Johnston Flood; I highly recommend it!

Diane wrote: "I just finished reading The Queen's Vow, by C.W. Gortner. It is a novel about Queen Isabella of Spain. I found it to be too much of a whitewash. It tried to paint Queen Isabella as being against To..."

Thanks for sharing, Diane!