The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

After a long summer hiatus, it was good to once again have everyone in attendance so we could catch up on one another's busy, yet fun summer.  We gathered back together at JoAnn's home on a warm September Saturday.  Since our novel was about a magical circus, JoAnn laid out a proper circus diet of hotdogs, corndogs, pickles, and the cutest chocolate mice.

Synopsis:

Marco and Celia are pawns in a challenge set by their mentors when they are but still children.  Unbeknownst to them, this duel of magic will require one of them to die in order for there to be a victor.  In the mystical setting of the night circus, these two opponents fall in love and begin a love affair expressed through beautiful magical creations.  Unfortunately, the challenge cannot be undone and the circus and all its performers are at risk as the couple's passion grows.

Comments:

First of all, it must be stated that we all agreed that the author has a wonderfully, creative imagination and the ability to create such fantastical magic with her ink and paper.  Her descriptions of some of the tent rooms had a dreamlike effect. That being said, it was also true that this imaginative circus was at times too fantastical and a bit much on the stretching of our imagination.  The clockmaker, Herr Thiessen, is one such example.  The descriptions of his clock creations were beyond comprehension.

The elaborate dinner party feasts which Chandresh hosted at midnight in his home were deliciously described.  We found it interesting to note that one of the characters, Isobel the fortune teller, may have been considered a minor character and bit player in the circus, but we discover near the end of the story that all along her simplistic little charms had a major effect on the success of the picture perfect night circus.

The character development was weak, while imagery descriptions were too lengthy and detailed at times.  The non-linear timeline was difficult to follow.  However, this was a sweet love story and we enjoyed visualizing the tent room creations which were the couple's love letters to one another.

Memorable Quotes:

"Better to have one single diamond than a sack full of flawed stones."

Oscar Wilde - "A dreamer is one who can only find his way by moonlight, and his punishment is that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world."

FAB Rating: ***1/2 (3-1/2 stars out of 5)

We unanimously categorized this book as more of a beach read, maybe even more fitting in the young adult genre.  With all the great visual descriptions, it will make for a fun movie to view.

The Orphan Master's Son by Adam Johnson

On Thursday, June 12, four of us met up at Cru Food and Wine Bar at the Domain in Austin for a delicious lunch.  We had a private dining area reserved just for us, although for the majority of the two hours we were there, we had the entire restaurant to ourselves.

After much discusion regarding each of our various summer plans, we all were in agreement that this would be a good time to take a hiatus with the intent to return to our meeting together in September.

Synopsis:

This book is divided into two parts.  In the first half of the story, Jun Do is introduced and we learn that he is raised in a state orphanage in North Korea.  He serves the state as a loyal citizen which includes him performing horrific acts including kidnappings.  As part of a diplomatic delegation, he travels to America.  His mission is viewed as a failure and results in his imprisonment.  During the second half of the book, Jun Do assumes the identity of Commander Ga which includes being the husband to the actress Sun Moon.  Commander Ga will be chosen by the Dear Leader to work with the Americans and it is through that assignment that Jun Do/Commander Ga puts a plan into action.

Comments:

Everyone agreed that this was a great story and was was well-written by a great storyteller.  However, the majority of us found the story to be too depressing.  It certainly could not in our terms be called a pleasant read.  We agreed with the author's own categorical designation of his novel: a trauma narrative.  This story highlights the appalling conditions in North Korea.  The inhumanity of mankind was shown to have no limits.  It is difficult to read about the oppression and manipulation of an entire population of Korean citizens.

Jun Do is representative of the comman man in Korea -- the Korean version of John Doe -- and the struggles to survive in this politically and culturally repressed society.

There were a few comedic moments woven into this novel.  The one which our group laughed about was the shock and disgust in which the delegates relayed their experiences with the Americans, particularly their trip to Texas and how we treat our canine pets. 

Memorable Quote:

Dr. Song--"Where we are from," he said, "stories are factual.  If a farmer is declared a music virtuoso by the state, everyone had better start calling him maestro.  And secretly, he'd be wise to start practicing the piano.  For us, the story is more important than the person.  If a man and his story are in the conflict, it is the man who must change." (p. 121 - Kindle)

"A name isn't a person," Ga said. "Don't ever remember someone by their name.  To keep someone alive, you put them inside you, you put their face on your heart.  Then, no matter where you are, they're always with you because they're a part of you." (p. 379 - Kindle)

FAB Rating: **** (4 out of 5 stars)

Although very difficult to read at times, the writing was excellent and the story compelling.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

On a Wednesday morning we joined together at Ellen's home for our April book club meeting.  We filled our bellies with spaghetti, salad, and sweet rice pudding.  Ellen had put together the most creative book-themed favors and set them beside each of our plates: candy filled petri dishes.

Summary:
Henrietta Lacks is a poor black woman who goes to John Hopkins Hospital in 1951 for treatment of cervical cancer.  Before she dies, a surgeon takes samples of her tumor.  Those cells became the first immortal human cells ever grown in a lab.  These cells known as HeLa cells, were sold around the world to other scientists, researchers, and doctors, and were one of the most important things that happened to medicine in the last one hundred years.  Her cells went on to become part of groundbreaking research into such studies as leukemia, cancer, herpes, influenza, polio, hemophilia, Parkinson's Disease and more.  This true story sounds wonderful until you realize that an injustice was done to Henrietta and her family.  Henrietta did not give consent for her cells to be taken and used by the doctors, and until many years later none of her family was aware of the action taken much less the significance and fame which came about from the use of those cells.

Comments:
In portions of this book we experienced kindred feelings with the subjects as they expressed anger and frustration at the inequities and injustices dealt to them because of their social and economic class.  It was especially infuriating and heartbreaking for us to learn of the mistreatment of Henrietta's mentally challenged daughter and the many other patients who were institutionalized at that time.  There were a few bright spots in this story.  One man in particular, researcher Christoph Lengauer, treated Deborah and her family with respect and compassion.

Author Rebecca Skloot spent years researching this fascinating story and familiarizing herself with Henrietta's family.  She displayed the patience of Job where it concerned developing a relationship with Henrietta's daughter and her other family members.  That long quest equated to a long book.  Thoroughly researched and thoroughly reported!  The author's quest was well-rewarded as she not only shared with the world a compelling story, but she became accepted and loved among Henrietta's family.  The following scene sums up well the connection and impact Rebecca had on the Lacks family:  One Sunday Deborah's congregation sang, "Stand by me, while I run this race, for I don't want to run this race in vain." Her preacher husband, Pullum, pointed at Rebecca and yelled, "Come stand by me!"  Rebecca had truly stood by the Lacks family and ran the race with them to see their mother recognized for what she had unknowingly contributed.  Pullum later pointed to Deborah's granddaughter, sitting in her grandmother's lap in the pew, and yelled, "This child will someday know that her great-grandmother Henrietta helped the world!"  He then pointed around the room at other cousins saying, "So will that child...and that child...and that child.  This is their story now.  They need to take hold of it and let it teach them they can change the world too."

Memorable Quote:
"...if you gonna go into history, you can't do it with a hate attitude.  You got to remember, times was different." said by Deborah, Henrietta's daughter. (p. 276 - Kindle)

FAB Rating: **** (4 out of 5 stars)
This story sparked curiosity in us as we learned more about HeLa cells and the impact they have had on our world.  Most amazing is that those cells are still being used today! We admire the tenacity with which Ms. Skloot tackled this project.  It was well worth her efforts.

Orphan Train: A Novel by Christina Baker Kline

On Saturday, March 1, we converged on Marcia's fine home in Smithville for our monthly meeting. Our gracious host served us a filling brunch of egg casserole, fresh fruit and sweet Irish oatmeal. In the company of good friends, both the conversation and time quickly flew!

Summary:
Molly is a current day foster child struggling to survive the tumultous journeys from one foster home and town to the next one.  Vivian is an elderly lady living alone with only her memories to keep her company in a giant old home across town.  These two women forge an unlikely friendship which will bring answers and ultimately the healing they both desire.

Comments:
The orphan train transported a reported 200,000 children from the East Coast to the Midwest between 1854 and 1929.  This part of our American history was unknown to a few of our readers. The reality of this heartbreaking time provided for an interesting storyline. The author wove into the storyline the lesson of portaging, especially in relation to the Wabanakis Indians, a part of Molly's heritage.  The act of traveling light and leaving some things behind was well understood by the orphans, Vivian and Molly. "Nothing encumbered movement more than fear, which was often the most difficult burden to surrender." (p. 5 - Kindle)

Vivian was one of those orphans transported from New York City to Minnesota.  Her story was not a happy one, but she managed to rise above the tragedies of her youth.  Despite her outward successes in her life, even in her nineties Vivian was still haunted by those loved ones whom she had lost.

Molly was the modern day version of Vivian - an orphan shuttled from home to home who loved to read and buried her pain in order to survive in the harsh reality of her world. The tough exterior marked by Goth makeup hid the vulnerable and hurting child inside her.  Molly was fascinated by Vivian's story and felt a connection to her which inspired her to seek the truth in both Vivian's and her own life.  "You can't find peace until you find all the pieces.  She wants to help Vivian find some kind of peace, elusive and fleeting as it may be." (p. 177 - Kindle)

Brenda noted a disturbing trend in this novel: the majority of the female minor characters were portrayed as mean-spirited and vindictive.  Conversely, their male counterparts were portrayed as weak, passive men who merely helplessly shrugged as they witnessed first-hand the cruel words and actions those women displayed towards Vivian and Molly.

When we completed our discussion time together we all readily accepted Marcia's invitation to tour the old Burleson Mansion there in town where her husband was working (thanks again, Marcia!!)  In a twist of fate, a lady who was there at the time perusing some of the antiques and collectables to purchase, heard what book we had just finished discussing, and she shared with us the story of her own father and his siblings who had been orphan riders on the train.  Fascinating story which added another rich layer of truth to this period of time in America.  And as a side note, if you have a little bit of cash stashed under your mattress, you might want to consider purchasing this beautiful home since it's on the market!

Memorable Quotes:
"...the people who matter in our lives stay with us, haunting our most ordinary moments. They're with us in the grocery store, as we turn a corner, chat with a friend. They rise up through the pavement; we absorb them through our soles." (p. 176 - Kindle)

"Time constricts and flattens, you know. It's not evenly weighted. Certain moments linger in the mind and others disappear." (p. 176 - Kindle)

FAB Rating: **** (4 out of 5 stars)
Although the story was a bit predictable, overall it still provided a compelling read.  Some of us had trouble connecting with the two main characters, although we agreed that Molly's character was true to life for a lot of young women.

Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President by Candice Millard

On Wednesday, January 29, our entire group converged upon Diana’s home for an early February book discussion.  With an abundant Meyer lemons crop this year, Diana prepared some lemony delicious dishes including a dessert that was the perfect marriage of a lemon bar and a pie – yum!

Summary:

This non-fiction book was written to expose the modern day reader to the behind-the-scenes events in the late 1870’s and early 1880’s which ultimately led to the death of President James Garfield.  Through extensive research, Ms. Millard constructs a fascinating historical record of the election and assassination of a president who only spent a few months in office.

Comments:

This story had all the ingredients of a best-selling fictional novel -- a world famous inventor, a madman, political villains, medical science breakthroughs, and a kindhearted man whose life was cut short by a lunatic’s bullet and inept doctors – except this is a true story!  

It was interesting to see how our political system has evolved from its early beginnings. The overt corruption and strong-arm tactics were disappointing, while the drama of the conventions was thrilling. It’s a shame that the practice of granting the citizens access to the president, which made perfect sense to a nation which had not that long ago broken free of the monarch’s rule, is one of the reasons that we lost a few of our U.S. presidents to assassinations. 

Our resident medical expert was most disturbed by the ego of the book's medical professionals which kept them from ever considering options which may have saved President Garfield, including Alexander Bell’s liberal use of his metal detector to locate the bullet and sterilization of medical tools. Joseph Lister had unsuccessfully tried to convince American doctors to sterilize everything when dealing with open wounds. Although an accepted practice at that time among European doctors and medical facilities, their American counterparts were slow to believe in the importance of antisepsis – preventing infection by destroying germs - a concept which has saved millions of lives.  More than twenty years after Garfield’s death, the American ambassador to England shared these words at the Royal Society:  “My lord,” the ambassador said, addressing Lister as he sat in an opulent hall, surrounded by powerful men and celebrated scientists, “it is not a profession, it is not a nation, it is humanity itself which, with uncovered head, salutes you.” (p. 259 – Kindle)

What a tragedy to lose a president who believed in equality for the newly freed slaves and who had a desire to work with men from both political parties.  He could have made much needed positive changes for a nation which was still deeply wounded from a destructive civil war.  President Garfield was a loving husband, father, and loyal friend who even on his death bed as he suffered through intense pain evoked this heartfelt tribute:  “Even as he lay dying, Garfield was kind, patient, cheerful, and deeply grateful.” (p. 227 – Kindle)

Memorable Quote:

We loved President Garfield’s quotes which were placed at the beginning of each of the new chapters.  Here are a couple of our favorites:

“Theologians in all ages have looked out admiringly upon the material universe and…demonstrated the power, wisdom, and goodness of God; but we know of no one who has demonstrated the same attributes from the history of the human race.” (p. 48 – Kindle)

“I love to believe that no heroic sacrifice is ever lost, that the characters of men are moulded and inspired by what their fathers have done.” (p. 173 – Kindle)

FAB Rating: ***** (5 out of 5 stars)

What an interesting time for our nation.  We all learned so much from this book. This story is well written, thoroughly documented and presented in a way which made this reader want to keep reading in the hopes that the president would eventually survive, even though I knew the ending!  If Ms. Millard had been my high school American History teacher, I am pretty sure I would not have daydreamed as much as I did in that class!

You Are One of Them by Elliott Holt

Our January bookclub meeting was held at Olde World Bakery & Cafe in downtown Smithville.  We met for brunch and we all ordered a variety of items including strawberry crepes, migas, egg sandwich, and breakfast burrito.  Once our plates were licked clean and we had finished catching up on our personal lives, local news and gossip, we dove right into the world of the USSR.

Synopsis:

Sarah Zuckerman had a few bright and shining moments in her growing up years and the majority of them appeared to center around her friendship with Jenny Jones.  However, Jenny’s life is cut short in an accident which just adds to Sarah’s list of losses in her life.  Jenny’s influence is felt even into adulthood for Sarah and so after graduating college she travels to Russia to begin a quest which may not answer the question Sarah initially sought to resolve, but will eventually set her free.

Comments:

This fictional book was loosely based on true events which occurred from 1983 through the late 1990’s.  We found it to be similar to how the television show “Law and Order” creates their storylines.  In addition to that, the author had once lived in Russia while working as a copy editor, similar to the book’s main character.  We learned what Russia was really like during this time period as the country struggled to adapt to the marketplace demands of a Western world while chained to the economy and education of the old federation.  

As we progressed in this novel, we came to understand that the title “You Are One of Them” does not actually relate to Jenny Jones as the reader may first believe.  Sarah had continued to view herself through the lens of childhood.  She could not see that she had grown out of the awkward stage, the misfit label, and the cloak of tragedy which had shrouded her growing up years.  Young Sarah finds that those whom she dearly loves will soon leave her.  These lost loves she refers to as defectors came about through death, as with her sister and Jenny, and through divorce, as with her father.  Sarah even refers to her home as “a museum, filled with relics” which looks back and not forward.  She cannot shed the skin of her past in order to confidently live and appreciate her adult life…at least not until her fateful journey to Russia.  There in the bleakness of a Russian winter -- “There is something painfully honest about winter: the skeletal trees, the brutal repetition of the cold.  There are no empty promises, no hazy, humid hopes.  It’s reality, lonely and stark.”-- Sarah will finally be able to free herself from the past and move forward.

Memorable Quote:

“People believe in things until they don’t need to anymore.” (p. 283 – Kindle)

“If regret had an odor, it would smell like an ashtray.” (p. 255 – Kindle)

“And I have come to believe that forgiveness is the key to survival.  It does no good to see everything as a struggle between opposing factions.  Few things are that simple.” (p. 102 – Kindle)

FAB Rating: ***1/2 (3-1/2 out of 5 stars)

There was not much meat to chew on with this book.  We likened it to a good beach/travel book which you would purchase to pass the time while relaxing, never spending time contemplating its merits. 

A Constellation of Vital Phenomena: A Novel by Anthony Marra

On Saturday, November 23, we met at Jonetta's new home in Austin to discuss our latest novel.  As usual when Jonetta hosts book club during the fall/winter season there was a major cold front which came through complete with rain/sleet mixture!  Thank you to the three brave souls who traveled the long distance for some warm food and scintillating conversation.  Our authentic Russian meal was prepared by The Russian House in downtown Austin.  We dined on Tarragon Salad, Russian Blinis, and Ukrainian Borsch served with Cheburek.  The roasted tiger figs topped with honey goat cheese, homemade by our hostess, provided a sweet ending to our meal.

Synopsis:
Akhmed risks his own life to save the young daughter of his friend and neighbor who has been taken by the Interior Ministry, a fate of death.  In his attempt to keep Haava away from those who would have also killed her, Akhmed takes her to the hospital where he involves the only doctor there, Sonja.  Over the period of a few short days the characters will discover they are connected in ways which will bring both desired answers and heartbreak.

Comments:
What is amazing to all of us is that this is a modern story based on true events and yet our ignorance to the suffering of the citizens and destruction of the landscape of Chechnya was evident as we read this novel.  The horrors which these people have endured throughout the years as a direct result of the Chechen Wars is eye-opening.  However, the author shows the resiliency, courage, and compassion which humans can choose to display despite their circumstances.  He was also fair enough to highlight those characters who choose an alternative path in their life, whether out of greed or self-preservation.

As the story revealed itself, the characters evolved.  Natasha provided the biggest surprise for us, while Ramzan revealed a motivation which explained his character flaw and perceived wickedness.  Akhmed's artistic ability and endeavors were beautiful as he attempted to memorialize those folks who had lost their life in the cruelty of the war.  His art was a documentary of lives and the city as it was or should have been.

The author's use of descriptive phrases painted such vivid pictures for the reader.  The following are a few of our favorites: "The soldiers were all fear and peach fuzz." (p. 28 - Kindle); "For months they'd run their fingers around the hem of their affection without once acknowledging the fabric." (p. 286 - Kindle); "...that utopian mirage cooked up by cruel young men who gave their mustaches more care than their morality..." (p. 80 - Kindle); "And after the fire had read his pages, and the dogs basked in the warmth, and the ashes grayed the snow..." (p. 96 - Kindle)

Memorable Quote:
"She marked the days, but time didn't march forward; instead it turned from day to night, from hospital to flat, from cries to silence, from claustrophobia to loneliness and back again, like a coin flipping from side to side. Happiness came in moments of unpredictable loveliness." (p. 34 - Kindle)

"There is something miraculous in the way the years wash away your evidence, first you, then your friends and family, then the descendants who remember your face, until you aren't even a memory, you're only carbon, no greater than your atoms, and time will divide them as well." (p. 124 - Kindle)

FAB Rating: **** (4 out of 5 stars)
Although the setting of this novel proved to be dark and unsettling at times, the main characters compelled the reader to keep reading as they revealed their vulnerabilities, strengths, flaws, and secret desires. As one FAB member so poetically stated, "The threads of the story woven throughout finally produce the tapestry of the story at the end." The end proved worth the read and the revealed truths made for a fascinating story which stays with the reader long after the book has been closed.