Award Counting

I just realized I made an error with the voting ballot. I forgot to add in The Jungle, so please take that into consideration.

I also need all members to comment below on all the books you have read this past year for the book club, ASAP. Sorry and Thanks!

Short Update

All donations for our Christmas Party must be delievered by Dec 9th, the 10th is the latest.

We have two new members joining us for our Christmas Party:

Kim Malachi and Kayla Barger!!!!!!!!!

January Meeting

Title: Never Far From Nowhere

January 8th 7pm

Sasha's House

Mandatory Meeting

Award Ceremony

Discuss new changes

Two New Members will be joining us ....

round of applause to

Kim Malachi and Kayla Barger, she will also be joining us at the Christmas Party!!!!!!!!!

The next set of members need to pick out their titles for the mandatory meeting.

X-Mas Party

Memoir's 2011 Christmas Party!!!!!!!!!!

Location: KC's house in Ft Worth

Date: Dec 11

Time: 7pm

Gift Exchange: Book Themed

Now we need to decided on whether or not it will just be book club members and significant others. I know that is what I have stated and a few others but I need a definite answer! If others show up, then we will make it a pot luck so we don't have to worry about food!

Are we factoring in game night here or should we plan for it next year?

Also, thought about putting together 4 raffle drawings. Two for $2.00 and two for $4.00 to go towards our book club fund. Any takers, suggestions, or ideas? Also - any one want to donate something for the raffles, that would help very much. The raffle will be 4 gift baskets.

November Meeting Change

UPDATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Date: Nov 27

Time: 7pm

Location: Elizabeth's

***************************************

IMPORTANT DATE CHANGE!!!!!!!

The November 13 meetings is Fairest by Gail Carson Levine picked by Elizabeth.
This meeting will be pushed back to Nov 20 due to scheduling conflicts.
Time and Location TBA

Reflections from October 9, 2011

What we disscused

• My book pick Come Closer
• About new releases
• The award ballot was shown for our mandatory meeting in January
• Future books and meetings
• KC has volunteered her house for the X-Mas, but we are still waiting on a confirmation for that. If she cannot, any other takers?
• A theme was suggested for the Gift Exchange, make it book related - let us know if you have someother idea or if you do not like this one

~*~

Come Closer

Sara Gran

Classified as Horror

This is a psychological thriller. You get caught in a deluision that you do not really know what is happening, why these things are happening, and who is really doing them? Is she truly possed by a demon or is her inner self coming out?

You just have to read it to find out!

Please comment

Thanks

-M

Members, Guests, and Gatherings

Give A Round Of Applause News:
We have a new member who is interested in joining our group ... Tammy! *clapping*
We also have a special guest joining the October Meeting ... Kendall! *clapping*

Gathering and Discussion Changes:
There has been a change in our November and December schedule. In November we will be discussing Elizabeth's book, Fairest.

In December we will be having our Chrismas Party/Game Night.
Do we have any volunteers for hosting this event. My (Mistie's) apartment is always open my same concern is my pets. Just let me know what you want!

Some Ideas and things to catch up on ...

Hello Ladies,
It has been awhile so here is a simple update and request on information that we need! Please comment on all, Thanks!

Anniversary Dinner
Since we are trying this new book club idea and in September it is actually our gathering month not our book discussion month - so why don't we just plan our Southern Ball on that day since it should already be marked on everyones calendar? Makes it more simple instead of planning an extra day?

And for those who have not voted for the dinner menu please do so, soon!

January Mandatory Meeting
Any categories for our award ceremony?

Memory Book Volume II
Okay, so my idea for the next volume is crazy wonderful, but I need quotes from everybody from every book club book you read. Think of it as the quotes you see on book covers by reviewers and other authors saying something positive about it. Just email me when you have them written down.

If you haven't read you don't really have to make up a quote or you could and just be something random and silly, like the page 99 test and just pick a random quote on that page!

A New Book Club ...

Okay, so there has been a debate about our book club and the meetings. We got a new idea from a fellow book club member that we are going to try out this second half and see how it goes.

July 17 - Mandatory Meeting
August 14 - Book Club Discussion (Acene)
September 11 - Book Club Gathering
October 9 - Book Club Discussion (Mistie)
November 13 - Book Club Gathering
December 11 - Book Club Discussion (Eliz)

If any one does not like or agree with this idea - it can be discussed at our mandaotry meeting on July 17th. We can go out for dinner, have a movie night, or something ... so what would you like to do?

Everyone Has Obligatons

Acene has requested to post-pone our July Meeting to August, this is something the members need to decide on. So please comment and tell us what you would like for our next meeting date.

On a side note: Every one has there own personal obligations, whether it be school, work, or being a mom. There is a reason why everything is planned out in advance (about 3 months worth of time) and everything is voted on. THIS IS STILL A BOOK CLUB whether we get together to just to hang out or to discuss the current book and one of things I really love about our book club is that we are not forced to read the book that is chosen, whether obligations arise or we just don't like the topic/genre of the current book that is being read.

Heck, we all know I have not finished a couple of the books or just didn't read it because I did not like it and I was still welcomed at the meetings, just like other members as well. So please don't be a hypocrite, when in the past you didn't finish books or even read them either! This is suppose to be about friendship and our love for reading and just being able to have a good time and talk shop about books, even if we get off topic. So whatever is decided on when we should meet up, be sure to be up front about your issues and hopefully we can fix them and make everyone happy about our book club!

Is Anyone reading the books anymore?

I would like to know if anyone has started Hood? If no one has started it then why have a discussion about it if only one person is talking about it? It doesn’t make sense to me. A book club is about chatting about a book that most of the book members had read. I was disappointed that only two members had read KC’s book and its been happening more often then not. It just seems that it’s more about a club then a book club where the people talk about office duty then books. Now I love our book club don’t get me wrong but I really would like most of us had read the book and finish it. I don’t like to be rush in reading a book by the end of a month. I just don’t think it’s fair for those who are slow readers, work & school, moms, and/or busy lives. I’m just say’n.

Grocery List for Surprise

The menu has been jotted down and now must be voted on. Everything in orange must be voted one, the beverages and appetizers are a must for a Southern Ball. Unless we have a majority vote on not keeping the beverages and appetizers -- it stays. The main course, the side, and the dessert are yours to pick. May the best meal win!

BEVERAGES
Mint Julips
Sweet Tea

APPETIZERS
Fried Medley
- Fried Okra
- Fried Pickles
- Fried Green Tomatoes
- Mozzarella

MAIN COURSES
Stewed Duck
Fried Chicken

SIDES
Black Eyed Peas
Cornbeard
Sweet Potatoes

DESSERTS
Personal Peach Cobblers w/Homemade Ice Cream
Lemon Meringue Pie
Homemade Ice Cream

The Surprise and Anniversary

This pasted meeting the Surprise was announced and it was a Photo Book from Shutterfly!
This photo book goes all the way to the beginning, from 2007 to present time. It includes all members and pictures from events, out book lists, and other little tad bits.

If I have not already received your order payment, you have until Friday afternoon to let me know if you want a copy with the group discount! I will be placing the order at Noon! I can get you a copy of the book at anytime the only catch would be that you would end up paying the original price instead of a group price.

As for our Anniversary it has been decided that we will be having a Southern Ball! Yes you heard correctly, a Southern Ball! So we just need to decided on the date, it will be hosted at Sasha's house.

The weekend of Sept 17 or 18 or the weekend of Sept 24 or 25: Saturday or Sunday night. There will be a meal and like the picnic there will be a grocery list divided up among us and our guests by price. The Supper Club members will cook the dinner so other members will not have to worry about the food.

There is a dress code and you will be required to dress up, women will have to dress in gowns and men will have to dress up in suits.

More information to be posted later, right now we need to vote on when the Ball will take place, so comment below what day works best!

Reflection on The Radleys

Hello Ladies!

So, my book pick this time was The Radley's by Matt Haig. I chose this book because it was first recommended to me by a customer at work and when I read the description I was instantly intrigued. It's not your typical vampire novel and that's what makes it interesting. It tells the story of a family of vampires trying to appear normal in the suburbs of modern England. Their world is torn upside down when the daughter, Clara, accidentally kills a classmate of hers that was trying to rape her. The Radley's now have to scramble to not only tell their children they are vampires but to cover up Clara's killing. It's wonderfully told with just enough action to keep you reading. I hope everyone had as good a time at the meeting as I did!

Much Love,
KC

Hood King Raven (book one) by Lawhead

An interesting and entertaining, twist to the Robin Hood legend. Hood is nicely written with a well-researched picture of eleventh century life. I have heard it's a little too drawn-out for the non-fan of the Robin stories. Please remember it's not the same old Robin Hood story, so keep that in mind when you read it. Robin isn't so charming, just say'n.

Snowflower and the Secret Fan ...

The Movie here is the IMDB link for the trailer! It looks pretty good, not like the book but close enought!


It shows a release date of July 15. Any takers, we could make it a book club field trip!

Like Water for Chocolate: A Reflection

I loved this book. The first time I read it, it meant one thing. But this time...I don't know. For whatever reason it meant something different to me: to my life. I guess it's a testament to how much I've grown over the past three years.

I never really related to Tita's character throughout the story--I still don't, if I'm being completely honest. But despite that, I think what speaks to me the most throughout the story is the way that it is told. The language of Like Water is so poetic and filled with metaphoric and stylized writing that the story, one that has been told in countless ways in countless book, stands out and becomes something different. That's why I chose it.

It's a love story, but it's far from typical.

I think what I appreciate about it the most, is the fact that even though it is a love story, the main character (Tita) is used to symbolize something more than just the "damsel in distress." Her character, singlehandedly represents an idea, a revolution, a change or shift in the idea of what womanhood meant back then. Tita's character, although admittedly weak sometimes, accomplishes something in the way of promoting the idea of an objective womanhood. A definition of womanhood created by the individual and thereby acceptable, despite anyone else's opinion. (Ahem, her mother)*

Anyway, to keep this reflection from turning into a research paper...(if it hasn't already)...I'll say that I genuinely hope it's had an effect on you guys as well; whether it changed your life or just made you think.

Sasha

Spring Gathering Location

Okay ladies, it is now time to reveal the location ... drum roll ... River Legacy Park ... Yep thats right, you guessed, we are having a picnic. I will give you directions to the table tommorrow morning. Look forward to seeing you all!!!!!!!!!!

What to Bring ...

Went to walmart and priced all the food at the lowest price we would need for grilled hamburgers and hot dogs. Added the total sum together and divided by the number of people who will be attended and broken up that sum by the number of people attending so the total would be even. Then grouped everything off and here is what you are bringing.

Eliz & Tony
Hamburgers
Hamburger Buns
onion (donated)*
Frozen Pops

Mistie & Bobby
Case of water
Paper Plates
Silverware
Dr Pepper (d)
Sunkist (d)
Drinks

Plus 3 on Mistie's Party
Potato Salad
Coal
Lighter Fluid

Jen (plus one)
2 packages of Hot Dogs
2 Packages of Hot Dog Buns
Ketchup

KC
Tortilla Chips
Dip (salsa, cheese)
Mustard

Acene Plus Teen
Sliced Cheese
Tomato (3 count for $2.00)*
Mustard

Plus 3 added to Acene's Party (1 adult, 2 kids)
Frozen Pops
Ketchup
8 Pack of Gatorade

Sasha
Lettuce*
Mayo
Tomato (3 count for $2.00)*

Allison Plus 1
Pickles (whole dill, sliced)
Relish
Chips
Sliced Cheese

Cara
Veggie Hot Dogs
Chips

*Note, if you item is something this is usually cut/chopped, please do so prior before coming.

Any questions, comments, concerns or changes please notifiy Mistie or Elizabeth ASAP. The location of our event will be given the morning of April 29. We need to be notified of any changes, you are bringing some part of our meal and without you our meal won't be complete. Be prepard for changes if something happens.

The Happenings

A list of things that need to be gone over and what changes we will be making.

Part 1: We have decided to add our family and sigificant others to our Spring Gathering. So this means we need to know who you are bring. We need this count so we know how much food we will need to purchased. Once we have an account of all who will be present then I will post in groups what items each person can choose to bring. It will be paired into price range so no one pays more than any other member.

Part 2: Everyone now has an office status. If you have any comments, questions, or concerns. Please text, email, or call me.
Banker - KC
Historian - Jennifer
Dectective - Acene
Facebook Controller and Blog Designer: Cara

Part 3: Make sure you are figuring out a quote from any books we have read or a quote you have made up about one of the books we are read or just any quote you like.

Part 4: Take a look at the Logo page and vote for which one you like best!

You have by thursday to RSVP for our Spring Annual Gathering. This is so I can start making a grocery list and group pricing everything together. As soon as everyone has responded or time is up we can move to the next stage. Thanks so much ladies!!!

Spring Gathering Food Choice

Okay ladies, it is now time for you to pick what you would like to eat. Either hot dogs or hamburgers. So vote for which one you wnat more and the condiments that go with your choice of meal. Lets get to it ....

$100 Survey

DO NOT FORGET
Reading Group Choices
Click on SURVEY to win our book club a $100 by March 25th

A Wrinkle in Time

Hey everyone!

We had a fantastic meeting last Sunday night to discuss A Wrinkle in Time. This was my favorite book during my pre-teen years and started my interest in the sci-fi/fantasy genre. We had a good time dissecting and discussing the unanswered mysteries that the book presented. Some of us mentioned wanting to read the other books in the quintet but already have a lot of books in the 'to be read pile' ; )

We also discussed Sasha's supper club and our upcoming Spring gathering on April 30 at noon, location TBA. It's gonna be a surprise so put your guessing caps on! See you guys next month to discuss Jen's pick, The Jungle!

Elizabeth

Contest ...

Open to members who can create our crest or logo!
Contest to be held until 4/10/11.
Create a crest or logo for our book club.
Winner will recieve an award of recognition for creating Memoir's Official Crest or Logo!

Meeting This Sunday!

hey guys!

we are meeting this sunday, march 13th at 8:00pm to discuss a wrinkle in time. the meeting will be at my (elizabeth's) house. email me if you need direction at mary_elizabeth333@yahoo.com

i was think of cheese and cracker and wine for the menu but if anyone else has ideas, let me know by friday morning. we will also be discussing our upcoming april gathering and turning in our ideas for the club mission statement. afterwards, misti will be putting up the mission statement entries on the blog so we can vote on them (and it will be anonymous).

can't wait to see you!

elizabeth

New Hierachy Vote

New Position: The Dispatcher!
The dispatcher will be taking notes during our meetings.
The voting poll is open, let the votes begin!
WOO! HOO!

The Hardbacker

Just something I came across from a member in my romance book club. She has these and they are freaking awesome. The Hardbacker is the best I have ever seen for book covers, check it out. I am totally buying me one, well maybe two. We will see :)

Contest ...

Opened to the members who can create our book club mission statement.
Contest to be held until 3/13/2011.

Winner will receive an award of recognition for creating our official mission statement.
You can either wait until the next book club meeting or you can send it to me early in an email, top submit it for voting. Good luck and have fun writing it!

Beyond Heaving Bosoms Reflection

I chose this title because as a romance reader I knew it would we hard to pick one that fit into every ones little box of reading. So when I stumbled across "Beyond Heaving Bosoms" while googling I fell in love instantly. The title, the chapters, the mini sub chapter titles, all yelled at me to pick this book. I figured instead of just one romance book, well we could get all of them, somewhat. "Beyond Heaving Bosoms" is a 'behind the scenes' for romance. This way everyone gets a little peak at everything I read without actually having to read the romance novels themselves.

The discussion went really well, not only did I get to talk about books but I finally got to talk about romance books. We went into the storyline of a romance with Point of View, plot, and conflict; the different types of heroine and heroes; and the different types of genre.

And in the midst of all this, I learned a few things.

1. What a bodice ripper novel is. Never heard the term before.

2. Ways to respond to people who make fun of me for being a romance reader.

3. That I can giggle at the words Sarah and Candy wrote about the romance genre because I am secure in what I read.

Let me tell you, I giggled and laughed at probably the most off the wall parts, but I am pretty sure I was suppose :) I hope for those who did not finish the title or even start it that you will consider picking it up just to see where I come from and where "Smart" women who read romance novels come from too.

-M

Feb 2011 Meeting

Hello Ladies,
Feb 13 @ 8pm
Discussing: Beyond Heaving Bosoms

The meeting will be held at Mistie's place and unfortunately I am scheduled to work till 8 but am going to put in a request to leave 15-20 minutes earlier then that. So, if you show up at my apartment and you don't see my car just give me a few minutes. I will send out a text when I get home. Very excited about meeting and I will have snacks and since no one really wanted anything specific I am just going with my ideas ... see you Sunday!

ps, if you have any picures from our gatherings PLEASE bring them or email them to our bookclub email. Thanks!

Dallas Museum of Arts

Has an Arts and Letter Series program this year. Click here to see all the events that are being presented. One in particular stood out:

Erik Larson, Thur 5/19/2011 in the Horchow Auditorium, 7:30 pm, Gerneral seating. Location is the First Presyterian Church of Dallas and the price list as follows:
Full price - 37.00
DMA member - 32.00
Educator/Librarian - 32.00
DPL friend - 32.00
Student - 15.00

So if anyone is interested, let me know. I would really like to go?

ATTENTION ALL BOOK CLUB MEMBERS:

Sasha here! And with some exciting news...

I am creating a supper club that will have its very first monthly "meeting" in March! It's my pleasure to invite my lovely book club beauties to be a part of this new idea, as a way for us to well...eat, first off, and to get to know each other outside of our beloved book club. Not to mention trying new & exciting food that we've never tasted or even cooked before!

If you are interested, go to the very top of this page, click 'Design'. At the top of the next page, click 'Dashboard', look for 'Blogs I Follow' and click on the one that says 'Fierce & Famished'--> this is going to be the supper club blog. I've created a post that invites you to leave your name, if you would like to be a member. The only catch? You must be willing to cook*

If you think you can handle that, by all means GET TO CLICKIN', LADIES!

Please respond on Fierce & Famished by Tuesday, Feb. 8th. Prompt input is appreciated (and preferred)!

--Sasha

Food Order

Okay ladies now is the time to let us know what you want at our next meeting. Do we want food, snacks, drinks, candy, or anything in between. Let the orders begin ........

On a side note, I am working on our newsletter. If there is anything you practically would like addressed or mentioned please let Eliz or I know by either text or in the comments below.

raffle drawings

2/6/11 - Make sure you bring cash if you are interested, just in case!

I had this crazy thought. That we as members, when we are on our own book will have a gift to raffle off at the book club meeting. The raffle will cost between $1-$2. The money will go towards the book club fund and a winner will be drawn. This isn't a have to and not all members have to contribute. Just another random idea. Let me know what you think.

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Reflection on Serial Killers Club

Hey girls, it's KC here!
I just wanted to post a small reflection about the meeting. I chose Serial Killers Club by Jeff Povey. It's about a guy who accidentally kills a serial killer known as the Grandson of Barney and finds a small want ad in his pocket inviting Grandson of Barney to a party hosted by Errol Flynn. Curious our hero, known to us as Dougie, attends in GOB's place and discovers a club for Serial Killers. Who knew such a thing existed? Dougie decides to join the club and pretends to be GOB and along the way meets FBI Agent Wade who tells Dougie he has 2 months to kill the members of the club or Dougie will be put in jail for his murders. As Dougie carries out his task of killing serial killers he falls in love with a new club recruit Betty. He also discovers that the infamous Kentucky Killer has come to town and Agent Wade is obsessed with tracking down and getting KK. Dougie later discovers that KK was none other than his beloved Betty, who only pretended to like him so she could kill him. Betty kills Agent Wade and Dougie kills Betty. The book ends with Dougie telling us he uses Agent Wade's car and badge and is continuing his vigilante search for serial killers.

The reason I chose this book was that I thought it was very interesting and it gives a bit of insight on what goes on in a serial killers mind. I also liked it because the main character is an idiot and still manages to do something smart. In the meeting we talked about whether or not we would follow in Dougie's example and impersonate a serial killer. We also discussed how there was a bit of ambiguity in who the Kentucky Killer was and why the serial killers were so arrogant with their own safety until the end of the book.

We also surprised Misty with an early birthday cake and card! The look on her face was priceless! We also did an awards ceremony. As is detailed in the posts below. All in all I think the meeting went well and had fun. I hope you all agree and have a good weekend!

Much Love,
KC

Great News ...

We offically have a bank account and we also have a tax exempt number ... Woo Hoo!
So, now that we are tax exempt we can buy the book selections in units. At our next meeting we will figure out how to work this but for right now we kind of have to play by ear ...

Now comes the disucssion part, Borders has:
5 copies of beyond heaving bosoms for 15.00
10 copies of Wrinkle in time for 6.99

So if you want Elizabeth or Mistie to purchase either copies let us know you want one and we need to set up a date for you to give other the money. Or if you already have a copy, also let us know, just comment below.

Votes are in ...

Memoir had it first award ceremony at our first mandatory meeting and it went really well.
Here are the categories and who won ...

Most attended meetings in 2010 - Jennifer
Least attended meetings in 2010 - Acene
Most read novels in 2010 - Jennifer
Most popular book in 2010 - Outlander

Hierachy - Sheriff and Deputy
Sheriff - Mistie
Deputy - Elizabeth
Treasury - Jennifer

Congrads to all and I hope everyone had fun!

Mandatory Meeting

Due to the votes and most everyone I have spoken with, the Mandatory Meeting will be this Sunday Jan 9th @ KC's place for the monthly bookclub meeting.

Any Comments, Questions, or Concerns?
Post, call, or text

Fresh New Year

2011 is going to bring about new major changes for Memoir Book Club.
Starting off with us being concrete and having structure. Every thing that is stated in this blog will be gone over in detail at our Mandatory Meeting. The Mandatory Meeting needs to be set for voting and discussion over the new changes and any questions that may arise. All members must be present, Mandatory! (For Cara, we can either webcam and/or have her on speakerphone for this meeting.)


Our MONTHY meetings will meet every 2nd Sunday of the month.
Next meeting is Jan 9th @ 8pm - KC's place -and we will be discussing The Serial Killers Club


Books will be picked in advance of 3 sets.
example: Jan, Feb, March books will be annouced in advance so you have to purchase and read. So who every is in that month will have to have their book picked. So you better start thinking of your next book!
January is KC - Serial Killers Club
Feburay is Mistie - Beyond Heaving Bosoms (books should have arrived at borders)
March is Elizabeth - She will be announcing her book at our Mandatory Meeting
Next set:
April - Jennifer ?
May - Sasha ?
June - KC ?

Finally, Memoir Book Club will have Membership Dues. These dues will go towards food for gatherings, special parties, group outings, and club merchandise. Each Due is $5.00 per meeting and our first due will be on the Madatory Meeting!

In the side bar of our wonderful, most awesome, and best blog every, is all the items that needs to be voted on. Please place you votes.

Last, I need everyone to respond to this post with a list of all the books each member has read from the 2010 list and what dates you are available for our mandatory meeting. This is to show you read, you voted, and you are serious about taking our book club to the next level.
Thanks and look forward to a wonderful new year.