Comments from the Book Discussion Group at DeSoto Library regarding our September 2009 selection:

Shugby Jenny Han

The question was asked, “Would you recommend this book to someone else?”

Marie: “Yes, I enjoyed the book but probably would only recommend it to a young person.”

Georgianna: “No. I didn't like the book. It was sad all the way through. You don't want to think that Jr. High is like that buy you know it is. I hated the end. That kid's not going to write to her and then she'll be disappointed again. I hated her nickname. I thought it was a shame when she had such a beautiful name. The author wrote too well."

Sue: "Interesting easy read. Brings back memories of Jr. High. I was much more interested in Shug's parents' store, being an older female."

Vickie: “Yes. I would recommend this to young girls but also to adult women. I found it very inciteful.”

Jane: “The book was okay but I thought Shug was too self-centered.”

Janine: “I thought the author did an amazing job of capturing all the insecurities of early adolescence.”

Brenda: "It brought back the preteen years."

Ann: "This describes how pre-teenagers think and how they get subjects so mixed up in their minds."

Comments from the Book Discussion Group at DeSoto Library regarding our August 2009 selection:

A Tree Grows in Brooklynby Betty Smith

The question was asked, “Would you recommend this book to someone else?”

Marie: “Yes! The best yet!”

Georgianna: “Yes.”

Sue: "Yes. A sad period in our history but a very good book."

Vickie: “Yes. I would highly recommend it, especially to older teens and up.”

Jane: “Yes. I thought it was a really good book. I'm surprised I've never read it or seen the movie.”

Janine: “It captures a time and place in a way you won't forget.”

Brenda: "Yes. Excellent description of Brooklyn in the early 20th century."

Ann: "Yes. Should be read by all, just like To Kill a Mockingbird."

AUTHOR VISIT AT GARDNER LIBRARY

Author Sally GoldenbaumWednesday, Sept. 30 • 6:30 p.m.
Do not miss this evening edition of the Gardner Afternoon Adult Book Group when we will visit with local mystery author Sally Goldenbaum. She will talk about her writing and her books, featuring her newest Seaside Knitters title, Patterns in the Sand. Her books will be available for purchase or bring your own for Sally to sign. No registration is necessary.

Gardner Neighborhood Library
137 E. Shawnee St.
Gardner, KS 66030
(913) 856-7223

Directions
When traveling south on Interstate Highway 35, take Gardner exit #210 (175th Street exit). Turn right onto U.S. Highway 56/Main Street in Gardner. Turn right onto N. Elm Street, which is the fourth traffic light from the exit. Turn left onto E. Shawnee Street. The Gardner Library is on the left side of the street.

Comments from the Book Discussion Group at DeSoto Library regarding our July 2009 selection:

Life on the Mississippiby Mark Twain

The question was asked, “Would you recommend this book to someone else?”

The collective vote of the 8 members attending the meeting was an emphatic "No!" Only one member actually read the book in its entirety. All felt the book was much too weighed down by factual content about the Mississipi River and steamboat piloting. The general feeling seemed to be that only those aspiring to become steamboat pilots would find the book worth the time investment to read it.

Janine Myers, Facilitator

Author Nancy Pickard to visit Edgerton Branch on July 14

Author's Visit: Nancy Pickard
Tuesday, Jul. 14 • 2:30 p.m.

Do not miss a visit of the nationally known Kansas mystery writer Nancy Pickard. She will talk about her latest mystery novel, The Virgin of Small Plains. Book will be available for purchase or bring your own for Nancy to sign. No registration is necessary; everybody is welcome.

Directions to Edgerton Library
When traveling on Interstate Highway 35 south, take the Edgerton exit. Turn right onto Sunflower Road. Sunflower becomes E. Nelson Street. Edgerton Library is on the left side of the street, across from the City Hall.

Contact Info:
Edgerton Library
319 E. Nelson
Edgerton, KS 66021
(913) 893-6720

Comments from the Book Discussion Group at DeSoto Library regarding our June 2009 selection:

Murder Inside the Beltwayby Margaret Truman

The question was asked, “Would you recommend this book to someone else?”

Marie: “Yes!”

Judy: “Most definitely.”

Sue: "Yes. Interesting view of Washington, D.C., and a good read."

Vickie: “Very surprised by the quality and will definitely read more.”

Jane: “Yes. I'll read more.”

Janine: “Truly surprising. Ties up all the loose ends.”

Brenda: "Up-to-date look at D.C. underworld."

Rose: "Yes."

Comments from the Book Discussion Group at DeSoto Library regarding our May 2009 selection:

The Soloistby Steve Lopez

The question was asked, “Would you recommend this book to someone else?”

Marie: “Yes. I would definitely recommend the book.”

Judy: “Yes. I thought it was very thought-provoking and interesting.”

Sue: "Yes. It brings to everyone's attention the problems we have with mental health in our society."

Ann: “Read the book before you go to the movie.”

Jane: “Yes. I thought it was well-written and really good.”

Janine: “A very good portait of friendship.”

Georgianna: “I found it fascinating and also thought it posed a lot more questions than it answered.”

Maye: “I learned a lot about homelessness, mental illness and intelligence, all in one person.”

Brenda: "Teaches a real-world lesson."

Rose: "I liked the book. I liked the author. I liked the movie."