The Buddha in the Attic

by Julie Otsuka

This month we read The Buddha in the Attic, an interesting book written with a different perspective. Rather than focus on one story and one set of characters, the author writes in general about a group of people - a group of Japanese women who came to America for arranged marriages. The story follows the lives of these women throughout the hardships they face in America, leading up to World War II and the Japanese internment camps. Most of us liked the story although some found the 'group' writing style to be confusing and would have preferred more focus.

We met at Fuji Sushi in Centerville and found their bento boxes and their sushi to be quite yummy.

Angels in the Gloom

by Anne Perry

This month we read Angels in the Gloom, a World War II book set in England. Although this is the third book in a series, it was self-contained enough to read on its own. We found this to be a great story with wonderful characters. A great way to learn about history.

We met at PF Chang's in Salt Lake City and enjoyed some delicious Chinese food.

A Redbird Christmas

by Fannie Flagg

This month was a light read since we are all so busy at holiday time. A Redbird Christmas was a delightful novel to inspire some Christmas spirit. We all enjoyed it.

We met at the Village Inn in Bountiful and savored some yummy comfort food.

Half Broke Horses

     

by Jeannette Walls

This month we read Jeannette Walls' novel that she loosely based on the life of her grandmother, Half Broke Horses. Most of us really enjoyed the book and found it very entertaining. We thought it was more upbeat than Glass Castles. We liked the first-person perspective of the story and thought Walls made the right decision to make it a novel and use the first person instead of writing a more serious biography of her grandmother.

We met at Sizzler in Bountiful for a steak-and-salad meal which we enjoyed but found to be a bit salty. We don't usually splurge for dessert but at Sizzler its included with the meal so we indulged in some yummy brownies and ice cream.

The Fairy Godmother

     

by Mercedes Lackey

This month we read The Fairy Godmother by the prolific Mercedes Lackey. A combination of romantic fantasy and fairy tale, the plot hints at Cinderella with many unexpected twists and turns. A fun read.

We met at Granny Annie's in Bountiful for a diner-style meal that was quite tasty.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

     

by Rebecca Skloot

This month's book was a departure from our typical fiction book with the true story of Henrietta Lacks and her famous cells. We enjoyed the book and commented about how patient the author was with Henrietta's family. Her persistence paid off and the family eventually came to trust her which made her story even more interesting and authentic. The science of the cells and their replication was fascinating and the contribution to modern science is nothing short of incredible.

We met at Mikado in Bountiful for a delicious Japanese meal in our own private tatami room.

The Light Between Oceans

     

by M.L. Stedman

This month's book was a gripping tale of love and despair. Even though the book was full of sadness (we all admitted to some tears), it was a real page-turner since the resolution to the conflict was so unpredictable. Stedman is an amazing writer - we all agreed that her descriptions of Janus Rock were wonderful, we could really picture the island. We sympathized with both Isabel and Hannah, as well as the child, so even though we didn't agree with Isabel's decisions it was hard to find fault with her given her situation.

We met at Boba World in Bountiful for a delicious Chinese dinner. The food was amazing! We tried beef noodles, pineapple shrimp, sweet and sour chicken and sauteed green beans - all were wonderful! Two in our group tried the Boba drinks and both enjoyed them.