You'll love this one...!! A book club & more discussion

Please read through the reporting thread carefully to ensure to report correctly to get your badge/s.

After you have read your chosen book(s) for this month's group theme read, please report in the thread below.

Please state what book you read (and link it), how it fits the theme, that you discussed it (and where), and briefly summarize what you thought of the book and/or link to your review if you have written one.

If you lead the discussion, please state this in your post.

Here is an example for how to report your read:

“I read Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and discussed it in the [Harry Potter/Buddy Read/Other books in theme] thread. I really enjoyed the book. I watched the film first so I already knew the story line but I was surprised how much I enjoyed the book more as there was more detail involved. Plus I listened to the audio which was narrated by Stephen Fry who is a superb narrator. 4 stars.”

If you read more than one book which fits the theme, please report all your reads in the same post rather than in separate posts.

Please note, there are THREE different badges that can be obtained for group reads. Those reading and discussing one of the two chosen group reads will receive a colorful badge similar to those for previous group reads. Those reading and discussing any other book in the theme will receive a stamp. The discussion leader for the two chosen group reads will receive a badge stating they led the discussion. Maximum amount of badges you can receive for the group reads is TWO - one for the chosen group read/discussion leader and one for any other book in the theme.

In order to receive a badge you must:
1. put your Wall of Fame Name at the beginning of your post as follows: WoF Name - Sandra
2. have read the book(s) before or during June 2024.
3. discussed it in the relevant thread. Discussion must be more than "I read the book and I liked it". Discussion requires something more substantial and analytical of what you read, for example, thoughts, opinions, impact it had on you, what was your favorite part, was it what you expected it to be like etc. You may also like to review the book and post a link to the review in that thread.
4. Report that you have read AND discussed the book.

WoF Janice

I realized that the book I read for the toppler yesterday fits the theme, so I discussed it in the thread for general discussions. It was How the Penguins Saved Veronica by Hazel Prior.

Veronica was an 84 widow who was rather cantankerous. She was set in her ways and very determined about things she wanted. Against all advise, she went unescorted to Antarctica where she became so enthralled by the penguins, that it lead to healing the scars from her past.

It was a 5-star read for me. Very touching story.

ETA that I also read The Frozen River I discussed it in the thread for that book. I felt quite anxious in the book because misogyny is very upsetting to me. Things are bad enough right now, but in the late 1700's it was horrendous. I'm so glad I didn't live then. I was able to set that aside and enjoy the story that unfolded. It was based on a real historical figure and historical events, though it definitely was fiction (as per the author). I didn't realize that I had read this author before, and I was happily surprised to discover that I had read her I Was Anastasia. Both books highlighted strong women from history.

WoF Marnie

I read Lady Tan’s Circle of Women and gave my thoughts in the group thread. I am the discussion leader and will continue talking about the book as more people join in. This was a wonderful, well researched story about someone I had never heard of but left her mark. The author did a great job of setting the scene and her characters were well drawn out.

5 stars from me.

WoF Fiona

I read Lady Tan’s Circle of Women and discussed it in the thread (and will continue to do so as more people read it).
Going in, I knew little to nothing about 15th century China and Chinese medicine. This was such a well written book with so many great terms (like moon water) and a great story. It had shocking as well as beautiful moments and I really really liked it. 5 stars

WoF Jayme

I read The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon and discussed it in the thread.
This book made me so angry and surprised regarding how the laws in the US were so against women in the 1700s. One of the best historical fiction books I have read in a long time. 5-star read.

I read Lady Tan’s Circle of Women and discussed in the thread. This was a really immersive story. It seemed well researched and the characters were well done. I enjoy stories about the ways women find to carve little niches of their own power within oppressive systems. I gave the book 4 stars.

WoF: Silver

I read Lady Tan’s Circle of Women and discussed in the thread dedicated to the book.

I quite enjoyed the book. I found the characters to be interesting and for the most part likable. I really enjoyed reading about some of the medical practices of this time period. I also liked how this book has some unexpected elements. Lisa See is a good writer and knows how to craft a story.

I updated my message above to include the second book in the theme that I completed. I don't think ever read more than one book for the themed read.

WoF margo

I read Lilith. Lilith was a very strong character whose refusal to blindly carry out the bidding of men got her into a lot of trouble and ultimately changed the course of life for all humans. much of the book was about how eminent, intelligent women are either written out of history completely or portrayed as troublemakers and prostitutes.

I enjoyed the story but the writing/narration didn't hold my attention 1005 of the time.

WoF Nix

I read Lady Tan’s Circle of Women and discussed in the thread.

I loved the book and the drama it brought along with the state of women in that century. Being an Asian, I identify with many of such histories that are in common. I am so glad we are way past these days of foot binding!

WoFSharonBiskit

I read The Frozen River, Ariel Lawhon. I give this 5 stars! I very much enjoyed this book. There were times I could NOT put this down. There were times I was incredibly angry at how badly women were treated and what few rights they had.

WoF Kristi N

I read The Frozen River in March, 2024, and discussed it in the group thread. My discussion primarily focused on the treatment/mistrust of women during the book's time period which was mostly during the years after the revolution. A highlight for me was the relationship between Martha and Ephraim and I also discussed that. One of the best reads I've had this year but I do love a good historical fiction based on real people.

WoF: Kristie

I read The Frozen River and discussed it in the group thread. I was the discussion leader.

As others have stated the treatment of women in the book was horrendous due to the time period and that can be difficult to read. Our MC was a very strong woman indeed. I thought the book was excellent and gave it 5 stars.This was the first book I read by this author, but I hope to read more of her work in the future.

WoF Lori Z

I read Force of Nature: Three Women Tackle The John Muir Trail and discussed it in the general discussion thread. This was a memoir written by Joan M. Griffin, who was one of the 3 women who tackled The John Muir Trail, a long distance trail in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. This book, to me, fit the theme because these women were in their fifties at the time that they did this month long, 200 mile hike, and when you read this you get how strong they were, both physically and mentally. There are some details I can't discuss because of spoilers. I really enjoyed this book, as an older woman I found it very inspirational. They have a lot to be proud of.

Badges and Stamps have been posted. Please let me now if I have missed anyone.