June’s Book Club book: Feeling Good Together by David D. Burns MD

Thank you to all who came to book club last night, although we missed those who could not be there. We always have such a wonderful time together and our discussions on and off topic are so good. The Moonflower Vine was a delightful book full of character and family relationships. Although each family is unique in their struggles and connectivity, families are meant to belong to each other and that is something we all share.

Our next book will be hosted by Heather Otte on June 7th at 7pm. We are hoping for good weather so we can enjoy her wonderful deck. Her book pick is:

                                      

Goodreads review says:    

"Why won’t my husband ever express his feelings?"
“Why won’t my wife listen?"
“Why is my sister such a control freak?"
"Why does my ex act like such a total jerk?"
“What’s wrong with people?”

We all have someone we can’t get along with—whether it’s a friend or colleague who complains constantly, a relentlessly critical boss, an obnoxious neighbor, a teenager who pouts and slams doors (all the while insisting she’s not upset), or maybe a loving, but irritating spouse.
In his bestselling book, Feeling Good, Dr. David Burns introduced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, a clinically proven, drug-free therapy that has revolutionized the treatment of clinical depression throughout the world. Now, in Feeling Good Together, he presents Cognitive Interpersonal Therapy, a radical new approach that will help you transform troubled, conflicted relationships into successful, happy ones.

A Goodreads reader says:       This is a great book about communications. It has you take personal responsibility for your communication, then teaches you to listen and to act on what you hear, rather than to react, and cause more problems. Good skill building book for all types of relationships, not just marriage. A book everyone should read.

Heather was excited about this book and just kept going back to it for her choice for this next month. We have 5 weeks to read this time so enjoy the book and we will see you next month.

Diane

May’s Book: The Moonflower Vine by Jetta Carleton

Book club was very interesting this month because we were so polarized by our feelings for this book. Some loved it and some did not. Either way, we all found something to relate to and the writing was very good. We love book club and our differences in our book choices make our discussions exciting and enjoyable. Thanks Heather for a wonderful evening and the popcorn was to die for!!

Because of a scheduling conflict Sue will be moving our meeting date backward by one week. We still have 4 weeks to read her book so hopefully everyone will be okay with the change. Sue will host on Thursday April 26th at 7pm.  Her book pick is:

                                    

Goodreads review says:       On a farm in western Missouri during the first half of the twentieth century, Matthew and Callie Soames create a life for themselves and raise four headstrong daughters. Jessica will break their hearts. Leonie will fall in love with the wrong man. Mary Jo will escape to New York. And wild child Mathy's fate will be the family's greatest tragedy. Over the decades they will love, deceive, comfort, forgive—and, ultimately, they will come to cherish all the more fiercely the bonds of love that hold the family together.

A goodreads readers says:      This story is quaint, charming, old-fashioned, sometimes sad, and very well written. It's about rural family life in Missouri in the early 1900s.
The book starts in the voice of Mary Jo Soames, the youngest daughter by a far margin. It's the early 1950s, and all the grown daughters are finishing up their yearly summer visit on the farm with their parents, Matthew and Callie. From there it goes back in time to explore the joys and struggles of the various family members. It's all told in the third person, so each section is about the whole family while focusing more on one person.
The author showed an impressive understanding of family dynamics and each person's inner battles as they try to find a balance between satisfying their all-too-human urges and doing right by those who love them.
And besides all that, it's just a thoroughly enjoyable, revealing, sometimes funny story about a bygone time with no running water or 'lectricity.

Enjoy reading and we will see you at Sue’s home on April 26th.