BOOK CLUB BUZZ

The Tomball Library is not only esthetically appealing on the outside, but is equally as appealing on the inside. Step inside not only to find a good book to read, but also to join in a great discussion about the books you’ve read.
The Afternoon Book Discussion meets to chat about their fiction selection of choice. In August, they will review Bless me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya, which was the 2007 Books on the Bayou selection for Houston. The Nonfiction Book Discussion will review Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore in August. Told in two voices, the book alternates between the perspectives of the two authors.
If you prefer a little mystery in your life, join other mystery readers in August for a discussion of Nightshade by Susan Wittig Albert. Albert is a very popular Texas author who has written the series about China Bayles. Perhaps the Inspirational/Christian Book Club is just what you want. The Hadassah Covenant, a story about Queen Esther, by Tommy Tenney will be reviewed in August. For those who enjoy a mixture of romance, classical literature or historical fiction, join the After Austen Book club. Their next selection, The Importance of Being Earnest/An Ideal Husband by Oscar Wilde should provide a lively discussion for all who attend.
If you want a place to connect with other mothers and their teenage daughters, have fun, and discuss great books, join the Mother Daughter Book Club. In July, they will be discussing Unwind by Neal Shusterman. The selection in August will soon be announced.

As you can tell, we have a variety of book groups that meet the varied interests of our customers. One of them is sure to fit your schedule and they only meet once a month. Check our online events calendar for specific dates and times. https://host4.evanced.info/harris/evanced/eventcalendar.asp?libnum=24

We are very excited about our book groups at the Tomball Library.

Reader's Guide for The Glass of Time with answers :

What does the title mean? IT IS THE MAGIC MIRROR IN WHICH THE SHIFTING SHADOWS OF LAST DAYS PASS BACK AND FORTH BEFORE OUR MEMORY.

The reviews say this book is a sensational novel, a real page turner and is termed a victorian woman's revenge fantasy. Did you think the book was as good as the reviews say it was? YES, IT IS AN EXCELLENT BOOK.

The author modeled his books after Dickens, Bronte and other Victorian-era writers. He intents for it to be old fashioned. Do you agree?

THE VICTORIAN-ERA TENDS TO BE ABOUT ORPHANS OR WOMAN ALONE IN THE WORLD WHO EITHER REALLY ARE RICH OR ACHIEVE INDEPENDENCE, AND EVENTUALLY GETS HER MAN. SO YES, COX BOOK FITS THIS MODE.

The author has many characters, lots of plots, numerous twists and turns. What about the quality of the book? Is it gripping enough for you? I FELT AS IF I WERE WALKING THE HALLS OF EVENWOOD, STROLLING THROUGH THE VILLAGE AND SITTING IN THE PUB. I WAS AFRAID WHEN ALICE WAS SPYING ON MEMBERS OF THE HOUSEHOLD AND AS SHE SEARCHED THROUGH THE SAFE.

Are the setting and dialect realistic? THE COUNTRY HOUSE HAS BEEN A NATURAL SETTING FOR MYSTERY TALES FOR A LONG TIME. HOW COULD ALICE WRITE IN HER DAIRY AND NOT BE DISCOVERED. IF SHE WAS SPYING ON THE HOUSEHOLD, WOULDN'T THE HOUSEHOLD HAVE SPIED ON HER.

Summarize the storyline of the book. ALICE WAS SENT TO EVENWOOD NOT TO BE A COMPANION AND MAID TO EMILY, BUT TO SPY ON HER AND LEARN HER FATHER'S SECRETS.

What do you think is the symbolism for Evenwood? IT IS A SYMBOL OF DUPORT'S ULTIMATE HOPE

What are the main themes of the book? MISDEED CATCH UP WITH US; THE PAST IS POWERFUL IN EACH CHARACTER; DESTINY PREVAILS; SECRETS AND LIES HAVE EFFECTS FOREVER

Why did Gorst kill Daunt? HE ROBBED HIM OF THE CHANCE TO BECOME EDUCATED AND BE A SCHOLAR.

How does Esperanza Alice fulfill her mission? SHE BEFRIENDED EMILY; WAS PROMOTED; SPIED ON EMILY; WON PERSEUS HEART; FOUND EVIDENCE ABOUT DAUNT'S KILLING

What would she have done without her secret friends? BARRINGTON, WRAXALL AND DETECTIVE GULLY HELPED HER. SHE WOULD HAVE BEEN AT RISK WITHOUT THEM.

Why did her guardian and tutor not come to her rescue sooner? IT WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN THE SAME STORY IF THEY RESCUED HER EARLIER IN THE BOOK.

Compare the characters of Emily Cateret and Edward Gorst. THEY WERE BOTH EVIL AND MANIPULATIVE. EMILY, AT LEAST, FELT REMORSE. GORST NEVER FELT REMORSE.

List the genealogy of the Duport family:

JULIUS VERNEY DUPORT, FATHER; LAURA FAIRMILE DUPORT, MOTHER

EDWARD CHARLES DUPORT (BIRTH NAME);GORST (WHEN MARRIED MARGUERITE)

HENRY DUPORT (CHILD WHO DIED)

MARGUERITE ALICE BLANTYRE (WIFE OF EDWARD DUPORT);ESPERANZA ALICE GORST (MARGUERITE AND EDWARD GORST DAUGHTER)

Who were the 3 constant objects of Esperanza Alice's attention? EMILY, PERSEUS AND RANDOLPH

What were the 4 secrets revealed in the last chapter of the book?

EDWARD DUPORT NEVER DIED.

BASIL THORNHAUGH AND MADAME DE L'ORME MARRIED

DUPORT/GORST/THORNHAUGH/GLYVER/GLAPTHORN ARE ALL THE SAME PERSON

MADAME DE L'ORME WAS MARIE-MADELEINE BUISSON, EMILY CATERER'S BEST FRIEND; SHE HAD BEEN IN LOVE WITH DUPORT FOR YEARS.

In July, the book club will review Cara Black's Murder in the Marais. This is the first in her series and is set in Paris in contemporary times. We are really looking forward to reading and reviewing her book.

On June 25th at 1 PM, the Mystery Book Club reviewed Michael Cox's The Glass of Time. We had lots of fun and a great discussion about the book. After the members of the book club met, I posted the Reader's Guide with our answers. This will be a new feature each month. We welcome your comments about the book.

The Mystery Book Discussion group of Tomball Library.












Our book discussion group is becoming more known in the community. The Tomball Potpourri wrote about us recently. Click on the link below to view the article.
http://www.hcnonline.com/articles/2008/12/23/tomball_magnolia_potpourri/lifestyles/web_cy_mystery_book_club.txt

Future Authur Events for 2009

So far this year, we have hosted 3 author events here at Tomball Library. I am planning ahead and hope to have another author to speak to us in the Fall. Watch this blog and advertisements in the library for specific dates.