JOIN US ON SEPTEMBER 24TH AT 1:00 PM FOR THIS DISCUSSION.

NIGHTSHADE - AUGUST BOOK CLUB SELECTION

These are some of the questions we will discuss in our next book club. I would love to have your input.

One of the techniques the author uses in this series is "bridge" plots—stories that begin in one book and continue in another. Are any "bridge" plots in Nightshade?

How do you feel about this kinds of open-ended plotting? If you haven't read the other books in the series, you haven't met some of the characters. Does this matter in this book?

What about the title? Nightshade is the signature herb of this mystery. How does Nightshade figure in the plot?

What is McQuaid's story? How does this tie into the central mystery?

The China Bayles books do not rely on human violence, as do many other mysteries and thrillers, to make the story tense or dramatic. However, what does Susan use to provide drama?
Was there a point when you felt as if certain events were inevitable—a sense that things (no matter how surprising) were destined to happen?

One of the themes of this book is sisterhood—sisters and close friends taking care of the women they love. What are some of the ways this theme plays out in the novel?

When an author has a long-running mystery series, it can be difficult to have new crimes for the sleuth to solve. Sometimes the situation feels unreal. Did the crime "set-up" seem realistic and natural to you? Why or why not?

China is a former criminal lawyer. How does this shape her character and the way she experiences the events of this story?

A FLY ON THE WALL review

NEVER TOO LATE

I owe an apology. That’s hard to say and hard to do. Tony Hillerman, I am sorry I never read your books while you were alive.
Someone suggested I read his second novel, A FLY ON THE WALL. She and her husband both had read it and could not put it down until they were finished.
Tony, I am gushing over your book. I am going to use it as a book club selection. I wish you were here so I could tell you face-to-face. Instead, I will tell you heart-to-heart. I hope you will enjoy Tony’s books as much as I did. Let me know about it.

NEW ENGLAND WHITE review

You kept me guessing all the way through, Stephen Carter.

I just recently discovered the work of this author, who wrote New England White. Although it is an extremely long book of 555 pages, it is well worth reading. He blends the past into the present and entwines an old murder into the what’s new in the lives of his characters. He has also written The Emperor of Ocean Park, Palace Council as well as his newest, Jericho’s Fall. New England White is a great book to read in this summer heat. It will leave you shivering in the snow.

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. Maybe the Mystery Book Club is not for you, but we have a number of other choices. Perhaps one of those would be to your liking.
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 August, they will be discussing Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hill and Denver Moore.

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.

In August, the book club will review Susan Wittig Albert's Nightshade. We are really looking forward to reading and reviewing her 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