I was unable to attend the October meeting but after talking to a few of the members there were mixed emotions about the book. Here are a few reviews from our book club members

“This book was painful to read, not because it didn't capture my interest or the prose, but it was like seeing two buses on a collision course and anticipating the inevitable twist of metal and gruesome breaking of bodies. This is one of the many reasons I don't read "Oprah" books, because they always drag you through the mud to make an impression. However, I must attribute these stories to making me think more about the news clips I hear or read and to put faces and life stories to the people involved. We know war-torn places in Africa embody tragedy and suffering that I cannot understand or empathize. I admit that while I appreciate the plight of a people, I don't appreciate the plight of persons. I'm better able to conjure the feelings I had while reading these stories.
There were two main themes running through my mind reading these stories. First, religion is the root of the violence depicted here. This only bolsters my support that religion, particularly when unquestioned my most of its adherents, can be used to justify anything, including the most inhumane atrocities people inflict on other people. It provided a fictional account of how religion or faith as the primary source for basing decisions in one's life, as opposed to logic or faithless humanism, leads people to practices that are contrary to their beliefs. A second theme was that these children are always paying for the sins of their parents, particularly when the "sin" is being of one religion/faith or another. I think the author was clever in choosing children as a vector for delivering these stories; they impart a sense of innocence that makes it easier to evaluate the world the author creates with a more objective view. Still, the book cover claims these stories portray the resilience of children, and I'm not sure that was a trait I identified in each one of the characters.”

“In some respects, it makes me reflect on the time I spent in Zimbabwe. However, at the time Zimbabwe was more politically stable than it is now. Still, childhood was, as it is in this book, a luxury most of the population could not afford to enjoy. It's heart breaking to think such atrocities happen to children in developing nations. The book makes me feel both guilty and blessed for the life I live.”

Our next book will be The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Hadden. One of our members has generously offered us the use of her house for our November meeting. Since we don’t usually meet in December this will be a sort of holiday party. We will be having a potluck again so please bring something you’d like to share. A main dish will be served and all the utensils, water, etc. will be taken care of. If you need directions Susanna’s home please let me know. Can’t wait to see all of you!