We are very happy to report that our wonderful customers have donated over 100 forks to Kona Stories! We used them at Words & Wine this past Tuesday. As always, Words & Wine was lots of fun; we had over 50 attendees and a great time. Mahalo!
What our book groups thought of...
Madwoman Upstairs by Catherine Lowell
Our group was divided over this book; some found it boring, some found it just a pleasant little read, some loved it. The loved it crowd, thought it was a great story and a metaphor and lesson in how you should read literature. The 'pleasant read' group thought it was a good story and the 'boring' group just couldn't connect to the story or characters. I will tell you (this is Joy) that I wish I would have read the book after hearing Lucia describe this book as a fantastic lesson in how to read literature.
Black Dragon River by Dominic Ziegler
Most of us did not enjoy Zeigler's writing about his trip on the Amur River. We were disappointed that his
lack of a strong narrative structure made his writing even more difficult to read. This region has an amazing history, though and we were happy to learn a bit about it. One participant loved the book and Ziegler's writing.
The Wright Brothers by David McCullough
This book was a big hit. McCullough knows how to tell a tale and make history real and relevant. The story of the Wright Brothers is one of those 'you can't make this stuff up' tales; we are all richer today for their resourcefulness and grit. We are also better for McCullough's telling of their story.
We will have a special guest at our next fiction group meeting: Phoebe Gaston our rep from the book distributor, Book Traveler's West will be on hand to fill us in on the latest books and trends in the publishing world. Tuesday, March 14 @ 6:30pm
Our Book clubs are fun and friendly!
Read the book, bring either a pupu or beverage, and enjoy a lively discussion.
Our fiction group: The Dust that Falls From Dreams by Louis de Bernieres
The Dust That Falls From Dreams
The Edwardian era has just begun, and in the idyllic countryside outside of London, young Rosie McCosh and her three sisters are growing up inseparable from their neighbors, the two Pitt brothers and the three Pendennis boys. But twelve years later, the outbreak of World War I brings their days of youthful camaraderie to an abrupt end. In the years that follow, these childhood pals will be scattered across Europe. Join us to discuss this sumptuous, sweeping, and powerfully moving work of fiction on
Tuesday, March 14 @ 6:30pm
Our Travel Group: Terra Incognita: Travels in Antarctica by Sara Wheeler
Terra Incognita
This is a book about the call of the wild and the response of the spirit to a country that exists perhaps most vividly in the mind. Sara Wheeler spent seven months in Antarctica, living with its scientists and dreamers. No book is more true to the spirit of that continent--beguiling, enchanted and vast beyond the furthest reaches of our imagination. This book will be our discussion topic on
Tuesday, March 21 at 6:30pm.
Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates
Our Non-Fiction Group: Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates; The Forgotten War That Changed American History by Brian Kilmeade
When Thomas Jefferson became president in 1801, America was deeply in debt, with its economy and dignity under attack. Pirates from North Africa's Barbary Coast routinely captured American merchant ships and held the sailors as slaves, demanding ransom and tribute payments far beyond what the new country could afford. For fifteen years, America had tried to work with the four Muslim powers (Tripoli, Tunis, Algiers, and Morocco) driving the piracy, but negotiation proved impossible. Jefferson sent the U.S. Navy and Marines to blockade Tripoli--launching the Barbary Wars and beginning America's journey toward future superpower status. We will discuss "the halls of Tripoli" on
Tuesday, March 28th at 6pm.
