Book Review: 'Heaven is for Real' by Todd Burpo

✰✰✰✰ After a series of family challenges and financial woes, the Burpo family sets off on a well-earned trip to explore a butterfly pavilion. Afterwards, the youngest son, Colton, experiences vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain. Thinking it was just the stomach flu, the Burpos care for him themselves. However, when it becomes apparent that Colton has been suffering from a ruptured appendix for days, things take a turn for the worse. As Colton underwent emergency surgery something unexplainable happened. Colton woke up with knowledge of events and people he couldn’t have known. Little by little Colton shares the story of his trip to Heaven and back. As the Burpos struggle to piece it all together, it becomes apparent that they were part of something much bigger than they thought. This book will challenge you to think about the afterlife, faith, and the words of a four-year-old little boy.

The Bottom Line: This slim book is like two stories in one. On the one hand we learn about the Burpo family and on the other we learn about Colton’s trip to Heaven and back. Whether you are a Christian or not, this book invites you to consider the possibility of Heaven and faith. Recommended for anyone interested in the afterlife, religion, and happy endings.

Book Club Notes: Our summer meeting was small, but the discussion was engaging and fascinating. Overall, we agreed that this was an easy read, but the focus of the book was really Todd Burpo, not Colton. Being only 4 years old at the time, Todd became the narrator of his son’s experience. Those of us who watched the movie and read the book, preferred the book. The movie had added drama, but the book provided more descriptions. On a scale of 1 - 5, the book received an average rating of 4, while the movie rated lower at 3.5. The movie was received less positively due to it being very short and not following the book very well. As far as Colton’s trip to Heaven, several in our group wondered if this was really fiction or was it a dream? Coming from different backgrounds and faiths, we all brought different perspectives to this discussion; I think that’s part of what made our chat so interesting. Enthusiastically recommended for those curious about Heaven and for church book clubs.

This was one of those discussions that flowed by itself. I must confess that I almost didn’t need my prepared questions. However, you can find discussion questions at: LitLovers, Book Expectations, and Affirm Films.

And even though I did not need to rely on my own questions, I’m including them here supplement your discussion: 

Introduction: 

Before reading this book/watching the movie had any of you heard about this story?

What were your thoughts about Heaven or the afterlife prior to reading this? 

Do you have a theory of belief of what happens after death? Does it match with what Colton described? 

Had you read or heard about any other accounts of Heaven/the afterlife? How does Colton’s experience compare to those? Were those accounts by people who were older? Does age matter? 

Burpo family:

What roles did Todd have? [Pastor, Business owner, Volunteer firefighter, Wrestling coach, Husband, Dad] What roles did Sonja have?

Discuss the challenges the Burpo family faced before Colton got sick. [Shattered leg, surgeries, cancer scare, financial difficulty]

How is laughter helpful during tough times? 

Pastors & their families tend to be in the role of helper; it’s more comfortable for them. How did they react to being the role of helpee? 

Sickness:

Discuss the trip to Colorado. Why were they going?

Discuss holding the spider. What did it mean to the kids? Why didn’t Colton hold the spider on this trip? What did it mean for him to finally hold the spider? 

What did they decide to do when Colton got sick on the trip? And why did they delay getting treatment? 

How did their jobs as pastor and teacher inform their decisions? They wanted to trust the doctors & tests, but at what point do you act on your instinct? They kept waiting and waiting, hoping the next time would bring a change. 

In hindsight, maybe they should have done something differently. What would you have done? Have you ever been in a situation where you felt like you weren’t doing anything? 

Discuss Todd & Sonja’s different approaches to crisis.

Heaven:

Colton reveals his story over a couple of years, bit by bit, instead of all at the same time. Why did it take so long? Does that make his story more or less believable? 

Burpo asks: Could this be real? [Do you think Colton really experienced this? Was it a dream? If so, how did he know what his parents were doing while he was under anesthesia?] p. Xxi

The Burpos decided to stick with open-ended questions as the situation presented itself & try not to fill in the blanks.  Was this helpful in making the story more believable?

Then Todd had a realization, Colton didn’t die. How could he have gone to heaven if he didn’t die? What was going on here? The Bible does talk in several places about people who had seen Heaven without dying. Colton said Jesus sent him back because he was answering Todd’s prayer. Does Jesus answer prayers personally? Todd asks: “Why would God even answer a prayer like that? And how did I deserve his mercy?” Remember, Todd had been raging at God. 

Colton mentioned seeing lots of kids. Maybe Heaven doesn’t track with Earth time. Todd always thought God operated outside of our understanding of time. Maybe time is different in Heaven? Or maybe our understanding of time is different? 

Did Colton really see/visit Heaven? Or was he just retelling stories he had heard?

How do you explain things like Colton knowing he had another sister that had died before he was born? Or meeting his great grandfather who died 30 years before he was born? 

Discuss time in Heaven compared to Earth time? What is it? Can it be different?

Would you expect different people to have different experiences in Heaven? Or would there be similarities? 

Some common descriptions of dying include moving along long tunnels with a bright light at the end and meeting departed loved ones there or an out-of-body experience where one hovers over their body as doctors and nurses try to save them. Why is Colton’s experience/description different? Which do you think is more authentic? 

Religion:

The things Colton talked about were not preschool material. Colton talked about Jesus having “markers.” Catholic kids grow up with images of Jesus on the cross, but not Protestant kids.  Colton spoke with the conviction of an eyewitness, not the carefulness of someone remembering. How do you explain this? Is there some other way Colton could have this information?” 

How did visiting nursing homes at an early age influence Colton’s awareness of death and dying? 

What do people do when they have no extended family or church? 

What does it mean to have “faith like a child?” “Whoever humbles himself like this child…” (Lack of agenda, lack of guile, a time before we care what other people think…) And how is it different from grown-up faith?

Colton:

Colton was at the age when kids just say what they are thinking. How did that make him a more reliable narrator? Or not? 

How did Colton’s age at the time (almost 4) influence his experience and how he described his visit? Do preschoolers have an awareness of Heaven? How would his experience have been different at 10, 20 or 40?

How could Colton have known some of this stuff? Is there any other possible explanation?

Why didn’t Colton fear death? 

Was it possible for Colton to be a regular kid? Why or why not?

Controversy:

Why did they wait so long to share Colton’s story? 

Todd talks about the “doubting Thomas,” someone who refuses to believe something without physical evidence or direct personal experience…a person without faith. Is anyone here a “doubting Thomas?”

This book was a bestseller when it came out in 2010. What made it so popular? What are people looking for in books like this?

Was this a publicity stunt? A way to get more people to join the church?

How did they handle the publicity? How did this affect Colton as a kid?

Miscellaneous:

As the book progresses, Colton’s narrative changes from descriptive to prophetic. Did this surprise you? 

How did Colton’s experience change the family? 

Do you think Todd included too much story about the family, their challenges, and Colton’s illness?

How is the family bolder about talking about/sharing their faith? 

What did you like most about Colton’s experience? What bothered you? 

If you believe this story, why did God choose Colton, the Burpos? 

How is a child’s perspective different from an adult’s? 

Has Colton’s experience changed the way you view life? Death? And Heaven or the afterlife?

Why didn’t the Burpos write down all the names of the people Colton met?

Discuss Colton’s descriptions of Jesus and his horse. He described Jesus as having blue eyes. Do you think this is logical? 

Would Jesus appear the same to everyone or different to people of different cultures? 

Todd writes about a young self-taught artist, Akiane Kramarik. Her mother is an atheist. Akiane’s portrait of Jesus matches what Colton saw. To Todd, Akiane’s story showed that God can reach anyone. She also claimed to have visited Heaven. Discuss the similarities and differences between Akiane and Colton.

Have your thoughts about Heaven/the afterlife changed after reading this book?

Ratings 1 - 5

NOTE: This list of questions was created by Nana Herron for MiniBookBytes Book Review and is available for personal use only. As a courtesy, please credit this site. Thank you!

Details: Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy’s Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent. Paperback published by W Publishing Group in 2010. 163 p. ISBN: 978-0-8499-4615-8 

Book Review: 'Spare Parts' by Joshua Davis

✰✰✰✰½ Four teenagers, who live with the constant threat of deportation, two dedicated teachers, and one simple, underwater robot come together in this inspiring story of street smarts, ingenuity, courage, teamwork, and unlikely friendship. These kids didn’t have a choice in coming to America; their parents brought them in the hopes of living a better life. As they grew up, these kids identify as American and remember very little about their lives in Mexico, and yet America isn’t eager to claim them.

Faced with stereotypes and misperceptions about immigrants, these four teens beat the odds and outperformed some of the most privileged students in the country to win a prestigious robotics competition. More importantly, these teens garnered respect from their peers and brought national attention to the plight of many children who were brought to this country illegally by their parents. This is their story, one of hope and struggle.

The Bottom Line: This inspiring tale makes discussing tough topics like immigration approachable. Written in short chapters, this is a quick read. The author makes the topics of technology and robotics easily understandable. Highly recommended reading for students in and teachers of high school and college. Also of interest to those in politics, science, and technology.

Book Club Notes: This book turned out to be a surprise hit with our group. It was written in approachable language, and chapters were small. The book created an open dialogue for a respectful discussion about some hot topics like immigration. We noted that there are many layers to the immigration dilemma. For example, should children who are brought to the U.S. illegally be treated the same as the adults who made the decision for them? Although we did not have any solutions to current immigration issues, we are more aware of the situation and able to converse about it. Although this book was published ten years ago, it remains current today.

Many in our group were naturally drawn to the story of Oscar Vazquez. Thank you, Oscar, for your service to America.

The movie was enjoyable for entertainment purposes. While the movie did a good job of maintaining the themes of the book, it did take certain creative liberties. We discussed the differences in the movie ending versus the book. Overall, on a scale of 1 - 5, with 5 being the highest, the book rated 4.6 and the movie 4.5! Highly recommended for everyone.

Discussion questions are readily available online at Reading Group Guides, Teach with Movies, and the Kansas State University faculty guide. 

Details: Spare Parts: Four Undocumented Teenagers, One Ugly Robot, and the Battle for the American Dream by Joshua Davis. Paperback published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux in 2014. 224 p. ISBN: 978-0-374-53498-1 

Book Review: 'The Accidental Billionaires' by Ben Mezrich

✰✰✰✰½ When two Harvard students met at a party little did they know they would eventually change the way people connect. One was a brilliant computer programmer with an idea, and the other was a budding businessman with a large bank account. What Mark Zuckerberg and Eduardo Saverin had in common were social challenges. Mark was painfully quiet and talked like a computer, and although Eduardo struggled to get a date, he took the plunge to join the Phoenix, a Final Club.  

Nevertheless, Mark and Eduardo made a deal. Mark was the brains behind the project, and Eduardo was the money. What could go wrong? After all they were friends, and friends look out for each other, right? Throw in a hunky pair of twins with an idea for a similar website, and now it gets interesting.

Mark lived for Facebook. So much so that he decided to leave college and head to California. Eduardo, on the other hand, would never leave school based on a dream. Enter the infamous Sean Parker, who quickly became a mentor to Mark, and things changed quickly. Loyalties were displaced, as newcomers tried to grab onto the lightning bolt that was Facebook. When all was said and done, innocence was lost, and no one would be the same. 

The Bottom Line: Discover the fascinating story behind the founding of Facebook with this entertaining book. Based on interviews, documents, court proceedings, and scene re-creations, this fascinating account of the beginnings of a revolutionary company will get you thinking about relationships, money, and privacy. The perfect read for a snowy weekend. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys biographies, business, and stories of betrayal. 

Book Club Notes: This was a great book/movie to start the year. Most of the group had been on Facebook; some have even left for other sites making for an interesting discussion. There is so much to talk about that questions weren't really necessary. This was one of those discussions that was a conversation. 

Additionally, we really liked that the movie, The Social Network. It was quite true to the book. So much has happened since this book was first published that it's interesting to do some searches online to see what everyone is currently up to. For example, did you know that the Winklevoss twins have a cover band? It was no surprise to discover that everyone has been busy with various projects. Both the book and movie are enthusiastically recommended for book clubs. On a scale of 1 -5, we rated both an average of 4.25.

Details: The Accidental Billionaires: The Founding of Facebook: A Tale of Sex, Money, Genius and Betrayal by Ben Mezrich. Paperback published by Anchor Books in 2010. 272 p. ISBN: 978-0-307-74098-4 

Book Review: 'Eat Pray Love' by Elizabeth Gilbert

✰✰✰✰ When divorce throws Elizabeth Gilbert into chaos and depression, she seeks an alternate route to finding her confidence. Instead of pills, she turns to travel and takes a year off from her regular life to explore. As she travels through Italy, India, and Indonesia she discovers that she’s okay with being alone for the first time in her adult life. The pursuit of pleasure, devotion, and a balance between the two, leads Gilbert on unexpected adventures. You’ll laugh and cry along with her as she seeks to improve herself and be at peace with her choices.

The Bottom Line: There’s something appealing about travel memoirs. Maybe it’s the setting or the descriptions of exotic places and cultures that suck people in. In the case of this bestseller, the author visited three very different countries and had three very different experiences, each benefitting her in its own way. Along the way she met several engaging characters and fell in love. Gilbert’s memoir will appeal to others going through and healing from a difficult divorce. And even though the book seems geared towards women, men will appreciate Gilbert’s observations as well. 

Book Club Notes: On a scale of 1 - 5, with 5 being the highest, our group gave the book an average of 4.25 stars. On the other hand, the movie paled in comparison to the book, garnering just 3.5 stars. 

The movie is rated PG-13 with an all-star lineup of celebrities featuring Julia Roberts, James Franco, & Javier Bardem. It is approximately 140 - 146” long depending on which version you watch. We enjoyed the beautiful scenery and locations of the film. However, much of the author’s deep personal thoughts were lost in the movie. The movie simplified the events; plus, conflict was added into the movie to create interest and tension.

Meanwhile, the book was more philosophical and diary-like. Generally, we enjoyed the details and learned a lot from this book. Unfortunately, several in our group got bogged down in the India section as there was just a wee bit too much about the challenges of meditation.

Overall, this was a fun discussion. Recommended for groups that enjoy different settings, thoughtful writing, and a little bit of lighthearted romance.

Check out these resources for discussion questions: 

LitLovers & Travel Books and Movies.

On a side note, this was our first HYBRID discussion event (via Zoom & in-person). Although it’s not ideal, this challenging set-up is doable. Anyone attempting to host a hybrid book discussion will need additional support in the way of tech help both before and during the meeting. Challenges included everyone being able to hear each other and struggling with an echo through the sound system. It’s a work in progress.

Details: Eat Pray Love: One Woman’s Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia by Elizabeth Gilbert. 10th-Anniversary Edition published by Riverhead Books in 2016. 64th printing. 352 P. ISBN: 978-0-14-303841-2

Book Review: 'Girl, Interrupted' by Susanna Kaysen

✰✰✰✰½ When does a person cross the line from normal teenager to mental patient? Back in 1967 Susanna Kaysen was put in a taxi and ended up at McLean Hospital. Under the impression she was just going there for a little “rest,” Susanna checked herself in at just eighteen years old and soon discovered that she couldn’t leave until the doctors said she could. While the hospital was progressive at the time and featured an A-list of patients including Sylvia Plath and Ray Charles, life at McLean Hospital was anything but a vacation.

A bewildered Susanna navigated the system while taking an endless supply of pills, attending therapy sessions, and following the rules. Along the way she met the other patients, each with their own mental health issues varying from anorexia to sociopathy. Susanna herself was dealing with a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder, which she is acutely aware of and yet voices her doubts. Nevertheless, she took advantage of the resources available to her and was eventually able to be released from the hospital.

The Bottom Line: Although Kaysen’s experience happened in 1967, her story is still relevant today. Kaysen included files from her case record, which adds to the veracity of her accounts. Supplemented with anecdotes and observations from her journal, Kaysen’s perception of mental illness and the treatment she received provides valuable insight into life as a patient in a mental hospital. Highly recommended for college students, mental health professionals, and anyone interested in mental health issues.

Book Club Notes: Similar to the late 1960s, the current world is a chaotic place overwhelmed by social issues, racism, and war. Adding in a pandemic and the pressures of economic instability have resulted in a mental health crisis. My hope in choosing this title was to open the door to discussing these issues.

Although this book is slim, it is not an easy read by any means and sensitive readers may want to skip this one. Nonetheless, those that read this book found it worthwhile. The author’s writing is genuine and vulnerable as she provided insight from firsthand experience. We appreciated the straightforwardness of her writing style. The movie, on the other hand, received mixed reviews. Those of us who had seen the movie when it first came out over twenty years ago had very different perspectives now. The experience was similar to the author describing Vermeer’s painting, Girl Interrupted at her Music. Sometimes perspectives change with the experience of living.

Overall, on a scale from 1 - 5, with 5 being the highest, we rated the book an average of 4.75, and the movie received a 4. While the movie is well done, if you are looking for the real story, check out the book.

To help guide your discussion, check out this reading guide for thought provoking discussion questions: Penguin Random House, 

Details: Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen. Paperback edition published by Vintage Books, A Division of Random House, Inc. in 1993. 192 p. ISBN: 978-0-679-74604-1 

Book Review: 'Ordinary People' by Judith Guest

✰✰✰✰✰ Cal and Beth Jarrett are the All-American dream couple. With successful careers and two outstanding teen sons, the Jarretts are comfortable in their lives. Unfortunately, life can change in an instant. After a tragedy leaves the family with only one son, the Jarretts must learn to move forward, but how? The loss of their oldest, Buck, is too much for them to process as each turns inwards. 

Without the support and attention of his parents, Conrad, the remaining son, attempts to take his life. The aftermath of this second tragedy is an even bigger struggle for Cal and Beth as they continue to deal with the loss of Buck. As Conrad returns to high school and tries to navigate his classes, Cal & Beth are at odds with how to help. Will they be able to find the support they need to heal as a family or will the aftermath of tragedy be too much for the Jarretts? Whether you are reading this book for the first time or the tenth time, the ending will haunt you.

The Bottom Line: Although first published in 1976, this novel still deserves a place on your bookshelf. It's a quick read that immediately connects and stays with the reader. Guest has an innate understanding of the internal dialogue people experience when faced with personal loss, grief, and depression. Each character expresses their grief differently, and Guest did a superb job tackling a tough subject. Highly recommended for teen, new adult, and adult readers. This novel would be perfect for discussion groups. Additionally, this book was made into a movie with a stellar cast you won't want to miss.

Details: Ordinary People by Judith Guest. Paperback published by Penguin Books in 1982. 272 p. ISBN: 0-14-006517-2 

Book Review: 'Cash: The Autobiography' by Johnny Cash

✰✰✰✰  When you pick up this book, set aside your preconceived idea of what it is like to be a celebrity. Here, Johnny Cash tells his story in his own words. He doesn’t sugarcoat much, but instead tells it like it is. Cash has been everywhere and done it all. This book is a roller coaster ride full of life's ups and downs with thoughts about the wisdom of life on the road and a sprinkling of religious undertones. Cash openly shares what life both on and behind the stage was really like. 

The Bottom Line: Recommended for fans of Johnny Cash and country music in general. This book features short chapters that are easy to read, and the black and white photos offer a glimpse into Cash’s life.

Book Club Notes: Our spring meeting was a much smaller group this time around. Maybe we are just getting tired of Zoom, and are looking forward to in-person meetings. Reviews for both the book and the movie mirrored the current weather here in Chicagoland, dreary. Both received a rating of 3.9 on a scale of 1 - 5, with 5 being the highest. Members commented that the book was realistic and didn’t paint a pretty picture. Some liked the diary-like style while others did not appreciate it. However, we agreed that Cash was open to being vulnerable in his words and seemed down to earth. Additionally, the book reads like a who’s who in country music. Meanwhile, the movie, Walk the Line, is entertaining; however, it only shows part of Johnny Cash’s life. Many details of his life were left out, and the scenes depicting his first wife, Vivian Liberto, may have unfairly put her in an unappealing light. We concluded there is probably a lot we’ll never know about the legend, the man, and the myth that was Johnny Cash. 

Discussion questions were not that easy to find for this book, but here are a couple of links: Docslib and BookRags. Recommended for book groups who enjoy music, biographies, and history about music.

Details: Cash: The Autobiography by Johnny Cash with Patrick Carr. Paperback published by HarperOne in 1997. 320 p. ISBN: 978-0-06-0727-53-6

Book Review: 'Seabiscuit: An American Legend' by Laura Hillenbrand

✰✰✰✰½ The story of the little horse that could rode into the hearts of Americans during the Great Depression era and never really left. Overcoming numerous physical challenges and racing setbacks, Seabiscuit triumphed over much larger horses to become a cultural icon. But had it not been for the combined efforts of owner Charles Howard, trainer Tom Smith, and jockey Red Pollard, Seabiscuit may never have found his way out of the claiming races. Together the three men and Howard's wife, Marcela Zabala, did everything they could to bring out the best in Seabiscuit. The horse went from an angry, overlooked animal to an admired treasure that was the envy of the horse racing world. The book itself is an epic tale of determination, luck, and inspiration that will keep you turning the pages. 

The Bottom Line: Bestselling author, Laura Hillenbrand, tackled the story behind the most famous racehorse in American history and what made him so special. There's something for everyone in this inspiring tale. Highly recommended for fans of sports, horses, biographies, and underdog stories.

Book Club Notes: While the book was difficult for some to get into, it was riveting for others. Ironically, while several members expressed that the book was too long, the movie, on the other hand, did not go into enough depth. Our group shared an inspirational and spirited hour on Zoom discussing this one. We rated the book an average of 4.5, and the movie received 4 on a scale of 1 - 5. Discussion questions are plentiful online for groups looking to delve into this book. Highly recommended for book clubs, colleges, and other groups interested in both the horse and the personalities behind the making of Seabiscuit. 

Details: Seabiscuit: An American Legend by Laura Hillenbrand. Paperback published by Ballantine Books in 2001. 399 p. ISBN: 978-0449005613 

Book Review: 'The Freedom Writers Diary' by the Freedom Writers with Erin Gruwell

✰✰✰✰½ When a rookie English teacher, Erin Gruwell, is faced with 150 Freshmen remedial students, it's time to sink or swim. Looking around her classroom on the first day, she is struck by the way they segregate themselves into groups based on race: Black, Asian, and Latino, with a lone Caucasian student lost in the crowd.

Gruwell, comes up with an idea to get the kids to write by having each keep a journal. They can write anything they want with no repercussions, and write, they do. Gruwell soon realizes that for many of these kids, just surviving the streets is an accomplishment. By listening carefully and creating interactive activities, Gruwell encourages the students to see how similar they are to one another rather than focusing on differences. And for the first time, many of these kids find an adult who is actually taking an interest in them.

As the students move through grades 9, 10, 11, and 12, something wonderful happens. They begin to believe there's more out there than just gang fights and the streets. They learn about respect and begin to have dreams. Together, they compiled this book, which covers a wide range of social issues. Together, they garnered world-wide attention and demonstrated tolerance. Together, they did what most adults thought they couldn't: graduate and go to college.

For a dose of inspiration, pick up this book and read what can happen with a little nurturing and respect. Since this is the 20th anniversary edition, it also includes both tenth-anniversary and twentieth-anniversary entries.

The Bottom Line: This is a story about transformation and coming of age during a time when riots in L.A. were common. Highly recommended reading for high school and college programs. Also, recommended reading for parents and educators. Even though this was written over twenty years ago, many of the topics are still relevant today, maybe even more so.

Book Club Notes: This was one of the titles we did not have the opportunity to discuss last year as we were learning how to Zoom. Now we are finally catching up. After a year of students learning remotely, it was interesting to read about the experiences these students had back in the 1990s. We discussed how different it is to learn in-person vs. remotely. We also discussed how the topics from more than twenty years ago are still hot button topics now.

About half of our group also watched the film. We were impressed that many of the key roles were played by teens with no formal training in acting. The combination of well-known celebrities with unknown actors and real Holocaust survivors made the film more authentic. Overall, this was an enjoyable transformation film. 

On a scale of 1 - 5, with 5 being the highest, we rated the book an average of 4.8, and the movie received 4.6. We appreciated the honesty of everyone as they told their compelling stories. Highly recommended for teens, teachers, aspiring teachers, and parents. [NOTE: This book contains some incidents which may be troubling for sensitive readers.] 

To help guide your book discussion, you can check out The Freedom Writers: Express Yourself Discussion Guide here. Also, check out how the movie differs from the book here.

Details: The Freedom Writers Diary (20th anniversary edition): How a Teacher and 150 Teens Used Writing to Change Themselves and the World Around Them by The Freedom Writers with Erin Gruwell. Paperback published by Broadway Books in 2019. 448 p. ISBN: 978-0385494229 

Book Review: 'Molly's Game' by Molly Bloom

✰✰✰✰½ Molly Bloom spent her life competing, first with her brothers, then on the ski slopes. She was used to living fast and working hard. Eventually, she moved to L.A. and was groomed to be the perfect personal assistant. Whatever was required, she could figure out how to get it. So when her boss decided to host a poker game at his club, The Viper Room, Molly was intrigued. She knew nothing about playing poker, but when she got thousands in tips, she was hooked.

As the game grew, everyone who was anyone wanted an invite, and as the game’s gatekeeper, Molly soon had access to the contact information of Hollywood’s rich and famous. She quickly learned to cater to Hollywood royalty, athletes, and billionaires, and in turn lived the high life. It was a world of privilege, secrets, glamour, and danger.

Follow Molly on her adventures as she reaches new highs and lows. No matter how many times, Molly loses the game, she always comes back with a bigger game and higher stakes until she meets her downfall, a brush with the Russian mob. Will she be able to rebuild her life? Or will she lose everything to a game? Check out this nonfiction book that reads more like fiction to find out for yourself.

The Bottom Line: This is a fast paced read that lets readers escape their current lives and enter (albeit vicariously) the world of (very) high-stakes, underground poker. With unabashed honesty, the author shares the highs and lows of a world most of us will never see. This story of ambition, power, and escape is highly recommended for just about anyone who enjoys stories of the underdog coming out on top. 

P.S. Molly sprinkled handy tidbits of poker wisdom throughout the book. Enjoy!

Book Club Notes: This was the surprise hit of the summer for our book club. We really enjoyed both the book and the movie. On a scale of 1 – 5, with 5 being the highest, the book rated an average of 4.5 stars, and the movie came in with an average of 4.2 stars. If you are looking for an escape from your everyday life, but can’t get away, pick up a copy of Molly’s Game for an entertaining read. Then watch the movie, it picks up where the book left off. You'll find yourself rooting for Molly even when the chips are down.

Details: Molly’s Game: The True Story of the 26-Year-Old Woman Behind the Most Exclusive, High-Stakes Underground Poker Game in the World by Molly Bloom. Paperback published by First Dey Street in 2015. 262 p. ISBN: 978-0-06-283858-2   

Book Review: 'Julie & Julia' by Julie Powell

✰✰✰ Julie Powell is just your average, bored secretary in New York City. As she approaches her thirtieth birthday, she's feeling extra dumpy. Faced with few prospects and a mother nagging her about her biological clock, Julie is looking for a change. But what?

One night after an especially soul crushing day, Julie whips up a simple potato soup that just happens to be Julia Child's recipe for Potage Parmentier. And just like that, Julie and her husband come up with an idea. Why not cook her way through Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child, Louisette Bertholle, and Simone Beck and blog about it? It was a win-win idea. Not only would they get to eat French food, but Julie would learn cooking techniques, and be able to write about it. And so, the Julie/Julia Project was born.

But as with Potage Parmentier, the project wasn't as easy as it sounded. Cooking 524 recipes in one year would prove to be hard work. Julie worked full-time and ingredients were sometimes hard to find. Little by little, people began to read her blog. And despite her use of snarky, foul language, brutal honesty, and some mean spirited comments, Julie began to learn. Not only did she learn about French food, but through taking chances and trying new things, like eggs, she began to grow as a person. The result is humorous a book about being yourself and perseverance.

The Bottom Line: Although the concept is interesting, Powell's liberal use of foul language and whining was difficult to read through.  As she writes about herself, her friends, and her family, Powell seems to have no filter. She  complains throughout the book; and yet there are a few interesting observations and, of course, tantalizing tidbits about Julia and Paul Child before Julia became a celebrity chef.

At the time she worked her way through Julia Child's recipes, blogging was new and perhaps being able to connect with readers near and far was a novelty. Stories about Powell's friends make the book mildly  entertaining. Was the Julie/Julia Project a stunt or was Powell serious about French cooking? No one can say, but the author. Some fans of culinary biographies might enjoy this.

Book Club Notes: Prior to our actual discussion I heard grumblings about this book in particular. While many had previously viewed the movie, which received rave reviews, the book just couldn't compare. First, the language: Powell swears like a sailor. Second, the complaining:  Powell just doesn't seem like a happy person. Third, the project: Sometimes it did indeed sound like a stunt as Powell seemed to lack sincerity. Nevertheless, Powell did hit on a cool idea and had the persistence to complete the challenge she set for herself. As a group we discussed how Powell did seem to be very honest in her feelings, and there appeared to be some personal growth by the end of the book.

While the book was not a hit with us, the movie was enjoyed by all. We agreed that Meryl Streep's portrayal of Julie Child was phenomenal, and Amy Adams was adorable in her role as the author. What made the movie great was that screen time was almost evenly split between Julia Child and Julie Powell. Additionally, the movie was able to highlight similarities between the two women that wasn't so evident in the book. If you are looking for an entertaining & humorous film, check out Julie & Julia. By the way, the food in the film looks yummy, so it's a good idea to have some snacks on hand before you begin viewing.

All in all, our book club discussion was animated and fun. We gave the movie an average rating of 4.25 (on a scale of  1 - 5, with 5 being the highest). The book didn't fair so well with an average rating of only 3.

On a final note, our group has been meeting via Zoom for almost a year now, so technical challenges are few. We still have to work on making sure everyone gets their fair share of time to speak in our shortened meeting though. 

Discussion questions can be found at the Theology of Work Project, LitLovers, and StudyLib. 

For information about where Powell is now, visit Biography.com 

And those interested in taking a look at the original blog can find it via the Internet Archive WayBack Machine here. 

Details: Julie & Julia: My Year of Cooking Dangerously by Julie Powell. Paperback published by Back Bay Books in 2006 and includes a Reading Group Guide. 310 p. ISBN: 978-0-316-01326-0 

Book Review: 'A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood' by Fred Rogers

✰✰✰✰½ What would Mister Rogers do? It's a popular question many ask especially during troubling times like these. Fred Rogers was a respected television personality known for for his ability to bring calm and understanding into this crazy world. He had an amazing gift to be able to connect with preschoolers and young children on their level. But what made him tick? What made his show such a success? And what made him special?

In 1998, Tom Junod was given an assignment to write an article about a quiet, unassuming man. Junod shadowed the man as he went about his business and even visited the man's childhood hometown. Known for his cynicism, Junod set out to uncover the sordid truth about this man, but it was Junod who would soon be surprised because the man had nothing to hide. The man was authentic and compassionate. That man was Fred Rogers, and it turned out that Fred Rogers and Mister Rogers were one and the same, a very caring, compassionate individual.

The Bottom Line: This book features Tom Junod's original piece for Esquire, "Can you Say...Hero?" It was the inspiration for the hit movie, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, and this is the first time this classic article has appeared in book form. Also, included in this book are a collection of words of wisdom, advice, and observations from Fred Rogers about topics like relationships, childhood, parenthood, learning, and discipline. Highly recommended reading for both new and experienced parents. Also, highly recommended for teachers, students of early childhood, education, and psychology, and everyone who enjoyed watching Mister Rogers' Neighborhood as a child. 

Book Club Notes: It's a new year and the perfect time to start out with a positive, encouraging topic.  A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood was well received by our members for the first virtual discussion of the year. With an average rating of 4.75 on a scale of 1 - 5 with 5 being the highest, the movie was by far more popular than the book which received an average rating of 3.5. One of the reasons for this is because some members felt that the book read more like a textbook. There are definitely parts of the book that will appeal to both educators and students of education alike. However, others commented that this is exactly what appealed to them about the book, and they would highly recommend it to both new and experienced parents as well as anyone who remembers Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. 

As for the movie, Tom Hanks had a phenomenal performance. His portrayal of Fred Rogers  allowed the essence of Rogers to shine through. Though much of the storyline between character Lloyd Vogel and his father is fiction, the friendship between Vogel and Rogers in the movie is authentic. This is a timely, entertaining movie about compassion and forgiveness; in fact, it's perfect for the turbulent times we are facing today.

Finally, as we continue to meet virtually, we are becoming more accustomed to the quirks of discussing books online. Nevertheless, we are grateful for the technology as meeting virtually has allowed us to continue to read and discuss nonfiction that reads like fiction. Both the book and the movie are enthusiastically recommended for everyone.

Groups looking for discussion questions can check out the movie guide and the faith-based movie guide. Additional questions can be found at Teach with Movies. 

Details: A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood: Neighborly Words of Wisdom from Mister Rogers (Movie Tie-in) by Fred Rogers. Paperback published by Penguin Books in 2019. 208 p. ISBN: 978-0-14-313538-8

Book Review: 'Below Stairs' by Margaret Powell

✰✰✰✰ A teenaged Margaret Powell had her sights on becoming a teacher, but lack of money squashed her plans. Instead she entered domestic services as a kitchen maid, the very lowest level of domestic service there was. The job was bewildering at first; the cook expected her to know how to do things like blacklead the grate, scrub the steps, and iron bootlaces. No one showed her anything, and she had to quickly learn on the job. Margaret soon realized there was little time for fun. As Powell worked her way up to cook, she tried to bide her time until she could fulfill her real goal: finding a suitable husband. Filled with wit and wisdom, Below Stairs gives the reader a look at the many challenges and scant rewards of being in domestic service during the first half of the 1900s in England. 

The Bottom Line: This quick read is perfect for the beach or a rainy weekend. Powell takes the reader on a behind-the-scenes tour of life in domestic service. Things have changed a bit since Powell was in service, but many of her insights and observations are still relevant today. This memoir will appeal to fans of Upstairs, Downstairs and Downton Abbey. Also, recommended for fans of tell-all memoirs and British social history. 

Book Club Notes: On a scale from 0 - 5, with 5 being the highest, this book averaged 4 stars. Our book club has the option of reading the book, watching the movies, or both. A good number of our group watched either Downton Abbey or Upstairs, Downstairs and noted that both series were more about entertainment and romanticism than the book. The book was very detailed and written in a diary-like form. Powell's observations were intelligent, and someone noted that Powell could have gone far in life if she had been born into a different family. 

We enjoyed reading this book and taking a look at a different era. Although the stories may not have been as juicy as expected, Powell was spunky. Servants had very limited opportunities back then, but she challenged herself to do better in life. She achieved her lifelong goal of find a husband and even managed to go back to school. 

The reprint edition includes discussion questions, but you can also find them in a guide from the Mansfield/Richland County Public Library. 

Details: Below Stairs: The Classic Kitchen Maid’s Memoir That Inspired Upstairs, Downstairs and Downton Abbey by Margaret Powell. Paperback published by St. Martin’s Griffin in 1968. 224 p. ISBN: 978-1-250-02321-6