The Diary of Ellen Rimbauer: My Life at Rose Red by: Ridley Pearson

This book is an interesting read. From the very beginning it is presented in such a way that the reader is never really sure if they are reading a work of fiction, or an actual presentation of fact. The author has done a superb job of creating a captivating mystery through the means of the supposed diary of one Mrs. Ellen Rimbauer -- the wife of a 20th century industrialist.

While the story presents an intimate look into a perverse sham of a marriage between Ellen, and her husband, John Rimbauer, the reader realizes almost from the beginning that this marriage is simply the sideline of the story. The real relationship of significance is that of the relationship of Ellen and the house built by her husband -- symbolically named Rose Red.

The home is an enormous monstrosity that is built in the Washington area, and is never fully completed. From beginning to end the mystery that surrounds this house is more of a supernatural entity -- as opposed to a passing phenomenon. Supposedly built on the site of an old Indian burial ground -- desiccated, for the sake of the rise of this immense house -- the consequences are of lasting proportion. The house takes on a life entity of its own -- and seeks a means to continue living through the sacrifices made to it.

The book is well written, but I found that it was irritating in the beginning, as the first 60 pages dealt with nothing but the perverse sexual proclivities between John Rimbauer, and his new wife. As well as the alluded to liaisons between Mr. Rimbauer and just about every other woman he comes in contact with -- leaving one with the impression that this young woman -- 20 years Mr. Rimbauer's junior -- is married to a man of insatiable appetites. And while the scenes are not explicit -- they are tiresome, as they have little bearing on the overall story -- that of the house, and its obsessive attachment to this young new wife. The only thing these scenes offer to the story is the catalyst that becomes the bizarre connection between Ellen Rimbauer, and Rose Red. But for a year of the life of this entire history was excessive -- especially since this same theme is continued throughout the rest of the story. It doesn't take that many passages to get the idea of what type of man John Rimbauer was.

However, as a separate entity from the movie created from this story, the book was a refreshing read. It was a separate story line from that taken in the movie -- the movie providing a continuation of the book -- not a remake of the same. A building on, and adding depth to the book, without trying to supplant, or even compete with the original story. The book, and the movie can be experienced simultaneous -- or in conjunction with each other, without detracting from either.

This story contains all of the suspense, and very little in predictability, which makes for an excellent mystery. There are even websites that have been attached to the book, which have turned this piece of fiction into a little bit of a cult classic. The story is worth the read -- and for those that enjoy the mystery genre, this one provides a change from the traditional murder mystery.

Daughter of Fortune by: Isabel Allende

This was a fun, and entertaining book to read, one written by a talented, and expressive author. The story revolves around Eliza Sommers, an adopted orphan that is raised by a family of means, and social standing. As this story develops, Eliza finds herself confronted with a choice between two lives. Abandoned by her lover, she follows after, and learns that there are other ways of living outside of the one in which she was raised.

Much of this story is very similar to other stories that present the fallen girl, growing into adulthood, under the shadow of scandal. But the protagonist is masterfully handled in this story. Not only is the development one that covers age, and social structure, but it also covers multiple cultures, countries, and ethnic backgrounds.

Eliza represents the conjoining of all of the cultures, social classes, and nationalities, and her character development is demonstrated across all of these spectrums. As she grows, and develops, not only does she face the struggles of age, but she is faced with the choice of different lifestyles, cultures, and social class. Raised with everything she could want -- her love is ultimately given to a man of inferior class, which brings all the scandal that such a liaison represents. Faced with the scandal, her alternatives are to stay and face the scandal alone, or to go after the man she believes she loves.

But the character of Eliza is more than the traditional representation of female repression. She is a great demonstration of the struggle of women, at a time that women were struggling to overcome the oppression of the life their sex demanded they live. She learns to find freedom in the alternate worlds, and cultures, to which she is exposed. She also learns to interact with the various elements of each of these societies, without compromising her ideals, beliefs, or standards. Eliza demonstrates the development of a woman capable of living beyond herself, and finding that a single woman can live outside of the social moores demanded by the constrictive restraints of her time. Eliza is more than a coming of age character. She represents what it means to overcome a repressive society, and develops into a woman that is capable of living her life, on her own terms.

The most amazing part of this story, however, is that of the presentation of a myriad of histories. The story spans across China, Chile, England, and San Francisco. And the rich history of all of these places is beautifully presented, within the time frame of the story. In addition, and culture's interactions are demonstrated, when the people come together, often with violent results, during the gold rush of California in the 1800's.

The beauty of the author's writing is strong, and eloquent. She uses very vivid imagery, and she has a powerful talent for expressing herself in written form. This is a wonderful story, by a great author.

Adventures in Book Clubbing

Those who know me, know that I am a rabid book lover! Conversations in our household are a little one sided when it comes to discussions about movies, and television shows. If the movie didn't predate the 80's, and the television show isn't educationally based, or a Hannah Barbara cartoon -- I probably can't tell you a thing about it. In one of our favorite family games, of name that person, it took me over two months to figure out who David Archuletta was.

Simply put, I am your traditional book loving junkie! If the television is on, I will have the book open. I never go anywhere without a book in my hand. (And yes, that does include the restroom, restaurant, doctor's offices, and family dinners.) I came across a comment on Goodreads, "You know your a book addict when your family stages and intervention, and you don't hear a word they say because you are too busy reading." I laughed so hard, I was crying. And I am completely conviced that God invented red lights, and construction zones for book lovers, who just can't seem to put their books down. I'd like to tell you I don't want you to get the wrong idea -- but there is only one idea to get. Children have their security blankets, and I have my books.

So a few months ago, my sister and I decided we were going to get serious about starting a book club. I use that term in the loosest form possible, since at the time the "club" consisted of my sister, and myself. However, we were quickly joined by her daughter, our brother, and his wife. I know, I still don't know that you would say that qualifies as club status as of yet. But it is where we have begun.

I figured that putting a book club together would be easy! How hard can it be to pick a book and read it over the next month. Little did I know. There were many concerns, and difficulties that we encountered, which we are still working out.

First off -- the biggest issue is the speed at which everyone reads. This book is comprised of people that have been in the habit of reading, maybe one book a year. There are those that read regularly -- but it still takes them a while to get through a book. There is a mother with four little children, and a little girl that is nine years old. And then there is me -- the person that doesn't know anything about the world around her, because I can't manage to put a book down. Time was certainly a concern. They were worried about slowing me down -- and I was worried about rushing them. And I won't even go into the problem of how far apart we all live!

Then there was the issue of deciding on books. I had no idea that this could be such a chore. Not only is the list of books we want to read long enough to last us for the next three years, but the preferences are so varied that it is amazing that we ever come to a consensus! This process turned into an hour long chore, and then we would finally just settle on something because we were all so tired of trying to come up with a a universal choice.

And then there is always the challenge of what is appropriate to read. With a nine year old in the mix, it is turely a challenge, with the books that are out there today. I don't want her to feel left out, and she is genuinely excited about participating. But not all books are age appropriate. Some are even questionable for adults!

So with all of this to considered, I was amazed at the difficulties that we have encountered. But we have managed to keep it going. And we have been learning along the way. So, long end short -- here is my purpose: I need some input, and or suggestions.

1. What are some good ways of choosing books for book clubs? We have discussed the option of themes, and genres -- but I don't know that we have stumbled across the answer yet.

2. How do other book clubs organize their groups? Yearly selections, month to month, or some other way that we haven't managed to come across yet?

3. Finally, what have you found that works for you?

The Attack by: Yasmina Khadra

This is not a book that I found to be particularly interesting. I first picked it up because the premise of the story is actually appealing, especially in today's world of terrorism, and suicide bombings. However, the book was not all that it promised to be.

Much of the story I felt was rushed -- it was more like watching a B rated movie, in book form. The story proved to be superficial, and the characters had no depth. Most of the dialogue was cliche. And I found the pat phrases to be unoriginal, and rehearsed. I felt like there was very little true depth to the characters at all.

This is not a book that I would recommend, as there is very little substance to the story, and even less to the characters.

1940 by: Jay Neugeboren

This book is not what I was expecting -- and it was an absolutely enjoyable surprise! I read this book non-stop, I just could not put it down. It has been a long time since I have come across a book that I would consider worthy of being added to my favorite book lists -- and this one certainly made it!

It is a story that is focused on one, unique physician, and his impact on the lives of two mothers, and their sons. One of his patients was the "great" Adolf Hitler, and the other was a young American boy with significant problems. At first read this book is a simple story, created by two stories, woven seamlessly together. However, upon further reflection, the reader begins to see the beauty of these two stories, and how their being told together adds a great deal of depth, and meaning to the overall story, as a whole.

Dr. Eduard Bloch served as the personal physician of Mrs. Hitler -- from the time their family moved to Linz, Austria, until the day of her death. Through this treatment, he earned the respect, and even -- some suggest -- the admiration of the future Nazi dictator. Many feel that this point of view is born out by the special treatment this Jewish doctor, and his family received on the eve of World War II -- as the Jewish race turned into a hunted people. Provided with special arrangements to immigrate to America -- arranged for directly from Berlin -- this doctor started a journey that would ultimately bring him into contact with another single mother, and son.

The story is beautifully told, and the characters have a great deal of depth. I was particularly impressed at the similarities that were created between Daniel, and young Adolf -- as well as the beautiful similarities between two incredible mothers that were willing to give everything for the benefit of their sons. This book does not seek to explore the frequent rumors of the perverse childhood of Hitler -- but rather it explores the theory frequently stated in the book that "the son is not always the father of the man." It also explores the theme that in the best of people there exists some of the most appalling evil -- and in the most evil of people, there is some of the greatest capacity for love -- and for good.

I could not recommend this book enough. It is a wonderful, and insightful read. One that I would consider worth the time. It is clean, and enjoyable -- and one of the few modern stories I have read that truly makes a reader think, and reflect on the significance of a life -- and the influence it can have.

The Reluctant Assassin by: Preston Darby

This book provided an entertaining historical fiction tale, with a panorama view of American history, from the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, all the way up through 1903. There are many historical figures that make appearances in the book such as Doc Holliday, Wyatt Earp and the Earp brothers, the Prestons, General George Armstrong Custer, Samuel Clemens, and several others. The premise of the book is that following the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, his killer -- John Wilkes Booth -- actually survived his flight from the nations capitol, and managed to live the remainder of his life in hiding. The assassination itself, which actually plays a very minor role in this novel, was the product of many high up's in the cabinet of Lincoln -- and that Booth was merely doing what had to be done, to save his own life, since he was part of the conspiracy to kidnap Lincoln, and got caught.

The story is very well done. Entertaining, and fun to follow, the characters provide an interesting view of nearly 60 years worth of American West history. As Booth goes into hiding he makes his living as a hired gun, and gambler -- that ends up meeting the most interesting people. The story is fun -- but not a lot of depth.

What I didn't like about the book is that it creates the whole Lincoln conspiracy -- and then fails to explain who was actually behind the assassination, or who was involved. It is a book that seemed to leave me with more questions about the half finished story lines -- more than one -- that were started, and then never really finished. And I found the ending to be -- while intriguing -- also, somewhat of a let down. But it does provide an interesting look into some of the historical events that helped shape this nation, but they were only brief glimpses, as seen through Booth himself. It was as if the author started multiple different story lines, and then never really pulled any of them together. And realizing this used a cop out ending of an unfinished, unauthenticated diary.

Countdown to Valkyrie The july Plot to Assassinate Hitler by: Nigel Jones

This book is a fantastic look into the German military during World War II, and Hitler's Germany. It presents incredible detail, well documented, and an intricate look at the military structure that made up this time altering nation. Few people realize the instability of the structure behind the Nazi machine. Destabilized within the military units -- torn between loyalty to country, and loyalty to a mad man, this book presents the struggles that Germans faced in the midst of a crisis that not all of them wanted.

This book presents the stories of the fractured support that stood behind Hitler -- those that supported him, those that vacillated, those that hated him, and those that were willing to sacrifice everything to get rid of him. Few books look into the German people and the crises that Hitler presented, when he seized power. The shame that he brought to many of the military leaders -- as they were forced to declare loyalty to a man they did not agree with, while still firmly grounded in the country they were devoted to. These men had to stand by and watch as Hitler forced their country into a position they did not feel they should be in, and he forced them into a war they felt they should not fight, and forced them into trying to find a solution that would cost the lives of so many.

In the introduction there is a quote from Roger Casement, a man hanged for treason in the First World War: "'It is a cruel thing to die with all men misunderstanding.'" This quote could not be better used in a description for the events that are portrayed in this book. The people involved in the plot were presented as real people, struggling with their own moral values, their own fear, and pride -- as they struggled to come to terms with the only solution that would be vaguely possible -- kill Adolf Hitler.

Count Claus Schenk von Stauffenberg is presented as a man of great conviction, drive, and charisma -- the man who managed to bring all the other conspirators together in a drama that would ultimately demand the sacrifice of his own life. But it also presented him as a man torn between his love for his country, and his hatred for a man he felt was a cataclysmic mistake. He never hesitated in his desire to rid Germany of the man that caused so much pain and suffering, and in his eyes brought shame to the German people, and the German nation.

One other quote that I found particularly insightful in this book is an answer to the question of how did those that survived manage such a feat? The response came from one of the surviving conspirarists -- after all the torture, and all the pain, degradation, and suffering, he responded, "We all made the discovery that we could endure far more than we had ever believed possible. The two great polar forces of human emotions, love and hate, together formed a supporting structure on which we could rely when things became unbearable. . ." What a profound insight, into not only human nature, but into the ability of the human spirit to rise above the impossible, and overcome true horror.

This book is one that I would strongly recommend. It is very well written, and is beautiful in the depth that it presents a very different side of the German perception of the Hitler era. Profoundly thought provoking, it asks the question of each reader -- what would you have done? And as Mr. Stauffenberg learned -- only one person can truly answer that question -- for each of us.