June's Pick - Cindi

For June we read "The Postmistress" by Sarah Blake. I laughed as I read this book and apologize for the horrible pick. I guess that's why we said we should read them before we suggest them right? So pretty much we talked for a few minutes and they got to chat and have cupcakes.

Stacy picked the next book. One of those books over 600 plus pages!

Got to love a good thick read for summer!

"Roses" by Leila Meacham

We also discussed inviting a new member into the Chatter Matters fold. Kim Atkin. We will officially invite her next month. Hope she accepts and signs her contract, for this once in a lifetime offer!!!

May's Pick - Melanie

Melanie chose the nonfiction book by Rebecca Skloot

"The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks".

What an amazing story of how these cancerous cells were taken from Henrietta in the 1950's without asking for her permission, and the medical advances and discoveries they have been able to achieve. Her cell line has been called immortal because they do not die like noncancerous cells normally do (or did during that time), so these cells have been tested on, shot into space, atomic bombed, and shipped around the world thus creating a multi-billion dollar industry. Her family never knew any of this and they have never been compensated. They cannot afford to pay for medical insurance, they're mother is lying in an unmarked grave, they were raised by an abusive woman and they're questions were never answered.

We had a great discussion on the story of her life, the ethical questions these cells have raised, and the unanswered questions by her surviving family members. Great book I personally think everyone should read!

Melanie also served the awesomest ColdStone ice cream bar with all the toppings and waffle bowls, cookies, fruit and whipped cream!

(If you can't tell, I'm an ice cream fan)

Thanks Melanie!!

Next Month: Cindi

The Postmistress by Sarah Blake

(I just want to reiterate... I hadn't read this book, so I apologize in advance...just in case)

April's Pick - Kathryn

Matched by Ally Condie

I'm so sad I missed book club in April because I really enjoyed this book and thought it would create a lot of great discussion. Set in a Utopian society (an idealized impractical or unrealistic) where all your decisions in life are made for you, even who you will love and marry. While our heroine starts to question this long tradition, she starts an uprising that will be continued in two more books. Can't wait!!

I started to think, if that was normal life, would I just conform or stand up and cause a scene... I'm not sure cause I'm not one to make a fuss, but I don't think I could handle all my decisions made for me... then again, it would be nice not to have to worry about big grown up decisions.

Next month: Melanie

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

by Rebecca Skloot

From cover:

Doctors took her cells without asking. Those cells never died. They launched a medical revolution and a multi-million dollar industry. More than 20 years later, her children found out. Their lives would never be the same.

Cannot wait to discuss this book!

March's Pick - Cora

Even though we had a few people absent, who were terribly missed, we had a great night. Cora's pick of "How Green was My Valley" was the narrative story of a boy growing up in a coal mining town in Wales in the late 1800's. It was a darling story of a boy and his amazing perspective watching his family struggle, recover, grow and learn.

Comments:

Cora: She explained that sadly, the conditions the coal miners worked in then are the same today and haven't changed. The owners keep the workers uneducated so they will continue to work for low wages and not leave.

Angela: Didn't like the ending, she wanted to know what happened.

Everyone: Wanted to know what happened to Bron!

Cora hosted a wonderful evening, serving gourmet cupcakes she ordered in and we had great conversation late into the evening. Always a great time when the Chatter Matters ladies get together! Thanks Cora!!

Next month: Kathryn

"Matched"

by Allie Condie

Kathryn said it should be a light read after a few heavy ones.

Looking forward to a great read for spring!

Hope to see you all next month!

February's Pic - Candace

What a fun, amazing, inspirational book club we had last night. Thank you Candace for this pick which definitely sparked a lot of discussion and drew out of a lot of different insights. In this book, a man who lost his daughter is invited back to the place of her murder to meet with God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost and to learn and grow and ultimately understand the plan. There were a lot of "different" ideas that us members of the Church believe, but there were definitely tender moments when you felt the love of our Heavenly Father and the love from his Son's sacrifice.

Comments:

Cora: She loved that this book portrayed God as a Loving Father, not a negative hurtful being.

Liz: She liked the sweet moments, but couldn't get passed the "weird", there were definitely those in there!

Machelle: Truly pondered her relationship with her Father and it made her think about her own life.

Stacy: Loved that this book made her think and loves when a book can draw the best parts of you out.

We all ooed and awed at Candace's beautiful home and thoroughly enjoyed her apple cream cheese crumble with ice cream and caramel. Yum, yum! (again, please forward the recipe so we can secretly enjoy this whenever we want.)

We also heard about Julie's trip to Florida and laughed and cried with her over the unbelievable events that took place. Julie, you are such a trooper and example to us. Thanks for sharing!

We also had a beautiful discussion about the girls' stake conference and shared those special moments and testimonies. What a truly special collection of women we are. Love you all!

Next month:

By Cora: How Green Was My Valley

by: Richard Llewellyn

Boring or not ;) can't wait to start a new book!

December Christmas Party!!!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

This year our annual Christmas Dinner Party was held at Tandy's. What a beautiful home and the perfect setting for our yummy dinner and book exchange.

The beautiful table is set...

The preparations are underway...

Bring on the food!!!

Because the chatter does matter! Love you ladies!

We had an adorable reenactment of Julie and Candace's shopping trip and made a note of Candace's "luck" while shopping... but she was definitely missed for the party.

The book exchange was very fun. I hope everyone got what they wanted and enjoyed the "stealing" and fighting over the books. Definitely a favorite tradition of Chatter Matters.

We are planning our field trip to Barnes and Noble in January for hot chocolate and treats and hours of book browsing. Not quite sure on the time, but we'll let you know!

Merry Christmas to all you amazing women! You are all truly examples of love, charity and friendship. I can't imagine our book club without every single one of you.

Love you all!

November's pick - Melanie

I'm sorry, I'm sorry... I totally forgot to do the November post. So here goes...

This month we read the biography of our beloved prophet

President Thomas S. Monson

Melanie hosted a wonderful book club, as usual. We had a pop quiz on said prophet and for those of us who may not have finished (or even started) had quite a surprise and stressed out a little like we were in 10th grade history again. But were able to learn a lot of fun facts.

We had a great discussion. There was story after story shared of people's favorite President Monson moments. He is an amazing man and truly inspired. What a beautiful tribute to the Lord's chosen.

Melanie made yummy appetizers, treats and even served a delicious hot chocolate bar. With 7 oz of perfectly heated water, 3 tablespoons of cocoa, marshmallows, and a peppermint stick, the night was complete!

Thanks Mel!!!

Next month: Tandy

Hard Times and Holy Places

by: Kristin Warner Belcher

We're excited to have a beautiful story about Christ to start off our Christmas season!

Hopefully everyone got their food assignments for the Christmas dinner at Tandy's and remember to bring a wrapped book for the book exchange!!!

Happy Christmas to all!!!