Introducing Guernsey Book Group at Barnwood and Tulips

 Some of my best friends are books... 

One of the most  pivotal moments in my life occurred  when I was sitting in Professor David Lee's Children's Lit class at SUU.  I had that ah ha moment- an epiphany if you will.

Up until that moment, I was declared a journalism major.  The journalism class I was taking that semester was taught by some squirmy looking fellow with a less than desirable personality.  In contrast David Lee, was brilliant.  He embodied all of the characteristics of a master teacher.  I was simply mesmerized.  

Children's lit was a delight.  Our major assignment that semester was to read literature for youth and then catalog and summarize them.  It was so much fun.  Assigned to read books... a lot of them- this was right up my alley.

The years have come and gone and I often think of that moment and the gift that David Lee gave to me.  It is a gift that I have carried with me over the years.

"There is no frigate like a book
 To Take us Lands away,
Nor any Coursers like a Page 
Of Prancing Poetry-
This Travel may the poorest
take
Without offense of Toll-
How frugal is the Chariot
That bears the Human soul."
                            Emily Dickinson

On Thursday, we held our first "Guernsey Group"  Book Club.  In essence, it was lunch with a book. This book group differns from others in that the members are not asked to read a specific book, but rather one member shares a few tidbits from a recent favorite read.
  Julene, my dear friend, next door neighbor, and cohort in the development of Guernsey Book Group shared the basics of the book, "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" the plot summary, and introduced the characters (thanks Juge).  I shared a few tidbits as well.  

The people of "Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" became my friends.  Just as they saw each others through the occupation of German soldiers, they saw me through a rough spot too.  I was so sad to see the book end as it took them from me...

This book is a gift and is definitely worth one read, but best suited for two and three.  It is a story masterfully told through letters.  A pilgrimage of its characters and its readers. 

"I wonder how the book got to Guernsey?
Perhaps there is 
some secret sort of
homing instinct in 
books that  brings 
them to their 
perfect readers."  

Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

I am most thankful to Juge (Julene) for sharing this gem with me and for everything else she has taught me!  The only problem is I ask myself almost everyday, " Why aren't I in Guernsey?"

Join us "Guernsey Group" next month in person or via blog as Kim shares tidbits from one of her favorite reads.The conversation is sure to be lively, animated, and thought provoking, but most importantly you will definitely find yourself aboard Dickinson's "frigate."  

A list of books shared by Guernsey Group members--- you are sure to find a favorite...

The Rent Collector
Daddy Long Legs
Racing in the Rain
The Girl on the Train
The Language of Flowers
The Choice
See Me
The Upside of Stress
The Invention of Wings
Leaving Time
A Man Called Ove
The glass Blower
All the Light We Cannot See
The Nightingale
When Breath Becomes Air