And a few things I forgot...

I was going to mention this last night and forgot:

First, Greg Mortensen is scheduled to be the Forum speaker at BYU on Oct. 27th. I wish I could go! I'm telling all my family there to have read his book by then and try to go. I'm sure the Marriott Center will be packed. Just thought you'd find that interesting.

Also, they're working on a second book (not with Relin as the writer this time though) that's due out in December. It's like, "Stones into Schools" and sounds like it follows up the progress in Afghanistan and Pakistan since the last book.

Oh, and we need a location and discussion leader for next time. Volunteers???

Three Cups of Tea...and some fruit and dip, crackers, homemade bread, etc.

Thanks to everyone who came to last night's Book Club. Thanks so much to Debbie for allowing us to have it in her beautiful home. Seriously, it was worth coming just for the wonderful smell of her famous homemade bread that hits you when you walk through the door. Amazing! We had 3 hrs. of great discussion and I think we covered just about EVERYTHING, in the book and out of it. We all agreed that Greg Mortensen certainly is cut from a different cloth and we're glad he is and able to do what he does (and that his amazing wife supports him).

I think we all are a little more committed to doing what we can do in our own spheres of influence, and heaven knows there is plenty of need for service and promoting education in our own community. It was very interesting to hear Kathy's experience sharing it with her 4th grade class. And we got some money together to pass onto Bozeman to support the cause. If any of you who weren't there wanted to contribute, two others will be bringing me something on Sunday and I'll be sending it in next week.

So, just a reminder that next month is, "My Sister's Keeper" by Jodi Piccoult, well liked by several who have already read it. We'll aim to meet mid-Septemberish so get reading! :)

(And by the way, any of you can just let me know when you want to have a girls' movie night at my house for "Shopaholic." Or "The Magic Flute" for that matter.)

Happy reading!

TUESDAY NIGHT! Aug 18th

Book Club meeting to discuss "Three Cups of Tea" by Greg Mortensen and Mr. Relin

7:00 pm

Debbie Stephens' (new) house

Please call for address/directions

706-621-3775 (Emily)

Refreshments will be provided.

I know all of us have been really moved by the story in this book. It's amazing how one person willing to serve and with a little financial help, can make such important changes in the world. I'm sure most of you are familiar with the "Pennies for Peace" campaigns where schoolchildren pool all their pennies together to raise money for the Central Asia Institute (Kathy, didn't you say that your class did that together?).

Anyway, I thought we should do a "Pennies (and spare change) for Peace" drive at our Book Club meeting. What if all of us empty out our couches, dressers, purses, and cars and bring it to the meeting and see what we can easily pull together to pass onto Bozeman without putting anyone out? Every little bit helps--even if we just scrape together a group check for $20. I'll put a jar by the door if you have some you want to drop in.

Not only are we going to have a larger than usual group this time from what I hear (because everyone loves this book!), but we may even have a representative or two from the opposite sex. Just passing that along in the chance that any other spouses/friends/coworkers would care to come along. We're more than happy to make exceptions. :) It'll be a fun meeting, a good one to invite someone new to.

See you there!