Next Book??

Hey Stacey I think you said that you choose next. I think that everyone that is going to read this last one is finished. I definitely don't want to suspend the club. I think we should still keep picking and whoever wants to participate can. So, go ahead and choose, I know that the holidays are upon us and we are going to be busy, but we can have it in the wings and get started and be looking forward to getting it read by end of Jan. What do you all think?

I too am now done!

I finished the book last night at midnight! I also had a headache by the end because I was so into it. I kept thinking something bad was going to happen to Beth at the end. But I am glad that it didn't end that way. I thought it was good the way it ended.
While reading this I did think about you, Shonna. I think you are Beth's "Rachel" to Brittany. Even though you are her mom. Maybe I am wrong, but it seems that those "miracle" kids have only 1 special person that they like to keep near to them always, in good and bad times. It was sad to me to see that Beth didn't want to see her dad anymore, and that her mom moved far away and didn't get to see her much. Even though they talked on the phone. And it didn't seem to bother Beth her much, at least it didnt say. Also, it could be that this is all from Rachel's point of view and not really Beths.

I can also see why some people are blessed with these little "miracles". I think god know each and every one of us, and what we are capable of. I am NOT sure that I am capable of caring for a "miracle" child. That's why you, Shonna, are so good at it with Brittany. I am so glad that we have Brittany in our big family. Her innocence keeps us in check with the simplest things, and also keeps us laughing. Thanks Brittany for being you! I love you because you are you!!!

Now onto the next book. I would like to keep reading its been fun to see the variety in books.

The Book Quandry

Hey I'm glad you enjoyed it. I would love to keep going with the book club and whoever wants to continue. You know me, love, love, love to keep reading. Jaime, how much more do you have to go? Mom, you are still reading too right? Anyone else? Let us know folks.

DONE!!!

I finished the book last night, and had a raging headache to boot. Loved it! Shonna, you know way more about it than I do obviously...right now, I don't have a whole lot more to add. I liked the way it ended...and while it's sad that Rachel told her she hated her, I think it ended well between them. Those words, though harsh, seemed to awaken something within Beth. It was nice to see that she could change when she really wanted to. It seemed to be one of those "cataclysmic" moments when she could draw on her own resourcefulness when necessary. Good book Shonna! Do you know if anyone else plans to read it, or should we wait for Jaime to finish and move on? It's my choice next. Do you guys want to continue it or suspend it for a while? I'm great with moving on with whoever wants to.

My thoughts

Okay, the idea that they don't get frustrated by us not being able to "deal" with them is not true. I don't think they get frustrated on the level that maybe we do. What I was trying to say is that they realize on their level that they are different. The main reason I was thinking a long these lines is, Brittany has moments when she has some deep thoughts about why things are the way they are. I guarantee you Beth has some of those thoughts as well. I just don't think you get that side of it always unless you are around it a lot. Also, they have a hard time putting it into words. I just know that I can get frustrated with Brittany and her issues sometimes and all I am saying is that I know she gets frustrated too and that I need to remember that. I was born "normal" she wasn't and she gets that. I am just saying that they are very self centered, but that they do realize they are treated differently and have to figure out ways to live around that reality, which this books tells that story so well.
The steralization part made me cry from the sisters stand point. Also from the stand point of Beth. The fact that she came to the realization that she would have a difficult time parenting a child was huge. We have discussions like that often around here. Brittany is really drawn to movies like Forest Gump, The Other Sister, I Am Sam. She loves these movies. She sees that she is like the characters. I Am Sam helped her come the the realization that she probably shouldn't ever have a kid either. So sad sometimes and yet grateful that she understands that. She has accepted that Sami's kids will be her "grandkids". Yet another way of living around it. I know I have been going on and on, but like I said this book touched me on a deeper level. I still get emotional about it. I am glad that you all are liking it and that there is still life in the group.

I'm on page 180 or so. I think the sterilization is a good idea if they are going to be sexually active. If Beth isn't able to take care of a child, then it's irresponsible to let her reproduce. It would be a hard decision to make, and it's perfect that they let Beth have a say in it. It wasn't like they didn't think of other options either.

The idea that Beth might be frustrated as well is an interesting thought. I wonder if she is, or if she has the capability to think beyond herself. They've already made it clear that she's self oriented...maybe she does what she does and doesn't go beyond that. If she's frustrated, she sure doesn't say anything. She just agree's or disagree's with what's going on. She puts everything she's thinking out there, so I don't know that she's frustrated. What do you think?

Its got me thinking

I am now on page 155. I think you are right, Shonna. Its funny I had a similar thought, about how it must be frustrating for them to communicate with us. I just read about how Rachel decides to some digging on what metal retardation really is. And how mentally retarded Beth is and how to "deal" with her.
My views have changed slightly....well they have me thinking. I had a discussion with a friend about this book we are reading. And I was at the part about how they decided it was best to have Beth sterilized so she couldnt get pregnant. My friend thought it was terrible that anyone would sterilze thier kids so they in turn couldnt have kids. My thoughts were different. I feel bad for the "mentally challenged". And I have this thought that people will take advantage of them and can do "bad" things to them. And so I thought it would be a good idea to have them sterilized so that it doesnt worsen the situation by being pregnant or getting a disease.But then after having this discussion, you cant classify all "mentally challenged" into one group. It all depends on their level of mental capabilities.
Where is every one else with the book? Has anyone else finished besides Shonna?

Riding the bus

I think the bus is a great metaphor for living with someone like Beth. I loved the book and a thought occurred to me at the end of it. I obviously did a lot of relating to this book because of Brittany. Anyway, my thought was this....Rachel has such a hard time relating at times to her sister, and I just had the overwhelming thought of the fact that these folks "get" that they are different, they know that they aren't like everyone else. Yet they just accept if for the most part. But, imagine how exhausting and frustrating it must be for them to have that knowledge and not be able to do anything about it. They have no choice but to just go ahead with who they are and I just wonder if anyone ever thinks or realizes that these folks can get as down and sad about relating to us and we can with them. I don't know if this is making any sense. I just laid in bed one night after "dealing" with Britt and feeling pitiful about it and thought, I wonder if she ever gets tired of it too. Very humbling.
But for the most part, Britt brings such joy to my life. I feel that she really is a miracle and she helps me stay grounded. Lucky me!!!!

hallelujah! The book club lives on!

Jaime, I'm so glad you're still there! Just so ya'll know, I'm on pg. 120 and loving it. This book gives me a new appreciation for people who are "different". I'll write more later, but I'm enjoying this quite a bit...

I finally got the book!

I finally went to Barnes&Nobles and bought the book. I was trying to get it from the library but it just wasn't working out. Anyways, I got it on Friday, and am already hooked. I am on page 100 or so? I think the chapter I am on is "disabilities".

It really has made me think about the way our lives work. How maybe the simplest jobs, can be the most rewarding. It also has me thinking a little differently about the "mentally retarded". And about the family around them who learn first hand the differences there are in people. I like that the sister has dedicated herself to keeping her committment in riding these bus' for a year. Even when it seems her life is just so busy. It inspires me to take extra steps in finding treasures in the littlest and simplest things, then to be stuck in a rut, or the daily routine.
Reading on........................

By the way, I am either not with the program or everyone is just so busy. I am surprised at how it seems that no one else is voicing out on the blog as much as it used to be. Maybe the newness has worn away, or you are all on facebook now.

I've started...about time too!

I've got the book and read around 20 pages now. I'm finally on the bandwagon! I'm already drawn into the book...it should be a good one.

I already commented and added my 2 cents about the election on both Sheryl and Shonna's blogs. You can look there for my opinion about it if you want.

I do know that I don't understand all I eventually hope to about our government. I just got the Idiot's guide to American Government at the library. I've not read it yet, but hope it will give me a sort of basic understanding. I didn't pay that much attention in class in High School.

Election

I think this is an amazing time of life! We have witnessed something in our country that an underprivileged group has only "dreamed" of for so long. Finally someone came along with the chops to make it happen. Kudos to Obama.

I do agree with Jaime about the electoral votes. It seems like this should be reconfigured since it doesn't seem to serve the same purpose it did when the process was conceived. I don't agree that a little state like NH (no offense) should have more voting "power" than a more populated state. It doesn't make sense. Plus, in our technologically advanced voting system, I think there has to be a better process - like actually applying the "popular" vote.

Election

I think this whole this is a conspiracy. I think its already decided before we even get to vote. And the whole electoral vote thing, if your state has the most, then it goes by that. So what does going and voting really even do, if it doesnt even matter? I think we are in the times of things. With the stocks going the way they do, and mortgages, and the economy. An article came out in the church news about "slippery treasures." And it relates to scripture, and the prediction of it. Things are about to change in our little world, and actually I am really scared for the future. I keep hearing about food storage, and 72 hour kits. I hope you all have those things. I certainly am not prepared for it, and it scares me. I want to, but at the same time, I think "why move it?" Since we know that we will most likely be moving soon anyways, I dont want to move it with me.
Anyways, thats my take on things. Maybe I am being a little dramatic!

I'm a little behind...wish I still had one...

This is Stacey. I ordered the book almost a week ago. I'll go check the mail today. Sorry I'm so behind you Shonna...

How does everyone feel about the election results? I expect some conversation here people!

Yea Mom You are there!!!!!

So glad to see a new post. And, I am glad you are enjoying the book. I think it is a good one. Keep reading. How bout everyone else? Y'all need to get reading!!

I am loving this book also, and it probably is because we do have our lovely miracle. There are some things that I think are just too cute, like the crush on the new driver, yet the saddness of rejection.
I really enjoyed the way her vision changed, the new way of seeing things because of the simple experience of relaxing and letting go. I'm not finished yet, but working on it.

Done!

Okay, so I feel like a loner out here. Has our club fizzled? Is anyone reading? I know you all aren't posting or even emailing. I finished the book at 2 this morning. I really liked it. It was mostly positive and to me a good read. I read with appreciation. Anyway, it isn't a hard read at all. I think I want to recommend it to Sami. I think she would really relate. Anyway, don't give up. Keep reading. I just got a new book called the Shack. It is pretty popular so you may have heard of it. I will let you know what I think. I also got the new one that Oprah is pitching. The story of Edgar Sawtele. I haven't recieved it yet in the mail so I will also probably report on that one as well. Have a good week.

Well this is a good book.

Hey guys, this is a very good heartstrings book. I am really enjoying it. I don't know if it is because it hits me on a personel level or what but I find my self feeling very grateful for my situation and also feeling like there are people out there that experience what we do with our "goddamn miracle" I love that child so much. The other day she said to me, "Mom, I know I am a grown up, but I have the spirit of a child" , "you know like the mind a one too". Can you hear my heart melting?