Mother Daughter Book Club Meeting #17

For December, we will be reading THE WITCHES by Roald Dahl. Neither Booking Daughter or I have read this book, but we have both read other ones by Mr. Dahl. Our group will also be having our annual holiday party where each girl brings a wrapped book (new or used) to share with one other member. Last year we all had a great time, and each girl went home with a new book.

Summary: Meet a hero, a wise old grandmother, and the most gruesome, grotesque gang of witches imaginable! -- Puffin

I was really looking forward to our meeting to discuss THE WITCHES by Roald Dahl -- Booking Daughter and I both enjoyed the book (my review); however, we had a slight change of plans. Earlier in the day, our family was heading to church when we hit a very icy road. We lost control of the car and it ended up hitting a guard rail, then an embankment, and finally flipping over. Thank God everyone was okay. The kids were very shook up (as were their parents), but we all walked away from the accident with not even a scratch (although I think my husband and I are going to be pretty sore today.) As we were getting rescued from the car, I couldn't believe my ears when I heard the song Amazing Grace on the radio. I have no doubt that we had someone watching out for us!

Ironically, three other cars from our neighborhood were also on their way to church. Every one of us hit the ice and wrecked our cars. It was a huge mess and thankfully no one was hurt. I was so grateful for all the wonderful people who helped our family. We are still waiting to hear if my five month old car is totaled, but I'm thinking that it's a pretty strong possibility.

Needless to say, we weren't in the mood to go to our Mother Daughter book club meeting yesterday afternoon. Unfortunately, we missed out on the book exchange; and from what I hear, lots of fun discussing THE WITCHES.

Next month, we will be reading THE PENDERWICKS: A SUMMER TALE OF FOUR SISTERS, TWO RABBITS, AND A VERY INTERESTING BOY by Jeanne Birdsall. I am not familiar with the book (although I have heard of it.) Based on summary, I think the book sounds great and I'm really looking forward to reading it. THE PENDERWICKS has won numerous awards, and I'm thinking that it sounds like a fantastic discussion book.

Summary: This summer the Penderwick sisters have a wonderful surprise: a holiday on the grounds of a beautiful estate called Arundel. Soon they are busy discovering the summertime magic of Arundel’s sprawling gardens, treasure-filled attic, tame rabbits, and the cook who makes the best gingerbread in Massachusetts. But the best discovery of all is Jeffrey Tifton, son of Arundel’s owner, who quickly proves to be the perfect companion for their adventures.

The icy-hearted Mrs. Tifton is not as pleased with the Penderwicks as Jeffrey is, though, and warns the new friends to stay out of trouble. Which, of course, they will—won’t they? One thing’s for sure: it will be a summer the Penderwicks will never forget.

Deliciously nostalgic and quaintly witty, this is a story as breezy and carefree as a summer day. -- Yearling