message from Rossi

In keeping with my preferred literature style pre book club; (fun books have grown on me quickly) it is a non fiction book. It made a huge impact on me and I think what this guy is doing for children in Pakistan and Afghanistan, building schools for girls, is so amazing and critical to the fight against terrorism. I am eager to learn more about the roots of terrorism, the conditions of these countries and the war we are fighting. Aside from learning about this really unique guy building schools, I also feel like I have a deeper understanding of these things. I believe his work is so important, I cut him a decent size check immediately after finishing the book, Mia Avery's class (and hopefully school) will do a fund raiser for these kids and I am splitting 25% of my profits of my photography business between his schools and Camp Horizon. A really cool thing is all the supplies for building and running the schools are only purchased locally, so their economy is stimulated as well. One penny buys a pencil and fifty dollars is enough for a teacher's salary for the entire year. It is not a page turner and the writing is not particularly good. However, in the midst of this fight against terrorism and as we enjoy the benefits of American society, the story and the perspective and knowledge it brings is too important to pass up. So inspiring and cool what one person can do... Rossi

Three Cups of Tea - Amy Rossi Gall January 2009 Book #8

Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace -- One School at a Time
Greg Mortenson (See All Contributors)
Paperback, 349 pages
Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated January 30, 2007

Description: The astonishing, uplifting story of a real-life Indiana Jones and his humanitarian campaign to use education to combat terrorism in the Talibanas backyard.

Anyone who despairs of the individualas power to change lives has to read the story of Greg Mortenson, a homeless mountaineer who, following a 1993 climb of Pakistanas treacherous K2, was inspired by a chance encounter with impoverished mountain villagers and promised to build them a school. Over the next decade he built fifty-five schoolsaespecially for girlsathat offer a balanced education in one of the most isolated and dangerous regions on earth. As it chronicles Mortensonas quest, which has brought him into conflict with both enraged Islamists and uncomprehending Americans, "Three Cups of Tea" combines adventure with a celebration of the humanitarian spirit.

About the Author: Greg Mortenson is the director of the Central Asia Institute. A resident of Montana, he spends several months of the year in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

2008 BOOK CLUB

2008 Book Club Year Review

Superlatives..

Best Bookie (having read every book)
Amy Kenyon Jones

Perfect Attendance (always in attendance no matter how late):

Jennifer Malin, J.C. Loader

Most Improved Player (coming out strong at the end of 2008!):

Dana McWhirter

Saturday night was super fun! As you can see you had to be there to get recognized... LOL! And, since it was Denise was the Birthday Girl we all had a reason to celebrate!

I think we all need to bust out our calendars and decide when we are going to meet again. We probably need to weigh in on what nights are best for us these days b/c circumstances may have changed. I think doing mid January would be great. We had down the 9th but that seems too soon. Maybe January 15, 16, or 17? or 22, 23, or 24. It's Rossi's month so I'll let her take it from here.

Start 2009 off right and go get the January book! We have Dana down to pick the February book! YIPEE!

The Stranger Beside Me - freaking!

I'm pretty sure every woman in America should read this book. Wow, I'm almost finished and I feel like I will be so much more aware of my surroundings now. Really good book. Can't wait till Saturday!

Book Club/Denise's Birthday

SATURDAY DECEMBER 13th at the Loader/Wohl Club

7:00pm Book Club Christmas Party

9:00pm go out for Denise's Birthday Party (Channelside?) Remember, it's her 21st birthday!

So, it's here! The holiday season! Time to eat drink and be merry! Let's meet at the house for some spirits and snacks then head out to rock Channelside! (or whatever we want to do). Please please feel free to spend the night at my pad. We will most likely take cabs there and back.

Let me know if you are in!

Have a lovely day!

Here are some discussion points for the book we are reading:

• Explain why you think Ted Bundy's victims had so much in common?
• Did he seek out these young women intentionally or were their similarities just coincidental?
• Discuss the concept of trust. Did Ted grow up believing he could trust people?
• Why did he think his victims would trust him? Why did they?
• A serial killer is different from a murderer. Discuss the differences and similarities between the two.
• During Ted Bundy's incarceration he communicated with other serial killers such as David Berkowitz, the Son of Sam killer. What do you think was written in the letters to each other?
• What is your opinion of capital punishment?