The Forgotten Seamstress

“I stitched my love into this quilt, sewn it neatly, proud and true. Though you have gone, I must live on, and this will hold me close to you.” 

― Liz Trenow, The Forgotten Seamstress

We met at Sandy's home to discuss The Forgotten Seamstress by Liz Trenow

Everyone really enjoyed reading the book and several said they couldn't put it down.  Similar to Kate Morton's writing, the story spans two different eras in history and is a process of discovering a mystery, family roots and discovering yourself in the process.  

Liz Trenow begins her book with Maria Romano, an orphan who is an excellent seamstress.  Young Maria begins working at Buckingham Palace during the Edwardian era for the Royal family and soon intrigue and secrecy envelope her life.  The main character in the book, Caroline Meadows loses her secure bank job in London and decides to follow her dream of becoming an interior designer.  She discovers a beautiful silk quilt when cleaning out her mother's attic and  becomes fascinated with its history and the process of discovery leads her to discover unknown family roots and intrigue that tie the two women together.  

Liz Trenow grew up in England, living near the silk mills that her family owned and where her father and brother both worked.  A journalist, she worked in news and broadcasting and then PR.  After retiring she took a Creative writing class and her ideas for  some stories began to take shape.  Liz has written three books, The Last Telegram, The Forgotten Seamstress and The Poppy Factory.

Liz Trenow's website:

For Maria's Quilt Pattern 

All the LIght We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

“A real diamond is never perfect.” 

― Ant

hony Doerr, All the Light We Cannot See

August 25th we met at Ann Shumway's home for Book Club.  The book we read this month is Anthony Doerr's All The Light We Cannot See.  This books was enjoyed by everyone.  It is one that is hard to put down.  This book takes place in German -Occupied France during World War II.  It is about a young girl Marie Laure who goes blind at the age of six and her father, who is a locksmith for the Paris Museum of History, makes her a detailed replica of their neighborhood, so she can learn the intricacies of her surroundings and always find her way home.  When the Germans occupy France, Marie and her father flee to St Malo to live with a reclusive great uncle that Marie has never met. With them, they take what might be the museum's most valuable jewel. This valuable jewel has a ominous tale and is sought by Germany.  Marie's life eventaully intersects with a young German named Werner, an orphan, who is very intelligent and has grown up listening to Marie's uncle broadcast over the radio at night.  Werner lerans how to fix radios and other things and is given a place in Germany's Academy for Youth which eventually takes him to France where his life intersects with Marie's.  We talked about many different things we learned from this book - about courage and the people who were brave enough to join the resistance and fight against Hitler.  We talked about parents teaching children the things they may need to know in the future and preparing them by instilling confidence in their abilities as Marie's father did for her.  We discussed the way the young men were treated and how they treated each other in Hitler's Academy for Youth.  We discussed Frederick and how he hid the truth from his family and bravely stood alone for what was morally right.  There were so many great insights in this lovely book that won the 2014 National Book Award. 

Susan, Lillian, Paula and Carol working on the Woodbadge blocks

While we discussed the book, we helped Ann with a project she was doing for Woodbadge.  

80 Wood bage blocks all completed and ready to go.

 We were able to get the vinyl art on the front and back of 80 blocks.

Suzanne and Ann visit while Ann is making crepes.

 Ann made French Crepes to go along with the book.

Susan, Lillian, Paula, Carol, Sandy and Carolyn

We had our choice of berry, bananas and Nutella with whipped cream - Delicious!

“All your life you wait, and then it finally comes, and are you ready?”  

~ Anthony Doerr, All the Light We Cannot See

In September, we will be discussing Letters in the Jade Dragon Box by Gale Sears and we'll meet at Carol's home. 

All the LIght We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

“A real diamond is never perfect.” 

― Ant

hony Doerr, All the Light We Cannot See

August 25th we met at Ann Shumway's home for Book Club.  The book we read this month is Anthony Doerr's All The Light We Cannot See.  This books was enjoyed by everyone.  It is one that is hard to put down.  This book takes place in German -Occupied France during World War II.  It is about a young girl Marie Laure who goes blind at the age of six and her father, who is a locksmith for the Paris Museum of History, makes her a detailed replica of their neighborhood, so she can learn the intricacies of her surroundings and always find her way home.  When the Germans occupy France, Marie and her father flee to St Malo to live with a reclusive great uncle that Marie has never met. With them, they take what might be the museum's most valuable jewel. This valuable jewel has a ominous tale and is sought by Germany.  Marie's life eventaully intersects with a young German named Werner, an orphan, who is very intelligent and has grown up listening to Marie's uncle broadcast over the radio at night.  Werner lerans how to fix radios and other things and is given a place in Germany's Academy for Youth which eventually takes him to France where his life intersects with Marie's.  We talked about many different things we learned from this book - about courage and the people who were brave enough to join the resistance and fight against Hitler.  We talked about parents teaching children the things they may need to know in the future and preparing them by instilling confidence in their abilities as Marie's father did for her.  We discussed the way the young men were treated and how they treated each other in Hitler's Academy for Youth.  We discussed Frederick and how he hid the truth from his family and bravely stood alone for what was morally right.  There were so many great insights in this lovely book that won the 2014 National Book Award. 

Susan, Lillian, Paula and Carol working on the Woodbadge blocks

While we discussed the book, we helped Ann with a project she was doing for Woodbadge.  

80 Wood bage blocks all completed and ready to go.

 We were able to get the vinyl art on the front and back of 80 blocks.

Suzanne and Ann visit while Ann is making crepes.

 Ann made French Crepes to go along with the book.

Susan, Lillian, Paula, Carol, Sandy and Carolyn

We had our choice of berry, bananas and Nutella with whipped cream - Delicious!

“All your life you wait, and then it finally comes, and are you ready?”  

~ Anthony Doerr, All the Light We Cannot See

In September, we will be discussing Letters in the Jade Dragon Box by Gale Sears and we'll meet at Carol's home. 

My Name Used to Be Muhammad by Tito Momen - May book club

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYwqdcqug0U

My Name Was Keoko and Long Walk to Water by LInda Sue Park

“How could an alphabet—letters that didn't even mean anything by themselves

—be important?

But it was important. Our stories, our names, our alphabet. Even Uncle's newspaper.

It was all about words.

If words weren't important, they wouldn't try so hard to take them away.” 

― Linda Sue Park, When My Name Was Keoko

Ann, Paula, Brittany and Carolyn

 Our book club met Thursday, April 28th at Ann's to discuss two of Linda Sue Park's books that we read this month: Long Walk to Water and When My Name Was Keoko.

Carolyn, Carol, Sandy, Darleen and Lillian

 Attending were Carolyn, Carol,Darleen, Lillian, Susan, Ann, Paula, Brittany and  Sandy,  Both books were enjoyed.  We learned so much from both of them and had a lively discussion on both.  

Carol, Sandy, Darleen and Lillian

A Long Walk to Water, at true story, is a book that takes Sylva away from his family as a refugee of war in 1983 and he walks thousands of miles to two diffferent refugee camps and endures the horrors of war.  Nya,another child in Sudan over two decades later, walks eight hours to get water for her family. These two children and their families are woven together in an interesting plot.  A Long Walk to Water is an informative and insightful book on the problems that have plagued the African nations for so long.  Tribal warfare, the political upheaval of governments and lack of religious freedom has caused the refugee crisis in our world to become a huge concern around the world.  We have been asked to reach out and help in the best way we can.  This book helped us all to understand in a small way the incredible danger and difficulties these refugees face each day.  It reminded us poignantly the hope that the gospel can bring into each person's life.  How important the love of family is to all humanity and how that love keeps us going, one step at a time, one day at a time.  Salva's project to go back and help communities in his country have wells and education is vital and another step in helping solve huge problems in these communities.  Studies have shown that when women are educated the economy of a country rises, families flourish and communities are enriched.  The movie, "The Good Lie,"  is also about the lost boys of Sudan and the refugee crisis. 
One step at a time, one day at a time, just today, just this day to get through.” 

― Linda Sue Park, A Long Walk to Water:

Paula

When My Name Was Keoko, by Linda Sue Park was also a very informative book.  Based in Korea during the Japanese occupation before and during WWII, the story is narrated by two children, Sun-hee who has to use the Japanese name Keoko and her brother,Tae-yul.  They are forbidden to speak Korean, and must take Japanese names as well as speak Japanese. In school they must learn about Japanese history and forsake everything they love about their country and culture, including their mother's beloved Rose of Sharon trees in the backyard and family heirloom jewelry. Food becomes scarce, they are watched and scrutinized and forced to make choices with courage and conviction. Another very good read.  

Carol, Sandy, Darleen, Lillian and Susan

 “A mistake made with good in your heart is still a mistake, 

but it is one for which you must forgive yourself.” 

― Linda Sue Park, When My Name Was Keoko

I do think that part of literature's job is to comment on and participate in the social issues of the time. Linda Sue Park

Secret Daughter by Shilpi Somaya Gowda

“It has been more than twenty years since she lost her two daughters here, the one who was never given a name or a life, and her precious Usha. With thoughts of Usha comes the physical ache in her heart. There has not been a day since Usha’s birth that Kavita has not thought of her, mourned her loss, and prayed for the hollow feelings of grief to melt away. But God has not listened. Or else he has not yet forgiven her. Because the heartache has endured.” 

― Shilpi Somaya Gowda, Secret Daughter

In January, we met at Sandy's home to discuss Secret Daughter by Shilpi Somaya Gowda.  Most everyone really enjoyed reading the book and we had a great discussion on many aspects of the book: adoption, infanticide, cultural norms for different countries, motherhood, loss, survival, longing for  understanding of family and home.  

Sandy served pita chips with a Sun Dried Tomato Hummus  and Saag Shorba soup

SAAG SHORBA SOUP

recipe from Ryan Camomile www.ryansrecipes.com/recipes/indian/saag-shorba-indian-soup

12 oz spinach, fresh

2 medium onions, finely chopped

5 cloves garlic, minced

2 Tablespoons ghee (or vegetable oil)

3 inch p8iece of ginger, chopped

2 teaspoons coriander

2 teaspoons cumin (or more if you like)

1 teaspoon turmeric

dash of cayenne

dash cardamom

5 cups chicken broth

4 cups tomatoes diced, or 32 oz bottle tomatoes

1 Tablespoon tomato paste

2 cups heavy cream (coconut milk works well)

salt to taste

cilantro for garnish

 In a large pot, heat the ghee or oil.  Add chopped onions and saute or 5-10 minutes.  Add garlic, ginger, coriander, cumin, turmeric, cayenne and cardamom.  Saute for 3 minutes more.

Add broth and bring to a boil.  Add spincah and tomatoes and bring back to a quick boil.

Turn off heat and transfer to a blender and blend until a thick consistency, just a few seconds.  The spinach has to b broken up so there isn’t long strands, but not pureed.

Add back to pot and add cream, slowly to avoid curdling.

Add salt to taste and more cayenne and cumin, if you wish.

Simmer for 10-20 minutes.

Serve with cilantro as a garnish.

SUN DRIED TOMATO HUMMUS

1 can garbanzo beans or chick peas, drained

3 Tablespoons sun dried tomatoes in oil

2 teaspoons parsley

2 Tablespoons olive oil

2 Tablespoons lemon juice

In a food processor, combine all ingredients and process until smooth and creamy.  If the hummus consistency is too thick, add 1 Tablespoon water until desired consistency.

Serve sun dried tomato hummus immediately with pita bread, veggies or pita chips.  Store in air tight container in the refrigerator.  Can be made up to two days in advance.

“But most of all, when Somer closes her eyes, she imagines the moment she will hold her baby for the first time. She keeps Asha’s photo in her pocket and looks at it often. That one photo vaporized her doubts and made everything come to life. She lay awake at night, picturing her daughter’s sweet face.” 

― Shilpi Somaya Gowda, Secret Daughter

To read more about: Shilpi Gowda and her new book, The Golden Son go to

 http://www.shilpigowda.com/

Promise Me, By Richard Paul Evans

"As you read my story, there is something I want you to understand. That in spite of all the pain—past, present and that still to come—I wouldn’t have done anything differently. Nor would I trade the time I had with him for anything—except for what, in the end, I traded it for." 

Beth Cardall, Promise Me, Richard Paul Evans

 We met at Paula's historic home in Payson.  Her home is on the National Historic Home register and she has beautifully restored it.  Everywhere you look, there is a new delight to behold.

 Her lovely VictorianChristmas tree.

 The lovely table inviting guests to enjoy the delightful food, the company and festive  atmosphere.

Carolyn and Paula

 Paula's new black and white kitchen

An exotic Italian dish created by Suzanne

 The book we read this month was Promise Me, by Richard Paul Evans.  

A popular local author, we have read several of his books.

 "Stockings were hung by the chimney with care . . ."

Sandy, Carol, Suzanne, Stephanie, Patti, Lillian, Carolyn, Ann

Paula, Carol, Suzanne, Stephanie, Patti, Lillian, Carolyn, Ann

Carol, Stephanie, Lillian, Ann and Patti

 We enjoy a lively Gift Exchange - many of the books are put on our new years reading list, so we can all enjoy them.

Patti and Suzanne

Paula

Suzanne

Carol and Patti - measuring up