January 2012- "The Birth Order Book" by Kevin Leman

"Once you figure out your birth order, as well as the birth orders of those you love, you'll be way ahead of everyone else in the game of life."


Thanks to Corinn for a great discussion on The Birth Order Book. It was interesting to get to know one another better by way of our experiences as firsts, middle's, and youngest while growing up, as well as in our current lives. Also, Corinn, thanks for some great refreshments.  Among some wonderful healthy treats, Corinn made chocolate pecan topped cheesecake and homemade cookie dough ice cream.  Amazing! Thanks Corinn!

Click on the links below for  further reading on the subject of birth order:
The Birth Order Connection: Finding and Keeping the Love of Your Life by Kevin Leman
Birth Order Blues: How Parents Can Help their Children Meet the Challenges of their Birth Order by Meri Wallace
Birth Order and Parenting by Nina Guilbeau
The Birth Order Effect: How to Better Understand Yourself and Others by Clifford E. Isaacson and Kris Radish
Born to Rebel: Birth Order, Family Dynamics, and Creative Lives by Frank J. Sulloway 
My Firstborn, There's No One Like You (Birth Order Books) by Dr. Kevin Leman and Kevin II Leman
My Middle Child, There's No One Like You (Birth Order Books) by Dr. Kevin Leman and Kevin II Leman
My Youngest, There's No One Like You (Birth Order Books) by Dr. Kevin Leman and Kevin II Leman
My Adopted Child, There's No One Like You (Birth Order Books) by Dr. Kevin Leman and Kevin II Leman 


"The inmate relationships that develop in the family can be found nowhere else on earth, and these relationships are created in great part by your order of birth."

December 2011- "Sarah's Key" by Tatiana De Rosnay

"Zakhor. Al Tichkah. Remember. Never forget."

Gwen hosted a lovely evening where we discussed selfish choices and the impetus behind them.  We explored the reasons for which people make difficult choices and how those choices are affected by a perception of the world around them.  We put ourselves in the place of the book's main characters and discussed the choices we hope we ourselves would have made in the same situations.  We discussed the author's choices in regard to telling this unique story.  We also discussed prejudice and it's evolution over different generations and cultures.  Thanks for a wonderful evening everyone!

"Sorry for not knowing. Sorry for being forty-five years old and not knowing."

November 2011- "Ender's Game" by Orson Scott Card

“We may be young, but we are not powerless.  We play by their rules long enough, and it becomes our game.”


We had a rousing discussion about people being "tools" toward a greater end.  We talked about Orson Scott Card's religious beliefs and how they influenced the book.  We examined our assumptions of what children are capable of, and what is appropriately expected of them at different ages.  We touched upon the theory of birth order and its effects on one's personality in terms of the three Wiggin children. We also discussed the parallels between Ender and Jesus Christ.  We also ate lots and lots of pie...

"In the moment when I truly understand my enemy, understand him well enough to defeat him, then in that very moment I also love him. I think it's impossible to really understand somebody, what they want, what they believe, and not love them the way they love themselves." 

October 2011- "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho

“Remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure.  You’ve got to find the treasure, so that everything you have learned along the way can make sense."


We had an uplifting and enlightening discussion about how we are all connected through the pursuit of our dreams.   We discussed how  the hand of God guides us toward our destiny according to our willingness to connect with Him.   The greatest treasure of our lives in found in the journey we take to find our personal treasure.  Love is the purpose, possibility, and result of that journey.  We discussed the metaphor of the oil on the spoon.  We concluded that they key to life is to find a balance between "minding the oil" and appreciating the scenery.   Balance is the key.


“The boy reached through to the Soul of the World, and saw that it was part of the Soul of God. And he saw that the Soul of God was his own soul. And that he, a boy, could perform miracles.”


Please post your comments, impressions, connections, and thoughts. Whether or not you attended the meeting, this is a chance to continue the discussion about this book.  

September 2011- "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett

“You is kind. You is smart. You is important.” 


We saw the newly released feature film, "The Help," then we gathered at The Princetonion Diner to discuss Kathryn Stockett's book of the same title.  We discussed racial prejudice and the fact that, despite everything, prejudice is still prevalent in our current culture.  We also discussed how faith, humor, friendship, and kindness prevail even in the most unjust circumstances.


“All I'm saying is, kindness don't have no boundaries.” 


Please post your comments, impressions, connections, and thoughts. Whether or not you attended the meeting, this is a chance to continue the discussion about this book.