Ok, so you already know my name and what I hope to discover as we read together, but I haven't shared my ideal reading setting. Only I'm going to cheat and give two settings - but that's okay. This is our place, we make the rules, we can give two settings if we want to.
1) The beach, in the shade of an umbrella, with my toes in the sand and my book getting all warped from the wind and saltwater. Yep, sorry, I'm one of those.
A more achievable reading setting is in a cafe with the right balance of background noise and a comfortable arm chair. It has to be cushy and the arms have to be padded too so that I can comfortably change positions as I read.
I’m Kristin from Wichita, Kansas! I like to read outside if possible. But I also love to read anywhere I can find a comfy chair and have a coffee nearby. I have read this book several times, but it has been over a decade (at least) since my last reading. I’m hoping to discover Francie anew, through adult eyes that have changed and matured over the years. I love the idea of examining the book through the spirituality of a child as well. I hope it will bring enrichment to my own spirituality!
Coffee is essential. Recently someone suggested I add a ‘chocolate button’ to my coffee and I don’t think I’ll ever go back! It’s a basic U.K. chocolate... Maybe a couple of Hershey kisses would be similar.
I’m eager to see how I reread it as well, now that I’m a parent (I wasn’t the first time). I find these days when I revisit old favorites, I tend to agree or empathise with the parents more than the kids which is a funny thing to notice.
Hello! Niamh from Cambridge, England here. I'm somewhat renown (and teased) among my family for being able to read anywhere and everywhere (and always having a book on hand and ready to go). But if I had to pick my dream reading spot, it would be a window seat with comfy cushions and blankets, coffee, and a view of something beautiful. And if it's raining outside, that's a plus.
I'm hoping that this group will invigorate my prayer life, which has been sadly neglected due to tiredness and lack of imagination. So, I'm hoping that reading this book with you all will bring a little wonder back into my life.
I'm Jonathan, and I live in Cambridge, UK. I'm very much a homebody, so my ideal reading spot would generally be at home, next to the bookcase. As much as I love open windows and to be able to see what's green and growing outside, I probably tend to want a more isolated and disconnected reading context. I find that if my view is too beautiful, I may end up thinking more about the natural horizon than the book! (In contrast to Janette, I like reading indoors because it ensures that my books will stay safe from the elements.)
I'm looking forward to reading this book for the first time, not least because someone in my family has been raving about it for some time now. I'm also interested in exploring the ways that Francie's spirituality might be seen in relation to her sense of place and the literal place(s?) where she grows up.
My name is Annie, and I live in the Kansas City area. I listen to audiobooks a lot, so my ideal setting for audiobooks is driving. However, when I’m reading a physical book, my ideal setting would be a comfortable chair or in a coffee shop (how I’ve missed that!).
This is my first time encountering this book, but I am hoping to discover the ways the book can help shape and inform my spiritual life. I am looking forward to the conversation.
Hi Annie! I’m so happy you’re joining us. I didn’t realise you were back in the KC area. I’m excited to hear what you will bring to the conversation from your own experiences. Thanks for being here! 💛
I’m usually found reading in my bed with lots of snacks, or at my kitchen table between household tasks. My ideal reading setting would likely be in a personal library though. A quiet place, with lots of plants, floor pillows, and blankets. Sunlight during the day and firelight by night.
On discovery, I’m curious how my life experiences will influence how I interpret the material this time around. I’m also looking forward to plenty of varied opinions and discussions.
I enjoy reading in bed with proper back support, but I also enjoy reading outside in the sun or shade, but out of danger of being wet from a pool or beach. ;) A hammock would be ideal.
I've never read this book. I'm excited to dig in. I'm interested to see what others glean from the book. Embarrassingly, I've never successfully completed a book in a book club. Most of the time while reading, themes and such will hit me hard on a subconscious level, and I won't take the time to process externally and understand why these things resonated so deeply. I'm glad to be able to do so with this book here!
Hi Hannah, I love your inclusion of proper back support. As I get older I realise how important this is. 😂
I’m honoured you’d join this group even though book clubs haven’t had a strong pull for you before. And I hope this is a safe space for you to process some of what hits you, to whatever degree you’d like to do that.
Hi! I’m Elizabeth! Sorry I have been a bit slow to respond this week. I live in Hamilton, New Zealand. I love reading anywhere I am warm, and therefore comfortable. It’s winter here right now and our houses and churches don’t have central heat, so reading places for me are cuddled up under the covers in my bed, in a comfy chair with a blanket, or soaking up the radiant heat coming in the window in my office/reading room at my church. Always with a cup of tea.
I am happy to see some familiar and new faces here. I believe story is powerful. In exploring the stories of others, we can learn to see our own stories with new eyes. I have not read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, so I am a rookie. I’m really looking forward to what’s in store!
I'm Heather, and I live in the Kansas City area. I am sorry that I am late in responding. I have never done an official book club before, but I am working on trying to do better self-care. I have two favorite places to read...the first is reading to my kids. They are growing up (and a couple are taller than me now), but most of them still snuggle in while I read to them. It is a way that I can give each of them time each day.
The second place I like to read propped up in my bed and I will almost always have iced coffee and some kind of chocolate bark to snack on.
I am looking forward to this book, but I will be honest and say that I am not really a very deep reader. My mind's eye is black, and I do not imagine things very well at all. I rely on other's interpretations to help me fully appreciate what I read.
Hola! I’m Amanda, I live in sunny, southern Spain. My ideal reading setting is anywhere cozy, preferably outdoors (in the shade! ☀️) and with a nice glass of lemonade. If it’s winter, then exchange the lemonade for a tea or coffee.
I hope to discover a new way of interpreting some of the themes and characters. I tend to have a pretty clear thought on what I’m reading, but I seldom share it with others. This is probably my second book club ever, so I’m interested to see the diversity and potential medley that the group will bring.
Ok, so you already know my name and what I hope to discover as we read together, but I haven't shared my ideal reading setting. Only I'm going to cheat and give two settings - but that's okay. This is our place, we make the rules, we can give two settings if we want to.
1) The beach, in the shade of an umbrella, with my toes in the sand and my book getting all warped from the wind and saltwater. Yep, sorry, I'm one of those.
A more achievable reading setting is in a cafe with the right balance of background noise and a comfortable arm chair. It has to be cushy and the arms have to be padded too so that I can comfortably change positions as I read.
I’m Kristin from Wichita, Kansas! I like to read outside if possible. But I also love to read anywhere I can find a comfy chair and have a coffee nearby. I have read this book several times, but it has been over a decade (at least) since my last reading. I’m hoping to discover Francie anew, through adult eyes that have changed and matured over the years. I love the idea of examining the book through the spirituality of a child as well. I hope it will bring enrichment to my own spirituality!
Coffee is essential. Recently someone suggested I add a ‘chocolate button’ to my coffee and I don’t think I’ll ever go back! It’s a basic U.K. chocolate... Maybe a couple of Hershey kisses would be similar.
I’m eager to see how I reread it as well, now that I’m a parent (I wasn’t the first time). I find these days when I revisit old favorites, I tend to agree or empathise with the parents more than the kids which is a funny thing to notice.
Hello! Niamh from Cambridge, England here. I'm somewhat renown (and teased) among my family for being able to read anywhere and everywhere (and always having a book on hand and ready to go). But if I had to pick my dream reading spot, it would be a window seat with comfy cushions and blankets, coffee, and a view of something beautiful. And if it's raining outside, that's a plus.
I'm hoping that this group will invigorate my prayer life, which has been sadly neglected due to tiredness and lack of imagination. So, I'm hoping that reading this book with you all will bring a little wonder back into my life.
So what you’re saying is you want to be reading somewhere in Hampshire 😉
Really grateful you’re here Niamh 💛💛
I'm Jonathan, and I live in Cambridge, UK. I'm very much a homebody, so my ideal reading spot would generally be at home, next to the bookcase. As much as I love open windows and to be able to see what's green and growing outside, I probably tend to want a more isolated and disconnected reading context. I find that if my view is too beautiful, I may end up thinking more about the natural horizon than the book! (In contrast to Janette, I like reading indoors because it ensures that my books will stay safe from the elements.)
I'm looking forward to reading this book for the first time, not least because someone in my family has been raving about it for some time now. I'm also interested in exploring the ways that Francie's spirituality might be seen in relation to her sense of place and the literal place(s?) where she grows up.
That we can see past our opposite bookish preferences to create an enduring marriage is a testament to how possible it is for any marriage to last. 😝
Always so sweet of you to read more of my favorite books even though I’m very behind on reading yours. xx
My name is Annie, and I live in the Kansas City area. I listen to audiobooks a lot, so my ideal setting for audiobooks is driving. However, when I’m reading a physical book, my ideal setting would be a comfortable chair or in a coffee shop (how I’ve missed that!).
This is my first time encountering this book, but I am hoping to discover the ways the book can help shape and inform my spiritual life. I am looking forward to the conversation.
Hi Annie! I’m so happy you’re joining us. I didn’t realise you were back in the KC area. I’m excited to hear what you will bring to the conversation from your own experiences. Thanks for being here! 💛
Hi! I’m Amber. I currently live in Billings, MT.
I’m usually found reading in my bed with lots of snacks, or at my kitchen table between household tasks. My ideal reading setting would likely be in a personal library though. A quiet place, with lots of plants, floor pillows, and blankets. Sunlight during the day and firelight by night.
On discovery, I’m curious how my life experiences will influence how I interpret the material this time around. I’m also looking forward to plenty of varied opinions and discussions.
Amber, I can remember talking about books with you about 2 decades ago.... looking forward to doing it again! Your reading setting sounds perfect 😍
Hello, Hannah here from Oklahoma City!
I enjoy reading in bed with proper back support, but I also enjoy reading outside in the sun or shade, but out of danger of being wet from a pool or beach. ;) A hammock would be ideal.
I've never read this book. I'm excited to dig in. I'm interested to see what others glean from the book. Embarrassingly, I've never successfully completed a book in a book club. Most of the time while reading, themes and such will hit me hard on a subconscious level, and I won't take the time to process externally and understand why these things resonated so deeply. I'm glad to be able to do so with this book here!
Hi Hannah, I love your inclusion of proper back support. As I get older I realise how important this is. 😂
I’m honoured you’d join this group even though book clubs haven’t had a strong pull for you before. And I hope this is a safe space for you to process some of what hits you, to whatever degree you’d like to do that.
Hi! I’m Elizabeth! Sorry I have been a bit slow to respond this week. I live in Hamilton, New Zealand. I love reading anywhere I am warm, and therefore comfortable. It’s winter here right now and our houses and churches don’t have central heat, so reading places for me are cuddled up under the covers in my bed, in a comfy chair with a blanket, or soaking up the radiant heat coming in the window in my office/reading room at my church. Always with a cup of tea.
I am happy to see some familiar and new faces here. I believe story is powerful. In exploring the stories of others, we can learn to see our own stories with new eyes. I have not read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, so I am a rookie. I’m really looking forward to what’s in store!
Hi Elizabeth! The cup of tea is a very important addition!
I too am really excited about the mix of people here and I’m looking forward to hearing more of your stories as we go along.
I'm Heather, and I live in the Kansas City area. I am sorry that I am late in responding. I have never done an official book club before, but I am working on trying to do better self-care. I have two favorite places to read...the first is reading to my kids. They are growing up (and a couple are taller than me now), but most of them still snuggle in while I read to them. It is a way that I can give each of them time each day.
The second place I like to read propped up in my bed and I will almost always have iced coffee and some kind of chocolate bark to snack on.
I am looking forward to this book, but I will be honest and say that I am not really a very deep reader. My mind's eye is black, and I do not imagine things very well at all. I rely on other's interpretations to help me fully appreciate what I read.
The image of you reading with your kids gives me warm & fuzzy feelings 🥰
Hola! I’m Amanda, I live in sunny, southern Spain. My ideal reading setting is anywhere cozy, preferably outdoors (in the shade! ☀️) and with a nice glass of lemonade. If it’s winter, then exchange the lemonade for a tea or coffee.
I hope to discover a new way of interpreting some of the themes and characters. I tend to have a pretty clear thought on what I’m reading, but I seldom share it with others. This is probably my second book club ever, so I’m interested to see the diversity and potential medley that the group will bring.
So happy you’re joining us Amanda! Really excited you’re adding to that diversity and medley of reflections 💛