I think of life as a good book!"

Matchbook Book Club presents:

The August Edition

Dear Members,

I cannot believe we've arrived at the month of August! Summer days just seem to just fly past us at such speeds that often we take such warm afternoons for granted. Let us not forget that there are still weekends, afternoons, and evenings left so let's make the best out of them!

Leisure moments like these are best spent with a book in tow: how has everyone been with their book pledge this year? Anyone close to accomplishing the 2015 Reading Bingo? (For those who need a refresh or have not encountered one before, please visit this link hereand print one out today!)

I am thrilled to see that some of you are on Goodreads (We have a Goodreads page too- follow us here!) It's always lovely to see what everyone else is reading.

I'm looking forward to seeing all next month- and in the meantime, enjoy the sunshine, relax, and read!

Joanne

Thank you to everyone who came out on a warm Sunday to have lunch at Bar Milano!
What a beautiful view of the lake, not to mention sitting in a shadier place helped to beat the heat! Sipping on iced tea and eating dishes like pizza and delicious pasta: can't complain!

My, my, what overwhelming feedback for our latest read, Confessions! The characters, the story-line, the themes, the vivid imagery of certain scenes (hint: the ending anyone?!!?!?)- there were definite moments where we went WTH! While there were those who couldn't sympathize with the characters but thought it well-written, others found it to be a thrilling read and liked that the story was told through multiple points of view- one member even finished this book in two sittings!

Fun fact (taken from Wiki): The author has been described in Japan as "the queen of iyamisu." Iyamisu (eww mystery) is a subgenre of mystery fiction which deals with grisly episodes and the dark side of human nature. Readers blurt out "eww" when they are reading iyamisu (eww mystery) novels.

Huh! Interesting!

Theme: Carry Me

Thank you to everyone who have submitted their votes: our theme draws on titles which renders coming back to the theme of home: memories of days past, weekends spent, evenings well cherished with loved ones- which at times for some, can hold both the good and the bad.

And this month's pick is:

The Shore by Sara Taylor
Left: UK Cover Version
Right: Canadian Cover Version

Summary: Welcome to The Shore: a collection of small islands sticking out from the coast of Virginia into the Atlantic Ocean. Where clumps of evergreens meet wild ponies, oyster-shell roads, tumble-down houses, unwanted pregnancies, murder, storm-making and dark magic in the marshes. . .

Situated off the coast of Virginia's Chesapeake Bay, the group of islands known as the Shore has been home to generations of fierce and resilient women. Sanctuary to some but nightmare to others, it's a place they've inhabited, fled, and returned to for hundreds of years. From a half-Shawnee Indian's bold choice to flee an abusive home only to find herself with a man who will one day try to kill her to a brave young girl's determination to protect her younger sister as methamphetamine ravages their family, to a lesson in summoning storm clouds to help end a drought, these women struggle against domestic violence, savage wilderness, and the corrosive effects of poverty and addiction to secure a sense of well-being for themselves and for those they love.

Together their stories form a deeply affecting legacy of two barrier island families, illuminating 150 years of their many freedoms and constraints, heartbreaks, and pleasures. Conjuring a wisdom and beauty all its own,The Shore is a richly unique, stunning novel that will resonate with readers long after turning its final pages, establishing Sara Taylor as a promising new voice in fiction.