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As our discussion begins, it is clear we are each struggling to find a few positive phrases to share about the book. Oftentimes we open with general comments. We take turns sharing our opinions, both positive and negative (imagine kindergarteners sitting in a circle). This time, the positive comments were scarce.

“It wasn’t a horrible read,” begins the first clubber with a chuckle, “just not an enticing one.”
“I kept thinking of better ways to steer the story.”

By Jennifer Stanley

Photos by Brandy Strain

What comes to mind when someone says the words “Harley-Davidson?” Bad to the bone? Hell’s Angels? Big guys with tattoos, sporting head-to-toe leather? This is the stigma many associate with motorcycle riding, but Landers Toad Suck Harley-Davidson in Conway is doing its part to dispel the stereotypes through employing women and empowering them to join and enjoy the motorcycle culture.

By Susan O’Keefe

In a matter of a few days, I read every word, sometimes re-reading because I felt such a draw to the gentleness, the respect, the reverence for life this author allowed the main character, a 50-year old woman diagnosed with early onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

Ugh! A complex individual to say the least. Imagine a modern-day Maude: grumpy, opinionated and cantankerous. And yet there is a piece of her that is charming, witty, and dare I say loveable! Meet Mrs. Olive Kitteridge, the axis around whom the novel revolves. One would deduce since the novel is a Pulitzer Prize winner, it would be a no-brainer. Hands down, a fabulous read. Well, our club almost unanimously gave the book a hearty endorsement until I crashed the party ... “Olive” just drained the life out of me!

Downtown Conway has become the social center of town with year-round activities for the whole family, as well as plenty of shopping and dining. “We’re looking forward to a big year this year,” said Kim Williams, director of the Conway Downtown Partnership. “Bring out the kids. Eat, dine, play. We’re going to have quite a few activities, so there’s something for everyone.”

“Small studies yet large generalizations” quipped one reader. “I found it interesting but maybe not completely factual” voiced another. “His methodology allowed for a tremendous amount of wiggle room.”

Ethereal, genuine, soulful, artistic: these words accurately describe the music of Ashley Sullivan, a local singing/songwriting ingénue. Her music embodies a modern day Janis Joplin and is reminiscent of Jewel, one of her influences. However, rather than her talent being the result of years of disciplined practice, Ashley didn’t pick up a guitar until she was 16 and didn’t start singing until 17. She is now 18 years old.

Three months into the new year and resolution makers are resolving not to participate in such trivial nonsense next year! By March, the newness has worn thin. What was once an exciting challenge is now a pain in the neck and encouraging texts from friends are few and far between!

Wallhalia is the single African word I would use to sum up the situations described in this book. Simply put, wallhalia means a mess, a problem, a difficult circumstance. Covering almost a dozen different countries on the continent of Africa, author Uwem Akpan offers a collection of stories told through children’s voices. These children are desperately attempting to survive the day, the night, the war, the famine, the hunger pains, the religious discrimination, the ethnic cleansing, the trafficking of kids, and the list unfortunately continues. It is not an easy read on the soul.

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me … a fabulous book that captured my attention, sparked intriguing discussion at our club meeting, and found a top spot on my list of all-time favorites. This month, a slew of seasoned book clubbers shared a few favorites.