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Scientists 'baffled' by gel results: Scientists say they are shocked that a second study has shown that a vaginal gel developed to prevent HIV transmission in women is ineffective.

When God was a rabbit - Review by Tania Mathys

I love love loved this book. I loved the characters and the way the author gave them so many emotional depth.
I enjoyed the unpredictability of the book. I thought I knew where the author was going but she surprised me continuously.
A rainbow of emotions and I was so hooked and just couldn't put it down once I started reading.
I felt that I could relate to the characters and especially the sibling theme. I felt Elle's hurt and devastation when her brother lost his memory. My brother and sister are my best friends and the people who know me the best. If they couldn't remember our past, I would feel that a large part of me has been erased.
My favourite character was Jenny Penny. I know so many Jenny Penny's and so many times society and myself have judged 'Jenny's' life and her lifestyle and given up on 'her' without taking the time to find out a little bit about her circumstances.Jenny really made me reflect on my own life and my behaviour.
In general i really enjoyed the colourful characters and the vivid pictures the author painted in describing them.
Fantastic book and highly recommended

For those of you that were not at the bookclub meeting:

The next book is : 28 stories of aids in africa by Stephanie Nolen

The book profiles 28 Africans who have HIV or AIDS, or have otherwise been affected by it. The number 28 was chosen to reflect the 28 million Africans who had HIV in 2007, according to UNAIDS. Nolen spent six years traveling through Africa to gather the stories. The stories range from orphans, a truck driver, a miner, and a grandmother raising her grandchildren alone in poverty, to college educated patients, military members, clergy, and even Nelson Mandela, whose son died of AIDS

Each lady has 4 stories to read as indicated in the table, but you are more than welcome to read the whole book 28: Stories of AIDS in Africa is a 2007 nonfiction book by Canadian authorStephanie Nolen, Africa correspondent for The Globe and Mail.

Ilse	Why 28 stories	Siphiwe Hlophe	Mfanimpela Thlabatse	Ida Mukuka
Tania	Why 28 stories	Tigist Haile Michael	Alice Kadzanja	Anita Manhiça
Henlene	Why 28 stories	Mohammed Ali	Zackie Achmat	Morolake Odetoyinbo
Vania	Why 28 stories	Prisca Mhlolo	Lefa Khoele	Moleen Mudimu
Karin	Why 28 stories	Regine Mamba	Pontiano Kaleebu	Cynthia Leshomo
Meryl	Why 28 stories	Lydia Mungherera	Winstone Zulu	Gideon Byamugisha
Janis	Why 28 stories	Noé Sebisaba	Agnes Munyiva	Moleen Mudimu
Rhoda	Why 28 stories	Christine Amisi	Mpho Segomela	Ibrahim Umoru
Cordelia	Why 28 stories	Manuel Cossa	Anne Mumbi	Nelson Mandela
Erica VDM	Why 28 stories	Cynthia Leshomo	Gideon Byamugisha	Thokozani Mthiyane

When god was a rabbit, by Sarah Winman

As boekrakkers we finally had our second book discussion over breakfast at Cafe Edge on Saturday morning. So many emotions and opinions about the characters, events and writing style, but overall a well received novel. The setting for our discussion was delightful and the food wholesome. In addition to the pleasantries experienced, we also had the opportunity of having our distance-boekrakker join us via skype for the introduction of the new read, 28 Stories of AIDS.

Here follows the reading experiences of the various members....

Truly Beautiful ( Ilse )

Unfortunately these words are not enough to describe the wholesome story writing of Sarah Winman. Of course being the second novel to be read and discussed by the boekrakkers I was relieved that the read was enjoyed and valued by the members. All these commentaries when I still hadn’t found my copy which had mysteriously hidden. With one week left to complete reading, I finally managed to get hold of another copy (thanks Meryl) and out pops my copy. Why, why, WHY? And then the miniseries started, and this is completely how the story played off in my mind, so vivid and truly beautiful. I especially admired the skill the author had in setting the tone or describing an emotion with few, but descriptive words. When God was a Rabbit is a real, and honest story, as strange as it my be, which easily makes it at times, such a familiar story often about the “clandestine” (yes, she used this word pretty often in her book), parts of life. A theme I valued was that “from crisis, comes some energy that forces change”. I’m not sure if this is what the author had intended, but evidence of this theme is when the parents are going through a crisis in their relationship, they then decide to relocate their family and life to Trehaven-(crisis propels change or in equation terms, crisisàD). Also, the crisis of Joe losing his memory, this also eventually changes his idea of a future with Charlie. I must also say, that the relationship Elly has with Mr Golan and how this part of the story develops, still does not sit well with me-in fact, I was of the understanding that Joe had overreacted, perhaps an indication of my own naivety (if I counted correctly, the author also used this word at least 4 times). A naivety which is needed to hear the voice of god the rabbit, and in reality, also the voice of God the Deity.

Henlene's review

I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was refreshing, an easy read, funny, and it most certainly dealt with a host of different relationships which always attracts me to a book. The human interaction. How people deal with adversity. How we prosper. How our decisions affects not only our lives but those around us. As I said on Saturday, the most poignant for me was the self realisation that I am quite conservative when it comes to parenting. It was a little shocking! Left me doing some introspection …. which is always a good sign. I always considered myself very liberal and I thought that once I have kids, it’s a no-brainer…guess again! I thought, “wow, these parents are wayyyyyyyyyyyyy to liberal”, or: “ no way, they are too young to be discussing sex and the likes”…

My favourite characters were Ginger and Nancy….strong women…dramatic and so unconventional. I liked that.

I look forward to our next book!

Cordelia's review

I was intrigued by the title of the book more than anything but put
myself under pressure once again by only getting my book 5 days prior
to our meeting.I think the book grew on me as I was speed reading
during a crazy week.This probably due to Sarah Winman`s
laid-back-easy-to-follow writing style.The book made me think of my
own special relationship with my 3 sisters.I too would go crazy if one
of them cannot remember our bond due to memory loss!The book evoked
different emotions while reading and also forced me to think of real
life issues facing us daily.A truly remarkable read!

Henlene's review of 'Sister' by Rosamund Lupton

   For me, reading a book does not always have to be earth-shattering or life altering and in this instance, it wasn’t….i thought that the start of the book was confusing and difficult to follow.  Whether this was the intention of the author is debatable. It was hard to follow, but having said that, I felt under pressure to get into the book as it was the first for the bookclub.  It felt a bit like school, I must say but fun, so this could have hampered my concentration.  It forced me to recognise that I need some better planning in my life and not wait for the last week before the next bookclub to start reading the book.   The middle of the book was filled with emotion although it dragged a bit, but I didn’t really mind that.  I think since I don’t have a sister of my own, it was interesting for me how she described the intensity of sisterhood. I really started “ bonding” with the prosecuter, Mr Wright, and hoped some sort of romantic relationship would evolve.  This story line was the better part of the book…the fact that it turned out to be a projection by Bee to assist her in telling her story or writing her letter but also to ultimately keep her alive…that was cool for me. The ending was an anti-climax to say the least.  The character of the doctor was lame for me…he never had real substance through-out the book.  I don’t feel that the character was explored enough.   Essentially, I wouldn’t recommend this book to medical practitioners because they might laugh their heads off, I suspect.  But as an easy read, perhaps while travelling, to keep busy and you don’t really care whether the facts are credible..….go for it!

Sister by Rosamund Lupton

On Friday, 2 September 2011, 'Die Boekrak' book club convened for the first book discussion.

The book under discussion: Sister by Rosamund Lupton. Host: Karin Baatjes. I couldn't wait to discuss this book because the book was so complex in its story telling.

One of my favourite authors is James Patterson and I think I am so used to his short chapters that I got so frustrated when the author took so long to get to her point.  I also expected a better ‘twist’ in the plot. However, I was very touched by Ms Lupton’s portrayal of the relationship between sisters. I could so identify with Beatrice. I particularly enjoyed the email correspondence between the two sisters. Only siblings can be that candid with each other and that font that Tess used would also work on my nerves.

The Saddest moment for me was the funeral. I shed a few tears because I myself in Bea’s shoes and couldn’t even imagine how she must have felt to put her sister in that cold soil. I also found the author’s comparison of the line of ‘well-wishers’ at the funeral to the those at a wedding very vivid and touching. Heartbreaking!!!!

Daai dokter was sommer al lankal vir my baie suspect. Al wat hy so vriendelik was met Bea but then he claims to have never met Tess or treated her. I was just thinking – what?maar why?(hee-hee).

Although my fellow book clubbers disagreed with about my unhappiness about the author’s inaccuracy regarding the AIDS stats in Johannesburg, I still feel that even when you right fiction, AIDS is not fiction, it’s a real disease and this should be properly researched. For example, if you are going to reference the World War I, you can’t change when it happened? Well that is just my point of view.

Thanks KB for choosing the book. I think it was the perfect book to start off with ‘cos it really got us talking.

Herewith Karin’s summary of the ‘Sister’ Boekrak gathering.
Thank you for attending our first meeting of Boekrak, to discuss Sister, by Rosamund Lipton. The discussion around the book proved to be very lively,even heated at times! Over all I think,the book was well received and resonated with members on various levels. There was also critique brought up about the writing style of the author as well as the flow of the story line.
Then we moved on to some Pictionary,this took "words" to a whole new "picture" level! Fun was had all round. Congratulations to Tania,Henlene and Ilse for winning with such a large margin!!

Sadly, Vania was unable to attend, but here is her ‘review’ of the book.
This was a great read for me as I judge a book by the first four pages. If it does not have the ability to grip me in those initial moments I can’t continue. The storyline moved me and I during and at the end of the book had an even greater appreciation for my own sisters…J

The novel of two sisters with very different personas bears testament that we often misjudge ourselves and that we easily hold back on whom we really are to uphold an image that others expect of us. Bee most certainly reminded me of myself at times…and I am sure she too longed to be as secure and comfortable within herself as her sister Tess.

Rosamund cleverly develops Bee from the investigative sister who needs to solve the mystery of her sister’s death into one who is simultaneously presented with the opportunity to find and explore her true self. On her journey to redeem her sister from being branded a weakling who committed suicide she too discovers who her artistic sister really was. Instead of being only the carefree, irresponsible student that she perceived her to be she goes to great lengths to lead the lifestyle Tess has lead and realizes how wonderful, rich in humanity and spirit Tess was.

I anticipated a much greater end as I obviously tried to figure out the outcome. Even though I already crucified the poor dr as the culprit, I changed my mind up until the point she sipped on the tea he had made her. This might sound bizarre to others but to me that was a crazy giveaway.  As from that moment I had a pressing feeling that she was in trouble! The text she sent Kasia cemented my theory and from there I spoilt the end for myself as I was convinced that Rosamund had a grand finale in store…L

Her writing style was admirable as I can only imagine that she too had to keep up with the juggling.  I enjoyed the findings that the book was completely based on the letter that Bee wrote to Tess, especially making sense of Mr Wright.

In a nutshell I appreciated Sister and will recommend it to anyone who is looking for a quick, interesting holiday read. 

Boekrak Launch

Boekrak, our brand new book club, was launched on a cold wintery night, Thursday 28 June 2011 at the Casa Restaurant at Willowbridge.

The following ladies braved the cold and pitched for this inaugural meeting
Meryl Awkes
Karin Baatjes
Vania Cloete-Collison
Cordelia Jacobs
Ilse Mathys
Tania Mathys

(Henlene Barends was unfortunately in Angola at time)

The following rules for book club were agreed upon by the ladies:
1. Book club meetings will take place every 6weeks or as agreed upon by all members.
2. All members must read the assigned book prior to the meeting. Everyone's opinion counts.
3. The host leads the discussion and provides drinks,if in a restaurant,the host will buy the first round of drinks. The host will decide the theme of the event.
4. All members are to source own copy of the book,keeping libraries and book exchanges in mind.
5. Any topic is allowed,afrikaans and english.
6. At 6 monthly intervals a poetry evening will be held,5 poems will be selected and distributed prior and will be discussed at the meeting.
7. Book launches and similar events will be attended as extra events.

The order of meetings are :
2 Sept - Karin
21 Oct - Ilse

Therafter : Tania,Vania,Cordelia,Henlene,

Meryl.

The book club wishes to donate children's books to school libraries. This will be discussed further at the next meeting.

The members then agreed on a name for the book club. Hereafter and henceforth to be referred to exclusively as Boekrak!!

Lekka Lees almal.