This summer I met Kim at Sevda's wedding.  I always like meeting friends of friends because it's like they've been pre-screened for me, and chances are good that I'll probably like them.  And sure enough, after spending a few days together, we found plenty to talk about - including the books that we love.  This month, I turned to Kim to make our selection.  She sent me a long list of books, many of which I'd already read and enjoyed.  The good part about that is that it means that we like the same kinds of books.  The bad part is that if I've read it, that probably means that many of you have as well, since many books have passed between our hands over the years.  From Kim's list, I added a few new ones to my queue and picked one for this month that I think we'll enjoy.  It's a bit different from the books that we've read so far, yet combines many of the things that we enjoy.  This month, please join Kim and me in reading The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell


The Sparrow blends science fiction and religion and is described as "taking you on a journey to a distant planet and to the center of the human soul."  The story of a Jesuit priest and linguist who leads a 21st century scientific mission to a newly discovered extraterrestrial culture, The Sparrow has come highly recommended.  The word on the street is that even if you normally steer clear of science fiction, this book is one you shouldn't pass up.

Reviews from people we don't know:
"This is one of my favorite books of all time, as rich and fulfilling on the 10th read as on the first. Wonderfully- drawn characters, a fascinating topic: I feel guilty even attempting to describe this as science fiction when it is clearly so much deeper, so much more. This is a book about the very nature of belief, a career-making accomplishment for the author, and great good fortune for any of us likely to discover it." - Lynn

"This is a great book. I am not much of a science fiction type person but this was not just about science there was a different meaning. It makes you think about God and your position with him. The character Emilio was very complex and a little hard to understand. If you get a little lost with the flashbacks don't worry you'll get use to it." - Deep

I struggled a bit to find this month's wine pairing.  Not knowing much about the book, I decided to follow the religious track of the main character and have selected Blue Nun.  This wine is easy to find, which I know because it used to be one of my Grandma Mitchell's favorites.  And as a bonus, it comes in a pretty blue bottle, which conveniently matches the cover of our book - making it the perfect pairing.