Page 34 July 2016 By Jean Hodgson Francis Bacon once wisely observed, “Some books are to be tasted, others are to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested.” The book discussion group that meets monthly in my home has been feasting on some great selections since 1999. While we all enjoy some light reading along the way, we gravitate toward books to be “chewed and digested” for our times together. Are you looking for titles to consider for your summer reading? Here are some recommendations from our members. Maybe their favorites would be a match with your appetite as well. The Nightingale (Kristin Hannah) This novel begins with this statement: “If I have learned anything in this long life of mine, it is this: In love we find out who we want to be; in war we find out who we are.” The story leads you to experience the Nazi occupation of France through the lives of two sisters. The Secret Keeper (Kate Morton) I am such a fan of Kate Morton and this is my favorite. Not only does she make me feel as though I am in the story, but she always manages a twist at the end that I was not expecting. The Widow’s War (Sally Gunning) We forget how far we women have come. The setting for this book is Colonial times on Cape Cod. When Lyddie’s husband dies, she not only has to deal with grief, but with the realization that all her property and rights are now in the hands of her nearest male relative. I appreciate living in my time. Enjoy sampling this menu from your fellow book lovers in Arcadia! The Thirteenth Tale (Diane Setterfield) The writing is elegant, since the narrator is the daughter of a rare book dealer and a great reader of literature. I don’t think anything can beat this one for a pure page-turner. O Pioneers! (Willa Cather) Willa Cather lived and wrote in Red Cloud, Nebraska, a few miles from where my husband’s mother was born and raised. We took a tour of the town once. We saw where she lived, the little desk she sat at to write, the church where she worshiped, and then looked out the window at the prairie. It made her writing seem timeless. Tuesdays with Morrie (Mitch Albom) This book touched me as it reminded me of my father, whose disease took his mind but left his body intact. I loved the little gems of wisdom that Morrie shared and I always gain some new insight when I reread it. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows) This book introduced us to a different and unique style of writing because it was composed entirely of letters. My boat ride to Guernsey a few years ago was the roughest seas I have ever experienced! The Orphan Master’s Son (Adam Johnson) With North Korea in the news so much recently, this was a timely insight into life there. Horrifying, yet told in a way that was readable. Summer reading choices from a local longtime book group Jean Hodgson’s book club has met in her Arcadia living room since 1999. reminded me of my Find an rack location near you. Visit arcadianews.com click on “Pick up a copy” AWA R D W I N N I N G N E I G H B O R H O O D N E W S S I N C E 1 9 9 3

FIRST AZ STATE LICENSED 24 / 7 / 365 ONLINE 16 HOUR CLASS MVD ONLINE SCREENING Scottsdale Treatment Institute PLC (480) 429-9044 Page 35 July 2016 By Jean Hodgson A visitor from another part of the country asks you, “What should I see when I’m in the Phoenix area?” How do you answer? As locals, we may take the tourist attractions for granted. One specific attraction, however, may result in a renewed appreciation for our area. The second Saturday of every month take advantage of the free Cultural Trolley Tour of downtown Scottsdale. The tours begin at 10:30 a.m. at the Old Adobe Mission near Brown Avenue and Second Street. Participants are invited to gather there for a private docent talk about the history of the mission and a look inside the building. It was constructed in 1933 by volunteer crews of parishioners from Our Lady of Perpetual Help, and in 2013 celebrated its 80th anniversary as the first Catholic parish and oldest standing church in Scottsdale. Then you are welcomed aboard the air- conditioned trolley by a friendly driver and the tour guide, Ace Bailey, who is also the president of Ultimate Art and Cultural Tours. She packs a wealth of information into the two-hour tour of the arts district, Hotel Valley Ho, SouthBridge and the Waterfront area. As locals, we may drive or walk by the historic buildings without realizing their significance or stopping to read the signs with the blue stripe that recount their origins. Ace explains that these are “buildings with many incarnations” as she talks about the early settlement of Scottsdale. She adds, “We are not as transient as some people think we are.” The trolley takes tour participants by many of Scottsdale’s public art works, including striking bronze statues, dramatic fountains and interactive installations. Ace points out features of such works as Bronze Horse Fountain by Bob Parks, The Doors by Donald Lipski, and Soleri Bridge and Plaza by Paolo Soleri. Along with this information comes encouragement to experience the Art Walk on Thursday nights from 7 until 9. ExperienceScottsdale.com provides details and a map of both trolley and walking routes. Trolley tour riders learn about the current trend of residents wanting to “live urban,” but how it is complicated by limited land availability and height restrictions. The tour route passes infill projects and points out the requirement for extra creativity in residential design in this desirable neighborhood. This outing concludes by 12:30 p.m. and brings attendees back to the Old Town parking lot. An added Saturday attraction from October through the middle of June is the downtown farmers market across the street from the mission. The specific schedule is available at arizonafarmersmarket. com. Be aware that reservations are required for this free cultural trolley tour. Seating is limited and spaces fill ahead of time during the peak winter season, but the second Saturdays during the summer tend to have more availabilty. Call 480-634-6850 for a reser vation and lear n more at UltimateArtTours.com. Scottsdale Trolley Tour for tourists and locals alike Tour guide Ace Bailey and trolley driver Debra welcome riders aboard, even in the summer heat. WHERE’S THE NEIGHBOR?