Borders

Maybe I'm biased and other book stores do this too, but I just LOVE Borders rewards card. It's just like one you'd get at a grocery store that they scan with every purchase but you also get these in your email:

(This coupon has been claimed already.)

I get a coupon from 15%-50% off on item almost every month (sometimes 2x a month)! This comes in pretty handy since I buy a book club book once a month. :) I highly recommend it and if Barnes & Noble has this too, please let us know! :)

Christmas Jars - Experiences

I hope everyone is enjoying or enjoyed Christmas Jars as much as I did! It was such a good, dare I say, heartwarming book! :) I would definitely LOVE to start a Christmas Jar of my own. So many people all over the country have started a Christmas Jar tradition. I found this map on his website at http://www.christmasjars.com:

As it states, each star represents communities where jars have been given to someone in need. Also on the website are stories of people's experiences they have with their Christmas Jars. I have read a few and they are truly great, and inspiring stories. If you have a few minutes, I recommend reading some: http://www.christmasjars.com/share.php This was such a perfect way to get into the Holiday spirit. I can't wait to discuss the book! The website also has book club questions so we will have plenty to discuss! I have included the questions below. If you've read it, please leave your answers in a comment so I can share them at the meeting!

1. In one sentence, how would you define the word HOPE?

2. In the prologue, "Hope" is unexpectedly discovered, and it forever changes the life of Louise. What have you recently unexpectedly discovered and how do you think it can/will change your life?

3. What was the significance of the tic-tac-toe game of tater tots (pg. 16)? What simple traditions do you have in your life and what do they symbolize?

4. "This just don't belong in the papers" (pg. 31). Do you agree? Are acts of kindness better left anonymous?

5. How can you give away Christmas (pg. 69)?

6. What "jar story" did you most relate to? Why?

7. Have you or your family been blessed by a Christmas act of kindness?

8. Do you believe that "good goes around"? How have you seen that in your own life?

9. What can your book club group do to bring hope to someone in need this holiday season? Who do you know who might be in need of their own Christmas jar?

10. Will you go home today and start a Christmas Jar of your own?