Hey everyone! I know, I'm a little late getting this out, but we've been traveling and it's finally been nice enough for the kids to play outside! You have no idea what a relief it is for the weather to have finally turned. My kids were completely stir crazy, first with the never-ending snow and then all the rain and flooding; finally there's sunshine to be enjoyed! So, without any more preamble, let's get down to business. "The Beach"- Alex Garland I choose this book for our book club this month and I was really impressed. There was a film adaptation that was <very loosely> based on this novel starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Has anyone seen it? Well, the book is better! We meet Richard as he's back packing around the world. While he enjoys the solitude most of the time, a little company is welcome here and there. The night he lands in Thailand, he meets a man that leaves him an interesting map, apparently a way to paradise. Teaming up with a fel