Tuesday, April 12, 2011
April Book Club 2011
My, my this year is flying by and we have already passed the April book club! This month we met at Janie's home on Easy Street, which is always a treat. Carla A brought a cold cucumber and avocado soup that was topped with a spicy shrimp. Pam brought a flavorful shrimp and pasta salad, Janie had warm bread and that great Amish butter, Terry brought every one's favorite Pear Salad and Laura brought deviled eggs while Diana topped the evening off with delicious brownies. There was Tisdale wine as well as Champagne. We missed Barb, Lou and Arnora. We weren't expecting Lis as she was getting ready for an early morning flight on Saturday but she was able to stop by after all. This month Denise celebrated her birthday by bringing US all a gift. A small "box of chocolates" because that is how she thinks of us; sweet, soft and mushy - no! that wasn't it. It was because, like the box of chocolate we're all different and you never know what you are going to get! Janie finished all 32 CD's and has decided that she can finally give merit to books with more than 300 pages! For this month, however, we are only discussing about half the book which takes us to Part III. So far the book is getting mixed reviews. Laura is enjoying it but feels that the author's omniscient viewpoint is not always reliable nor is it consistent. Some of the narrative imposes judgment instead of just reporting the events. I didn't quite make it to Part III and a lot of what I was reading initially just screamed "bodice ripper". One of the scenes read, to me, like a bad Penthouse Forum letter. But, maybe this book, inadvertently, is the erotica we've been thinking of reading! Darby feels that the a lot of the characters are stereotypical, the Femme Fatale is the witch for example and that the male characters are better developed. Some of the themes are "man's personal destiny vs. God's will", Paganism vs. Christianity, the chances of your birth, man's limitations. It's also about how your alliances determine your fate and how often it's not about choice but circumstances thrust (pun intended) upon you. A lot of the story revolves around architecture and the building of cathedrals. The time period is interesting historically and a violent time it was. Darby suggested that something similar but better was In the Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco. So - stay tuned until next month for the conclusion of "The Young and the Restless..." no wait, I mean "All my Children", not that's not right either - ok, yes! The Pillars of the Earth! May's book Club will be at Terrys'. Don't forget about Darby's BD celebration May 14 at Royal Bavaria! and Welcome to Spring 2011.
March 2011 Book Club
My apologies, ladies, for the lateness of this review. As you all know, I spent the month of March finishing up my job and had my last day on April 1. The month was completely booked with activity and physically and emotionally draining. The people at work, however, could not have been more supportive and kind. In fact, in my 15 years there I have never seen them treat anyone else with more love and respect. I was completely humbled. And, my deepest thanks to you all who have also loved and supported me through this time of huge change and shifts in my life. You guys inspire me and lift me up with confidence and encouragement and I cannot thank you enough. That said - the blog is about a month behind, but better late than never! March's book was The Clockwork Three. It is similar in subject matter to Hugo Cabret and tags off both that book and The Book Thief. The book is about 3 children whose paths cross at a pivotal time in their lives and they embark on a journey hunting for treasure while coming of age in a difficult time. Guiseppe is orphaned, as were the protagonists in Book Thief and Hugo Cabret. A common theme in children's literature as we discussed last month. He is also building a clockwork automaton (as did Hugo) and clocks play an important part as the children work in "time" together to achieve their goals. The consensus was that the book was probably read too close to Hugo Cabret. It was felt that Hugo's story left more to the imagination. Carla G, Darby and Diana found it "predictable". Carla A loved this book and connected to it emotionally, except for the part where the automaton comes to life. Darby said that the book was "fine" and that there was no cursing or throwing of the book during her reading. The final decision was that the book was kind of "vanilla" and not life altering and rated a 3.1 (with of course Carla A's "I loved it"). At this stage of the game, I am not going to try and remember who brought what food. My memory fails me and I can't read my own writing but in honor of the book we had a Cottage Pie, biscuits, fruit, artichoke dip and cookies. Lou, Janie, Denise, Terry and Laura were all missed. April's book club will be at Janie's where we will discuss the first part of The Pillar's of the Earth.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
February Valentine's Pajama Party Book Club
I was house bound for several days during the snow and I had bought a new TV. So, I took the time to relax and watch some favorite movies one of which was Love, Actually. I realized this morning as I read through my Valentine's from you lovely ladies "That in truth Love is Actually, all around." A friend of mine had posted on FB "Nothing like Valentine's Day to make you feel like a loser loner." But, for me nothing could be further from the truth. It's not even Valentine's Day yet and I have a rose and 13 loving messages from people I can call on any time of the day or night for anything! My life is richly blessed with women who never say no to an adventure! Who make me laugh or hold my hand when I cry. We can party with the best of them or hold deeply spiritual and intellectual conversations. No loser loners among us! Instead of dreading Valentine's Day because I am single I am grateful for the day so that I can give and receive the greatest love - of friendship!
On that note, we were missing Pam who is at home recovering from a double mastectomy. She is doing great, however, with a clean pathology report. And she appreciates all the outpouring of love and support she received and we know she'll be back with us soon better than ever! Laura was also missing due to a ski vacation. However, we were able to Skype her in for the discussion portion and what a cool thing that was! Now that we know how that works no one ever really need miss a book club again!
This month, in honor of Valentine's Day, we decided to have book club in our pajamas and have brunch for dinner! It was a great idea. I'd suggest we do it (pj's) every month but then I guess it would not be special after a while. Diana made whole wheat French toast with real Maple Syrup. Lis made 3 cheese & tomato grill cheese sandwiches. Janie brought sausage rolls and Barb brought Turkey in a Blanket, Carla G brought fruit, Darby brought Banana Bread & Terry brought a breakfast casserole. Lou brought Truffles delivered from Chicago. Who knew there was a correct way to eat a Truffle? Turns out it's a little like wine tasting. I might not get the order right but first you lick it, then you sniff it, next you taste it then you breathe in and out. There were a lot of different flavors mixed with the chocolate and they were Truffliscious! Lis also offered Mimosa's and I brought the Bloody Mary's. Arnora brought us each a pink rose and there were a couple of bottles of wine and, of course, coffee.
We exchanged our Valentine's at the end of the discussion and everyone took them home to read at their leisure. I read mine over coffee this morning with a piece of dark chocolate - sitting in my bed and feeling so special!
Our book this month was a "Teen" selection offered by Lou, "The Invention of Hugo Cabret". Hugo is a young boy who lives in the walls of a train station in Paris. His father has died in a fire at the museum leaving him in the care of an uncle who also dies. Hugo's uncle was the clock keeper for the train stations many clocks and on his disappearance Hugo maintains the clocks in order to maintain his secret of living on his own. After the fire, an automaton falls into Hugo's hands and he hides it in his quarters and steals pieces to try and fix it. The automaton is a kind of robot and this one is poised to write or draw something. Hugh is steeling from Papa George Mileis, a gruff owner of a toy booth in the station and Hugo strikes up a friendship with Papa George's god-daughter, Isabelle. There is plenty of mystery in the story as Papa George and Hugo find their connection and the mystery of the automaton is solved. In the end it turns out that Papa George was one of the first people involved in the making of silent movies and the automaton belonged to him before it ended up at the museum.
The book is highly illustrated with beautiful black and white sketches that are part of the narrative and work much like a silent film where the reader must fill in the gaps where the pictures lack narrative.
Our January book was The Book Thief and our first chapter in Hugo is titled "The Thief". Both of the protagonists are orphaned children. The theme of the orphan child runs throughout a great portion of children's literature for several reasons. First, parents are authority figures who restrict the very kind of adventure the story is trying to tell. Moving the parents out of the way forces the child on to "the hero's journey" where he/she must use wit and wile to survive and to navigate from childhood to adulthood.
Another theme in Hugo is that of time. The clocks are a symbol for the passing of time, going back in time - at one point time is running out for Hugo. Hugo's friend, Isabelle, holds the key to automaton. She has taken it from her god-mother but doesn't know what it belongs to. This is the key to the beginning of solving the mystery when Hugo recognizes the key might fit. Denise mentioned that the automaton was reminding her of Disney and an exhibit there of the President's interacting with each other and Arnora wanted to know if it was like Chucky Cheese!
This book was a bit of a departure from what we normally read but everyone enjoyed it. Another interesting fact is that Brian Selznick is the author and nephew of the great film director David O. Selznick. And, Martin Scorsese is in production with the film. The book rated a 3.81 over all with one "I really liked it a lot". However, book club was off the charts this month! Happy Valentine's Day ladies and I will conclude by adding Lis' poem below!
Next months book is The Clockwork Three. We've decided this year to try and pick book whose themes "tag" off one another.
P.S. Barb is in search of a new name and our brains are positively buzzing with options! Stay tuned for further updates on that!
Valentine, As I sat and thought what to write
On each card, I felt how precious our bookclub and
Each one of you is to me, together we are STNM.
Books
A passion that some already had, some grew to love more.We share and discuss.
They brought us together - the stories
Of lives, the tragedies and comedies.Stories
Of the books - we found reflect us, walk with us.
Each one of us rides her own wave, her own loveliness, her own qualities
But together! We pull each other along.Tapestries
We are like a tapestry, all different but
We intertwine till the pieces fit, holding together strong, piece by peace
Into a beautiful design of our lives, our tragedies and comedies.
Where would I be without you?
You are my family - no Better - you are my friends.
On that note, we were missing Pam who is at home recovering from a double mastectomy. She is doing great, however, with a clean pathology report. And she appreciates all the outpouring of love and support she received and we know she'll be back with us soon better than ever! Laura was also missing due to a ski vacation. However, we were able to Skype her in for the discussion portion and what a cool thing that was! Now that we know how that works no one ever really need miss a book club again!
This month, in honor of Valentine's Day, we decided to have book club in our pajamas and have brunch for dinner! It was a great idea. I'd suggest we do it (pj's) every month but then I guess it would not be special after a while. Diana made whole wheat French toast with real Maple Syrup. Lis made 3 cheese & tomato grill cheese sandwiches. Janie brought sausage rolls and Barb brought Turkey in a Blanket, Carla G brought fruit, Darby brought Banana Bread & Terry brought a breakfast casserole. Lou brought Truffles delivered from Chicago. Who knew there was a correct way to eat a Truffle? Turns out it's a little like wine tasting. I might not get the order right but first you lick it, then you sniff it, next you taste it then you breathe in and out. There were a lot of different flavors mixed with the chocolate and they were Truffliscious! Lis also offered Mimosa's and I brought the Bloody Mary's. Arnora brought us each a pink rose and there were a couple of bottles of wine and, of course, coffee.
We exchanged our Valentine's at the end of the discussion and everyone took them home to read at their leisure. I read mine over coffee this morning with a piece of dark chocolate - sitting in my bed and feeling so special!
Our book this month was a "Teen" selection offered by Lou, "The Invention of Hugo Cabret". Hugo is a young boy who lives in the walls of a train station in Paris. His father has died in a fire at the museum leaving him in the care of an uncle who also dies. Hugo's uncle was the clock keeper for the train stations many clocks and on his disappearance Hugo maintains the clocks in order to maintain his secret of living on his own. After the fire, an automaton falls into Hugo's hands and he hides it in his quarters and steals pieces to try and fix it. The automaton is a kind of robot and this one is poised to write or draw something. Hugh is steeling from Papa George Mileis, a gruff owner of a toy booth in the station and Hugo strikes up a friendship with Papa George's god-daughter, Isabelle. There is plenty of mystery in the story as Papa George and Hugo find their connection and the mystery of the automaton is solved. In the end it turns out that Papa George was one of the first people involved in the making of silent movies and the automaton belonged to him before it ended up at the museum.
The book is highly illustrated with beautiful black and white sketches that are part of the narrative and work much like a silent film where the reader must fill in the gaps where the pictures lack narrative.
Our January book was The Book Thief and our first chapter in Hugo is titled "The Thief". Both of the protagonists are orphaned children. The theme of the orphan child runs throughout a great portion of children's literature for several reasons. First, parents are authority figures who restrict the very kind of adventure the story is trying to tell. Moving the parents out of the way forces the child on to "the hero's journey" where he/she must use wit and wile to survive and to navigate from childhood to adulthood.
Another theme in Hugo is that of time. The clocks are a symbol for the passing of time, going back in time - at one point time is running out for Hugo. Hugo's friend, Isabelle, holds the key to automaton. She has taken it from her god-mother but doesn't know what it belongs to. This is the key to the beginning of solving the mystery when Hugo recognizes the key might fit. Denise mentioned that the automaton was reminding her of Disney and an exhibit there of the President's interacting with each other and Arnora wanted to know if it was like Chucky Cheese!
This book was a bit of a departure from what we normally read but everyone enjoyed it. Another interesting fact is that Brian Selznick is the author and nephew of the great film director David O. Selznick. And, Martin Scorsese is in production with the film. The book rated a 3.81 over all with one "I really liked it a lot". However, book club was off the charts this month! Happy Valentine's Day ladies and I will conclude by adding Lis' poem below!
Next months book is The Clockwork Three. We've decided this year to try and pick book whose themes "tag" off one another.
P.S. Barb is in search of a new name and our brains are positively buzzing with options! Stay tuned for further updates on that!
Valentine, As I sat and thought what to write
On each card, I felt how precious our bookclub and
Each one of you is to me, together we are STNM.
Books
A passion that some already had, some grew to love more.We share and discuss.
They brought us together - the stories
Of lives, the tragedies and comedies.Stories
Of the books - we found reflect us, walk with us.
Each one of us rides her own wave, her own loveliness, her own qualities
But together! We pull each other along.Tapestries
We are like a tapestry, all different but
We intertwine till the pieces fit, holding together strong, piece by peace
Into a beautiful design of our lives, our tragedies and comedies.
Where would I be without you?
You are my family - no Better - you are my friends.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
January 2011 - 10 Years and Strong!
Come with me and I'll tell you a story.
I'll show you something.
The Book Thief
I'd like to start the narrative of our first book club in 2011 by telling you what color the sky was as we made our way to Arnora's new "crib". I'd like to but I can't. Because my nose was buried in the book as I feverishly tried to finish. Thank God, Carla was driving or that maneuver would've been tricky. I turned the last page just moments before we arrived. The sun had set by that time and I cannot tell you if there were stars or not because I could not see them for the tears in my eyes. A few minutes later I was standing in the living room gazing at the enormous picture of our "Calendar Girl" photo hanging above the fireplace surrounded by candles and flowers. A beautiful altar in praise of beautiful women and I was so surprised and happy to see it that I just couldn't stop laughing! And as we all know, "laughter through tears is my favorite emotion!"
This was Arnora's first time to host book club and she did an excellent job welcoming us and making Natalie's version of German sausage rolls. Lou brought the flowers and wine this time. Carla G made German potato salad (yum, my favorite version), Barb brought "mac & cheese", Lis brought sauerkraut, bread and chocolate. Pam brought cheese and apples, Diana brought bread and she and Darby both brought Champagne to toast the new year. Laura brought beer and Carla A brought sauerkraut and pea (or lentil soup as Darby preferred to call it.) I have to say that Carla's version sure tasted a lot better than the pea soup Rosa made everyday in our story. Janie topped off the evening meal with melt-in-your-mouth brownies. Thanks, as always to everyone who contributed. I, having barely finished the move into my own new "digs", was not able to get it together to even bring wine.
We were missing Terry & Denise. But congratulations to Terry on another new great-grand child. Denise was having problems with a car battery.
This month's book was "The Book Thief" written by Markus Zusak and offered to us by Barb last month. The quote on the front of the book, "BRILLIANT and hugely ambitious. It's the kind of book that can be LIFE CHANGING" (the New York Times) was absolutely on the money.
Diana said, "It was the perfect book." Carla A said "Zusak now surpasses Pat Conroy for me in his use of poetic prose." Laura said, "Death's voice as our narrator was absolutely authentic." "Darby said that Death was omniscient and omnipresent in the lives of each of the characters and was a unique perspective." Diana loved Zusak's use of adjectives and adverbs - Darby said it was "cinematic" in its telling.
For me, I could compare it favorably to "To Kill a Mockingbird". Both stories are about girl's coming of age in poor and difficult times and set against the historical background of prejudice and violence. "The Book Thief" is set in around the late 1930's through about 1942, in Germany during WWII. The rise of Hitler and the attempted extinction of the Jews. Well, primarily the Jews. In reality, it was the attempted extinction of anyone and anything that was not Nazi Germany. Both books draw you in and mesmerize you with the characters and the language.
Death, our narrator, as you would rightly assume, hovers over this story but not in a scary, black-hooded, scythe carrying way. Death is poetic, and artistic and compassionate. He simply has a job to do and he does it without question. Most of the time. When he does dare to question he realizes it is futile and only crazy making. He cannot change who he is or what he is destined to do. But, he does his job with elegance and grace and is ever so gentle with the souls he carries away.
Death watches the unspeakable horrors of war and the mentality that would drive millions into work camps and gas chambers right along side the beauty of the sun rises and and sun sets, the stars that burn your eyes and the people who risk life and limb to go against this atrocity.
Liesel is our Book Thief and like Scout, she is a tomboy. Her best friend is Rudy and together they keep each other company, play soccer and steal food and books. They are each others constant companions and saving graces. Liesel is abandoned by her mother, a supposed communist, who sends her into foster care to save her. She ends up on Himmel Street (translated Heaven) but it is anything but. However, her foster parents are kind (in different ways) and her "Pappa" teaches her to read in their basement using his house paints to draw letters and pictures on the basement walls. They shelter a Jew. For me Pappa was the equivalent of Atticus Finch. Quiet, unassuming, weary but kind and with a deep sense of justice. A gentle giant.
Books save Liesel's life both literally and figuratively. The first book she "steals" is found in the snow at her brother's graveside. She found the book but didn't return it to its owner. It was called, "The Grave Digger's Manual" and it was the first book she learned to read. It was also the first time she met Death. In the end, she was reading in he basement when the bombs fell and that is what saved her life. I think, for many of us in book club, books have saved our lives in one way or another and we connected deeply to Liesel's story.
There is so much more to this story. The characters are believable and compelling. This war story is told not about the Jews, the Nazi's or even the Americans. But from the perspective of the ordinary German citizen who had no beef with the Jews. They were living hard scrabble lives just trying to get by and many of their decisions were not just a matter of right or wrong but a matter of their life and death.
Life is hard, war happens, people are tortured and people die. But as long as even one man, without thinking, steps out of the crowd to hand a piece of stale bread to a tortured and persecuted man, there is hope for all us. Humanity is ugly and it's beautiful and Death has shown us the best and worst of people in this deeply emotional story. Death is "Haunted by Humans" and rightfully so. The book gives a message of hope through words of love and friendship. The book rated a 4.6 with an "I absolutely loved it with all my heart and soul".
What a great book to start our New Year!
February's Book Club will be a PAJAMA PARTY at Lis' with breakfast foods as our menu. We will do another variation on our Valentine's from last year. This year everyone BRING your Valentine's with you. If you are unable to attend, then please send yours with someone. The Valentine's can be made, store bought cards, notes, whatever. Sign them - or don't, it's up to you. And next month's book is called The Invention of Hugh Cabret by Brian Selznick. There is a waiting list at the Library, Border's has it and used copies are available on Amazon.com starting at $7.
Ladies, Happy New Year and to a great year of celebrating 10 years of this amazing group!
I'll show you something.
The Book Thief
I'd like to start the narrative of our first book club in 2011 by telling you what color the sky was as we made our way to Arnora's new "crib". I'd like to but I can't. Because my nose was buried in the book as I feverishly tried to finish. Thank God, Carla was driving or that maneuver would've been tricky. I turned the last page just moments before we arrived. The sun had set by that time and I cannot tell you if there were stars or not because I could not see them for the tears in my eyes. A few minutes later I was standing in the living room gazing at the enormous picture of our "Calendar Girl" photo hanging above the fireplace surrounded by candles and flowers. A beautiful altar in praise of beautiful women and I was so surprised and happy to see it that I just couldn't stop laughing! And as we all know, "laughter through tears is my favorite emotion!"
This was Arnora's first time to host book club and she did an excellent job welcoming us and making Natalie's version of German sausage rolls. Lou brought the flowers and wine this time. Carla G made German potato salad (yum, my favorite version), Barb brought "mac & cheese", Lis brought sauerkraut, bread and chocolate. Pam brought cheese and apples, Diana brought bread and she and Darby both brought Champagne to toast the new year. Laura brought beer and Carla A brought sauerkraut and pea (or lentil soup as Darby preferred to call it.) I have to say that Carla's version sure tasted a lot better than the pea soup Rosa made everyday in our story. Janie topped off the evening meal with melt-in-your-mouth brownies. Thanks, as always to everyone who contributed. I, having barely finished the move into my own new "digs", was not able to get it together to even bring wine.
We were missing Terry & Denise. But congratulations to Terry on another new great-grand child. Denise was having problems with a car battery.
This month's book was "The Book Thief" written by Markus Zusak and offered to us by Barb last month. The quote on the front of the book, "BRILLIANT and hugely ambitious. It's the kind of book that can be LIFE CHANGING" (the New York Times) was absolutely on the money.
Diana said, "It was the perfect book." Carla A said "Zusak now surpasses Pat Conroy for me in his use of poetic prose." Laura said, "Death's voice as our narrator was absolutely authentic." "Darby said that Death was omniscient and omnipresent in the lives of each of the characters and was a unique perspective." Diana loved Zusak's use of adjectives and adverbs - Darby said it was "cinematic" in its telling.
For me, I could compare it favorably to "To Kill a Mockingbird". Both stories are about girl's coming of age in poor and difficult times and set against the historical background of prejudice and violence. "The Book Thief" is set in around the late 1930's through about 1942, in Germany during WWII. The rise of Hitler and the attempted extinction of the Jews. Well, primarily the Jews. In reality, it was the attempted extinction of anyone and anything that was not Nazi Germany. Both books draw you in and mesmerize you with the characters and the language.
Death, our narrator, as you would rightly assume, hovers over this story but not in a scary, black-hooded, scythe carrying way. Death is poetic, and artistic and compassionate. He simply has a job to do and he does it without question. Most of the time. When he does dare to question he realizes it is futile and only crazy making. He cannot change who he is or what he is destined to do. But, he does his job with elegance and grace and is ever so gentle with the souls he carries away.
Death watches the unspeakable horrors of war and the mentality that would drive millions into work camps and gas chambers right along side the beauty of the sun rises and and sun sets, the stars that burn your eyes and the people who risk life and limb to go against this atrocity.
Liesel is our Book Thief and like Scout, she is a tomboy. Her best friend is Rudy and together they keep each other company, play soccer and steal food and books. They are each others constant companions and saving graces. Liesel is abandoned by her mother, a supposed communist, who sends her into foster care to save her. She ends up on Himmel Street (translated Heaven) but it is anything but. However, her foster parents are kind (in different ways) and her "Pappa" teaches her to read in their basement using his house paints to draw letters and pictures on the basement walls. They shelter a Jew. For me Pappa was the equivalent of Atticus Finch. Quiet, unassuming, weary but kind and with a deep sense of justice. A gentle giant.
Books save Liesel's life both literally and figuratively. The first book she "steals" is found in the snow at her brother's graveside. She found the book but didn't return it to its owner. It was called, "The Grave Digger's Manual" and it was the first book she learned to read. It was also the first time she met Death. In the end, she was reading in he basement when the bombs fell and that is what saved her life. I think, for many of us in book club, books have saved our lives in one way or another and we connected deeply to Liesel's story.
There is so much more to this story. The characters are believable and compelling. This war story is told not about the Jews, the Nazi's or even the Americans. But from the perspective of the ordinary German citizen who had no beef with the Jews. They were living hard scrabble lives just trying to get by and many of their decisions were not just a matter of right or wrong but a matter of their life and death.
Life is hard, war happens, people are tortured and people die. But as long as even one man, without thinking, steps out of the crowd to hand a piece of stale bread to a tortured and persecuted man, there is hope for all us. Humanity is ugly and it's beautiful and Death has shown us the best and worst of people in this deeply emotional story. Death is "Haunted by Humans" and rightfully so. The book gives a message of hope through words of love and friendship. The book rated a 4.6 with an "I absolutely loved it with all my heart and soul".
What a great book to start our New Year!
February's Book Club will be a PAJAMA PARTY at Lis' with breakfast foods as our menu. We will do another variation on our Valentine's from last year. This year everyone BRING your Valentine's with you. If you are unable to attend, then please send yours with someone. The Valentine's can be made, store bought cards, notes, whatever. Sign them - or don't, it's up to you. And next month's book is called The Invention of Hugh Cabret by Brian Selznick. There is a waiting list at the Library, Border's has it and used copies are available on Amazon.com starting at $7.
Ladies, Happy New Year and to a great year of celebrating 10 years of this amazing group!
Saturday, December 11, 2010
December 2010 Christmas Book Club
This photo is entitled "The Aftermath of Book Club." Eleven months of the year I leave that behind. Not that I am complaining. I love having Christmas Book Club. The remnants of tasty dishes, good wine, beautiful flowers, and delicious desserts are just proof that a good time was had by all (and Miss Kitty thanks you for the leftovers).
We missed Janie who was recovering from foot surgery but know that she is recovering nicely at home. Laura also had foot surgery but she managed to hobble in on her crutches and we had a spot reserved for her to rest her foot.
Having been recently inspired by a trip to The Prohibition room where they offer a variety of tasty Bruschetta appetizers we decided to focus this month's menu there. Barb brought Salmon and cream cheese, Diana brought pear marmalade and brie and proscuitto and fig, Lis brought pear and brie, Lou brought the traditional mozzarella, tomato and basil. Darby brought baked fudge, Denise brought red velvet cake decorated like a present with a red bow, Carla G brought cheesecake. Terry brought her pear/avocado and pecan salad by special request. I made a version of Bobby Flay's roasted brussel sprouts with pomengrante mollasses and vanilla bean, pecan butter. I improved on his recipe by blending up the brussel sprouts and topping toast and brie with the spread. I have a new "love" and it is pomegranate molasses! Carla A brought the ever popular Butternut Squash soup and Hungarian Mushroom, and there was the usual assortment of wines including a Seven Deadly Zins, very nice.
One benefit of hosting book club is that you are the lucky recipient of Arnora's floral bouquets. She out did herself this time. The bouquet included white lilies, red gerber daisies and red roses. I will enjoy them for as long as they last!
We had so much going on at this book club. First, everyone handed out their gifts and cards. We don't do a traditional gift exchange but we do exchange cards, photos and other meaningful tokens and it is always fun.
Next, Darby had compiled our list of favorite Christmas songs in a CD for us each to enjoy. She handed out the list and as each song played we tried to guess who picked the song. That is what is so fun about doing our letters, poems and songs. Just when you think you know people you can't even guess their favorite Christmas song. But, it's also what keeps our relationships so fresh. We are always suprising each other. Arnora won that game by getting the most right. The CD has a good blend of fun and sentimental favorites. A
couple brought tears to our eyes and what is a good book club without a tear or two? Now, when we listen to our favorite Christmas music we have another treasured memory to add.
Then we unveiled the 10th Anniversary Book Club professional photo. We were all thrilled to see what a great job the photographer did. She managed to find a couple of shots where we all looked fabulous. Pearly whites gleaming, eyes shining (no blinks) and everyone just looking their gorgeous best! Even the "calendar girl" shot is excellent. Not a complaint to be had among us and well worth the small investment. What a great idea - and thanks Lou for arranging the photographer. This has inspired us once again to approach Oprah with our Book Club for her 25th and final year of the Oprah Show.
Eventually, we did get around to reviewing the book "One Day" by David Nichols. Arnora had recommended this book and really enjoyed it. Her rating was a 3.5. In fact, I quoter her here, "I know it was pathetic, but I liked it!"
We missed Janie who was recovering from foot surgery but know that she is recovering nicely at home. Laura also had foot surgery but she managed to hobble in on her crutches and we had a spot reserved for her to rest her foot.
Having been recently inspired by a trip to The Prohibition room where they offer a variety of tasty Bruschetta appetizers we decided to focus this month's menu there. Barb brought Salmon and cream cheese, Diana brought pear marmalade and brie and proscuitto and fig, Lis brought pear and brie, Lou brought the traditional mozzarella, tomato and basil. Darby brought baked fudge, Denise brought red velvet cake decorated like a present with a red bow, Carla G brought cheesecake. Terry brought her pear/avocado and pecan salad by special request. I made a version of Bobby Flay's roasted brussel sprouts with pomengrante mollasses and vanilla bean, pecan butter. I improved on his recipe by blending up the brussel sprouts and topping toast and brie with the spread. I have a new "love" and it is pomegranate molasses! Carla A brought the ever popular Butternut Squash soup and Hungarian Mushroom, and there was the usual assortment of wines including a Seven Deadly Zins, very nice.
One benefit of hosting book club is that you are the lucky recipient of Arnora's floral bouquets. She out did herself this time. The bouquet included white lilies, red gerber daisies and red roses. I will enjoy them for as long as they last!
We had so much going on at this book club. First, everyone handed out their gifts and cards. We don't do a traditional gift exchange but we do exchange cards, photos and other meaningful tokens and it is always fun.
Next, Darby had compiled our list of favorite Christmas songs in a CD for us each to enjoy. She handed out the list and as each song played we tried to guess who picked the song. That is what is so fun about doing our letters, poems and songs. Just when you think you know people you can't even guess their favorite Christmas song. But, it's also what keeps our relationships so fresh. We are always suprising each other. Arnora won that game by getting the most right. The CD has a good blend of fun and sentimental favorites. A
couple brought tears to our eyes and what is a good book club without a tear or two? Now, when we listen to our favorite Christmas music we have another treasured memory to add.Then we unveiled the 10th Anniversary Book Club professional photo. We were all thrilled to see what a great job the photographer did. She managed to find a couple of shots where we all looked fabulous. Pearly whites gleaming, eyes shining (no blinks) and everyone just looking their gorgeous best! Even the "calendar girl" shot is excellent. Not a complaint to be had among us and well worth the small investment. What a great idea - and thanks Lou for arranging the photographer. This has inspired us once again to approach Oprah with our Book Club for her 25th and final year of the Oprah Show.
Eventually, we did get around to reviewing the book "One Day" by David Nichols. Arnora had recommended this book and really enjoyed it. Her rating was a 3.5. In fact, I quoter her here, "I know it was pathetic, but I liked it!"
The rest of us agreed that it was a cool idea: visiting one day each year in the life of Dexter and Emma. But, for most of us it fell short of satisfying. Carla A was very impassioned about it, which I love. Carla and I often have great and insightful side discussions about a book but she will get shy at the meeting and not be very vocal. Last night, she reminded me of Darby and Firefly Lane. She had been reading the book at the cabin and mildly enjoying it until she got to the part where Emma is killed in a bicycling accident just after she and Dex finally get together (shades of Cold Mountain). This enraged her also because the scene was told with such cold, crispness. She died, the end. She said, "You can't just kill someone off in one sentence. And, that was not the end of the story, but should have been." Several thought that there were paragraphs that had been actually; cut, paste, and repeat. I was surprised that the English majors among us didn't have something more to say about the poor grammar. A review at the front of the book stated it was a good "beach read" and several of us compared the author to Nicholas Sparks. I think good beach read summed it up for me. The book rated a 2.
Again, however, the book sparked great discussion and that is what it is all about. Even if a book is not favorably received by all if it sparks impassioned discussion then it has succeeded on some level. January's book is The Book Thief.
As I announced last night, this looks to be my last Christmas book club in this house. If all continues to go well, I'll be moving (somewhere) around the 22nd of December. Thank you all so much for allowing me this special privilege. Most of you know, that until recent years, Christmas has been a challenge for me. But, hosting Christmas Book Club makes the season brighter for me and is something I look foward to all year. Next year I'll give someone else a turn since I am not sure what my next plans are.
So, from my house to yours, Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight!
P.S. Miss Kitty is sitting on my lap between the computer and me. She keeps putting her paw on the mouse and trying to help me write this blog!
Again, however, the book sparked great discussion and that is what it is all about. Even if a book is not favorably received by all if it sparks impassioned discussion then it has succeeded on some level. January's book is The Book Thief.
As I announced last night, this looks to be my last Christmas book club in this house. If all continues to go well, I'll be moving (somewhere) around the 22nd of December. Thank you all so much for allowing me this special privilege. Most of you know, that until recent years, Christmas has been a challenge for me. But, hosting Christmas Book Club makes the season brighter for me and is something I look foward to all year. Next year I'll give someone else a turn since I am not sure what my next plans are.
So, from my house to yours, Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight!
P.S. Miss Kitty is sitting on my lap between the computer and me. She keeps putting her paw on the mouse and trying to help me write this blog!
Sunday, November 28, 2010
November - Thanksgiving Book Club 2010
My apologies to the group for being delayed in writing November's blog. Work has been kicking my butt and I was preparing to be away Thanksgiving week. So, now here I am sitting in a rustic, warm and cozy cabin in the Taos mountains. The sun is coming up behind the snow clouds and the ground is still covered from Monday's snow. As I believe there are no accidents I think this is perfect timing for writing this month's blog. When I have had a few days of rest and relaxation and my brain has finally slowed down and I can reflect upon the evening.
When we arrived at Darby's house she was putting the finishing touches on the turkey and broccoli casserole. The day had been cold and everyone had brought out the coats and gloves. We put down the food and I softly padded down the hall to the bedroom to throw my coat on Darby's warmly inviting leopard skin chaise. As I stood alone in the dimly lit room, mellow jazz was playing in the background and I heard the chatter and laughter of the women as they arrived. It was truly the happiest moment of my week. The next moment was slightly marred when someone bumped my dainty elbow sloshing the ruby red wine I was sipping. I was relieved to find it did not hit Arnora's sleeve but horrified later to find it splashed on Darby's fawn colored wall. Thankfully, she has touch up paint.
As we prepared the meal we exchanged hugs, got our drinks and caught up on the month's news. Darby, Laura and Diana had just returned from the new Harry Potter Theme Park and Diana had gorgeous photos to share. Terry has bought a new house and is moving this month.
Janie brought her, now traditional, Amish butter as an early Christmas gift along with cheesy potato casserole. Janie may have to miss next month due to surgery but we're hoping for a speedy recovery. Arnora brought her traditional floral centerpiece, Terry brought dressing & gravy and Barb brought a different version of dressing. Pam brought salad, Denise brought bread, Lou brought pumpkin-caramel spice trifle and Carla A brought Tirimasu. Lis brought the lemony cheese, I brought wine and Laura brought her "badself!" Diana brought "Butter Beer" she made inspired by the recent visit to the Harry Potter Theme Park. As always, the food was delicious and I know I went back for seconds.
Carla G had come from the hair dresser and we could not keep our hands off of her blonde and silken hair. There was some discussion about flat irons because none of us can get our hair to look exactly the same as when we have it done. Apparently, you have to spend the big bucks to get an iron that will give you the same effect. Carla had her hair done because Lou had enlisted a professional photographer to come in and take our group photo as commemoration for the 10th anniversary of the inception of book club next year. We all dressed in a variety of black and white to maintain continuity and stood or sat in front of Darby's fireplace.
There had been some joking previously that our commemorative photo should take on a "Calendar Girl" flair. But I thought we were kidding. Until Darby left the room so that the photographer could get a personal photo of her. While she was out of the room someone started insisting we take off our shirts and grab a "big book". When Darby & the photographer came back in they found us all standing bare shouldered behind our books. We were all laughing hysterically but the photographer thought it was great so we now have 2 versions of the photo. The CD's should be ready about the time we get back to the city. I am excited and scared at the same time!
Turkey $30, Book $12, Darby's expression..... priceless!
The book discussion of Girl in Translation was actually cut short because the photographer came during the middle. Laura really liked it said she could've talked about it all night. It reminded a couple of "The House on Mango St." The story is fictionalized autobiography of a young Asian girl traveling to NYC from China with her mother after her father's death. They are put up in an abandoned apartment building by the mother's sister and put to work in their "sweat shop". This story takes place around 1997 and everyone was surprised to find that sweat shops still exist in this country. This is a coming of age story as Kim learns to speak English, goes to school, makes friends and goes through the growing pains of becoming a woman and a mother herself. The book rated 4.15, with 2 "I liked it" and me to finish (refer to earlier paragraph about work kicking my butt!)
So, on the eve of Thanksgiving 2010 as I reminisce about this month's book club let me just say again, how much I love and appreciate each and everyone of you. The depth of our friendships deepen with each month and book. There is no other group of women on the face of the earth where I could feel so comfortable, so loved and where I can laugh so hard and leave behind the cares and frustrations of life! On book club night - how sad others must be that they are not us!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families as we look forward to Christmas at my house and the book "One Day" by David Nicholls.
When we arrived at Darby's house she was putting the finishing touches on the turkey and broccoli casserole. The day had been cold and everyone had brought out the coats and gloves. We put down the food and I softly padded down the hall to the bedroom to throw my coat on Darby's warmly inviting leopard skin chaise. As I stood alone in the dimly lit room, mellow jazz was playing in the background and I heard the chatter and laughter of the women as they arrived. It was truly the happiest moment of my week. The next moment was slightly marred when someone bumped my dainty elbow sloshing the ruby red wine I was sipping. I was relieved to find it did not hit Arnora's sleeve but horrified later to find it splashed on Darby's fawn colored wall. Thankfully, she has touch up paint.
As we prepared the meal we exchanged hugs, got our drinks and caught up on the month's news. Darby, Laura and Diana had just returned from the new Harry Potter Theme Park and Diana had gorgeous photos to share. Terry has bought a new house and is moving this month.
Janie brought her, now traditional, Amish butter as an early Christmas gift along with cheesy potato casserole. Janie may have to miss next month due to surgery but we're hoping for a speedy recovery. Arnora brought her traditional floral centerpiece, Terry brought dressing & gravy and Barb brought a different version of dressing. Pam brought salad, Denise brought bread, Lou brought pumpkin-caramel spice trifle and Carla A brought Tirimasu. Lis brought the lemony cheese, I brought wine and Laura brought her "badself!" Diana brought "Butter Beer" she made inspired by the recent visit to the Harry Potter Theme Park. As always, the food was delicious and I know I went back for seconds.
Carla G had come from the hair dresser and we could not keep our hands off of her blonde and silken hair. There was some discussion about flat irons because none of us can get our hair to look exactly the same as when we have it done. Apparently, you have to spend the big bucks to get an iron that will give you the same effect. Carla had her hair done because Lou had enlisted a professional photographer to come in and take our group photo as commemoration for the 10th anniversary of the inception of book club next year. We all dressed in a variety of black and white to maintain continuity and stood or sat in front of Darby's fireplace.
There had been some joking previously that our commemorative photo should take on a "Calendar Girl" flair. But I thought we were kidding. Until Darby left the room so that the photographer could get a personal photo of her. While she was out of the room someone started insisting we take off our shirts and grab a "big book". When Darby & the photographer came back in they found us all standing bare shouldered behind our books. We were all laughing hysterically but the photographer thought it was great so we now have 2 versions of the photo. The CD's should be ready about the time we get back to the city. I am excited and scared at the same time!
Turkey $30, Book $12, Darby's expression..... priceless!
The book discussion of Girl in Translation was actually cut short because the photographer came during the middle. Laura really liked it said she could've talked about it all night. It reminded a couple of "The House on Mango St." The story is fictionalized autobiography of a young Asian girl traveling to NYC from China with her mother after her father's death. They are put up in an abandoned apartment building by the mother's sister and put to work in their "sweat shop". This story takes place around 1997 and everyone was surprised to find that sweat shops still exist in this country. This is a coming of age story as Kim learns to speak English, goes to school, makes friends and goes through the growing pains of becoming a woman and a mother herself. The book rated 4.15, with 2 "I liked it" and me to finish (refer to earlier paragraph about work kicking my butt!)
So, on the eve of Thanksgiving 2010 as I reminisce about this month's book club let me just say again, how much I love and appreciate each and everyone of you. The depth of our friendships deepen with each month and book. There is no other group of women on the face of the earth where I could feel so comfortable, so loved and where I can laugh so hard and leave behind the cares and frustrations of life! On book club night - how sad others must be that they are not us!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families as we look forward to Christmas at my house and the book "One Day" by David Nicholls.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
October 2010 Book Club
Can we believe that we've just concluded October's Book Club? Only 2 more meetings to wrap up another year. I suppose you'd think by now I'd have accepted how fast the time goes instead of being surprised by it month to month. I, personally, had a very busy week that left me feeling drained and exhausted. But, thanks again to great nourishment in food, companionship and discussion I have lived to write another blog (and a good nights sleep helped too). We missed Lou, Carla G. and Barb. Our condolensces to Barb who lost a dear friend this week. Also, our loving support to Terry who signed her divorce papers. She is feeling good and looking great and entering a new chapter in her own life. I debated about sharing that here in the blog but life is a mixed bag of events and we love and support each other through them all.
Diana hosted for Lis tonight. Lis had new tile installed and was unable to move her furniture back to its place.
Dinner tonight was full of comfort foods. Lis brought her world famous (or it should be) 5 cheese mac & cheese along with individual fruit tarts. Diana had catered an event and provided us the delicisous leftover fish and chicken dishes. Darby brought hummus and Bobba Ganoush, Terry provided 3 flavors of ice cream and cones and Carla brought a Chocolate Cake. There was also the usual assortments of tea, wine, and coffee. Arnora, who faithfully provides the floral centerpiece brought a pumpkin instead which was the perfect decoration for October.
This month's book, Firefly Lane, certainly sparked an interesting conversation and we find that our most interesting discussions come from books that polarize us in our opinions. I did not have time to read the book this month so the girls provided a brief description: Kate and Tully are childhood friends. Kate's family takes Tully in at somepoint when the girls are about 14. Tully seems to be the leader and Kate more of a follower. Kate follows Tully in school and in her desire to become a news anchor. Kate really wants to marry, have a family and be a writer. There is a man, of course, that Tully has a fling with but Kate marries. The story follows the women through their lives and is a commentary on their choices and how it affects the friendship.
Darby was offended. At the writing, the editing and the characterizations. She felt the author demonized Tully because she chose other than to marry and have a family. Bad writing pisses Darby off to the point she actually threw the book across the room at least twice. To her credit she stuck it out to the bitter end. Oh, and I know, we've all been there. I reminisced about listening to one of our books on CD and how I wanted to throw them out the window and run over them I was hating the writing so much! I refrained only because I had to return them to the Library.
Terry liked parts of the book but thought other parts were elementary and very "High School." Carla A "liked" the book. Many parts of it were very nostalgic for her and she didn't feel that Tully was demonized. She cared about the characters and thought it had cute romantic moments. To which, Darby grabbed a book and read a couple of passages. I have to say it did read like a very bad romance novel.
Laura commented that she found only one typo. High praise coming from an English Major. She also liked the music references but Janie pointed out that some were wrong for the time of the book. Laura said she did care about the characters and cried at the appropriate times. When Janie reads she'd rather listen. She doesn't want to get into typos and grammar. She really liked the book but titled it "Lite and Trite." Speaking of which, Darby also pointed out that the author quotes an editor's advice to Kate about not using cliches and yet the author herself filled the book with them. Someone said there were enough "Lines for a Lifetime".
Diana read the book in 4 days but couldn't tell us why she was compelled to do so. She didn't much care for the book although after the discussion she raised her rating from a .5 to a 2.
In the end Darby called it "atrocious, stereotypical, emotional, clap-trap, bull shit." I think I got all the metahors in there. You have to keep in mind that this discussion was passionate but also hysterical. That is probably not coming across here but by the time Darby left she had flipped us off twice (a monumnetal first in book club & all in fun) and pronounced the word palatable as pa lat able. Which almost rhymed with platapus.
Pam asked to give Darby a little therapy by suggesting the book touched a personal chord. Darby readily admitted that she identified with Tully's choices and feels that women who choose a path different from motherhood are often demonized. I have to agree with that.
The book rated a 2.64 of those who rated it plus Carla A's "like". Diana titled this book club "a 5 bottle night." Which, for me is like 5 stars. If I compared this night to a bottle of wine I'd have to say it was a fine Cab full bodied, bold and spicy. A no hold bold and daring, take no prisoners, not for sissies wine! P.S. Firefly Lane was the name of the street that the girls grew up on. There were no fireflies in the story and no fireflies were harmed during the making of this book club.
The final business of the night everyone was reminded to get our Christmas Song choice to Darby who is making us a mix tape for the holidays. November's book is Girl in Translation (I promise to read it no matter what) and we chose "One Day" by David Nichols for December.
I so enjoyed this book club even though I didn't read the book and laughed just as hard reliving it for the blog! Now that's a great book club!
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