February Book Club 2026

 

Happy Galentine's Day 

(And Groundhog Day)

February 2026

284 Books, 277 Meetings, 23 retreats/outings, 220 Blogs

Welcome to the February Book Club hosted by Pam.  We had a small group this month, and happy that Leslie was able to join us. We missed Janie, Denise, Laura, and Carla G. Diana joined us for the discussion via FaceTime.  Pam and Carla A made an Italian Wedding Soup, Carla A brought a Greek salad, I brought crusty bread, Barb brought an Italian Cream Wedding Cake, and Lis brought beignets. Arnora brought flowers and an Aperol Spritz. The menu was themed to weddings in honor of the book. That it was Italian was just a happy accident. We also got to meet Pam's new puppy, "Birdie." 

The Wedding People by Alison Espach is a novel about Phoebe Stone, a woman who arrives alone at a lavish Newport wedding weekend after her husband informs her he wants a divorce. Feeling despondent, she puts on her nicest dress and takes all the savings she had planned to spend on fertility treatments to an expensive Inn in Newport, RI, where she spends $800 for one night. The book is described as a "dark comedy" because Phoebe has decided she doens't want to live. She has brought her cats' pain medication with the intention of taking it after a nice dinner. But, upon arrival, she meets the bride and forms an unexpected bond with her, leading to humorous and tender revelations about grief, connection, and new beginnings. The book blends dark comedy and domestic fiction, exploring serious themes like depression and loss through a chaotic wedding. It was a 2024 Goodreads Choice Award winner for fiction. Everyone enjoyed the story, and the book received a rating of 4.14.

Arnora is our host for March, and our book is The Correspondent. Carla G is hosting in April, and the book is Theo of Golden. 

Other books for consideration are:

All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whittaker

Mona's Eyes by Thomas Schlesser

Harlem Rhapsody by Victoria Christopher Murray

The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom

January Book Club 2026

January 2026

24 years, 283 Books, 276 Meetings, 23 retreats/outings, 219 Blog Posts

Happy New Year 2026

We met at Lis' home for our annual PJs and Nighttime Breakfast. Carla A co-hosted. We've been experiencing unseasonably warm weather since just before Christmas. We set a high of 78 for Christmas Day.

Diana wisely stayed home to avoid catching the flu, but joined us via FaceTime. She very much enjoyed being included in the discussion. Janie was at home recovering from the flu. Pam was returning from a trip. We missed them. 

Lis made sausage gravy with biscuits and a fruit pancake bake. Carla A made a quiche with bacon, and Barb made a quiche with broccoli. Laura brought hash browns, Denise brought scones with lemon curd, and Carla G brought yogurt and fruit parfaits. Arnora brought fresh flowers. We had hot tea nd coffee, OJ and champagne, Sav Cab, Butter Chardonnay, and Merlot

We started our 2026 Reading List with Miss Morgan's Book Brigade by Janet Skeslien Charles. This book brings us once again into the sphere of J. P Morgan and the Morgan Library. Two years ago, in January 2023, Lis also hosted our book club, and we discussed The Personal Librarian. That book was about Belle de Costa Green and the major impact she had on the Morgan Library. 

Jessie Kit Carson

This story involves J. P. Morgan's daughter, Anne, and her volunteer efforts to run libraries in France during WWI. It is a historical novel set in 1918 and 1987.  Based on the true story of Jessie "Kit" Carson, who is recruited by Anne in 1918 to work with the American Committee for Devastated France, or CARD. Wendy Peterson was an aspiring writer in 1987, in New York during the Cold War. She discovers Jessie's story in the archives of the New York Public Library and decides to write a book about her. She is also trying to uncover what happened to Jessie after the war. The book explores themes of female solidarity, sacrifice, and the power of literature.  Kit Carson rehabilitated four libraries devastated by the war and began training young French women in American librarianship practices. She is credited with making lasting changes in French libraries, particularly by extending services to children who had not traditionally been served by French libraries. 

Anne Morgan and Anne Murray Dike 

Anne Morgan was the daughter of J. P. Morgan. She used her wealth to support relief efforts in France during both World War I and World War II. Among her many awards, she was the first American woman appointed a commander of the French Legion of Honor. Her former home is now the residence of the Uni

ted Nations Secretary General. 

Anne Murray Dike was from Scotland and trained as a physician. She kept impeccable records of CARD and made sure every penny donated went to women and children in need. She was awarded the Croix de Guerre and was the first woman elected to the French Academy of Agriculture. She and Anne were companions until she died in 1929.

Mary Breckinridge

Mary Breckinridge, Founder of the Frontier Nursing Service and a pioneer of nurse-midwifery. She worked with CARD, caring for infants, children, and mothers on the brink of starvation and poverty. 

The book received a rating of 4 stars, with one reviewer saying they "really, really liked it."

Pam will host in February, and our book is The Wedding People. Arnora will host in March, the book is The Correspondence. Carla G will host in April, the book is Theo of Golden. Denise will host in May, book to be determined. 

Other books for consideration:

1. All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whittaker

2. Mona's Eyes by Thomas Schlesser

3. Harlem Rhapsody by Victoria, Christopher Murray

4. The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom 

5. Theo of Golden by Allen LeviThe Correspondent

December Book Club 2025

 

                                                   Merry Christmas

 23 years, 282 books, 276 meetings, 23 retreats/special outings, and 219 blog posts

In keeping with our December tradition, Laura was our holiday hostess. We are always grateful for our wonderful hostesses and look forward to Laura's at this time of year. In keeping with our book theme, Laura decorated with a woodland, winter solstice theme of bringing in the light.  

Carla and I gave Laura a little extra help with the decor. We foraged our yards for cedar, Magnolia leaves, pine needles, pine cones, and red berries. Laura harvested some Rosemary and Sage. We made "smudge" bundles for releasing energy, added some candles, ribbon, and Voila! a winter celebration of bringing in the
light. 

As always, the food was outstanding. Laura made Butternut Squash Soup, crockpot Focaccia, and a stunning Yule Log. Carla A brought Hungarian Mushroom Soup. Carla G brought Ramen Salad, Diana brought deviled eggs, Arnora bought fresh flowers, and mixed nuts. Laura also provided some champagne, along with other assorted wines, tea, and water with lemons and berries. 

We were sorry that Barb ended up unwell at the last minute, and Denise was traveling. 

This year, we decided on a novel described as "heartwarming and cozy," blending elements of romance, psychological fiction, and family saga. It is considered a favorite festive read and a magical Christmas book. It explores themes of family connection, loss and grief, hope and renewal, and the spirit of Christmas.  

The book received a rating of 4.15 from those who read it. Diana loved it and was glad for the journey back to Scotland it took her on. She found the author's descriptive writing put her in the story. 

I know Barb, Pam, and I had a hard time with the narration. Barb said she loved it after switching to the

book. Diana has loaned me her copy, and I plan to give it another try. Laura said she loved how all the characters, after going through trying times, were returning to the light. 

And, that's a wrap for 2025. What a lovely way to end another year of books, great food, and fun times together. As we finished our meal, we revisited the miraculous ways we were brought together and expressed gratitude for the bonds we have formed. 

Our next meeting is Jan 4 at Diana's. We will discuss "Miss Morgan's Book Brigade," by Janet Skeslien Charles. Carla A will be co-hosting.

Pam is hosting in February, and our book is "The Wedding People," by Alison Espach.

Arnora will host on March 1

Carla G will host on April 5. 

Denise will host in May 

Books we are strongly considering for the future:

1. All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whittaker
2. Mona's Eyes by Thomas Schlesser
3. Harlem Rhapsody by Victoria, Christopher Murray
4. The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom 
5. Theo of Golden by Allen Levi

November Book Club 2025

 

We met this month at Carla G's house, as is often our tradition. Our November book is The Starling House by Alix E. Harrow. We have previously read her book, "The Ten Thousand Doors." 

We are having beautiful fall weather just right for Carla's sweet potato and black bean, turkey chili. She also provided cheese and crackers, and assorted cobblers for dessert. Pam brought salad, and Laura brought stuffed dates. Denise brought cornbread with honey butter. Lis brought wine and ice cream for the cobbler. Diana brought "mead", Sherrie brought wine, and Arnora brought mixed nuts and the gorgeous fall flowers. We missed Carla A, who was out of town. 

The Starling House seemed like a good choice for an end-of-October, early November book. 

Published in 2023, it is described as a modern Gothic fantasy novel. The story is set in the fictional town of Eden, Kentucky. The protagonist is Opal, a young woman who becomes entangled with a mysterious house and its reclusive heir. Opal investigates the house and her own connection to it. She uncovers a dark family history and confronts literal nightmares threatening the town, all while looking for a place to call home. 

All the elements of Gothic literature are there: a dark, foreboding house that sets the stage for paranormal activity. In a gothic mystery, the setting is the most crucial element of the story. The house is set in the fictional town of Eden, Kentucky. Opal and her brother are orphans, of course. They have to find a way to survive by their wits.  Opal takes a job as a housekeeper in Starling House to pay for their living expenses and her brother's tuition. The house has a dark past, including mysterious deaths and a sinister history tied to a reclusive author who published a book called Underland. The dark history is combined with the social damage caused by the powerful Gravely family. That name was a bit too "on the nose" for me, and the town's name, "Eden," suggests that all isn't right in the garden. 

The story just didn't work for most of us. It didn't hold my attention, and we agreed the plot wasn't very mysterious. I am not sure when I knew that Opal was a Gravely, but I knew before she did. And, it's obvious from the beginning that she will be the next caretaker of the house.  Also, everyone expected her to end up with Arthur. We rated the book a 3. 

Our December book is Winter Solsice, and we'll have our annual Christmas Party at Laura's. 

October Book Club 2025

  

It is hard to believe that we are entering October and Fall has arrived. This has been a great year for reading, and this month's book is no exception. We missed Janie and Denise. Janie's daughter is here celebrating her birthday with her parents, and Denise is recovering from surgery. Arnora returns to us fresh from her trip to England and Ireland with her brother. Carla G just returned from a trip to Hawaii, where she and Randy renewed their vows!

Barb was our host for this month, and she made comforting chicken and dumplings. Carla G and Lis brought salads, Laura brought two desserts, Diana added the whipped cream, and Pam brought delicious cookies!

In the past, we read Sue Monk Kidd's book, The Secret Life of Bees, and it became a book club favorite.
The movie was also one of the few that I thought was a good movie adaptation. 

The Invention of Wings is a story told by two narrators who are living parallel lives. They are living in the same house, but their lives could not be more different. 

Sara Grimke has just turned 11. She is living in the plantation home of her revered father, a judge in Charleston, SC, and her southern belle mother. She is finally being transferred from the nursery to her own bedroom. With this promotion comes the gift of a personal lady's maid. Handful, a black slave of the Grimkes, is brought into the house to sleep on the floor outside of Sara's room and tend to her every need. Sara is despondent at this news and begs her mother to take back the gift.  Even at this young age, Sara has witnessed the treatment of their slaves, and she wants no part of it. When her mother refuses, Sara, a precocious and sharp-minded girl, writes an emancipation letter and leaves it on her father's desk. This is the beginning of a story of two southern sisters, Sara and Angelina, and a slave girl, as they navigate the road through abolition and feminism leading up to the Civil War. 

Sara and Angelina Grimke were two of the first women to join the cause for the abolition of slavery, and they also fought for women's right to vote. They came just ahead of Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and eventually, Lucretia Mott and Lucy Paul. 

Sue Monk Kidd adeptly tells this moving story of the women and their lives in both Charleston and Philadelphia. It is in Philadelphia that the Grimkes joined the Quaker Church, which was opposed to slavery. This book was the first time I remember knowing that many people who wanted to free the slaves did not want to give women the right to vote. And, many in the suffragette movement were not abolitionists. 

I first learned of the Myth that Africans had wings and could fly from Toni Morrison's book, Song of Solomon. Supposedly, African's lost their wings when they were brought to America as slaves. What remains are their shoulder blades, where wings should be.  In the last two years, I have read four books that reference this story. 

Our November book is Starling House, and our December book is Winter Solstice. 

The Holiday Season is upon us! 

September Book Club 2025

 

At our August Book Club, we decided to postpone "The Invention of Wings" to October and instead read 2025's Pulitzer Prize-winning "James." This is the retelling of Mark Twain's novel, "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.  Coincidentally, I reread Huck Finn a couple of years ago, so the story is fresh on my mind. 

Lis was our host this month. We missed Tammy, Barb, and Denise, but were thrilled that Lou was in town! 

Lis provided us with black beans and rice, Carla A brought cheesy bread, Carla G provided us with a green salad, and Diana brought homemade pretzels. Laura brought stuffed peppers, and Janie made homemade corn muffins. Lis also provided Rhubarb Pie for dessert and her famous Mexican Hot Chocolate. 

Everyone read "James," and the total rating was 5. 

Both novels for September and October are set in the Civil War era and deal with issues of race and slavery. The author did a great job of using Huckleberry Finn as his inspiration. The original Mark Twain story is told from Huck's point of view. There are many instances where Huck is on his own, and we are not privy to what "Jim" is doing. Everett stuck close to the bones of the narrative but expanded on the parts where Jim was having an experience apart from Huck. Twain's main characters, Tom Sawyer and Huck, are around 12 years old, and Twain wrote the books for a young audience. He wrote about serious and dark subjects like 

Papp's alcoholism and violence, racism, and slavery, but he used a lot of humor and satire. 

In this new novel, Jim calls himself "James." He has taught himself to read, which was against the law at the time, and sneaks books from Judge Thatcher's library. He has read many of the classical philosophers and often has dreams or imagines he is in conversation with John Locke, Rousseau, and Voltaire. 

James learns that his owner, Ms. Watson, is about to sell him, separating him from his wife and daughter. He escapes and meets up with Huck, and the journey begins. As in the original, there are many close calls, and they are both running for their lives. It is easy to see why this book won the 2025 Pulitzer for Fiction.

We will meet at Barb's on October 5 for The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd

November 2, we will meet at Carla G's for Starling House by Alix E. Harrow

December will be our Christmas party and celebration of the Winter Solstice, as featured in Rosamund Pilcher's book. 

As a reminder, we discussed a Christmas project last year to accompany our cards, where we will select quotes we think match the member. I'm going to try to think ahead. I am bad about waiting until the last minute. 

I hope everyone is enjoying our beautiful fall weather! 

August Book Club 2025

 

I woke this morning, on the 3rd of August, to a welcome 75 degrees and soft rain. All things considered, we've had a wet and mild summer.  And, a great way to spend a relaxing day with friends, food, drink, and a great book discussion. 

Diana hosted us this month with a summer tea consisting of both Dill and Apple/Grape chicken salad sandwiches, chips with homemade salsa, hard and regular iced tea, and a creamy, cool, delicious strawberry dessert.  Other additions were: Denise - fruit salad, Carla G -garden salad, Arnora - fresh flowers and mixed nuts, Lis - Lemon cream pie and mixed nuts, and Janie- Burrito Surprise.                                    

                                              

We missed Pam, who was out of town. We've been very excited that Tammy has been able to join us while she and Randall are on dry land. 

Watership Down, by Richard Adams, is considered a 20th-century classic published in 1972. It tells the story of a group of rabbits who flee their warren in Sandleford, Hampshire, England, after Fiver, a young rabbit with prophetic visions, foresees its destruction. Led by his brother, Hazel, and guided by Fiver's visions, they embark on a perilous journey to find a new home.  I saw one internet commenter describe it as "Lonesome Dove" for rabbits. Both are epic journeys.

The author says that the story was made up "on the fly" to keep his daughters entertained on trips to grandma's house, and it had no deep meaning. His wife and daughters encouraged him to write it down. At age 52, it was his first published novel. 

Richard Adams grew up in the area of the book's setting. He studied Modern History at Oxford, but was called to service in the Army during WWII, though he did not see active duty. At least three of his characters are based on men he knew during the war. He then completed his Master of Arts. For the next 26 years, he worked in civil service in the Department of Agriculture and later for the Department of the Environment. Mr. Adams was a strong advocate for animal welfare. He resigned after two years with the RSPCA because he felt the group seemed more concerned with each other than the animals.     

Each chapter of the novel opens with a quote from mythology or other literature, giving us a glimpse into his wide knowledge of these subjects.  Each of the four warrens also has a distinct government. 

My observation is that while Mr. Adams may not have deliberately intended a deeper, psychological, metaphorical, or political message, he certainly brought all of his personal life experiences to bear as he organized this grand adventure. 

The book was rated a 4 for those who finished it. There was a consensus that some of the extraneous storytelling the rabbits did was unnecessary or could have used a good edit. Wherever we fell on the spectrum of our love (or not) for the book, it prompted a truly great discussion. 

P.S. Carla A made us a stunning collage of our Paint and Sip art from our retreat. I am posting it here. What a great way to memorialize a fun, shared, creative experience, proving that we are all artists at heart! Here's to "Other Bird" of a feather. 

September will be hosted by Lis, and we are reading "James" by Percival Everett. Barb will host in October and our book is Sue Monk Kidd's "The Invention of Wings."