Our neighborhood book club met for the second time last night, in the home of our newest neighbor, who moved in about 4 months ago. I had not been in that home in ten years; it had been extensively redecorated in the meantime, and is a perfect candidate for a slick home magazine article. We got to tour the lower level and it was a real treat, along with the tasty appetizers, salads and desserts we all brought to share.
Even though we are in the middle of October, it was warm enough for us to sit outside on the terrace, surrounding a lovely fire, until after 9:30 pm. We discussed our latest book - Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See - and the consensus was that we liked it and found it challenging as well as educational. It takes place in China during the time of foot-binding, and reading about that made us all glad that we live in this day and time and don't have to face that custom.
The discussion about the book was lively, with everyone participating at some level. I'm not sure how I became the leader of the discussions - but last night I tried to suggest that the woman who hosts the group should also lead the discussions, and I was shot down very quickly. It was also decided that we will meet every two months, instead of three - since we are enjoying it so much.
I am going to host our next meeting, which will be in January (even though we changed it to every two months) because December is busy enough without adding book club to the mix! The book I chose is "Cane River" by Lalita Tademy, and if you haven't read it - you might want to check it out. Tademy was a former vice-president at S*n M*cr*syst*ms, who left her job to research and write this history of four generations of her family.
The discussion about the book was lively, with everyone participating at some level. I'm not sure how I became the leader of the discussions - but last night I tried to suggest that the woman who hosts the group should also lead the discussions, and I was shot down very quickly. It was also decided that we will meet every two months, instead of three - since we are enjoying it so much.
I am going to host our next meeting, which will be in January (even though we changed it to every two months) because December is busy enough without adding book club to the mix! The book I chose is "Cane River" by Lalita Tademy, and if you haven't read it - you might want to check it out. Tademy was a former vice-president at S*n M*cr*syst*ms, who left her job to research and write this history of four generations of her family.
12 comments:
Its always interesting seeing the inside of other people's homes!! (You can tell I'm a nosey person!!) I love it when its the duplicate of mine, or the mirror of it, everybody does things so differently.
Your Book Club sounds fun!
Your book club sounds like fun!
I am not at all surprised that you would be chosen to lead the discussions.Cream rises to the top.
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan sounds interesting.
Let us know about Cane River.
I wonder if I would have the patience to join a book club? I like to talk about books, but I wonder if I would attend regularly.
I read Cane River about 6-7 years ago and thought it was terrific! That's why I suggested it to the book club.
Not many better combos than good food, good company and a good book and you got to see round the house. Great!
Being a very slow reader I avoid book clubs. I would have loved the banter round the fire and the tour of the house.
I read this book a year or so ago and remembered the plot line but not WHY I read it. It was interesting and sad all at the same time. It sounds like a wonderful evening.
I wish I had a neighbourhood book club! Most of my neighbours are recent immigrants from Korea or Iran. There isn't even an English bookstore anywhere closeby anymore. (The one that used to be a few blocks away went out of business.) However, we do have lots of really good ethnic restaurants! Win some, lose some. ;-)
I really liked "Snow Flower.." and See's "Shanghai Girls," as well. I love seeing the insides of homes. I go to real estate open houses when I have a quiet Sunday afternoon, one of those snoopy lookyloos. Your book club does sound like fun.
I haven't heard of either of these books, Judy, but will check them out. Right now I am reading Barbara Kingsolver's "The Lacuna". Really interesting.
Your book club sounds inviting. I have so many unread books here I want to get through before I add more, but yours sound interesting.
Post a Comment