Ruff ruff do I smell something good.....it's Pat's "just chicken" mmmmmmmm
We gather around the dinner table to begin our book club meeting. Grace reminds us about the upcoming Christmas luncheon at McFarland House on December 7 at 1:00 and makes a list of all who can attend.
I announce that I created a summary of the books we read last year. I would like everyone to email me the name of your two top choices from that list. Pam says she likes them all but I just want to see if there was a favorite.
It's now Pat's turn to question us on the book we read "The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Garth Stein. An interest story about life and death told from the view point of a dog using car racing as an analogy to life. Someone said, it makes you think just what "my dog" might be thinking and what do they really know. But me being ever the skeptic, it's just a story but a good one. Discussion alternated between personal experiences with dying, being alone and being lonely, Burzynski Clinic to treat cancer, Penn State scandal, and false accusations. Pat then introduced us to her "Solutions" catalog -- advertised as products that make life easier, it included the "remote control egg massager". Naturally, it all went down hill from there.
In January we will meet at Edna's house on the 19th and read "Saving Fish from Drowning" by Amy Tan. There are several books in the libraries around the area so you should not have any problems getting a copy.
Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving and look forward to seeing you at the Mcfarland House and/or my Christmas Party on December 16.
We're thinking about you Ellen and you too Linda and Alice.
Enjoy your reading and remember to send me your 2 book choices from last year.
Goodnight,
KAthy G
October 20th Meeting at Grace's
It sure feels like fall. There is a chill in the air but there is plenty of warm wishes at Grace's house. She starts "Year Four "of our book club with a wonderful dinner of Chicken Cordon Bleu and Eggplant Parmesan. Now top that girls, the bar has been set!
After satisfying our hunger and checking up on the past months events we setting down to discuss Barbara Delinsky's "While my Sister Sleeps". Grace has requested that we bring a ? to discuss so Roe ask "why did you pick this book?" Good question and so the discussions begin. Since this book dealt with death, several people related rather sensitive times in their lives when they had to deal with this on a very personal level. Alice relates what she went through when Bruce passed away and Pam recounted tough decisions she had to make in regard to Jim's health care. Topics ranged from health care, Medicare, restrictive school lunches, to building a 4 million tunnel so that college students can cross the street, and everything in between.
To round out the night, dessert was served and we all sang happy birthday to Louisa and Grace who are celebrating their birthdays this month.
REMEMBER -- next month's meeting will be on TUESDAY November 15 at Pat's house and we will read "The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Garth Stein.
Please send me your book selection for this year.
I created a pdf file under Books Read of the books we read last year - Summary of Books Read 2010-2011
We missed you Pat and sure hope your mom is doing better.
'missed you Linda and hope you are having a great time on your cruise.
Keep reading and see ya in a month if not sooner,
BTW my hand is feeling better. Don't know if it's the soy sauce or the ice or both.
KAthy G
After satisfying our hunger and checking up on the past months events we setting down to discuss Barbara Delinsky's "While my Sister Sleeps". Grace has requested that we bring a ? to discuss so Roe ask "why did you pick this book?" Good question and so the discussions begin. Since this book dealt with death, several people related rather sensitive times in their lives when they had to deal with this on a very personal level. Alice relates what she went through when Bruce passed away and Pam recounted tough decisions she had to make in regard to Jim's health care. Topics ranged from health care, Medicare, restrictive school lunches, to building a 4 million tunnel so that college students can cross the street, and everything in between.
To round out the night, dessert was served and we all sang happy birthday to Louisa and Grace who are celebrating their birthdays this month.
REMEMBER -- next month's meeting will be on TUESDAY November 15 at Pat's house and we will read "The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Garth Stein.
Please send me your book selection for this year.
I created a pdf file under Books Read of the books we read last year - Summary of Books Read 2010-2011
We missed you Pat and sure hope your mom is doing better.
'missed you Linda and hope you are having a great time on your cruise.
Keep reading and see ya in a month if not sooner,
BTW my hand is feeling better. Don't know if it's the soy sauce or the ice or both.
KAthy G
September 16th Meeting at Pam's
Wow where do I begin. This was a very busy meeting. We ate of course and drank our wine and talk our talk, then Grace brought the meeting to order or as orderly as we can get. First on the agenda was selecting months to host our meeting. We have a few changes from last year. Check out the Reading List to make sure I got it right. In December, Grace suggested that we have a luncheon at the McFarland House since we don't have a scheduled meeting. Wednesday, December 7 seemed to suit everyone. Sharon
Pam who actually knows Ira Wagler the author of "Growing Up Amish " gave us some incite into Ira's current life and difficulties. Ira was a very troubled person who grew up in a world where he didn't belong. It was a coming of age type of book to the extreme. I equated it to growing up Catholic on steroids. A very vivid discussion ensued until it was time to have dessert.
Click here to read his blog. His last entry was his 50th birthday party where Jamie pick up our autographed books.
We will start year four of our book club. It's been wonderful. Grace will once again start off the year by hosting the meeting at her house on October 20. Her book selection is "While My Sister Sleeps" by Barbara Delinsky.
It was very chilly when we left Pam's house, I guess we really are stating a new year.
Take care and enjoy your book.
Reminders:
Reminders:
- You must contact the host if you will NOT be attending the meeting.
- The host will send out a reminder prior to the meeting. You know, sometimes we forget or get confused.
- Bring in your book suggestion at the next meeting.
So sorry you couldn't make it Edna and Pat, we missed you both.
KAthy G
August 18 Meeting at Linda's
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls and children of all ages -- Welcome to Linda's. We are together once again and this time to discuss a very special lady Mabel Starks who reminds us a little of Linda....right? She always has a story or another adventure and so did this circus lady who was married 4 or 5 times and very much in love with her 550 pound Rajah. She lead a active if not slightly insane circus life. Everyone has thought about running away to join the circus until you realize it's a dirty tough life. I liked the book but the gratuitous sex with the sick old guy at the end was totally unnecessary. Edna concurred.
Next month on Sept 15, we will meet at Pam's house after reading "Growing Up Amish" by Ira Wagler. Pam daughter knows the author and will purchase autographed copies of the books for those who requested one. We threw out some comments about life in the Amish community but we will leave most discussion until next month. Otherwise we'll have nothing to talk about. Oh right!
Our banner will be auctioned off Sept 3 at noon at the Art Centre located at 300 West King Street
BTW, Edna did find her notes. They were lying in the road in front of my next door neighbor's house. Needless to say, Edna was ecstatic.
Start thinking of what book you want us to read for next year's bookclub.
Year THREE starts in October. WOW can't believe it. It's been fun.
We missed you -- Roe, Pat and Louisa and will see you next month.
BTW, Edna did find her notes. They were lying in the road in front of my next door neighbor's house. Needless to say, Edna was ecstatic.
Start thinking of what book you want us to read for next year's bookclub.
Year THREE starts in October. WOW can't believe it. It's been fun.
We missed you -- Roe, Pat and Louisa and will see you next month.
So many books, so little time,
KAthy G
July 21 Meeting at Louisa's
It was a hot and steamy night and one by one they sauntered into the room. Sweat dripping from their brow. What could posess these fair ladies to venture out on a evening like this.
Well maybe it's bookclub night and Louisa just invited us into her home for some fun, fixing and discussin'. Crack open the wine and pour me a drink, it's time to discuss "Midnight in the Garden of Good Evil" by John Berendt.
Louisa asked several questions on the book to get us talking, Oh really, like we need an incentive. What really happened on that night when Hansford died? Are the characters in the books similar to the folks in Martinsburg? We do have our own characters. Does voodoo really work, I don't think anyone really bought that. After Louisa's famous cookies were passed around more discussion insued and we learned more about Savannah, love, life and each other.
Next month we will meet on August 18 at Linda home after reading "The Final Confession of Mabel Stark" by Robert Hough. The book is not in the Martinsburg Library, so if anyone gets a copy please pass it around.
Stay cool and enjoy your summer.
KAthy G
Well maybe it's bookclub night and Louisa just invited us into her home for some fun, fixing and discussin'. Crack open the wine and pour me a drink, it's time to discuss "Midnight in the Garden of Good Evil" by John Berendt.
Louisa asked several questions on the book to get us talking, Oh really, like we need an incentive. What really happened on that night when Hansford died? Are the characters in the books similar to the folks in Martinsburg? We do have our own characters. Does voodoo really work, I don't think anyone really bought that. After Louisa's famous cookies were passed around more discussion insued and we learned more about Savannah, love, life and each other.
Next month we will meet on August 18 at Linda home after reading "The Final Confession of Mabel Stark" by Robert Hough. The book is not in the Martinsburg Library, so if anyone gets a copy please pass it around.
Stay cool and enjoy your summer.
KAthy G
June 16 Meeting at Ellen's
Aw bummer....we didn't get to go swimming at Ellen's, but all is not lost, we still get together once again for bookclub. As we gather around the food , we catch up on what happened over the past month. When Ellen finally gets our attention, we get around to discussing the book "Safe Haven" by Nicholas Sparks. Ellen picked this book because she liked the author and the books he's written, namely 'Notebook". Grace questioned what the character "Jo" was all about and everyone chimed in to discuss their take on the story. A
major topic of conversation was spousal abuse and stories of friends and locals who have been abused were discussed. Linda shared an incident in her never ending story that quite amazed us. Although we were glad that "Kevin" got what he deserved, one couldn't help wonder why he was like that and the book really didn't delve into his character or explain why he was abusive, other than he was greatly affected by the brutal aspects of his job.
.
On July 21 we will head over to Louisa's to discuss " Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" by John Berendt. The library has several copies so you shouldn't have any problem getting a copy.
.
Have a wonderful summer and see ya all in a month if not sooner,
KAthy G
major topic of conversation was spousal abuse and stories of friends and locals who have been abused were discussed. Linda shared an incident in her never ending story that quite amazed us. Although we were glad that "Kevin" got what he deserved, one couldn't help wonder why he was like that and the book really didn't delve into his character or explain why he was abusive, other than he was greatly affected by the brutal aspects of his job.
.
On July 21 we will head over to Louisa's to discuss " Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" by John Berendt. The library has several copies so you shouldn't have any problem getting a copy.
.
Have a wonderful summer and see ya all in a month if not sooner,
KAthy G
May 19 Meeting at Sharon's
Välkommen!
We are greeted by the Swedish flag as we enter Sharon's home.
After our usual catching up on the events of the past month and having satiated our appetites, we adjoin to the living room to discuss "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" by Steig Larsson. Sharon poses several questions dealing with the characters in the book, namely Mikael Blomqvist, Erica Berger, Martin, Harriet and Lisbeth. Lisbeth it is agreed was the main character and a character she was. I was disturbed by the extent of the brutal revenge she inflicts upon Nils Bjurman her so called guardian, but he did indeed deserve it. He was a pig!
We are greeted by the Swedish flag as we enter Sharon's home.
After our usual catching up on the events of the past month and having satiated our appetites, we adjoin to the living room to discuss "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" by Steig Larsson. Sharon poses several questions dealing with the characters in the book, namely Mikael Blomqvist, Erica Berger, Martin, Harriet and Lisbeth. Lisbeth it is agreed was the main character and a character she was. I was disturbed by the extent of the brutal revenge she inflicts upon Nils Bjurman her so called guardian, but he did indeed deserve it. He was a pig!
Lisbeth is a strong and odd character and it is obvious by the ending, that this is not the last we will see of her. Al joined us in the discussion and added his view of this book with the recommendation to continue reading the entire three book series - The Girl Who Played with Fire and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest.
Next month we will meet at Ellen's home and read "Safe Haven" by Nicholas Sparks who also wrote "The Notebook".
Louisa drew our attention to a used book web site call Alibris.com where you can purchase books for as little as 99¢ plus shipping.
Friday, I will drop off our banner. There is a reception for "The Festival of Banners 2011" on Friday May 27th at 7pm at Boydville. I'll post details tomorrow.
Friday, I will drop off our banner. There is a reception for "The Festival of Banners 2011" on Friday May 27th at 7pm at Boydville. I'll post details tomorrow.
Enjoy the sun when it makes it's next appearance.
God kväll!
KAthy G
April 28th Meeting at Pat's
Despite having surgery on Monday, Pat invited us into her home for a wonderful night of companionship, discussion and of course, food. After we had more than enough to eat, Pat started discussion on her book "Promises to Keep", She explained her job as Navigator for Hospice and how it related to the book. Everyone contributed their experience of dealing with death since we've all been there. At our age, I don't think anyone hasn't had someone close die, or had to deal with cancer. It was a very positive discussion and truly a fact of life. Pat offered several books, some that dealt the dying process and guide for caregivers, and others on becoming truly happy. Then Pat asked if we could go "vegan" to improve our chances of beating cancer. No meat, eggs, dairy products, butter and all other animal -derived ingredients. That drove us to the dessert table. Somehow a life without good rich desserts doesn't sound appealing.
I brought in the banner Alice and I painted for the Downtown Martinsburg banner project with the Good Time Girl Book and Dinner Club theme.
We also had a surprise visit by Roe's little sister Theresa and her daughter Jen who are heading out to WVU to check it out. That made things very lively.
Next month we will read "Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson and meet at Sharon's house on May 19.
(Pat give me your book suggested list and I will post them on the blog.)
Good reading and see you in three weeks.
KAthy G
I brought in the banner Alice and I painted for the Downtown Martinsburg banner project with the Good Time Girl Book and Dinner Club theme.
We also had a surprise visit by Roe's little sister Theresa and her daughter Jen who are heading out to WVU to check it out. That made things very lively.
Next month we will read "Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson and meet at Sharon's house on May 19.
(Pat give me your book suggested list and I will post them on the blog.)
Good reading and see you in three weeks.
KAthy G
March 17th Meeting at Alice's
We show up. We listen. We try to laugh.
We also eat. We talk. We have a great time.
Tonight we met at Alice's home and are greeted by FREE books from Alice's collection. After catching up on the events of the past month, we dine and then start discussion on "A Short Guide to a Happy Life". Alice gives us a brief biography of Anna Quindlen and explains her connection to this author. The book is filled with a number of quotations and everyone picks their favorite. The book also contains photos and we pick out several that strike our fancy. Alice and Louisa brought out their personal photos which were wonderful. It was a little book with a simple message.
Alice and I pass around the designs we made for the Downtown Martinsburg Banner Project using the Good Time Girls Dinner / Bookclub as our inspiration. We will paint at my house and I will let you know when we need any help for this project. If there is something particular you want to do, let me know.
Next month we will meet at Pat Fogel's home on April 28 -- the 4th Thursday of the month. We will read "Promises to Keep" by Jane Green. Please note the author's name because there are several books with that title.
We also eat. We talk. We have a great time.
Tonight we met at Alice's home and are greeted by FREE books from Alice's collection. After catching up on the events of the past month, we dine and then start discussion on "A Short Guide to a Happy Life". Alice gives us a brief biography of Anna Quindlen and explains her connection to this author. The book is filled with a number of quotations and everyone picks their favorite. The book also contains photos and we pick out several that strike our fancy. Alice and Louisa brought out their personal photos which were wonderful. It was a little book with a simple message.
Alice and I pass around the designs we made for the Downtown Martinsburg Banner Project using the Good Time Girls Dinner / Bookclub as our inspiration. We will paint at my house and I will let you know when we need any help for this project. If there is something particular you want to do, let me know.
Next month we will meet at Pat Fogel's home on April 28 -- the 4th Thursday of the month. We will read "Promises to Keep" by Jane Green. Please note the author's name because there are several books with that title.
Erin Go Bragh
KAthy G
February 17 Meeting at Rosemary's
OK It's Feb and it's winter and it's 70° today, so I just had to wear my flip-flops to bookclub tonight at Roe's house.
Rosemary greeted us at the door and the festivities began. Our socialization continued into dinner which was wonderful. I never should have stopped describing our dinners because they are probably the best part of our "bookclub". There I said it. After catching up on the activites over the past month Roe gets us back to the reason we are here - to discuss the book "The Mermaid Chair". Everyone nodded that they liked the book and the discussion commenced. I thought the affair with Brother Thomas a bit fanciful and most agreed, but as Pam mentioned, it made for interesting reading. The book invoked descussion into marriage, affairs, family and mother daughter realtionship. It ended with a relistic premise that Jessie and Hugh will try to go forward with their marriage. The meeting ended with dessert and conversation.
Alice handed out copies of "A Short Guide to a Happy Life" by Anna Quindlen for next month's bookclub meeting. We will meet at her house on "St Patty's Day" -- March 17.
Enjoy this wonderful weather while it last and see you all in a month if not sooner.
Please note the changes in the Reading List, ie Sharon and Ellen swapped months.
KAthy G
Rosemary greeted us at the door and the festivities began. Our socialization continued into dinner which was wonderful. I never should have stopped describing our dinners because they are probably the best part of our "bookclub". There I said it. After catching up on the activites over the past month Roe gets us back to the reason we are here - to discuss the book "The Mermaid Chair". Everyone nodded that they liked the book and the discussion commenced. I thought the affair with Brother Thomas a bit fanciful and most agreed, but as Pam mentioned, it made for interesting reading. The book invoked descussion into marriage, affairs, family and mother daughter realtionship. It ended with a relistic premise that Jessie and Hugh will try to go forward with their marriage. The meeting ended with dessert and conversation.
Alice handed out copies of "A Short Guide to a Happy Life" by Anna Quindlen for next month's bookclub meeting. We will meet at her house on "St Patty's Day" -- March 17.
Enjoy this wonderful weather while it last and see you all in a month if not sooner.
Please note the changes in the Reading List, ie Sharon and Ellen swapped months.
KAthy G
January 20 Meeting at Edna's
Happy New Year !!!!
This is the second year we are threatened with a snow storm while heading out to Edna's. But it IS winter and we are prepared. Ellen brought the tank and we can also hunker down at Edna's should we get snowed in. Glenny's going to love that one.
After a wonderful meal, Edna asks if all liked the book and starts us out with question 1 on page 4 - the count down to Eddie's "final minutes left on earth". It's a little book but we are really going to dissect this book. We discuss the five people Eddie meet and why. Pam suggests that this book is similar to "It's a Wonderful Life" in that Eddie doesn't think his life is important until he is shown how his life effects others. The book bring out instances in our lives and the lives of others that are important. Roe shares with us the story of her uncle who was a prison of war in WWII. We had a lot of discussion with the statement "all parents damage their children. It cannot be helped." I think the word damage, a little too strong . All in all we have a very informative discussion and are glad to be a part of this dinner, I mean bookclub. A surprise birthday cake is brought out for me and then the "pièce de résistance" -- Edna's beautiful candy apples are presented.
Next month we will meet at Rosemary's home and read "The Mermaid Chair" by Sue Monk Kidd.
As a reminder, all the books for this year are posted in the blog.
We missed ya, Linda, Pat and Louisa.
See ya next month and happy reading.
KAthy G
This is the second year we are threatened with a snow storm while heading out to Edna's. But it IS winter and we are prepared. Ellen brought the tank and we can also hunker down at Edna's should we get snowed in. Glenny's going to love that one.
After a wonderful meal, Edna asks if all liked the book and starts us out with question 1 on page 4 - the count down to Eddie's "final minutes left on earth". It's a little book but we are really going to dissect this book. We discuss the five people Eddie meet and why. Pam suggests that this book is similar to "It's a Wonderful Life" in that Eddie doesn't think his life is important until he is shown how his life effects others. The book bring out instances in our lives and the lives of others that are important. Roe shares with us the story of her uncle who was a prison of war in WWII. We had a lot of discussion with the statement "all parents damage their children. It cannot be helped." I think the word damage, a little too strong . All in all we have a very informative discussion and are glad to be a part of this dinner, I mean bookclub. A surprise birthday cake is brought out for me and then the "pièce de résistance" -- Edna's beautiful candy apples are presented.
Next month we will meet at Rosemary's home and read "The Mermaid Chair" by Sue Monk Kidd.
As a reminder, all the books for this year are posted in the blog.
We missed ya, Linda, Pat and Louisa.
See ya next month and happy reading.
KAthy G
