March 7 Meeting at Alice's

'Twas a grand gathering of the Reading ladies to the peach brick house on Lina Lane for the annual wearin' of the green (all of us) plus shamrock & rainbow topped cupcakes (thank you Rennie) and other treats! 

The book I chose, SOMEBODY'S DAUGHTER, by Ashley C. Ford, was a memoir of her childhood with her dad being in prison and her mother,  a single mom with 2 then 4 children to raise. Her family is poor, the relationship with her mother is testy, seemingly harsh,(Ashley is the oldest child) and as she grows into adolescence, then to a teen and beyond, it only gets more challenging. Ashley is a survivor;  her mother's strong example along with her grandmother's steady presence & balance, penetrate her character.

One thing that Ashley learned early in her education and schooling: she could turn to what gives her solace and delight: Books from the library!  Oh, they did make her happy in dark days. Our bookclub can connect with her on this level!  I heard Ashley interviewed on the radio during a review of "Somebody's Daughter" and wanted to read the memories she shared which took 10 years to write. And she was from Indiana. (ahh, the Midwest).

Thanks to all who joined me and missed those not able to attend.  Also, again, to Rennie for sharing her heartbreaking family story with her dad similar to Ashley's. That was personal and I appreciated her loving candor. It made another connection to this book, I was touched.  We all were.  Photos, too.  Brilliant!

See you next year, Erin Go Braugh.   

SLAINTE' always to all.   

Alice