The book club met Thursday at Linda’s house with 6 members present. After a lunch, the 5th book of the Alexis Forrest FBI series, "Forest of Obsessions" by Kate Gable was discussed. While we were happy to have some closure to the mystery, we feel we’re ready to stop the series. Members can finish the series on their own if they so desire. Many desserts were brought by the members and enjoyed by all along with lots of laughter. We missed those who were unable to attend.
Linda
We are going on to our 17th year,. We met at Grace’s home and read Kathy’s book pick of "The Secret Life Of Sunflowers" by Marta Molnar, Dana Marton.
As always there was an abundance of food and I can’t remember all the details as it’s been a rough year. I made soup and Grace made sandwiches. Others brought deserts. Grace led the discussion and we covered a lot of territory.
I picked this book because it was about a real person and included Vincent Van Gogh which fascinated me. "The Secret Life of Sunflowers" is the true story of Johanna Bonger who was the sister-in- law to Vincent Van Gogh. A story about a strong woman who became the catalyst in getting Vincent discovered by the world after his death. I think everyone really enjoyed the book.
I was inspired by all the saying throughout the book, namely:
"Refusals will not kill me. Ridicule will not kill me. My feelings might be hurt... but I will not die. I will keep trying. I will live in gratitude, my face pointed toward the light".
"Sunflowers are adaptable... The worse the soil, the bigger they flower. They're scrappy as hell".
“I imagine happiness like needlepoint. Dots of color, precious moments placed next to each other as time passes, small joys doled out over a lifetime.”
“The meaning of life is to live it.”
“All are made exceptional by necessity,”
“Decisions made in haste are repented at leisure.”
“You succeed by not failing.”
And I really like this one:
“If you hear a voice within say you cannot do something, then by all means, do that thing, and that voice will be silenced.”
(A quote from Theodore Roosevelt that inspired the author to write the book). "Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can"
Next meeting is January 15 at Linda’s and we will read "Forest of Obsessions" by Kate Gable.
Kathy G
The October book club meeting was held at the spooky residence of Carol Mason. 10 members were present and 2 showed up in costume. Thanks scarecrow Kathy and witch Edna for your entertainment. I am sorry to report no delicious goodies were prepared by Dusty this year. Everyone was subjected to store bought cheese, meats and crackers, wraps, coleslaw, broccoli salad, veggie tray, fruit and cookies. Sylvia brought a delicious Apple cake and Roe brought peanut butter chews (which I tried to hide). We did discuss the book, "Forest of Lies", which is the 4th book in this series by Kate Gable. The frustration is high that the killer is still not caught and Alexis is not able to see she is being followed and taunted. It is upsetting to read about young children being killed and not always by the killer she is seeking. Only 3 more books in the series. I am rereading 5 and 6 as the (hopefully) final book was just released this week. Stay tuned for updates.
Carol
At our September book club meeting at Sharon’s, the book club enjoyed not one but 2 book reviews. We first had a lunch of quiche and salad, prepared by Sharon, and a delicious cake made by Rennie. Then we dove into talking about our books. Rennie went first (see her review in the August write-up.) Sharon began a discussion of her chosen book, "In the Shadow of the Greenbrier", by Emily Matchar. She chose the book because of its setting in West Virginia and the history of the Greenbrier Resort, covering the lives of four generations of the Zeiner family and their interaction with the resort, beginning in the 1930’s. Talking about the plot of the book brought comments from book club members who remembered the mystery surrounding the resort’s past as a secret cold war bunker built for the U.S. Congress in the 40's in case of a nuclear attack. Some shared their own experiences with the hotel. Several have stayed there and enjoyed the beautiful countryside and elegant resort.
Sharon
The Last of the Moon Girls by Barbara Davis
Unfortunately, due to an ER visit and a pulled muscle in my back, I canceled the August book club meeting at my home.
We were able to discuss the book at our September meeting at Sharon’s home.
This book revolved around a woman named Lizzy taken from her NY city living as a perfumer designer back to her family farm in New Hampshire when her grandmother had passed and the estate needed to be settled. Liz was the last of nine generations of healers with special gifts. While finding the farm in disrepair, Liz revisits the murders of 2 young Girls on the farm which had not been solved. The Locals always suspected her grandmother had something to do with it. So, this book turned out to had some murder, mystery, romance (she falls in love with her old neighbor) suspense, who was the murderer and stalking Liz. Her Grandmother leaves Liz a book of remembrances, giving her potions, recipes, and the wisdom to realize the importance of family no matter who they. The story ended pretty predictable with the murders solved and her staying on the Moon Girls Farm continuing the family legacy and traditions.
This was my second book of Barbara Davis. I like her style of writing, even though this story was predictable. I look forward to reading other books she has written.
Rennie
The July Goodtime Girls Bookclub was held on the 17th at 5:00 pm hosted by Edna at Linda Henry’s home. It was supposed to be at War Memorial Park but because of severe storms and high heat index warnings; better minds than mine prevailed and we moved it to Linda’s. Of the twelve active members; there were 5 present. Linda, Carol, Roe, Alice and myself. The other seven were either out-of-town or incapacitated in some way! Sorry to all that could not be there. We missed you!! I returned from the UK on July 7th & thought I would have my act together by the 17th but that did not happen!! Haha. Instead of cooking: everything was ordered. Easy and efficient!! Since there were only the five of us; we ate while we discussed the book: "Forest of Secrets" by Kate Gable. This was the third book in the series so everyone was well aware of the setting and content. We all seemed to be enjoying the series and were annoyed by the woman going off and putting everyone through all the agony of thinking something terrible had happened to her just to get back at her husband! We were also concerned that the killer seems to be getting closer & closer!! Scary!! After the meeting, four of us went to the Park and listened to the music, which was very good!! We will be reading the 4th book in October at Carol’s.
Our next meeting is the third Thursday, the 21st of August, at Rennie’s. We will be discussing her book , "Last of the Moon Girls". Hope to see everyone there!!
Love to all and stay safe!!🥰🙏
Edna
