June 18 Meeting at Rosemary's

"Remarkably Bright Creatures" by Shelby Van Pelt 

Book club was hosted by Rosemary on June 16. We started with baked ziti with meatballs , salad and had various desserts.
The book was “Remarkably Bright Creatures “ . The main characters,  are Tava and Marcellus, a giant Pacific Octopus , who lives at the aquarium where Tava works the night shift . Tava is a widow, cleaning , tidying up and keeping busy , which helps her to cope with her 18 year old son Erik’s mysterious disappearance from his boat 30 years ago. Tava and Marcellus establish a bond and unusual friendship.
Marcellus , the detective deduces what happened the night of Erik’s disappearance and uses various tricks to unearth the truth to Tava before it’s too late.
Uncovering the past helped Tava uncover a future she felt was impossible.
The book was enjoyed by all of us in attendance and it was recently available as a movie on Netflix with Sally Field as Tava !
It was also a good discussion regarding the amazing traits , both physical and mental of the giant octopus. Amazing creatures !

We missed Pat, Grace , Sharon and Rennie.

May 21 Meeting at Pat's

 We all ate Jersey Mike’s and a local strawberries salad.  Blueberry cobbler with vanilla ice cream for dessert. We were all together in the living room where we enjoyed watching the birds!  Our book was The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. Lots of conversation. The fascination of an entire book being told through letters; the many relationships celebrated and maintained through letter writing; issues we face in living, such as grief; the gift of receiving a letter; how we can make a difference simply by corresponding.

We appreciated our time together but did miss Rosemary and Sharon!!

Love,

Pat

April 16 Meeting at Kathy's

We met at my house for lunch to discuss the book "James" by Percival Everet. The novel won the 2024 Kirkus Prize, the National Book Award for Fiction, and the 2025 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.

The first half of the book I really enjoyed and I felt that the idea of presenting the narrative from the perspective of Jim was unique. However the author reimagines Mark Twain's Jim-- a character who is treated as benign and a bit simple-minded --as a secret intellectual who can not only read, but is well-versed in Voltaire. In this version, the way Black slaves behave and speak is not their true selves but a performance for slave owners. I thought this was a bit much.  Also I didn't understand why this book was Pulitzer quality because I was not impressed with the writing and did not care for the the twist at the end that James was Huck Finns dad.

One of the most beautiful aspects of Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn is that Huck and Jim were able to have a true, genuine friendship, and this allowed Huck to see the hypocrisy and immorality of the society in which he lived, and to realize that there are values, including friendship, which can transcend those of the society in which we live.  Some agreed with me and others did not.
We had a special guest, Dricka dropped in.  It was sure great getting to see her again.  Hail Hail the gangs all here  OR at least most, missing Edna, Sharon and Alice.

Next meeting is May 21 at Pat's and we will read "The Correspondent" by Virginia Evan.

💜 Kathy G

March 19 Meeting at Alice's

 Camino Island by John Grisham

It’s thanks to Molly the helpful and smart librarian at North Berkeley (she was just doing her job) for suggesting and calling in seven copies of Camino Island+ gratitude also to Sylvia who filled me in & gave me the scoop on how to get the books for all of us to share and pass around.

Camino Island was a novel based on the author’s own experience in the beach community of Amelia Island, Florida, where he has a vacation home. So the setting was great for all of us sitting in winter weather here in West Virginia. A beach read for us in the winter. Mr Grisham  heard a story about rare books so he combined these 2 ideas to write CAMINO ISLAND. I have also read CAMINO WINDS & CAMONO GHOSTS also excellent!

I felt also that John Grisham was promoting the selling and use of reading a real book ( yes I see all of you with your I-pads & Paper Whites e readers) He created a space w/ main character Bruce Cable’s Bay Books bookstore,  giving authors a place to sell books & be themselves. Constantly talking about books! the beautiful young Mercer Mann, a woman who infiltrated the possibility into the stolen priceless F Scott Fitzgerald manuscripts was certainly a way to keep us reading. Hmmmm, are they in the basement of this bookstore or back in NJ ?!

Overall review: This real honest to God book in my hands was a fine choice for not knowing a thing about this story and then being pretty damn good. 

Thanks ladies again it’s always great to host you all- now in 2026 for an Irish party and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day -seeing all of you fine ladies wearing green sitting around my table, it brings a sentimental tear to my fine eye! It is always fun chatting and hanging out together and you know we just have to keep it up. Slainte!

Love y’all
Alice.

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February 19 Meeting at Sylvia's

 GTG Book Club met at Sylvia’s on February 19.  Lunch was a picnic theme with a sundae bar for desert.  

Discussion followed about February’s book “The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post” by Allison Pataki. The book is historical fiction about the life of Marjorie Merriweather Post, heiress of Post Cereal and entrepreneur of General Foods.  Her story begins in Battle Creek, Michigan, and takes us through her rise to wealth, four marriages, hosting presidents, rescuing Russian treasurers, and her philanthropy and extensive charitable works…earning Marjorie the nickname “Lady Bountiful”.

There is significant interest by members to tour Ms. Post’s Washington, DC, home Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens. Stay tuned for a follow-up!

Sylvia

January 15 Meeting at Linda's

 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

November 20 Meeting at Grace's with Kathy

 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

October 16 Meeting at Carol's

 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

September 18 Meeting at Sharon's

 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    

Rennie's August 21 Meeting in Sept at Sharon's

 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

July 17 Meeting at Linda's hosted by Edna

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

June 19 Meeting at Pam's

 

May 15 Meeting at Rosemary's

 We met at Roe's house for Book club on Thursday , May 15th. The book “One Thing of Value" by John Mincarelli , was the book of the month. It is a compelling narrative of love and relationships that are considered forbidden , endearing and everlasting .   I had read several books by this author.  The topics varied and I found the authors writing enjoyable and thought provoking.  We had a good discussion.   I think most of us liked the book .

We enjoyed a baked ziti dish (thank you Drika for the recipe ) meatballs , salad and a variety of desserts. We missed Pat, Rene , Drika and Louisa .  

Roe

April 17 Meeting at Pat's

April‘s book club was very special in that all 12 active members were here. We still miss Dricka and Louisa. The book for April was "The Collected Regrets of Clover" by Mikki Brammer.  I served chicken salad, fresh fruit salad, and a couscous veggie salad with ice cream sundaes for dessert and we all sat together at the long table  in the living room. The discussion lasted actually for several hours as we discussed, not only the fascinating characters of the book, but the role of a Doula in one’s dying. We also  took a look at some of the tools that doulas use, such as aromatherapy and music. We discussed grief, loss, love, friendship, and generally had a very special time together.

Pat

March 20th Meeting at Alice's

 LARK ASCENDING by Appalachian writer Silas House was my pick for March. Truly written in a time of personal grief for the author, it also reflects the changing times and political culture of the United States. Yes, it was about survival and upheaval with harsh descriptions. Yes, and that cruise across the ocean....ugh!

Little did I know that when I chose this book with the cute beagle dog on the cover a year ago that we now would be living/sharing with our bookclub member the passing of a beloved grandson. So life imitates art ? we nod our heads sadly.  There is also HOPE + LOVE in this book (the trust of friendships, Seamus, nature, old cows in churches carved up into steaks! Finding a place of refuge).

And also with us:
*thanks Rennie for Lintz chocolates, Roe & Sylvia for cookies.
**merci to Pat for getting us all around the big dining table
***gracias to Kathy for the first day of spring daffodil bouquet
****God bless Sharon for saying, "the author usually doesn't write like this..."
****all of us wearin' green and having this meeting this week, we needed it!
***** Grace for saying, "I think I'll go home and take a nap."
*****the Doorbell ringing and finding Linda who found us finally in Pikeview Acres!

Slainte'!! raising a glass to all of us - I forgot to show you my little family Museum, next time!
God Bless us everyone. "I say a little prayer for you....'   

love ya, Alice   🍀

2024

Bolivar Bread Bakery

February 20 Meeting at Sylvia's

GTG Book Club met at Sylvia’s on February 20.  Lunch was an Olive Garden theme with chicken gnocchi soup, salad and breadsticks and  "Andes mints".  In typical book club fashion, desserts were plentiful!

Discussion followed about February’s selection “The Keeper of Happy Endings” by Barbara Davis.  The story begins in early 1940 with Soline Roussel, a Parisian dressmaker at her family’s exclusive bridal salon.  Devastating losses in World War II leave Soline’s world and heart in ruins.  The story continues in Boston in the mid 1980’s when Soline meets Rory Grant, an aspiring gallery owner, and their lives intertwine.  It is a story about fate, second chances, and hope---lost and found.

We missed Grace, Pat, Sharon and Louisa. 

Sylvia

January 16 Meeting at Linda's, our newest member

We met January 16, 2025.  It was the first time I had hosted the meeting.  The book I chose was the second in a series by Kate Gable.  We read the first one "The Forest of Silence" in October picked by Carol.  The second one picks up where the first book left off.

The second book "Forest of Shadows" begins with the murder of a young boy.  Is Alexis tracking a serial killer who murdered her sister or maybe not?

There was a good discussion as to who may be the killer and what will happen next.  We missed those who could not attend.

Linda

December 6 Meeting at Tranquila Tea room

 Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

All gone!

November 21 Meeting at Grace's

Today Thursday, November 21, 1 pm we met to celebrate our 16th anniversary.  We missed Edna, Pam, Pat and Linda & Louisa.

The book this month was an easy read "The Seaside House" by Sophie Kenna and the first of an 7 part series, which I did not know.

It takes place on an island Marina Cove, in Massachusetts. Charlotte, who is the main character, leaves this beautiful island, abandons her family after experiencing life changing experiences and leaves for NY where she meets her husband Sebastian, has three beautiful children and is living the life of the elite. Not everything is as it seems.  Her life is shattered after a chance discovery rips her world in two. Charlotte returns to Marina Cove to find her family on the brink of destruction. Charlotte's return is not at all what she expected.  She does reconcile with her sister and mother and comes face to face with the boy she used to love.The past she was running from starts to catch up with her.

If you want more info get in touch with Carol, she is on a roll. I believe she is on the fifth book.

Wishing everyone a very a Happy Thanksgiving and safe travels 

Grace

October 17 Meeting at Carol's

 Our October 17 bookclub meeting was held at my house in order to enjoy the Halloween decorations and spirit. Most were attired in Halloween clothes with Kathy and Edna coming in costume. 

The food was delicious as it was prepared by Dusty and not me.   Veggie pizza, meatballs and pepperoni rolls, Fruit and way too many desserts rounded out our lunch.   A lively discussion was held about the different choices of who we thought might be the guilty party in the story. I had to apologize profusely about how the author left you hanging at the end of the book. I had never read her books before, so was unprepared for the ending. Everyone seemed to enjoy the story and Linda decided to pick the sequel for her book in January. Hopefully we will find out the ending and not be left hanging again. 

            Carol - "The Forest of Silence" by Kate Gable