January 16, 2020 at Sylvia's

Since it is January, we met in the afternoon for lunch.  Both a red and a white chili were served with salad and breads.

Our book, “Beneath a Scarlet Sky”, by Mark Sullivan, is a work of historical fiction.  The story takes place in Milan, Italy, during World War II.  It is about a young man, Pino Lella, who at age 17 helps Jewish refugees escape over the Alps into Switzerland, falls in love, and at age 18 becomes a spy for the Partisan Resistance Movement as a personal driver to a German major general in Hitler’s high command.  The story lent itself well to a lively discussion regarding courage and bravery, family, love and loss, revenge and compassion...and often a lack of compassion.  Everyone found the book to be a good read, and each of us marveled at the bravery and resilience of those who lived...and died...during those times.

Of course, after discussion multiple desserts were enjoyed.  We missed Edna, Pat, Pam and Rosemary.  We were glad to have Alice with us.

Sylvia

December 19 Christmas Dinner at McFarland House

November 21 at Grace's

I believe most members enjoyed the book,"The One" by John Marrs.   There were several characters and they were from all walks of life.  However, we did feel it was unrealistic.
It was slow getting into it but there were so many twists and turns, that it did hold your interest. The ending was a surprise and it could be a sequel.

We missed Sylvia, Edna and Louisa.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday.

Grace

This was our reorganization meeting and we will continue as is.

October 17 at Carol's

Since October is Halloween time, I suggested we should come in costume to match the theme of my book "The Summer of 69" .  Most everyone enjoyed the book as it led us to recall so many memories of a time we all lived through during our youth.  The story line was OK and tried to point out all the upheaval of the times.  I prepared some of the food with Dusty and Courtney's help.  We tried to fix food popular from the sixties: such as, chicken a' la king, cheddar cheese spread and crackers, and cool whip with fruit cups.  I am sorry I didn't serve the ever popular frozen dinners.  We all looked good, but Edna took the prize for the short, tight dress and boots.

Carol

September 19 at Sharon's

A dinner of make-your-own tacos was well received, but it definitely did not fit into the theme and locale of the memoir, "Educated," written by Tara Westover. Growing up in a survivalist family in rural Idaho, the author probably never sampled Mexican food! In discussing her struggle to escape violence and family dysfunction, several in our group who grew up in large families could understand why her siblings  might not have had the same experiences she had or understood her need she to break away from the family and make a life for herself. Her accomplishments in getting "educated" were amazing, all the way to earning a PhD from Cambridge University. As usual we ended the night with yummy desserts.

Sharon

August 15 at Rosemary's

Book club was held at Rosemary's on Thursday 8/15.

I tried to keep it simple with mini sandwiches , pasta salad ,and cocktail meatballs, with a variety of snacks and desserts. 
Not simple enough but oh well.

The book we discussed was "Karolina's Twins" by Ronald H.Bolson.

Most everyone liked the book.  I had been a little reluctant in choosing it, as we had read various books in relation to WW11 and the Holocaust.  I find interest, intrigue, and curiosity in events prior to the war and occurrence resulting from it.  A true battle against evil. It reminds me that mankind has such a capacity to serve and be good, and such a capacity for evil.

The book discussion was lively and many questions were raised.

Why did Lena, In her 80s, wait 70 years to search for Karolina's Twins? Why didn't she share this with her husband, David?

He never knew about the babies.  A question was asked, "why so much hatred, To this day, towards the Jewish population?

Some questions were answered and others remain a mystery and conundrum.
    

Let's not forget the events that took place and pray we learn from them.  Let's hope kindness,compassion, understanding, tolerance,education, guide us in a positive humanitarian direction so this will not occur again!

Thanks for coming and sharing a meal and discussion.

Grace and Pat we missed you!  Next book club is 9/19 at Sharon's,and the book is "Educated".

If any of you are interested, Ronald Bolson wrote the following books also:

Once We Were Brothers

The Girl from Berlin

Saving Sophie

The Trust

Love Roe