September 17 Meeting in Kathy's backyard, hosted by Sharon

      An enthusiastic contingent of our book club - Sylvia, Dricka, Carol, Kathy and me – enjoyed the cool evening in Kathy's backyard to reflect on the latest Covid events as well as the book, The Chilbury Ladies' Choir by Jennifer Ryan. The “ladies” of the club enjoyed the book and were impressed by the resilience of the British women in carrying on while the men of the town were off fighting World War II. We agreed that they all changed during that time, developing strengths, courage and independence they didn't know they had. Some of us thought Mrs. Tilling changed a lot from a meek housewife to a strong force in the community as bombs fell on the town. Both Carol and Edna (via email) were reminded of their mother's stories about her wartime experiences in England. Drawing from her own experience as a choir member and feeling how music can affect the emotions, the author focused on the ladies' choir as the “soul” of the story. We all enjoyed the opportunity to get together in a “normal” setting for a little while.

Sharon

August 20 Meeting in Kathy's backyard, hosted by Louisa

 Ten of the Good Time Girls Book Club met at Kathy’s inviting backyard to catch up and eat.  At 7:00, I got on the Zoom meeting from Charles Town.  I got to catch up and everyone was inquiring about my upcoming shoulder surgery.  Edna popped on Zoom from London, where it was midnight, she is visiting with her grandchildren.  100% attendance!

    We discussed “The Library Book” by Susan Orlean.  We were disappointed no one found out who started the Los Angeles library fire.  We liked how the library was helping homeless people.  Social workers worked in the library to help the homeless.  None of us thought that we would be able to burn a book just to see how it would burn.  It was very interesting that at first men were the ones who ran libraries and then changed to women.  

A library is a magical place to me.  I have loved them since I was a little girl and became a librarian as an adult.  

Libraries will always be part of our communities to keep our history and help us to shape the future.  

Thank you Kathy for allowing us to use your yard. It was great that we were all there either in person or by Zoom.

Louisa

(Click here for more pics)

July 23 Meeting in Alice's Backyard

"28 Summers" by author Elin Hilderbrand.  It was a beach read although we read it in land locked West Virginia; a whirlwind of a story that took years, with family and friends on the island of Nantucket (where the author lives by the way), with main character Mallory Blessing.  It is her love story of falling for her brother's best friend and roommate from college: a first love that lasted a life time.

Surprise technique the author used: since taking place over years, the opening of each chapter had current events from that year which made me reminisce about my own life. Also I enjoyed the cooking, recipe references, and farm stand references; the old movie that inspired Mal and Jake's "life imitating art" structure; her teaching career that soared because I think she had no husband and only one child! and her unwavering devotion to Jake, "no matter what".  

Morale of the story: All of us need to "fill up our cup" while we are healthy, strong, and still have our sense of humor - reach out to friends always and keep our contacts with family open. All you need is love.  Have fun.  Wear sunscreen and a hat at the beach. Be true to your school. ** I enjoyed this book & was super to have you all over to the house on a cool morning in the heat of summer.  

  (more pictures on FB)

https://www.facebook.com/mccarthyalice/posts/10220975665479832

Alice

June 18 – Kathy’s backyard Book Club Meeting

After much speculation about is it going to rain or storm we finally met , social distancing,  in my backyard for a Covid free meeting.  The weather was absolutely perfect.  Everyone brought their own food and drink for a contact-less meal and I  passed around, again pick your own,  Covid Cookie.

  

It was a beautiful evening and we all really enjoyed finally being together again.  Even Edna came out of  isolation to join us.  This was so much better than ZOOM.  We discussed the book “"Lost Years" by Mary Higgins Clark a bit.  Some  knew who the murderer was early on and then others not until near the end of the book.  I have a real problem understanding how anyone could kill someone over an object.  It just seems so senseless.  The book also  introduced an Alzheimer's patient and we had a brief discussion how that effects families.  It’s an awful disease that effects not only the patient but all their loved ones. 

I selected this book because the author Mary Higgin Clark had recently passed away in January and thought we should pay a tribute to this long standing author.  She was 93 and wrote 51 books.  I was intrigued  how her background closely resembles mine.  Both of us being from an Irish Catholic family growing up in the Bronx,  attending Catholic school and experiencing school with the nuns.  We both went to Fordham U at Lincoln Center, crazy.  I have to say I enjoyed her book “Kitchen Privileges” much better than “Lost Year’s".  

Alice  will host the July 16 meeting and picked “28 Summers” by Elin Hilderbrand.

REALLY REALLY GREAT seeing everyone.  

Pat, we missed you and sincerely hope Pam is on the road to recovery.  

Until next time, stay safe and take care,

KAThy G

May 21 ZOOM book Club Meeting with Pat

"When Silence Sings" is a novel taking place in WV coal country in the 1930s.  It is a tale of loss, hatred, bigotry, long-standing family feuds, murder, and bootlegging.  It is also a story of hope- of love, faith, courage, God-given gifts, non-judgement, and compassion leading to forgiveness and peace.  

Must say, I’ll be glad when Zoom isn’t our only way to meet!

Pat

April ZOOM Book Club Meeting with Rosemary

"Oil and Marble",  By Stephanie Storey

From the time period of 1501 -1505, Leonardo Da Vinci, and Michelangelo Buonarroti both lived and worked in Florence. The author gives us insight, some factual and some embellished facts into the relationships and events during the creation of their two most famous works of art. The two artist openly disliked each other,and there was much rivalry among them.

During the 5 year time period in Florence, the artists created two of the most popular and outstanding works of art.  DaVinci's "Mona Lisa", and Michelangelo's "David".

We discussed the book with the use of "zoom".   All seemed to enjoy the book and many of us had the good fortune to view one or both of these pieces of art.  The zoom meeting was interesting but of course, lacking the closeness and the sharing of refreshments and laughter. 

This too shall pass and we once again will hug and laugh, share experiences, and stories "face to face". Hope all we well, and prayers for those who are having difficult times.   

We are good here and thankful for so much.   

Love to all,

Rosemary