May 19 Meeting at Sharon's

The May 19, 2022, book club meeting, held at Sharon’s, was attended by 9 members – sorry to miss Rosemary, Louisa, and Pat.  We began, of course, with food –pulled pork sandwiches, scalloped potatoes, and cole slaw and blondies, along with yummy additions from generous guests. The book, This is Happiness, by Niall Williams, was set in a fictional rural village in the west of Ireland in 1958 that is about to get electrical service for the first time. Those against accepting this life changing move ask, “Aren’t we happy as we are?” Views were mixed on the book. Several readers thought the author was too descriptive and used flowery language that dragged the story along. Edna felt that the lyrical style was typical of storytelling in Ireland and enjoyed the unhurried prose.  Much like the characters in the book, everyone enjoyed just getting together and enjoying each other’s company. 

Sharon

March 17 Meeting at Altona Farm

Why did I choose this book? This was a question asked by Kathy; my son gave it to me - then one generational step back from having this book in my hands and reading it, is the fact my father was a journalist, like Katie's dad. Carol mentioned in our discussion; "well, then you could relate to this story and identify with her experience." Yes. We did have a good discussion as Sylvia observed!

It was 99 chapters of every aspect of her life/career and details of breaking the glass ceiling for this woman in/on TV; not a best seller but full of facts, details and humor. And Photos. Since Katie was known by millions especially from the Today Show, she included dozens of images as a photo album to accompany her stories and memories of a busy and full life.

One take away from this book I am still using is (RISE UP SING AND DANCE WITH JOY = my mantra with a positive spin since I was reading this book right after the new year 2022) When her husband Jay was sick with cancer one of Katie's Today Show guests, a counselor, suggested she have a 7 syllable mantra to repeat over and over to calm herself: God, please heal thy servant Jay.

WE missed Louisa, Grace, Drika, Pat, Pam,and Roe although we had her cheese cake. LOL. My Mom Dorothy and I thank the ladies that came over to Altona Farm on St. Patrick's Day to hang out, eat, laugh (the limericks were the best!!) and enjoy a Guiness. ERIN go BRAUGH.

Once the journalist's daughter, I have remained that throughout my life: as the late great Washington Post editor Ben Bradlee said, "The search for truth changes your life." Yup that's it. It changed Katie Couric's and she was faithful to it (yes, the book was too long Pam ). Cheers from your correspondent in Charles Town, 

Alice XO

February 17 Meeting at Sylvia's

 The GTG Book Club met at Sylvia's on February 17.  Corn chowder was served for dinner with slider sandwiches and salad. Lively discussion followed.

 

Our February book, "We Begin at the End" by Chris Whitaker, is about 13 year old Duchess and a 40 something police chief, Walk, who don't seem to have a lot in common.  Duchess,  a self-proclaimed outlaw, is unflinchingly protective of her 5 year old brother Robin and her mother Star, who is incapable of taking care of herself or her two children.  Walk grew up with Star and Vincent, his best friend.  Through the years, he strives to look after Star and in particular Duchess and Robin.  The story begins when Walk's childhood friend Vincent returns after spending 30 years in prison, and how Walk and Duchess face the trouble that comes with his return.  This is a story about two kinds of families---the one we are born into and the ones we create...a story of love, loyalty, revenge, forgiveness and finally hope.

We missed you, Edna, Grace, Louisa and Rosemary,

Sylvia

January 20 Meeting at Pam's

Pam

January 2022 meeting

Hostess and Caterer

WOW, deep discussion

Nov 18 Meeting at Grace's - start of 14th year

 "Waterproof" by Judith Redina Copey (an historical fiction)

The book was about the Johnstown, PA flood  and the affect it had on so many of the towns people.

The story is told to a journalist 50 years after the flood, by the main character Pamela McRae, who lived through this tragedy. She was determined to get past the tragedy and not let this tragedy define her life.   Pamela, lost a brother and her fiancé.  Her  father was so torn apart by the affects of the storm he left his family.  Her mother was left in a catatonic hysteria state as a result of the tragedy and Pam cared for her mother with the help of a Hungarian Immigrant who was very loyal to her. Without the help,  Pam would have had a very difficult time moving on.  She became a journalist herself and was taken under the wing  of the newspaper owner, who was a very dear friend to her father.

Some of the town's  people were seeking revenge on the owner's of the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club, the owners of the failed dam, that sent a thirty foot wall of destruction down on their city.

There were many twists and turns nothing was ever settled and to this day Johnstown still experiences flooding nothing quite as catastrophic as the flood 50 years ago but none the less there is still much concern amongst the town people.

Once again our book club turned into a food orgy, we love our books and we love our food.

Thank you to my daughter's Sally and Candida for taking over.  Without them I may not have been able to host book club because of my back. ♥ You girls

Pat we missed you. Louisa hope you are on the road to recovery.

I believe everyone present enjoyed the book.

Grace

                             

                    November 18, 2021                                  

   

                                           Diehards of Nov 2020

Apr 16, 2009 (earliest pic I could find, Edna was the photographer)

October 21 Meeting at Carol's

 The October book club was held at Carol’s house with the traditional Halloween theme. The costumes were entertaining as usual. Pizza, salad, snacks and various desserts were served. Everyone seemed to enjoy the book. Just imagine dying and having three nudges to change the outcome of the lives of your children. We discussed if she was in purgatory while waiting to ascend to the choir in heaven.   It was a quirky, fun book and light reading after some of our recent reads. We ate, drank, talked and laughed throughout the evening. The things we do best. 

Happy Halloween!

Carol