November 17 Meeting at Grace's

"The Lemon Orchard"  by Luanne Rice

It is always wonderful when we get together. I can't believe we have  been together for nine years.  Thank you girls for making this such a successful book club/dinner club.

Like most books we read, some liked it and some did not. I personally, enjoyed the book.  There were some very sad life events that took place.  We discussed how we might deal with different people's situations.  For instance, staying in a marriage even if you are unhappy because marriage is a lifetime commitment.  Risking your life and that of your child to get to a better place.   The bottom line is everyone wants a better life for themselves and their families.  I don't believe any of us can comprehend what it is like not to have shelter, health care or to know where our next meal will be coming from.  We discussed that the these problems are something that should be dealt with more globally.  The book also reflected on the trials and tribulations of trying to make a better life and the risks involved and the problems that illegal immigrants create.  What I always think about is that a majority are just wanting a better life and are willing to work for it.

Grace

October 20 Meeting at Sharon's

The book club met October 20, 2016, to discuss the book, “A Dirty Life,” by Kristin Kimball. Rosemary was unable to attend. After a simple meal of sloppy joes and salad, and, later, pumpkin pie cake, we sat down to talk about the true story of a NYC reporter who went down to Kentucky to interview a farmer who was doing organic farming. She falls in love with the rural setting and the farmer and follows him to upstate New York where together they establish an organic farming community. Most of us agreed, even though the thought of giving up the busy city life for a quiet life in the country sounded romantic, we would not have lasted long, rising at 4 am to milk the cows, doing hard work every day with few baths, and wearily falling into bed still in dirty work clothes. Most liked the book and were interested in learning more about the couple’s life now, so we looked up the author’s blog which contained pictures and an account of how successful the farm has become. As the author discovers, "As much as you transform the land by farming, farming transforms you." Several of the readers said they planned to buy the book as gifts for relatives and friends. It’s always nice when the book you choose to share is appreciated!
Sharon

September 22 - 26 Meeting at Pat's Beach House

Being Mortal by Atul Gawande is a life changing look at the issues and concerns of illness, aging, living, and dying. It sparked meaningful and emotional discussion for our group. ...appropriate that we shared this book at the beach.
"The cure for anything is saltwater...sweat, tears, or the sea." - Isak Dinesen


A wonderful time was had by all.
We missed you Louisa.

August 25 Meeting at Carol's

Canceled, all members on vacation or otherwise engaged.  "Roses" by Leila Meacham will be discussed in September Meeting.

July 21 Meeting at Pam's

We read "The Pearl that Broke it's Shell" by Nadine Hashimi

June 16 Meeting at Rosemary's

Book club met at Rosemary 's on Wednesday, June 16th.   The book, "Tumbleweeds" by Leila Meacham, was discussed  after dining on sandwiches, salads.   Most  everyone enjoyed the book about the three main characters, Cathy, John, and Trey, and the events that greatly impacted their lives.    The authors previous novel, "Roses" was mentioned and regarded as one of her better ones as compared to "Tumbleweeds".  Carol Mason decided to choose "Roses" as her August book club selection.

The discussion of the book concluded with various desserts.    We missed Pat, Sharon and Grace, and look forward to our next Book club meeting at Pam's home on July 21.

Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable summer.

Rosemary