March 2009

Dear Book Clubbers,

Wednesday night’s meeting to discuss Loving Frank by Nancy Horan was a tremendous success. We had another super turnout and the discussion seemed to point out that, while people derived very different things from the book, most found it very readable and enjoyed it on some level. Our overall rating was a 3.8. Natalie did a terrific job of hostessing and she and Rory have done amazing things with their home! Welcome to new member Jackie Wells…we’re thrilled to have you!

Our next book is (finally) A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. We will discuss it at 7:15 PM on Wednesday, April 15th at Sue Payne’s. Sue’s place is about 10 minutes away on Heath Road near Hayes Hollow. At that meeting we will firm up date, book and destination for somewhere around 5/20 or 5/27.

In other news, Jill announced that she is hosting a Pamper Chef party on Saturday, April 4th at 2 PM. She emphasized that this is just a chance to enjoy food and fellowship and there will be no pressure to purchase. All (even guests) are welcome.

Ina reported that the Buffalo and Erie County Public Libraries have a “Book Club in a Bag” program. Basically, you get 10 copies of the book, discussion questions as well as large print and audio copies if available. Although you can keep the materials for 6 weeks, you are not allowed to reserve them for a specific time which makes the planning a little tough. Definitely something we can consider in our planning for next year. None of the books that are in our queue are on the list. Go to this link for more details.

Ina also reported that her wonderful creations will be part of an Alternative Arts show at the Springville Center for the Arts from April 11th to May 2nd. The Gallery hours are Wednesdays from 12-6, Thursdays from 12-8, Fridays from 12-6 and Saturdays from 10-3. She will also be a featured quilter at the Clarence Log Cabin Quilters show May 15-17 at the Clarence Town Park Clubhouse. Congratulations to Ina for earning this honor.

Jennifer Parsons had the idea of sharing with one another books that we have read and enjoyed so that we all have plenty of things on our reading lists even if they are not book club picks. Because our meetings seem plenty full with the business stuff, “circle time”, book discussion and snack and social hour, we thought it would make sense to do this outside the meeting setting. Jill will show us in an upcoming meeting how to post these suggestions on the blog. In the meantime, if you want to share ideas with each other, just select “reply to all” when reading your book club e-mail and shoot your ideas back at your fellow members. Please keep in mind that not everyone has e-mail and keep Marion, Polly, Ann and Gert in the loop.

I think that is all for now. Hopefully I haven’t forgotten anything.
Jan