May 2009

Dear Book Clubbers,

We had an excellent meeting at Sarah’s last week. The weather was perfect to enjoy her new digs, and the setting sun provided an excellent back drop to our lively discussion of Suite Francaise. I am not sure what we ended up rating the book, but there seemed to be a wide range of opinions on the plot and writing style. All agreed that the French perspective on WWII was fascinating. Big thanks to Sarah and also to all who brought such delicious food that night.

Our next meeting is at 7:15 PM on Wednesday, July 8^th at Jennifer’s with Kathryn helping out. Please call Jennifer to let her know if you are coming. Snack people for that night are Elizabeth, Natalie and Shirley. This is the meeting where we are discussing two books, The Double Bind by Chris Bohjalian and the classic it refers to, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Since our meeting, I have received some member feedback that the part where we go around the circle and answer a question and give our take on the book is taking so long that it leaves less time and enthusiasm for the actual discussion. Instead of giving up on that portion, which allows everyone to weigh in on the book and share a little, I would like to suggest that we all try to keep our comments concise at that point. Perhaps if any of us have a particular aspect of the book that we would like to see discussed in more depth, we can save it as a topic for the general discussion which follows. (I’m sure the hostesses would welcome other people raising discussion points!) My hope is that by keeping the opening comments down to just a few words we can still hear everyone’s opinion of the book without getting too far afield before we get into the meat of the meeting. Let me know if you have any further thoughts on this.

Our field trip to Graycliff is scheduled for Saturday, June 13^th at 11:15 AM. Marion has arranged for our tour. We all need to assemble there by 11:00 AM…no later! Because we signed up for a private group tour, we need to not be casual about the numbers. If you signed up the other night and have since changed your mind, please contact Marion. If you were not there last week and would like to attend, you should contact her as well. If our group falls below 15, the charge will be $15 per person instead of $14. If you have any additional questions, call Marion.

Finally, our summer meeting is set for August 19^th at my house. We are currently contemplating Possession by A. S. Byatt. If you are having trouble finding the book, know that there is a new paperback edition being released on June 23^rd. I think the book looks very intriguing, but if we come up with some wonderful author opportunity or unusual idea in the meantime, we can still modify our plan.

I think that is a wrap for now. Put down your garden tools, get out the lounge chair and get reading.

Jan