July 2009

Dear Book Clubbers,

Sorry to take so long to get the notes out from our meeting last week at Jennifer’s. She and Kathryn did a terrific job of leading the duel discussion of The Double Bind and The Great Gatsby. We gave Gatsby a 3.8 rating and Double Bind a 4.3. Doing the books together really facilitated some interesting probing into the intricacies of Bohjahlian’s novel. A big thank you to both our hostesses… but especially to Jennifer for cramming us all into her house when it was too cool to be outside.

We talked at length (sorry about that) about some “housekeeping issues” which are a byproduct of the success and growth of our group. All the topics raised came to me in the form of constructive criticism from members, and all seemed to fit under the general category of simplification. With some discussion and a few calls for a consensus (a.k.a. “majority rules”) the following items were agreed upon:

1. Less food is required at the meetings. There will be 4 “snack volunteers” for each regular meeting – 2 bringing a simple appetizer and 2 bringing dessert. The hostess will provide coffee, tea and wine (if she wants). A reminder was also issued that if you signed up to bring something and cannot attend, you should make arrangements for someone else to take your place.

2. When we go around the room rating the book, we should each provide a very brief reason for our rating, why we liked it or didn’t. Any points for open discussion or questions on interpretation should be saved for later. Perhaps any ideas for topics could even be shared with the hostess ahead of time since just about everybody would love a little help steering the discussion when it is their turn!

3. Hostesses are still having a tough time knowing how many people to prepare for. Jennifer raised the suggestion that, since she isn’t one to keep track of who called, members only call if they are unable to come. After the pros and cons of our current system vs. a “regrets only” policy were discussed, we voted to maintain the current plan of contacting the hostess to let her know that you are coming. It would be nice if this was not the day of the meeting. Also if it is your turn to host and you would like to go the “regrets only” route, we can put that in the newsletter.

4. The “getting to know you” questions at the beginning of the meeting will be eliminated for now. If anyone comes up with a great one that can be answered in just a few words, we might bring it back. Otherwise, we are thinking that with such great attendance of late, it only takes time away from the discussion of the book.

5. Of course no talk of how we run the club would be complete without the reminder that we can only have one person talking at a time during the discussion. With more people, side conversations become so tempting because you want is on your mind about what we are talking about now without waiting your turn…but side conversations make it hard to hear and enjoy the discussion.


In other news, Jill handed out detailed written instructions on the care and feeding of our book club’s online forum. If you didn’t get a copy and would like one, or would like some help setting it up on your computer, please feel free to ask Jill for help. She is a whiz at this!

Our summer meeting will take place at Barb’s instead of my house. Thank you so much, Barb for giving me a break. As in the past, we will make an expanded evening out of it. Please plan on arriving at 6:30 PM on Wednesday, August 19th for a dinner of substantial appetizers on Barb’s deck. If you signed up to bring something on the sheet we passed last week, you DO NOT need to call Barb to let her know you are coming. In this one case, you’re in unless you let her know otherwise. Anyone who did not sign the sheet, but is planning on attending should contact Barb to find out what else she needs. The book for discussion is Possession by A.S. Byatt. ***Please be careful…there are several books with this same title in circulation!***

We will meet Wednesday, September 16th at Shirley’s again for our 2009-2010 selection night and book swap. Details will follow, but please start thinking about books that you would like to have the group consider. With rare exception, choices must be available in paperback and audio book and should not be so long that no one will finish them. This will be your chance to trade some of the used books that are kicking around your house for some new ones to fill the same space! Below is a list of the books that did not quite make the cut last year. I am printing it here on a member’s suggestion in case there are any we want to include in our choices for the coming year.

The Whistling Season – Ivan Doig
Big Russ & Me – Tim Russert
The House the Rockefellers Built – Robert Danzell, et al
Bridge of Sighs – Richard Russo
The Scandal of the Season – Sophie Gee
Marjorie Morningstar – Herman Wouk
Goodbye, Mr. Chips – James Hilton
Plain & Simple – Sue & Richard Bender
The Luncheon of the Boating Party – Susan Vreeland
Life of Pi – Yann Martel
Chasing the Bard –Philippa Ballantine
Harvest Home – Thomas Tryon
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle – David Wroblewski
The People of the Book – Geraldine Brooks
The Glass Castle – Jeannette Walls
Dreams of My Father – Barack Obama
Three Cups of Tea – Greg Mortenson
Peace Like a River – Leif Enger
A Good House – Bonnie Burnard
Gone with the Wind – Margaret Mitchell
Oranges – John McPhee
Of Mice and Men – John Steinbeck
The Eight – Katherine Neville (Wasn’t formally discussed, summary was on table, I remember as great read)

Our first meeting of the fall is scheduled for October 14th and the co-ed meeting (A Confederacy of Dunces – John Kennedy Tolle) is tentatively set for December 2nd.

I think (and hope) that covers everything. I apologize for taking so much meeting time addressing these mundane matters of procedure. I am so glad that our club continues to thrive and that we are constantly working to make it even better as our membership grows in number and closeness. If I got anything wrong that was mentioned or decided, let me know and I will try to get it right.

Whew, now you can see why it took me so long to sit down to write this newsletter.

Jan