So THANKFUL

Stephanie hosted a relaxing evening in November to discuss Hakawati. The majority of us didn't read the book, but that didn't stop us from enjoying a good time. The amount of discussion time that we usually spend on the current book was instead given to the interesting selection of book nominations.

The food selection this evening was especially inspiring book club - especially the main dish that Stephanie made with mung beans and jack fruit. Yum! And a special thank you goes out to Danielle from myself for introducing me to the amazing combination of honey, walnuts and brie cheese. Heaven.

We decided on another Rainbow Rossell book to read next - Attachments. Next gathering is at my house - don't forget your loosely wrapped ornament and white elephant gift.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I'd also like to say how tremendously grateful I am to have a group of women in my life that are so diverse, interesting and thoughtful. You are an anchor for me. Love you all.

(Photo missing Melissa, Danielle, Ayesha and Julie)

October 2014 Halloween Book Club

A New Tradition?

Tamara hosted a lively evening of dress up and discussion. Suprisingly - we ALL dressed up. This happens so rarely at a Halloween party. Perhaps it was because she told us very clearly that coming without a costume was NOT an option. We welcomed a new member to the group this month - Ayesha. And what a welcome it was.

We had a great cast of creative characters - The Spice Rack, Life of the Party, a Magician, and an Owl. And we also had some book related characters - Eleanor and Park; Bernadette and the Color Purple.

We discussed Eleanor and Park. It was a book club hit. All of us had tremendous compassion for Eleanor. Some of us craved a more concrete happier-ever-after love ending.

The highlight of the night - other than having like 3 dessert options - was when we all gathered onto the futon to take a group photo, the futon cracked and crashed. Of course we checked the damage, and then proceeded to finish our photo, then another part of the futon broke. So I'm guessing Tamara has "new futon" on her Christmas list this year. Sorry T!

Tamara thought of everything - we had ghoulish goblets for our wine and even prizes for costumes. The Owl and Park both won!

As a total Halloween junkie, I of course think we should implement this is a new tradition each year for book club. I would've worn three costumes if I could've - Maybe an astronaut helmet for Auggie, or a big Elephant trunk, and I'd still like to see someone dress up as Eleanor in her gym outfit. So, as you read the books for the upcoming year - start thinking about your costume for 2015!

Julie we missed you.What or who would you have dressed up as?

New Year, Old Faces

Look who made an appearance at book club this month! Two beautiful renegade book clubbers - Vicki and Tahnee! Boy have I missed those two ladies.

We started 2014 with book club at Melissa's new spacious abode - We even each had our very own stool around her kitchen bar. Vicki quickly volunteered to play bartender. Melissa made her dee-lish spinach pie.

Quote of the night: "I finally got an upgrade! It's a flip phone too, but this one doesn't have an antenna." Kim

We could've discussed the Lost Wife all night long - clearly this book touched all of us that read it. We are hoping there is a sequel about the feelings and process of their reunification. Hopefully, Steph is going to try some strings with her new author friend :-) One of the most compelling questions that came up for us was, "If it was you would you take a stand or would you comply for survival?"
A special thank you to Kim for bringing her book with the children's art from Terezin, and for the special stories about your own family.

The book nominations were:

• The Cuckoos Calling by Robert Galbraith
• The Elephant Whisperer by Lawrence Anthony & Graham Spence
• The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd

And the winner is......The Elephant Whisperer!

See you all in February. Thinking of you Tamara.