December 2nd

Eight of us gathered at Nancy's for a seasonally festive time of eating, exchanging cookies, and Yankee swapping -- oh and talking about the books we read too! (I think most of us had read at least one of the books...) Consensus was Astrid & Veronika was fabulous and interesting. Those who read the Mallory book loved it too.

The bag Karen made using her scraps of book fabric was definitely the coveted gift of the evening, but since Darla picked it and was in the prime position of #1, we all knew it was hopeless to swap with her. Lisa's gift of fabulous dishes snapped up that Mesa going-out-of-business sale was a close second. It was fun, but we're a tame bunch when it comes to Yankee swaps.

Next Meeting
Where: Karen's
When: Tuesday, January 27, 6:30 p.m.
What: The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski

October 17 - The Likeness

Seven of us gathered to marvel at Becky's new condo (lovely, with a wall of windows) and discuss The Likeness by Tana French (among other things, of course). Becky made a delicious soup and apple crisp, with salads and various appetizers (plus plenty of wine) supplied by the rest of us rounding out the meal.

Everyone loved The Likeness, I'm happy to report! Seems many had read its predecessor, In the Woods, which is also highly recommended. (I was having such fun chatting I don't have much else to add, but please feel free to chip in.)

Next Meeting
When: Tuesday, December 2
Where: Nancy's
What: Astrid and Veronika by Linda Olsson AND Mallory's Oracle by Carol O'Connell
What else: Annual Yankee Swap and NEW THIS YEAR, a cookie exchange!

For the Yankee Swap, bring a wrapped gift worth $10 or less ( or make something, we're easy). For the cookie exchange, bring 3 dozen cookies of one type.

Please don't worry if this sounds like a lot! Read one book, don't bake...whatever. We just want you to come. :-)

September 3 - Time Traveler's Wife and Big Russ & Me

A small group gathered at Darla's to discuss The Time Traveler's Wife and Big Russ & Me. Most of us didn't make it through the latter, so we mainly talked about the former, which we all seemed to like, some confusion and complaints about structure notwithstanding. (The author's device of stating the age of the protagonist at the beginning of each chapter didn't go over well with everyone.) We also did our usual "here's a book I liked" talk, with many pens flying to write down titles.

Darla served us two delicious soups, the recipes for which she promised to share: Mexican tortellini and potato cheddar. Jean brought a yummy veggie salad, and Lisa's trifle for dessert rounded a delightful meal. Thanks to the cooks!

Next Meeting
Where: Becky's
When: Friday, October 17
What: The Likeness by Tana French <http://www.amazon.com/Likeness-Novel-Tana-French/dp/0670018864>

July 14 - On Gold Mountain

Maureen hosted a small group at her GORGEOUS log home on the top of a hill in Thetford (those of you who couldn't make it really missed something). She had a nice BBQ for our discussion of On Gold Mountain by Lisa See. Everyone who read the book loved this history/memoir of a Chinese-American family. Lisa Ladd also recommends Lisa See's mysteries. (Visit http://www.lisasee.com/Books.htm for titles.)

Next Meeting
Where: Darla, you were volunteered
When: Darla, you pick the date, since it's your house
What: Big Russ & Me by Tim Russert and The Time Traveler's Wife by by Stephanie Niffenegger

May 28 - Where Did I Leave My Glasses?

Lisa hosted us for a discussion of Where Did I Leave My Glasses? The What, When, and Why of Normal Memory Loss by Martha Weinman Lear. We agreed that we liked the book (reservations about the light style not withstanding), and Leann summed it up best when she said, "It was just a relief" to hear that memory changes with age and there are things we can do about it.

Now to the important part: food. We had great appetizers and salads: strawberries & yogurt, three-layer Mexican dip, hummus & pita, olives; two Greek salads (that was both different and delicious!). Of course, the things Lisa made took the cake (no pun intended, you'll see what I mean). She made a fabulous roasted asparagus soup and a great chili, and for dessert, she made a chocolate angel food cake with whipped cream icing. Heavenly!

We also discussed potential book group outings. Heather sent word that she wants to see the movie Mama Mia when it comes out, and we agreed that sounds fun. We also talked about going to Manchester, VT (Northshire Bookstore), Montpelier, and other fairly local places. Let's do it, ladies!

Next Meeting
Where: Maureen's
When: Monday, July 14, 6:30 pm
What: On Gold Mountain: The One-Hundred-Year Odyssey of My Chinese-American Family by Lisa See

P.S. The Canonical List of Books for the group is now up to date! Here's the link:
http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dcv72sgv_1d5mjhd

April 30, 2008 - American Cream

Eight of us gathered at my house for our discussion of the novel American Cream, by local author Catherine Tudish.

It was our very first pot luck. Naturally, I served soup, and I provided some veggies and dip. We ended up with lots of bread and many cookies but also sushi and chick pea salad. It was definitely easy for me, and everyone thought it worked out. One suggestion for the future is to let the hostess know what you plan to bring, so we can be sure to cover all the bases.

We had a really nice discussion of the book. I believe everyone liked it, but we had varying reactions to the main character's actions. It's the sign of good literature that we can understand the characters differently, don't you think?

Next Meeting
Where: Lisa's (Maureen is back up)
When: Wednesday, May 28, 6:30 p.m.
What: Where Did I Leave My Glasses? by Martha Weinman Lear
(if you want to read my review of this book, go to http://blogcritics.org/archives/2008/04/24/165535.php)

Quiche Recipe

Here is Leann's fabulous quiche recipe.

IMPOSSIBLE QUICHE

1 cup meat (ham, bacon etc)

1 cup shredded natural Swiss cheese

1/3 cup chopped onion

3/4 cup Bisquick Original baking mix

1 and 1/2 cups whole milk

3 eggs

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees

2. In a greased 9-inch pie plate sprinkle meat, cheese and onion.

3. In a medium bowl whisk together remaining ingredients until blended and pour into pie plate.

4. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.

5. Let stand 10 minutes.

Extra notes from Leann: I always put the pie plate on a foiled-covered cookie sheet because the pie plate is FULL when you put it into the oven and can easily spill over. You can leave out the meat and replace it with an extra vegetable. It usually looks "raw" in the middle after 35-40 minutes, but if the knife comes out clean, it is done. The outside edges will be brown.

March 27, Arundel

Leann hosted a small, unprepared group for our discussion of Arundel. We did talk about the book, but mostly about plot points for those of us who didn't know what happened. For a real discussion of the book, see Lisa's thoughtful e-mail message!

We had a great time though, talking about all kinds of things, ranging from high school band to ghost stories. Leann served us two delicious quiches, along with a green salad and yummy cookies for dessert.

Speaking of food, we talked about having the group go pot luck, and we did not reach a consensus. So, if you feel strongly one way or the other, please speak up. For next time, it's up to the hostess.

And the next hostess is....Lisa!

Next Meeting
What: American Cream by Catherine Tudish (here's my review, if you're interested)
Where: Lisa Ladd's
When: Late April (Lisa will let us know)

February 15, 2008 - Mountains Beyond Mountains

Heather (and her dogs) hosted a small group at her beautiful home for our discussion of Mountains Beyond Mountains. She made a delicious chicken provencal, served with rice, sweet potatoes, and a wonderful spinach salad. There were munchies and wine galore and a fabulous "George Washington" cake or pie (cherries, chocolate, and whipped cream)...we were well-fed!

Everyone loved the book. Somebody asked: "Would you marry Paul Farmer, work for him, or give him money?" We almost all settled on giving him money, although I think Karen said she'd work for him for a few weeks tops. An amazing guy, an amazing story, and an amazing book.

Next Meeting
When: Thursday, March 27
Where: Leann's
What: Arundel by Kenneth Roberts

January 4, 2008, Last Night at the Lobster

Ann hosted us for a large (10) gathering to discuss Last Night at the Lobster by Stewart O'Nan. Everyone loved the book. Those of us who had waited tables thought O'Nan had nailed the subject. Those who never had now know what it's like!

Ann served delicious veggie lasagna and not one, not two, but three fabulous desserts! (Flan, lemon poppyseed cake, and chocolate brownies with peanut butter chips - yum, yum, and yum!) We also had the pleasure of meeting Molly, Ann's beagle, who delighted us with her warmth and her appetite. Thanks, Ann!

Next Meeting
When: Friday, February 15
Where: Heather's
What: Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, a Man Who Would Cure the World by Tracy Kidder
Note: The book has 4 1/2 stars on Amazon and got starred reviews from both Publisher's Weekly and Kirkus Reviews.