By popular demand, blog posts return! I believe we decided the hostess will summarize the meetings. Thanks to Lisa for this excellent installment!
Nine of us gathered at my house last night to discuss Familiar by J. Robert Lennon. Many of us had trouble with the characters and especially Elisa’s behavior. Leann did not finish the book, others had not picked it up yet. We all felt the ending was lacking for various reasons, but it sparked an interesting discussion about grief and what it does to someone, especially between losses of children, and also how hard it is to raise children who have mental health issues. Here is the Goodread’s link for those who want to read other’s thoughts about the book. https://www.goodreads.com/
Nine of us gathered at my house last night to discuss Familiar by J. Robert Lennon. Many of us had trouble with the characters and especially Elisa’s behavior. Leann did not finish the book, others had not picked it up yet. We all felt the ending was lacking for various reasons, but it sparked an interesting discussion about grief and what it does to someone, especially between losses of children, and also how hard it is to raise children who have mental health issues. Here is the Goodread’s link for those who want to read other’s thoughts about the book. https://www.goodreads.com/
We then had a 2nd discussion about The Goldfinch because some of us had missed last book group. Karen remarked about how she remembered Boris the most because she listened to the book. We talked a lot about listening to a book versus reading it, and Lisa who is currently listening to A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini mentioned she would probably not have been able to read it, but because the story is being told is hooked. We also talked about classics and what the current definition of someone well-read really is. Does it just mean classics, or as many mentioned, should it include works that are important to different countries. Susan mentioned one friend who is “reading around the world” and Lisa mentioned Nadine Gordimer’s book The Pickup. I know there was another conversation about Harry Potter too, but I can’t remember the details.
Many thanks for an amazing assortment of good food, 3 salads! (all good) terrific veggies and hummus and a really good hot dip with sauerkraut from Heather. Mexican Mac and Cheese and Mint brownies from Karen rounded it out. Check out the photo!
We welcomed a new member, Pam Fein and below is the book she suggested we read for next time.
Jonathan Tropper’s This is Where I Leave You
Nancy suggested Frog Music by Emma Donaghue
I think there was a 3rd suggestion but I can't remember what it was. Nancy has decided not to be our official blogger anymore, but I’m hoping she will post our blogs. Fuzzy on whether the hostess blogs, or appoints someone so I chose this for now.
Karen will host next time, and will send a doodle poll for the book choice and the time to meet. Lisa
