Heather hosted eight of us for our discussion of the graphic novel The Walking Dead. We welcomed a guest, Tamara, who thankfully did not run away screaming.
Heather made her delicious ravioli with yogurt sauce. Nancy B. regrettably could not join us but sent us a beat salad (beats = red = blood). We also had (bloody) sangria, "finger" hours d'oeuvres (little hot dogs wrapped in dough) by Susan, a nice green salad from Leann, blood-red velvet cupcakes by Mary Beth, peanut butter & chocolate eyeballs thanks of yours truly. I know there was more, I'm sorry I can't remember what. You know who you are and what yummy and awful goodies you provided.
The official story of how we chose our book, according to Heather, was that Heather and Mary Beth were talking. Heather, having recently discovered graphic novels, said to Mary Beth that the group should read one. And to that, Mary Beth replied, "If we're reading a graphic novel, it has to The Walking Dead," because Mary Beth is a fan of the AMC show based on the graphic novel. It seemed the perfect idea given the timing. (Halloween, etc.) Hence, we read a graphic novel!
I think this was the first experience with a graphic novel for most of us, and the general consensus was that it took some getting used to and the characters were a bit two-dimensional. The group got to compare the book to the show when Heather cued up the first episode, during which people laughed even during some of the gruesome parts. But everyone seemed ti like it.
NEXT MEETING
When: December 7 (Friday) was proposed; is that OK for everyone?
Where: Nancy's
What: Wild, by Cheryl Strayed, AND the annual Yankee Swap. NEW gift this year, please, $10 limit.
Sunday, November 04, 2012
Friday, September 28, 2012
September 26 - Mayflower
Nine of us gathered at Darla's for our discussion of Mayflower and our sumptuous feast of soups provided by our hostess and seasonal treats contributed by the rest of us. In no particular order, we had: cheese soup, sauerkraut and sausage soup; popcorn and corn bread (with yummy cheese spread and apple butter); pumpkins beers and pumpkin pudding; apple cake and apple Brown Betty; the cutest little pilgrim hat cookies that can be Googled; and meade! (The drink, produced locally, and very good!)
Not everyone finished the book, although we all read at least part of it. The result was eye-opening, and we all were glad to learn some American history that is no doubt closer to the truth than what we were taught in school.
I believe a good time was had by all, and I thank everyone for putting up with the slideshow from my and Leann's recent trip.
NEXT MEETING
Where: Heather's
When: Friday, November 2
What: The Walking Dead book discussion and screening of the TV show based on the graphic novel
Monday, July 23, 2012
July 22 - Book show and tell at the pool
Seven of us were at Becky's for "the best book group pool party ever!" It was a gorgeous summer day, perfect for hanging out at the pool. We had lots of good stuff to eat, naturally: Karen's ingeniously presented fruit salad (a bowl within a bowl with ice in between), Leann fabulous rice and been salad (recipe, please!), lovely pesto crostini and smores makings supplied by our hostess, Darla's Mexican bean dip & chips, Lisa's coconut creme pie and Napoleons from King Arthur (she did a great job just getting to us, having just returned from a camping trip). Heather and I supplied healthful (well, not so much) munchies, and most all of us enjoyed the "water" to drink.
So many books were discussed and exchanged I cannot possibly do them justice. All I can say is, we've been reading!
What's Next
We completely neglected to talk logistics, so there is nothing planned at the moment. What do you think? An August meeting? Wait til September? Pick a book? Do another show-and-tell? If we wait until September, it'll have to be later in the month for me.
So many books were discussed and exchanged I cannot possibly do them justice. All I can say is, we've been reading!
What's Next
We completely neglected to talk logistics, so there is nothing planned at the moment. What do you think? An August meeting? Wait til September? Pick a book? Do another show-and-tell? If we wait until September, it'll have to be later in the month for me.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
June 12 - Bossypants
Seven of us gathered at Nancy B's on a rainy evening for our discussion of Bossypants by Tina Fey. We were blessed with many salads, perfect for a warm evening: Nancy B's chicken salad was delicious, as were Karen's pasta salad, Lisa's salad with homemade croutons, a delicious green salad contributed by someone (was it Heather?) ... For dessert, Becky made a delicious rhubarb something and Darla made yummy chocolate chip cookies. It's a good thing I had to foresight to simply buy some chips and hummus, or we would have been completely feted with wonderful homemade foodstuffs.
Why can't I remember all the details? It could has something to do with the limoncello Lisa brought in honor of Liz Lemon. Man was that good.
I do recall talking about everything and anything, including the book, which almost everyone liked. Interestingly, different people connected with different chapters.
The highlight of the night was the gifting of Becky with the Book Soup Book Group Book Quilt:
Thanks to Karen, who did all the heavy lifting of putting the quilt together.
Next Meeting
Where: Becky's pool
When: July 22, 3 pm
What: Either book show and tell or the winner of Karen's poll
Why can't I remember all the details? It could has something to do with the limoncello Lisa brought in honor of Liz Lemon. Man was that good.
I do recall talking about everything and anything, including the book, which almost everyone liked. Interestingly, different people connected with different chapters.
The highlight of the night was the gifting of Becky with the Book Soup Book Group Book Quilt:
Thanks to Karen, who did all the heavy lifting of putting the quilt together.
Next Meeting
Where: Becky's pool
When: July 22, 3 pm
What: Either book show and tell or the winner of Karen's poll
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
May 15 - The Shack
We had a full house for our discussion of The Shack at Lisa's. Ten of us oohed and ahed over her kitchen renovation and crammed around her table to partake of the FABULOUS food: Karen's "wackitizers" (cucumber rounds topped with cheese; skewers with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves), Susan's tomato/lentil spread and homemade cheese crackers to die for, Mary Beth's spinach and strawberry salad, Lisa's delicious soups (vegetarian Mexican and turkey barley). And the desserts! OMG. Becky made chocolate spice sugar cookies, Darla brought 5 flavors of Ben and Jerry's ice cream, and Nancy Bates won the night with her amazing key lime pie. I am surely missing something. Please forgive me; I have not yet recovered from my sugar coma.
We discussed a bunch of books and their authors (ahem, Darla). Karen was taking notes, so I am depending on her to let us know what these were. We had quite a lively discussion of The Shack, no doubt because no one liked it (even though we all finished it). We could see what the author was trying to do (Sunday school for adults) but they way he did it just made us cringe at times.
Our next book was supposed to be Elie Wiesel's Night, which nearly half of us had already read in prepration, but there was a decided movement that we should read something fun instead. So...
Next Meeting
Where: Nancy B's
When: June 12
What: Bossypants by Tina Fey
We discussed a bunch of books and their authors (ahem, Darla). Karen was taking notes, so I am depending on her to let us know what these were. We had quite a lively discussion of The Shack, no doubt because no one liked it (even though we all finished it). We could see what the author was trying to do (Sunday school for adults) but they way he did it just made us cringe at times.
Our next book was supposed to be Elie Wiesel's Night, which nearly half of us had already read in prepration, but there was a decided movement that we should read something fun instead. So...
Next Meeting
Where: Nancy B's
When: June 12
What: Bossypants by Tina Fey
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
April 17: The Hunger Games
Six of us met at Leann's to discuss The Hunger Games. I'm pleased to report no one left hungry, and the odds were ever in our favor.
I'm afraid my report must be abbreviated, because I arrived late, and I had already had some dinner. I partook in the lovely green salad (spinach, perhaps?). I believe there was soup, bread, and pasta salad as well. What did not escape my notice was dessert: Lisa made dessert kabobs with angel food cake and fruit. Yummy, visually interesting, and healthy. I couldn't let that stand and brought some cupcakes to share.
They told me they had talked about the book before I got there, and I guess I believe them. We talked some more, and it was as I had guessed - everyone liked the book. We talked mostly about the differences between the book and the movie and succeeded in convincing Darla and Lisa, the only attendees who had not seen it already, that they should.
As we were parting, we realized we had not discussed our next meeting. So here's what we've got from our original schedule:
Next Meeting
Where: ?
When: May 8
What: The Shack by William Paul Young
I'm afraid my report must be abbreviated, because I arrived late, and I had already had some dinner. I partook in the lovely green salad (spinach, perhaps?). I believe there was soup, bread, and pasta salad as well. What did not escape my notice was dessert: Lisa made dessert kabobs with angel food cake and fruit. Yummy, visually interesting, and healthy. I couldn't let that stand and brought some cupcakes to share.
They told me they had talked about the book before I got there, and I guess I believe them. We talked some more, and it was as I had guessed - everyone liked the book. We talked mostly about the differences between the book and the movie and succeeded in convincing Darla and Lisa, the only attendees who had not seen it already, that they should.
As we were parting, we realized we had not discussed our next meeting. So here's what we've got from our original schedule:
Next Meeting
Where: ?
When: May 8
What: The Shack by William Paul Young
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
March 13 - Our Kind of Traitor
Karen hosted 8 of us for our discussion of Out Kind of Traitor by John LeCarre. There were many dishes inspired by the English/Russian characters of the book: Stilton cheeses, pea soup and borscht, "Russian" black bread, trifle. The salad, carrot cake, and coconut pie were also well-appreciated! The champagne was not, only because we never got to it; Newcastle brown ale and copious wine did the trick.
So the food was, as usual, fabulous; the book, alas, was not. It was uniformly disliked! A thriller with no thrills and characters that left us without sympathy for or interest in them. Oh well! It seems most all of us slogged through it to the end.
We discussed at some length our choice for our next meeting: The Count of Monte Cristo. While most of us are interested in pursuing the classics, a book that is over 800 pages abridged gave us pause. Let's face it, it's just not realistic. So we started tossing out other books (as well as discussing the reading of the classics themselves). At some point we diverged and started talking about the Hunger Games movie that is coming out, how we should see it as a group but not everyone had read it, and voila! A solution that most sounded interested in: let's read The Hunger Games for April! It may not be a classic, but sure is a cultural phenomenon. And afterward we can go see the movie.
Next Meeting
Where: Leann's
When: April 10
What: The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins
So the food was, as usual, fabulous; the book, alas, was not. It was uniformly disliked! A thriller with no thrills and characters that left us without sympathy for or interest in them. Oh well! It seems most all of us slogged through it to the end.
We discussed at some length our choice for our next meeting: The Count of Monte Cristo. While most of us are interested in pursuing the classics, a book that is over 800 pages abridged gave us pause. Let's face it, it's just not realistic. So we started tossing out other books (as well as discussing the reading of the classics themselves). At some point we diverged and started talking about the Hunger Games movie that is coming out, how we should see it as a group but not everyone had read it, and voila! A solution that most sounded interested in: let's read The Hunger Games for April! It may not be a classic, but sure is a cultural phenomenon. And afterward we can go see the movie.
Next Meeting
Where: Leann's
When: April 10
What: The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
February 21 - In Other Rooms, Other Wonders
Mary Beth hosted a group of nine of us for February meeting to discuss Daniyal Mueenuddin's collection of short stories, In Other Rooms, Other Wonders. Happily, Becky was able to join us. Yay, Becky!
Mary Beth made wonderful stuffed shells (let's hear it for home ec, the source of the recipe!). Nancy B. brought a gorgeous green salad and Lisa made a middle-eastern-inspired orzo salad. Leann's homemade bread rounded out dinner, and we had three sources of dessert: Karen's middle-eastern selection, Darla's cupcakes, and cookies baked by my dear husband. I'm afraid I lost track of the drinks and appetizers and perhaps more, so please forgive me any lacunae.
We had a lively discussion of the book, no doubt because everyone found something lacking in it! (Seems books we dislike generate much more discussion than those we do.) The depiction of life in Pakistan was not a positive one, particularly in the way poor women are treated, so it was a hard read. Heather spent three years in Pakistan as a kid, so she was able to give us a more positive perspective on life there, thank goodness. Also, Karen had gone to hear the author speak at Dartmouth (he's an alum), and she was able to tell us more about him and what he's writing now.
Thanks, Mary Beth, for hosting a fun evening!
Next Meeting
Where: Karen's
When: March 13
What: Our Kind of Traitor by John LeCarre
Mary Beth made wonderful stuffed shells (let's hear it for home ec, the source of the recipe!). Nancy B. brought a gorgeous green salad and Lisa made a middle-eastern-inspired orzo salad. Leann's homemade bread rounded out dinner, and we had three sources of dessert: Karen's middle-eastern selection, Darla's cupcakes, and cookies baked by my dear husband. I'm afraid I lost track of the drinks and appetizers and perhaps more, so please forgive me any lacunae.
We had a lively discussion of the book, no doubt because everyone found something lacking in it! (Seems books we dislike generate much more discussion than those we do.) The depiction of life in Pakistan was not a positive one, particularly in the way poor women are treated, so it was a hard read. Heather spent three years in Pakistan as a kid, so she was able to give us a more positive perspective on life there, thank goodness. Also, Karen had gone to hear the author speak at Dartmouth (he's an alum), and she was able to tell us more about him and what he's writing now.
Thanks, Mary Beth, for hosting a fun evening!
Next Meeting
Where: Karen's
When: March 13
What: Our Kind of Traitor by John LeCarre
Saturday, January 14, 2012
January 10 - A Discovery of Witches
Seven of us gathered at Susan's beautiful home for yummy soups, book talk, and ... kittens! We got to meet Susan's two pint-sized prowlers, who added an extra touch of magic to the evening.
Susan's soups were great. Owing to the fact that I am a bear of little brain and several days have passed, all I can recall is that vegetarian one was a curry soup (which I had and it was fabulous) and the non-veggie soup had kale in it (I hear lots of "mmmm" coming from the folks who had it). I also know we had great appetizers, a delicious home-made couscous salad, and two types of cake for dessert. What's not to like?
The book, for one, although I believe the group was 50-50 on liking vs. not liking so much. It was definitely long ("wordy" was mentioned), having seemingly fallen victim to the state of editing in book publishing these days (i.e., there's not enough of it). Those of us who liked it are really looking forward to book 2 in the trilogy, the rest are off the hook.
There were many other topics and books discussed, including Susan's musing out loud about needing to think of a dance routine to contribute to an upcoming family wedding. Truly a fun evening, thanks Susan!
Next Meeting
Where: Becky's
When: January 14
What: In Other Rooms, Other Wonders by Daniyal Mueenuddin
Susan's soups were great. Owing to the fact that I am a bear of little brain and several days have passed, all I can recall is that vegetarian one was a curry soup (which I had and it was fabulous) and the non-veggie soup had kale in it (I hear lots of "mmmm" coming from the folks who had it). I also know we had great appetizers, a delicious home-made couscous salad, and two types of cake for dessert. What's not to like?
The book, for one, although I believe the group was 50-50 on liking vs. not liking so much. It was definitely long ("wordy" was mentioned), having seemingly fallen victim to the state of editing in book publishing these days (i.e., there's not enough of it). Those of us who liked it are really looking forward to book 2 in the trilogy, the rest are off the hook.
There were many other topics and books discussed, including Susan's musing out loud about needing to think of a dance routine to contribute to an upcoming family wedding. Truly a fun evening, thanks Susan!
Next Meeting
Where: Becky's
When: January 14
What: In Other Rooms, Other Wonders by Daniyal Mueenuddin
Thursday, December 15, 2011
December 13 - The Coffins of Little Hope
Eight of us gathered at my place for cauliflower soup, chocolate chili, white elephant Yankee swap, and oh yes, to talk about a book!
The company was wonderful, the contributions of appetizers and desserts fabulous. The book, well, let's just say you can't win them all; there was little love for The Coffins of Little Hope.
I believe our Yankee swap was a success. People in this group have very nice white elephants hanging around their houses! There was some envy and swapping, I'm happy to report, although no one took the bow and arrow set I opened. Hmm.
Next Meeting
Where: Susan graciously offered to host
When: January 10
What: A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
Happy holidays and best wishes for the new year!
The company was wonderful, the contributions of appetizers and desserts fabulous. The book, well, let's just say you can't win them all; there was little love for The Coffins of Little Hope.
I believe our Yankee swap was a success. People in this group have very nice white elephants hanging around their houses! There was some envy and swapping, I'm happy to report, although no one took the bow and arrow set I opened. Hmm.
Next Meeting
Where: Susan graciously offered to host
When: January 10
What: A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
Happy holidays and best wishes for the new year!
Wednesday, November 09, 2011
November 8 - The Little Friend
Six of us gathered as Lisa's to discuss The Little Friend by Donna Tartt. There were deviled eggs, two wonderful soups, warm biscuits, blueberry pie... Absolutely delicious, one and all. We had a good and wide-ranging discussion of the book and it's southern-ness, with a general agreement that it was quite good and proved the adage "you can't judge a book by its cover" (or it's title either, in this case).
Next month - Yankee Swap!! We thought a white elephant Yankee Swap might be just the thing this year. So bring something you already own wrapped and ready to swap.
When: December 13
Where: Nancy's
What: The Coffins of Little Hope by Timothy Schaffert
Next month - Yankee Swap!! We thought a white elephant Yankee Swap might be just the thing this year. So bring something you already own wrapped and ready to swap.
When: December 13
Where: Nancy's
What: The Coffins of Little Hope by Timothy Schaffert
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
October 18 - The Picture of Dorian Gray
Seven of us gathered at Darla's for our rescheduled discussion of Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray. We were greeted at the table by a parade of little reading rubber duckies, favors Lisa found. Thanks, Lisa!
Darla served her famous potato cheese soup and also a new and delicious creation, creamy tortellini soup. (She even provided those attending with copies of the recipes; above and beyond!) The table was rounded out with a lovely fall veggie casserole by Lisa and an antipasto salad by Karen. Dessert was a virtual cornucopia of treats — Susan's apple crisp and vanilla ice cream, Leaan's Boston cream pie, and Becky's fruit were topped off by some great maple cookies that Darla and Lisa baked before the rest of us arrived.
Although we occasionally got distracted, we did discuss the book quite a bit. Susan knew the most about Oscar Wilde and filled us in on the place of the novel, his only one, in his work and life. I, for one, did not know the book had eventually landed him and jail and contributed to his death. Pretty amazing. Oh, and we all hated the character of Lord Henry.
Lisa offered to host our next meeting, which is November 8, to discuss The Little Friend by Donna Tartt. See you then!
Although we occasionally got distracted, we did discuss the book quite a bit. Susan knew the most about Oscar Wilde and filled us in on the place of the novel, his only one, in his work and life. I, for one, did not know the book had eventually landed him and jail and contributed to his death. Pretty amazing. Oh, and we all hated the character of Lord Henry.
Lisa offered to host our next meeting, which is November 8, to discuss The Little Friend by Donna Tartt. See you then!
Friday, September 16, 2011
September 14
We had a large and lively group at Nancy's for our post-summer-vacation meeting. Folks brought lots of delicious appetizers, beverages, and desserts to augment the spinach lasagna. Thanks, everyone!
After a bit of discussion, we actually were able to choose a regular meeting time and books to read until next summer. Way to go, guys!
Our regular meeting time will be the 2nd Tuesday of the month.
Below is a list of dates and books.(Please, if I got something wrong, do let me know. My scribble was hard to read. Also, if we'd like to rearrange some, we can do that.) Darla offered to host for October. All we'll need to decide as we go along is who will host next!
Schedule
October 11: The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde at Darla's
November 8: The Little Friend by Donna Tartt
December 13: The Coffins of Little Hope by Timothy Schaffert
January 10: A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
February 14: In Other Rooms, Other Wonders by Daniyal Mueenuddin
March 13: Our Kind of Traitor by John LeCarre
April 10: The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
May 8: The Shack by William Paul Young
June 12: Night by Elie Wiesel
And suggested summer reading: The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
After a bit of discussion, we actually were able to choose a regular meeting time and books to read until next summer. Way to go, guys!
Our regular meeting time will be the 2nd Tuesday of the month.
Below is a list of dates and books.(Please, if I got something wrong, do let me know. My scribble was hard to read. Also, if we'd like to rearrange some, we can do that.) Darla offered to host for October. All we'll need to decide as we go along is who will host next!
Schedule
October 11: The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde at Darla's
November 8: The Little Friend by Donna Tartt
December 13: The Coffins of Little Hope by Timothy Schaffert
January 10: A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
February 14: In Other Rooms, Other Wonders by Daniyal Mueenuddin
March 13: Our Kind of Traitor by John LeCarre
April 10: The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
May 8: The Shack by William Paul Young
June 12: Night by Elie Wiesel
And suggested summer reading: The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
Thursday, June 30, 2011
June 27 - Half-Broke Horses
We had a very small gathering at Karen's to discuss Jeanette Walls' Half-Broke Horses. It was salad night: Heather brought a fresh green salad right from her garden, Leann brought a pasta salad, and Karen had a tortalini salad for us, as well as a fabulous fruit tart for dessert. (I managed to drag some brie along, to double up on what Karen already had.)
Everyone seemed to really like the book (that includes folks who read it but didn't make the meeting). We spent a lot of time trying to remember Walls' earlier book, The Glass Castle, and connecting the two, since Half-Broke Horses is a fictionalized memoir of her maternal grandmother. What a remarkable character Lily Casey was!
Next Meeting
Everyone seemed to really like the book (that includes folks who read it but didn't make the meeting). We spent a lot of time trying to remember Walls' earlier book, The Glass Castle, and connecting the two, since Half-Broke Horses is a fictionalized memoir of her maternal grandmother. What a remarkable character Lily Casey was!
Next Meeting
- When and Where: There is no next meeting set. We plan take the summer off and reconnoiter in September. In August, I will send out a message to set up a date and place.
- What: Come prepared to present a book to the group you think we should read. We think it's a good idea to pick books for the next six meetings or so.
- ALSO: How about picking a regular day each month to meet (like the third Tuesday, for instance)? That way people can plan ahead.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
May 24, Revenge of the Radioactive Lady
Seven of us gathered at Leann's for our discussion of The Revenge of the Radioactive Lady. Leann served a delicious risotto that was rounded out by bread, salad, wonderful appetizers, and 2 desserts! Karen made a fabulous lemon torte, and our hostess provided sinful cupcakes. I think we were all stuffed and happy. As usual, please forgive any lapses regarding food on my part. This time I'll blame it on my blood sugar.
The book got mixed reviews. I believe everyone in attendance finished it. I liked Mary Beth's assessment: it was like a bad soap opera; the plot was ridiculous but you wanted to see what happened. Heather read the whole thing while trapped on a plane and really enjoyed the author's use of language and turns of phrase. We wanted to know: what happened to the neighborhood after the son contaminated it with radioactivity??
Next Meeting
When: Monday, June 27
Where: Karen's
What: Half-Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls
The book got mixed reviews. I believe everyone in attendance finished it. I liked Mary Beth's assessment: it was like a bad soap opera; the plot was ridiculous but you wanted to see what happened. Heather read the whole thing while trapped on a plane and really enjoyed the author's use of language and turns of phrase. We wanted to know: what happened to the neighborhood after the son contaminated it with radioactivity??
Next Meeting
When: Monday, June 27
Where: Karen's
What: Half-Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
April 12, Cutting for Stone
Lisa hosted a group of seven for our discussion of Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese. Lisa went all out and made an Ethiopian vegetable soup (which was to die for). Mary Beth brought a fabulous spinach salad, Leann brought her home-made cole slaw, Darla made darling deviled eggs (sorry, couldn't resist the semi-alliteration, but they were good, made with local eggs), Becky brought roasted veggies (mmm), and Heather brought strawberry shortcake makings. Oh, and I brought some French bread and a local maple goat cheese from the Co-op that was a hit. We didn't actually construct shortcakes, because Lisa baked a maple pudding cake that Lisa called a "lush" cake (we had lots of fun with that one). She served it with strawberries, so we took advantage of Heather's contribution in that way.
We were unanimous about the book: everybody loved it. There was some disagreement about whether it was easy or hard to tell who the father was, but that was a minor issue. We all agreed that even though it was a long book, it was a fast read. (Becky said of the length, "I didn't even notice!")
Next Meeting
Where: Leann's
When: Tuesday, May 24
What: The Revenge of the Radioactive Lady by Elizabeth Stuckey-French
NOTE: Four of us own this book already and will be willing to lend it out. Give a shout if you can't find a copy.
Lisa generously supplied links to for the fabulous recipes she made for us:
Maple pudding cake
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Maple-Pudding-Cake-233996
Berbere (Ethiopian spice mix)
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Ethiopian-Spice-Mix-Berbere-104015
Ethiopian vegetable stew
http://ethiopianrecipes.net/yetakelt-wet-spicy-mixed-vegetable-stew/
Lisa says about "Niter Kebbeh," one of the stew ingredients, "I substituted 1/4 stick of butter that I cooked down, to separate, like ghee."
We were unanimous about the book: everybody loved it. There was some disagreement about whether it was easy or hard to tell who the father was, but that was a minor issue. We all agreed that even though it was a long book, it was a fast read. (Becky said of the length, "I didn't even notice!")
Next Meeting
Where: Leann's
When: Tuesday, May 24
What: The Revenge of the Radioactive Lady by Elizabeth Stuckey-French
NOTE: Four of us own this book already and will be willing to lend it out. Give a shout if you can't find a copy.
Lisa generously supplied links to for the fabulous recipes she made for us:
Maple pudding cake
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Maple-Pudding-Cake-233996
Berbere (Ethiopian spice mix)
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Ethiopian-Spice-Mix-Berbere-104015
Ethiopian vegetable stew
http://ethiopianrecipes.net/yetakelt-wet-spicy-mixed-vegetable-stew/
Lisa says about "Niter Kebbeh," one of the stew ingredients, "I substituted 1/4 stick of butter that I cooked down, to separate, like ghee."
Saturday, February 26, 2011
February 24 - Unbroken
Heather hosted a group of 7 of us for a shark-themed discussion of Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. Heather had two round tables adjacent to one another like the two rafts in the book, with a mouthful of water and a piece of chocolate at each place and stuffed sharks as decoration. Nice touches!
Heather served ravioli with a delicious yogurt-based sauce, which was complemented by Leann's beautiful green salad and Nancy B.'s yummy roasted veggies. Karen made 1940's gumdrop cookies, and I believe it was Mary Beth who made lemon/fruit squares. I'm sure there was more; please forgive me for what I left out!
Everyone like the book a lot, even Becky, to whom it gave nightmares. We mused about what we would have done (most of us thought we'd have eaten the chocolate too), and guessed we might not have survived it all like Louie did.
Next Meeting
What: Cutting for Stone
Where: Lisa's (as long as she's up to it)
When: Not yet decided - does Tuesday April 12 work?
Heather served ravioli with a delicious yogurt-based sauce, which was complemented by Leann's beautiful green salad and Nancy B.'s yummy roasted veggies. Karen made 1940's gumdrop cookies, and I believe it was Mary Beth who made lemon/fruit squares. I'm sure there was more; please forgive me for what I left out!
Everyone like the book a lot, even Becky, to whom it gave nightmares. We mused about what we would have done (most of us thought we'd have eaten the chocolate too), and guessed we might not have survived it all like Louie did.
Next Meeting
What: Cutting for Stone
Where: Lisa's (as long as she's up to it)
When: Not yet decided - does Tuesday April 12 work?
Friday, January 21, 2011
January 20 - Cleopatra
Seven of us met at Mary Beth's for an evening of Egyptian delights and to discuss the book Cleopatra. This had to be the most thematic book group ever. Thanks to Heather, there were lots of adornments to be had (Mary Beth's combo of a belly dancer's hip scarf with jingling coins and a beaded head dress was my favorite.)
We welcomed new member Nancy Bates, who brought a delicious Tuscan salad. Mary Beth provided potato cheddar soup, and Heather brought happy lamb stew (the lamb had led a happy life in Maine before landing in Heather's freezer). Leann brought rolls, I brought hummus, but Susan's stuffed grape leaves, toasted pita, and herbed feta cheese were amazing. I have to say the happy lamb was delicious too, wonderful spices.
After some preliminary chatting we did talk about Cleopatra just about the whole time. We were aided by the Elizabeth Taylor movie version playing on the TV, thanks to a timely trip to the library by Mary Beth. There were varying reactions to the book, from it being too much a history book to its straying too far from fact. Some of the descriptions were just too good not to read out loud, like that of Marc Antony's legs. (Please someone, remind me of the exact phrase; it was priceless.)
Next Meeting
What: Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
Where: ??
When: ??
How about we meet Thursday, February 24? (That's 5 weeks.) And we need a hostess.
We welcomed new member Nancy Bates, who brought a delicious Tuscan salad. Mary Beth provided potato cheddar soup, and Heather brought happy lamb stew (the lamb had led a happy life in Maine before landing in Heather's freezer). Leann brought rolls, I brought hummus, but Susan's stuffed grape leaves, toasted pita, and herbed feta cheese were amazing. I have to say the happy lamb was delicious too, wonderful spices.
After some preliminary chatting we did talk about Cleopatra just about the whole time. We were aided by the Elizabeth Taylor movie version playing on the TV, thanks to a timely trip to the library by Mary Beth. There were varying reactions to the book, from it being too much a history book to its straying too far from fact. Some of the descriptions were just too good not to read out loud, like that of Marc Antony's legs. (Please someone, remind me of the exact phrase; it was priceless.)
Next Meeting
What: Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
Where: ??
When: ??
How about we meet Thursday, February 24? (That's 5 weeks.) And we need a hostess.
Thursday, December 09, 2010
December 8 - The Tower, the Zoo, and the Tortoise
Nancy hosted a happy group of 9 for our (very short) discussion of The Tower, the Zoo, and the Tortoise. We welcomed new member Susan and had a cornucopia of foodstuffs. Mary Beth made a fabulous asparagus salad with feta cheese and mandarin oranges, and Karen supplied us with a Christmas almond cake for dessert (as well as bruchetta as an appetizer). We had cauliflower soup, taco soup, french bread, dinner rolls, fruit salad, Becky's guacamole, Darla's pickled asparagus, Susan's delicious cheeses. Please forgive me for anyone and anything I've left out, it was all great.
The Yankee swap was much anticipated. Try as I might, I couldn't egg people on to grab other's stuff. It's too much fun to open a present, I think, and it was all nice stuff. Plus Lisa drew #1 and picked something she loved, so we all knew it was fruitless to snatch that gift. We decided that next year we should do a white elephant Yankee swap.
Almost everyone had read at least part of the book and at liked it. We appreciated that parts of it are laugh-out-loud funny. Darla said it reminded her of a fairy tale.
We immediately turned to the discussion of other books and other things, including what to read next. Because there was interest in more than one book, we chose for the next 3 meetings!
Next Meeting
Where: Mary Beth's
When: Thursday, January 20
Next Books
January: Cleopatra: A Life by Stacy Schiff
February: Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
March: Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
The Yankee swap was much anticipated. Try as I might, I couldn't egg people on to grab other's stuff. It's too much fun to open a present, I think, and it was all nice stuff. Plus Lisa drew #1 and picked something she loved, so we all knew it was fruitless to snatch that gift. We decided that next year we should do a white elephant Yankee swap.
Almost everyone had read at least part of the book and at liked it. We appreciated that parts of it are laugh-out-loud funny. Darla said it reminded her of a fairy tale.
We immediately turned to the discussion of other books and other things, including what to read next. Because there was interest in more than one book, we chose for the next 3 meetings!
Next Meeting
Where: Mary Beth's
When: Thursday, January 20
Next Books
January: Cleopatra: A Life by Stacy Schiff
February: Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
March: Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
Friday, November 19, 2010
October 26 - So Cold the River
Four of us gathered at Becky's to discuss our creepy October read, So Cold the River by Michael Koryta. Becky had wonderful clam chowder and winter squash soup, which was rounded off with bread and salad and was topped off with cookies. Thanks, Darla, for the home-made ginger snaps! It was all yummy.
Lisa sent her book report through Darla. Everyone said they liked it and thought it suitably spooky for Halloween, the writing reminiscent of Stephen King. I had some gripes with the book (where was the editor?), which brought out a few other dislikes as well (the main character was whiny and stupid, and why all the fuss about the train early on?).
We discussed lots of other stuff and other books, of course. I'm afraid I didn't write them down, so if you've got a recommendation, do chime in. I finished one book I talked about last time, Room by Emma Donoghue, and LOVED it. There was some interest in reading it for a Book Soup meeting, but given its premise, we decided it was more suited to bleak winter than the holidays.
Speaking of which, our next meeting will be out holiday meeting, and we think we've identified a nice read for it. We didn't discuss doing a Yankee Swap, but it is a Book Soup holiday tradition, so I will assume we will do it unless the populace says no.
Next Meeting
When: Wednesday, December 8 (alternate: Thursday, December 9)
Where: Nancy's, of course!
What: The Tower, the Zoo, and the Tortoise by Julia Stuart
Also: Please bring a wrapped gift worth no more than $10 suitable for swapping
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