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| Diane's amazing carrot cake with ginger mascarpone frosting |
Dear Bookclub,
An evening at Diane's promises pampering and the unexpected. Liane Moriarty's Tranquillum House did the same to nine perfect strangers in "Nine Perfect Strangers". Unless any other attendees experienced wild dreams that night, I believe the micro dosing was not included in our evening.
Discussion was animated or as Lynne's Aunt Annette observed, "everyone is talking at once and no one is listening!" Braving our large and imposing group, both Lynne's mother, Margaret, and her sister, Annette, were a charming addition to the meeting. Most had read the book, some yet to finish, so skillfully trying not to reveal any surprises, general deliberation about unethical treatment and outcomes of certain characters' experiences proved interesting. Hearing some sentiment that the book was hard to read because of the topic, I wondered if I had read the same book. Delighted by the hilarious characterizations created by Moriarty, I thought the book funny and now wondered if I was insensitive to the central issues. Having 'read' the book sometime ago, I'd decided to re-listen to my audible version as a refresher. Only being a couple of hours into the re-listen at the time of our meeting, I was motivated to finish it for a second time to see if I could empathize with the opposing views.
Perceptions are based on experiences, attitudes, preconceived notions, and individual differences. Being prepared to be entertained by a book and then having it strike a nerve with any difficult situation that stirs up painful emotions is certainly distressing. Out the window goes any satire. Tuning into this scenario with my second go-around of "Nine Perfect Strangers", illuminated the many situations that may be too close to home for some to be lightly dismissed. Quoting the much referenced Wikipedia, re: "satire":
"Although satire is usually meant to be humorous, its greater purpose is often constructive social criticism using wit to draw attention to both particular and wider issues in society. "
Barely scratching the surface of the wider issues included in Moriarty's book, the opportunity to delve into such issues was lost. Fair enough, that cake was awaiting us!
Not regretting any of the fourteen more hours spent listening to "Nine Perfect Strangers" while attacking endless household chores, I will long remember all the trials and tribulations experienced by the characters while marveling at Liane Moriarty's creative genius.
Diane's suggestions for an upcoming read:
"A Place for Us" Fatima Farheen Mirza
"Women in Sunlight" Frances Mayes
"House of Broken Angels"Luis Alberto Urrea*
*chosen
Up next, Daniel H. Pink's "When, The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing".
Happy Reading!
LK
