November 2022 Bookclub News

 

 

Lexington

Dear Bookclub

Geraldine Brooks' "Horse" championed our hearts, upholding our endearment to the author, widening our views on the history of horse racing, the art world and race.... just to name a few themes. Immensely readable, the historic novel kept discussion at a pace to last the evening, already heightened by Karen's Famous Celebration of Autumn. We loved it all!

Brooks' use of the familiar jockeying between past and present (sorry, these horsey references keep cropping up), skillfully kept us page turning. The current events reflected in the novel were shocking and did not sit well with all. But such thought-provoking can be appreciated for making us think and feel. Another level of understanding may perhaps be reached by learning about the author's personal history. Her husband, Tony Horwitz, also a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, tragically collapsed while walking in Washington D.C., dying of a sudden cardiac arrest while on his 2019 book tour for "Spying on the South". 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Susan Heilbron, Washington Post)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please read more about Tony: 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/tony-horwitz-pultizer-prize-winning-journalist-and-author-dies-at-60/2019/05/28/adc64b72-8157-11e9-bce7-40b4105f7ca0_story.html

And a fabulous interview with Terry Gross:

https://www.npr.org/2019/05/29/727874768/fresh-air-remembers-pulitzer-prize-winning-writer-tony-horwitz

I promise you will really enjoy this!!!!

 

Karen's suggestions for an upcoming read:

"Mad Honey" Jodi Picoult *chosen

"When We had Wings" Susan Meisner

"Lessons in Chemistry" Bonnie Garmus

 

Up next:

 

Happy reading,

LK

October 2022 Bookclub News

 

The Morgan Library & Museum

 Dear Bookclub,

Marie Benedict & Victoria Christopher Murray's "The Personal Librarian" spanned the readers' ideal realm, offering fact, fiction and fantasy. The trifecta for a balanced bookclub proved to satisfy our group's discussion.

Bella de Costa Greene by Clarence White, 1911

 

 

From Lynne:

We had a good turnout with seven members attending.

We enjoyed a beautiful Fall evening on the patio and filled up on Chicken Kabobs, Rice and Greek Salad as we discussed The Personal Librarian.

Overall most enjoyed the book but were conflicted on Belle’s choice to live a life as a white woman.  Would she have achieved what she did if her race was revealed?  Would JP Morgan have hired her?  Was Belle’s decision to hide her identity contradictory to her father’s fight for Civil Rights and equality for all?  Many questions…

It was generally agreed that Belle made the right choice given the times and the discrimanation that African American women then faced.  Belle not only protected her family in that regard but provided for them financially as well.  That would not have been possible without her having hidden her identity.  We were all impressed with how Belle navigated the world of art and antiquities with her intellect and savvy.    A world and profession dominated by men who’s respect she earned.  

We discussed that in a way Belle did champion the equality her father fought for by orchastraing the change in status of the Pierpont Morgan Library from private collection to a public institution.  “Yes, it’s been described as the most meaningful cultural gift in American History.”  

Several of us thought a Bookclub excursion to NYC and visit to the Pierpont Morgan Library would be wonderful!!!!

Unable to attend, and grateful to Lynne for her reporting, I wondered about the writers' process. As I read, I sensed distinct styles, oscillating between chapters yet there is no evidence that this was intended. The authors have shared on many forums about their experience writing together, sharing work through the pandemic, the black and white perspectives, historical fiction vs. contemporaries, researching and editing.... all fascinating and a stand alone story itself. Please enjoy this interview with the authors:

https://www.bookbrowse.com/author_interviews/full/index.cfm/author_number/3524/victoria-christopher-murray 

 

 

https://www.themorgan.org/about/introduction

Yes, let's go!  Reminiscent of our Huntington Library visit, I know we would love it.

Lynne's suggestions for an upcoming read:

"Our Missing Hearts" Celeste Ng

"Solita" Javier Zamora* chosen

"Memphis" Tara M. Stringfellow

 

Up next:

Happy reading,

LK
 

September 2022 Bookclub News

 

 

 

Loray Mill Strike, Gastonia, 1929

 

Dear Bookclub,

Wiley Cash's "The Last Ballad", based on the true story of the Loray Mill Strike in Gastonia, North Carolina in 1929, reads like Chuck McShane's historic account, "Strike!" in "Our State", a North Carolina magazine. Fred Beal is real. As is - or was - Ella May Wiggins.

Please delve into McShane's January 2014 published account for more great pictures and the complete story:

https://www.ourstate.com/loray-mill-strike/

To be fair, Cash's historic novel brilliantly wove rich character development into the historic account. Our group of six, shared thoughts about Cash's imagining, notably Ella's situation, marveling at her committed yet doomed journey. In contrast, Claire, Katherine (Kate) and Richard, being more complex characters given the tangled circumstances, tossed about our feelings. Chillingly, this was not that long ago, and although the labor movement brought about great change, many of today's conditions still beg for change.

Harper Collins Publisher employees participate in a one-day strike in Manhattan, July 20, 2022.

For more on U.S. labor support being at a 57-year high: 

https://www.npr.org/2022/08/31/1120111276/labor-union-support-in-us

My suggestions for an upcoming read:

"The Lioness" Chris Bohjalian *chosen (January)

"On Animals" Susan Orlean *chosen (December)

"Lessons in Chemistry" Bonnie Garmus

Up next:

Marie Benedict & Victoria Christopher Murray

Happy reading,

LK

August 2022 Bookclub News

 

London the Magnificent

 

Dear Booklub,

Joining our foursome for the August gathering at Sue's, a dignified, reserved and on-task London played the part of Molly the maid to aid our discussion of Nita Prose's "The Maid". Enjoyed by all, the summer read gave us a light, page-turning 'whodunit'. London wants me to mention her dedication to forever-cute, just as Molly is dedicated to forever-clean. 

 

Sue fashioned the above arrangement, bringing smiles and chat about the business of hotel maids: tipping practices and otherwise.  Taking turns reading clever quotes Sue had prepared, jogged memories of odd twists and interesting moments and we further delved into assessing the various characters in the story. Best digested as a Disney ride, the novel's less-plausible structures were ignored for maximum entertainment.

Stairwell sign RB Inn employee parking

For more about Nita Prose and her inspiration for the book, please check out this CBC article. Embedded in the article is  a very short and sweet interview with the author, under three minutes and worth a listen.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/the-maid-nita-prose-1.6351316

Florence Pugh, set to play the maid in Universal's adaptation (see link above)

 

Sue's suggestions for an upcoming read:

"Lioness" Chris Bohjalian

"Horse" Geraldine Brooks *chosen

"Pull of the Stars" Emma Donoghue

Up next:

Happy reading,

LK

 

July 2022 Bookclub News

 

 

 

The Stock's

 

Dear Bookclub,

Julie's courage to host bookclub in the midst of a major house remodel rivaled that of Laura Dave's protagonist, Hannah, in the fast-paced drama, "The Last Thing He Told Me". I am not going to lie, (big or little),  Laura Dave is no Liane Moriarty but she did keep us page-turning and gave material to chat about. Julie, brilliantly, had reader's guide questions queued up on her ipad, passed around so each member could prompt a discussion around a question. Everyone enjoyed the read but wondered about the reality posed. Some pretty outrageous coincidences were forgiven, as character depictions, like that of Bailey, were considered on target. Dave's writing style, heavy with telling, wore thin.

 

 

Discussion turned seriously academic, with mention of an upcoming Apple TV + limited series of "The Last Thing He Told Me",  starring Julia Roberts.

Reese (age 46)

I have since learned that Reese Witherspoon, producer, cast 'bestie' Jennifer Garner, replacing Julia Roberts, as Hannah. Details:

https://deadline.com/2021/11/jennifer-garner-the-last-thing-he-told-me-apple-limited-series-recasting-julia-roberts-1234873334/ 

This research is kind of fun. More about the besties:

https://www.hola.com/us/celebrities/20220322330524/jennifer-garner-birthday-gift-reese-witherspoon-woodturning/ 

Jennifer (age 50)

Julia (age 54.5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 And finally, to put to rest my initial reaction to the concept of Julia Roberts being Hannah, (too old! give someone else a chance!),,,,  the woman is a legend:

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/04/18/magazine/julia-roberts-interview.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Julie's suggestions for an upcoming read:

"The Personal Librarian" Marie Benedict *chosen

"The Scent Keeper" Eric Bauermeister 

"The Rose Code" Kate Quinn

Up next:

Happy reading,

LK

 

 

June 2022 Bookclub News

 

 Lynda Rutledge's white board for 'The Hurricane Giraffes'

 

Dear Bookclub,

The ragtag cast of characters in Lynda Rutledge's "West With Giraffes" would have surely stood out amid the elegant evening Diane created to honor the bookclub discussion of their tale. Sadly, I was unable to be present, so in addition to her outstanding efforts for the meeting, Diane provided the following delightful summing up:

 From Diane:

June Book Club Recap 

Our small, but mighty, group of book club members unanimously gave a 5-star review to Lynda Rutledge', West with Giraffes!  Our discussion ping ponged between the endearing narrator/protagonist, Woody, and his lobe for the giraffes and a certain young lady; the Depression Era setting; and the origin of the nobel which was planted when the author, by invitation from the SD Zoo, was researching and compiling the Zoo's history for its 100th anniversary in 2016. Of course we all lauded ober the fact the we have THE best zoo in "All the land", and Sue even shared some of husband Dave's experiences over his many years of volunteering at both the Zoo and Safari Park. Speaking of animal experiences, we spent a great deal of time talking about members' safari trips. Sue, Lori, and Kate, all shared terrific stories of seeing these wild and magical creatures in their native habitats. Sue even brought along a fabulous collection of decorative giraffe items she acquired in her travels to Africa. While we all recognized the references to Dr. Harry Wegeforth in the book, it was esciting to learn more about Belle Benchley, the zoo director in 1983 (a female!) and the "Old Man's" direct report.

 

Sue's collection

 

 Other personal observations from me that we did not get to discuss as a group:

 -Woodrow Wilson Nickel. Loved how the author used a famous depression era saying as the name of the protagonist; and it made me think on a deeper level: should the "old man" have taken the "old man" as his driver??

-How Margaret White, the 30's female photojournalist for LIFE magazine, was the inspiration for the character, Red: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_Bourke-White 

-Personally, I enjoyed the religious reference to the beauty and majesty of animals, in particular the frequent description of "God's pure Eden", and when one of the characters (I believe it was Woody) heard the hymn, All Creatures of our God and King, being sung at a tent revival. Very cool.

-For those who haven't had a chance, be sure to visit the author's webpage and especially the West with Giraffes Q&A with the author. I really enjoyed it: https://www.lyndarutledge.com/events.htm

Also, this blog entry from a site called Zoo Histories provided actual pictures and news clippings of the exciting cross country journey: http://zoohistories.com/2021/02/11/west-with-giraffes

 

Lastly, I felt pretty lucky that the book provided some food inspiration to fuel our discussion via the giraffe's favorite snacks: onions (a caramelized onion and blue cheese puff pastry appetizer), apples (an apple butter rose tart for dessert), and tree leaves (an all green charcuterie board).

Thank you Diane!!

Diane's suggestions for an upcoming read:

"The Last Ballad" Wiley Cash *chosen

"The Editor" Stephen Rowley

"Anxious People" Fredrik Backman

Up next:

Happy reading!

LK

May 2022 Bookclub News

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The Barrel Room Girls

Dear Bookclub,

Barb's soirée at the Barrel Room proved to be a fine evening for our group to discuss Martha Hall Kelly's "The Lilac Girls". World War II atrocities amazingly seem endless as Kelly's historic fiction shed light on yet another set. Based on the facts of Hitler's concentration camp for women: Ravensbrück,  a German Nazi physician: Herta Oberheruser, and New York philanthropist: Caroline Ferriday, Kelly developed a very compelling story.

from Caroline's garden

Julie shared a wonderful video of Martha Hall Kelly introducing the book. Please take a few minutes, use full screen and enjoy:

https://marthahallkelly.com/lilac-girls/https://marthahallkelly.com/lilac-girls/

Also, please see where Martha's inspiration began at the Bellamy-Ferriday House:

https://ctlandmarks.org/properties/bellamy-ferriday-house-garden/

Bellamy-Ferriday Garden

Martha Hall Kelly's Author's Note gave great insight into her motivation, research and process. Explaining what pieces were her embellishment and which were factual, widened our appreciation and understanding of the book. The "Author's Note" seems to be a modern development. Imagine Louisa Mae Alcott, Charles Dickens or William Shakespeare with an "Author's Note" at the end of their work.

Alcott's Author's Note:

'Little Women' is based on a true story. My three sisters, Anna Bronson, Elizabeth Sewall, and Abigail May,  growing up in a household with financial struggles, frustrations and sharing the experience of being the offspring of an extreme philosopher, provided substantial subject matter. Years of making due in our crumbling home in Concord, set me to work, writing in hopes of helping our family make ends meet. Father would sit under a tree by the side of the road, eager to engage passersby in lively debate about perfecting the human spirit. Townsfolk learned to take another route avoiding interaction......

Dickens' Author's Note:

'Oliver Twist' is based on a true story. Having grown up in the streets after my father was incarcerated in debtor's prison, I labored in a boot-blacking factory and befriended many a sordid character....

Shakespeare's Author's Note:

'Romeo and Juliet' is probably based on a true story, me thinks. An Italian tragedy, stretching back to antiquity, it was translated into verse in 1562 by Arthur Brooke, two years before I was born. With the responsibilities to provide for my wife and three children, my playwriting seeks popularity and this tale seemed a perfect fit....

Barb's suggestions for an upcoming read:

"The Good Left Undone"  Adriana Trigrani

"The Spanish Daughter" Lorena Hughes

"The Maid:  A Novel"  Nita Prose *chosen

 

 

Up next:

 Happy reading,

LK 

April 2022 Bookclub News

Heroes:Elton & Billie Jean

Dear Bookclub,

"All In" meant just four of us gathering to discuss the Billy Jean King memoir. Kate aced it. We were 'served' margaritas by Denny from the baseline followed by a second set of Rubio's on an amazing array of floral dishes at the net....er... dining room table. Prepared for a good match, Kate and I dominated, having finished out the set, while Karen and Julie, with good intentions, had to retire before the end. 

 

Nevertheless, the third set of churros and vanilla ice cream, kept the energy up to the final moment. We appreciated Billie Jean's contributions to the history of tennis with her hard work, talent and success along with her dedication to equality in sports and beyond. Reminiscing about the times, it's hard to imagine the pain and obstacles Billie Jean overcame in her journey.

Narrating the Audible, Billie Jean was authentic, as we realized her emotional experiences still sit at the surface, her voice revealing all. Kate wondered about the photos she missed, included in the hard copy of the book. PDF's available with Audible versions of books can be accessed:

iOS

1. Open the Audible app and go to your library.
2. Tap on the audiobook that has a PDF, to open the player screen.
3. While on the player screen, tap the 3 dots in the upper right corner.
4. Tap Accompanying PDF.
   
   

Unfortunately, there are loads of great pictures in this book yet the accompanying PDF with the Audible version of "All In", does not contain a one. It's a hefty appendix of facts and stats.

https://www.billiejeanking.com/tennis/

For a dive into the world of Billie Jean, please visit her website, which has many wonderful photos and stories.

Kate's suggsstions for an upcoming read:

"Beautiful World, Where are you?" Sally Rooney

"The Last Thing He Told Me" Laura Dave *chosen

"Miss Benson's Beetle" Rachel Joyce

   

Up  next:

Happy reading,

LK

PS During the 2022 Super Bowl, my grandchildren fussed at the coin toss, not knowing the honoree. I set them straight!