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