Dear Bookclub,
San Diego's hot, dry weather in October, while not unusual, is never welcomed. But a bookclub October meeting at Karen's is not only welcomed but anticipated! Our group gathered in the glow of her tradition to discuss Kathryn Stockett's "The Calamity Club".
All very much enjoyed the read/listen. While sharing an appreciation for the women's plight, the discomfort of the chosen profession gave pause to consider the desperation of the times. Stockett's inclusion of the sterilization of 'feebleminded' women was a huge reminder of our current state of women's health rights and sadly so.
The journey for the author from "The Help" to "The Calamity Club" is a great stand-alone story idea for another book. The quote below is from a New York Times interview, summing up a lesson from that journey:
“Instead of getting defensive and having the big red stop sign, keep the conversation alive,” Stockett said. “It’s not about who’s right and who’s wrong. It’s about talking and storytelling, being vested in each other’s stories.”
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| St. Mary’s Orphan Asylum for Girls — Annie A. (née Skehan) Gerow, mother of Bishop Gerow, Sister Leonie, Sister Mary Alice McKay in the yard with children of St. Mary Orphan Asylum October 1926. |
The orphan asylum, home of unadoptable Meg, chilled with another terrible situation, in a setting with good intentions unrealized. Please read about the St. Mary's Orphan Asylum in Natchez, MI, operated 1847-1966:
https://www.stmarybasilicaarchives.org/archives-desk/st.mary-orphan-asylum/
Finally, please enjoy hearing Kathryn discussing her book at The Conundrum Bookstore in St. Francisville, LA (there are fancier interviews.... Jenna, Oprah etc., but this one is charming):
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| https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYlRTc-_gFM |
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| https://www.conundrumbooks.com/ |
Karen's suggestions for an upcoming read:
"John of John" Douglas Stuart
"Gone Before Goodbye" Harlan Corben & Reese Witherspoon
"Peck and Peck" Bonnie Garmus *chosen
Up next:
Happy reading,
LK
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