April Bookclub News

 

 

not those women

 

 

Dear Bookclub,

Kirstin Hannah's, "The Women" caught me off-guard. Not expecting the page-turner surrounding the saga of the women serving in Vietnam, Hannah skillfully developed the protagnist, Frances Grace*  - a.k.a Frankie, while vividly immersing the reader in the horrors of the war. We all were taken with the depictions of the war along with the perspective of women, which instigated great discussion. 

Martha's Vietnamese dinner served on her family's antique Chinese porcelain, superior to fare in the historic novel, elevated our discussion even more. Her parents collected the dishes, transported from China in the cargo hold of ships as ballast, from shops in Los Angeles. Please read more  about these dishes in the link below:

https://www.drloriv.com/antique-tips/chinese-export-porcelain-and-canton-ware/#google_vignette

 

According to the Merriam  Webster dictionary:

Cad -   a man who acts with deliberate disregard for another's feelings or rights

(and interestingly..... Cadet - a person in training for a military or naval commission)

Frankie's involvement with cad after cad became a bit tiresome to me. It was pointed out that Hanna's men are often not the finest. I would have welcomed some editing in this department.

Realizing that "The Women" is a great book to introduce newer generations to the realities of the Vietnam War, we recognized our schooling through the many historic novels of WWII we'd read over the years and hope that many younger readers will follow suit. 

Hanna's inclusion of the Vietnam Women's Memorial was much appreciated.

 

Diane Carlson Evans, former Vietnam Nurse at the Vietnam Women's Memorial

https://www.iamthevoluntourist.com/former-vietnam-nurse-diane-carlson-evans-will-be-honored-this-memorial-day/

More on Evans' story:

https://www.army.mil/article/271535/vietnam_nurses_celebrate_30th_anniversary_of_memorial_on_veterans_day

 

Martha's suggestions for an upcoming read:

 "Circle of Women" Lisa See

"Demon Copperhead" Barbara Kingsolver

"The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto" Mitch Albom *chosen

Up next:

 Happy reading,

Lynn Frances Grace* Kaufman

 

 

 

March 2024 Bookclub News

 

 

Dear Bookclub,

Valérie Perrin's "Fresh Water for Flowers" rooted tales and ideas far and wide, shadowing the blooms themselves, but my love for flowers dominated my dining room table. Not all had finished but everyone enjoyed the style and multi-layered story, from the epitaphs at the beginning of each chapter to the atypical settings and characters. The French perspective was another angle I could not resist as host. Discovering The French Oven in Scripps Ranch was a bonus chapter to our book:

les mesdames

I loved visiting the cemeteries in Concord, MA when I lived there as a child. The sparse stones stood sparking imagination as I'd figure out who, how old, why. Violette Toussaint's occupation and intriguing life in her cemetery made me wonder about French cemeteries, beyond the famous ones in Paris. Click away on Wikipedia to let your imagination run wild:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_cemeteries_in_France

 

 

My suggestions for an upcoming read:

"The Art Thief" Michael Finkel * chosen

"The Optimist's Daughter" Eudora Welty

"North Woods" Daniel Mason

 

Up next:

 

Happy reading,

LK

 

February 2024 Bookclub News

 

 

Stone Woman Abraham Verghese

 Dear Bookclub,

Lori's dining room table was maxed out with our very well-attended February meeting to discuss Abraham Verghese's "The Covenant of Water". Treated to Indian food, we gathered and caught up. 

 

 

Moving into the family room, our discussion formalized with discussion points and an opportunity for each member to share their thoughts and feelings about the book. Adored for the vivid story, the rich saga reflected the deep effort by Verghese's ten-year-dive into the work, which we also greatly appreciated. We barely knew which way to turn; the novel spoked out into so many directions, each creatively layered with unique and well-developed characters. Somehow, this genius author threaded the spokes into the fabric that was the book without feeling forced or artificial. It did not happen easily for him as you can see in this white board depiction. Please see more and delve into his process with a visit to the Oprahdaily website:

https://www.oprahdaily.com/entertainment/books/a43869039/abraham-verghese-the-covenant-of-water-visualizing/

Abraham Verghese watercolor 2017

 

 

Abraham's art is not only with the pen - er - keyboard... he is also a visual artist and a sculptor (see above). Aiding him in his creative process, he described his 'reusing a statue as a literary device'... the full explanation as quoted here from Verghese on Oprah's website:

"I wish I knew how the Stone Woman came into existence. In Cutting for Stone, Bernini’s Ecstasy of Saint Teresa was pivotal. I only got to see that remarkable work (in Rome at the Cornaro Chapel, Santa Maria della Vittoria) after completing Cutting for Stone. I can’t fault readers for assuming that I consciously reused a statue as a literary device in The Covenant of Water. The fact is, it was only while talking to Oprah on her podcast that I realized I’d done so! Once I decided that Elsie was an artist, I knew she would sculpt. When it turned out it would be important, and carry through the whole story, I molded this clay model with my hands. It still sits on my writing desk."

For more on Bernini's Ecstacy of Saint Teresa:

https://contemplativelight.org/ecstasy-in-stone/

Finally,

Lori, kindly sent us links to Oprah's 6-part conversation with Abraham Verghese which is excellent. It has taken me weeks to eek out this little blog, and listening to this accomplished human describe what else he does, besides writing, makes me feel teeny-tiny.  Here again are the links. Please enjoy:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JESD6vnvcs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MPtIHmfyAI 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_oMs9dwYlI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyVAeIjZF-s 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSyHfdJ2nRY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kGokrhhiCI 

Lori's suggestions for an upcoming read:

"Heaven and Earth Grocery Store" James McBride

"The Women" Kristin Hannah *chosen

"Endurance" Alfred Lansing

Up next:

Happy reading,

LK

January 2024 Bookclub News

magnetic women deeply conversing

 

Dear Bookclub,

Our seemingly mild-mannered gathering at Kate's turned into a dynamic marathon fueled by the foursome present. Perhaps the pre-book-discussion dialogue, very much enjoyed, along with a delicious meal, went on a bit long, when Denny, who'd retreated to a movie theater, returned, gave us his review of "Boys in the Boat" and we then recognized it was about time to discuss Ann Patchett's "Tom Lake".

We could have flown cross-country by now, but nothing was nearly as enjoyable or productive as the time we'd spent laughing and sharing. Kate's homemade cherry pie pointed us in the right direction and at approximately 10 pm, we got down to business.

Kate's memorable table setting

All enjoyed the book and whatever deep insights were attained, have flown this woman's memory. I'm sure we mentioned the pandemic and the cherry farm, Ann's previous more memorable books and bits of this book that seemed implausible. 

Jeffrey Brown's interview of Ann Patchett on the PBS NewsHour is a terrific 8 minute wander into the makings of "Tom Lake":

https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=Ann+patchett+tom+lae#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:4ee2598a,vid:Oo-6qXCTj98,st:0 

 

Ann's writing treadmill

The Inspiration

 

Kate's suggestions for an upcoming selection:

"Fresh Water for Flowers" Valérie Perrin *chosen           

"Daisy Darker" Alice Feeney

"While You Were Out" Meg Kissinger

 

 

Up Next:

Happy reading,

LK

 

 

December 2023 Bookclub News

 

Cheers!

Dear Bookclub,

A fancy group feasted at Vintana's for our lunch time holiday gathering, enjoying the fellowship and discussion of Kate Atkinson's "Festive Spirits". Luxuriating in a mid-day respite, we had a nice opportunity to share our thoughts on recent reads, update each other on our lives and enjoy the festive surroundings. Not all had the chance to read our selection but those who did, appreciated the twist on holiday tales. 

Missing the leader of our donation drive for "Gently Hugged", Julie was sadly absent, down and out with a bug. Donations were generous and the recipients at the headquarters in the Rancho Bernardo Winery were thrilled.

Jan Rightmer

Delivering!

Jan gave me a tour of the operation and it is truly impressive as Julie knew! With over 100 volunteers, they are able to give out 800 bags a year, filled with clothing, books and a new quilt or blanket. If you hadn't checked out the website before, please do:

https://gentlyhugged.org/home/

Finally, it was so nice to see so many at the RB Inn impromptu happy hour! I neglected to get any pictures but trust me, everyone looked marvelous!

Up next:

Happy reading,

LK

November 2023 Bookclub News

 

Cow Records Ocean Beach

Dear Bookclub,

Karen's cozy cocoon of a home sweetly enveloped us for our autumn meeting, as tradition dictates. Discussion of  Rachel Joyce's "The Music Shop", paused for soup, cornbread and wine, etc., eventually came to a crescendo, around the table of ten, in a well-orchestrated manner.

Martha asked for us to each share the significance of music in our lives which became the most interesting catalyst for appreciating the meaning of music to a family's culture and therefore the shaping of the individual's relationship to music. Discussing the power of music to the emotions, braided us back into Joyce's characters and their stories. The variety of our stories and the variety of the interpretations of our readers to the "Music Shop" stories, played into the enjoyment of all.

Vinyl is very much alive, as represented by our members and the stores peppering San Diego. Check out Cow Records and the familiar sounding personality of the store:

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/entertainment/music/sd-et-music-records-20170525-story.html

With over 56 million views, perhaps you have seen this one before. I just wept once again, as I do every time I watch it, starting 13 years ago when it first was released. Hallelujah Chorus flash mob:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXh7JR9oKVE

 

 

Karen's suggestions for an upcoming read:

"The Covenant of Water" Abraham Verghese *chosen

 "On Fire" John O'Leary

"The Nightwatchman" Louise Erdrich

Up next:

Festive reading!

LK

October 2023 Bookclub News

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2023/05/08/jackie-kennedy-camera-girl-carl-sferrazza-anthony-book-review

 

Dear Bookclub,

October's bookclub, a small, energetic gathering to discuss Carl Sferrazza Anthony’s "Camera Girl", was once again hosted by Julie. Truly our in-house organizer-hostess-extraordinaire, Julie rose to the occasion, filling in for Lynne (down with COVID), with ease, despite the heroic effort behind the serving of her pumpkin 'dump cake'. Evading a trip to urgent care with a burned hand and possible injury from broken glass and going back to the drawing board with new ingredients provided by her prince, Steve, Julie pulled it off with nary a bead of sweat on her brow, emulating a Miss Jacqueline Bouvier determination.

Jackie?, Lori, Kate & Kim

 

Sferrazza's book did not present as an intriguing read but felt more like a list of gathered facts. Enjoyed, nevertheless by me, remembering many of the bits and pieces from here and there, some of our readers found it dull. Julie reported that: "The book had a mixed reaction from our small but mighty group of 4, but we found a few highlights to talk about".

Juxtaposition between the emphasis on journalism, current culture, and publications in the pre-internet world and the weight of social media, news and entertainment in cyberspace brings to mind a great comparison of the coming-of-age for the characters in Gabrielle Zevin's "Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow" vs. Bouvier's coming-of-age. How the luster of working for a fashion magazine has dulled.

Lynne's suggestions for an upcoming read:

"Demon Copperhead" Barbara Kingsolver

"Tom Lake" Ann Patchett *chosen

 "Hello Beautiful" Ann Napolitano

 Up next:

 

Happy reading,

LK