Hi Ladies, I would be happy to run a carpool up to Debbie's house for the meeting. Just let me know pickup points and times. We can get 5 total into the car. Please email speek@wwdb.org with details. Thanks, Chris P.

More Good Reads

So, Chris has passed the gauntlet.  Yup, I had to open my big mouth.  Actually, I have been enjoying the books I've been reading outside of book club books.  One I found very interesting was "In Montmartre: Picasso, Matisse and the Birth of Modernism in Paris 1900 - 1910"  (Whey, what a title!) by Sue Roe.  It continued along the vein of "The Greater Journey" by David McCullough - yes Debbie G, I am glad you selected that book for us to read! - focusing on the "neighborhood" that most of the artists inhabited.  It also tied in with "The Paris Wife" by Paula McLain, a historical fiction book which focused on Ernest Hemmingway during his "Paris years" which were a similar timeframe.  These books all included a few of the same noted characters so I felt more connected to these individuals and got a clearer notion of what life was really like at the turn of the 20th century.  I learned that I like Matisse's work but am not fond of Picasso's, although I have a much better understanding of the importance of his work, what he was trying to achieve and how he developed his ideas.

Not all of my reading has been so scholarly.  On the lighter side, I've also enjoyed "Chasing Cezanne" by Peter Mayle, "Funny Girl" by Nick Hornby and "Then Again" by Diane Keaton.  A couple of these I checked out online using the Overdrive app as audio books and enjoyed listening to the stories read by actors who were well trained in correct voice and accents which really brought books story to life.  Based on Chris' recommendation, I am just going to start listening to "Being Mortal".

Sharing good reads

Claudia had a good suggestion, about posting "good reads" we've had, between meetings. Christine Peek recommended "Orphan Train" when I asked if anyone had read it. I have been recommending "Being Mortal" by Atul Gawande. Also was curious about Daniel James Brown's other narrative history books and finished "Under a Flaming Sky" and "The Indifferent Stars Above"...discovered that I especially like narrative history. Listened to David McCullough's "The Wright Brothers"...also fits the bill. Happy reading!

The Light Between Oceans

Thank you Barbara for the wonderful meal!  And for being flexible about our suddenly-changing weather.  So glad we were all able to get together. It was so nice to see everyone - and welcome back Chris P - we missed you. 

This book was enjoyed by all.  It was very well crafted.  The author included several points of view on many ideas which contributed to our interesting discussion about this story: good vs bad, life vs death, right vs wrong.  And the varied metaphors for the light were intriguing; a warning of danger, a place of safety, seen for miles yet what was near was always left in darkness.  Sunlight, moonlight; an ancient method of navigation, "every one of its flashes still traveling somewhere into the darkness far out toward the universe's edge".

Our next meeting will be at Debbie D's up-river on June 22 at 5:30pm.  Be sure to mark your calendars.  Looking forward to seeing you all there!

Next meeting at Barbara's May 13

Daniel James Brown speaks 4/9/15

Certainly enjoyed hearing the author speak about his book, how it came about, choices he made in writing, the clip from the gold medal race, and his summary of what he felt the themes were...the ones I noted to myself were the humility and humbleness of these nine young men, that made them unique, but "of their time". Hope others of you will add your thoughts and post on our blog.

Community Discussion Tonight!

 I am really looking forward to seeing you tonight! Not only will it be interesting to hear everyone's opinions and impressions of Boys in the Boat, but it will just be good to see you!

  I also  have tickets for our early admission to the reception for Daniel James Brown, author of Boys in the Boat. If you cannot make it, I hope that you can stop by the library on Wednesday during open hours so that I can give you the ticket. We will get a chance to find seats early as well as meet the author before the general public, since we are an NCRL Book Club.

I am bringing celery boats with Smoky Jal, blue cheese and pimento,   german sausage, with chablis mustard ( since we can't have the wine at the library ) , apple slices, and sea salt potato chips. We'll also have coffee, tea and water.

See you tonight!!