Meeting #15: Unaccustomed Earth

What a summer finale! I think our discussion last night was one of the best yet. We talked about the Indian/American experience, and how it is perceived from different generations. The book also brought about new challenges for our club. This was our first collection of short stories, and we struggled to agree on a theme that laced these disparate tales together. Some themes that were suggested include: the diaspora experience, love, relationships, family and assimilation/nonconformity.

Since this book was so different from everything else we have read, we all tried to liken it to something familiar:

1. A Seinfeld episode - a seemingly superficial exploration of everyday life (but in reality, it's very nuanced and subtle renderings of the most intricate workings of human nature).
2.  A cocktail party - this book was an opportunity to meet many "characters" in a short period of time. After the party's over, it hard to keep everyone's name and story straight. But it's still so much fun to meet them all!
3.  A foreign film - we're so used to watching (or in our case reading) action packed plot lines that when confronted with something slow moving it can be challenging to adjust to the new pace.

Everyone had something to say about the book's opening quote:

Human nature will not flourish, any more than a potato, if it be planted and replanted, for too long a series of generations, in the same worn-out soil. My children have had other birthplaces, and, so far as their fortunes may be within my control, shall strike their roots into unaccustomed earth. -Nathaniel Hawthorne

Last night we "struck our roots into unaccustomed earth," and began a new Bookettes tradition: we'll now give each book an off-the-cuff grade for technical soundness and artistic merit (if these criteria sound familiar, you were probably a childhood figure skating fan too). Our group grade was an A- / B+. Some ladies felt the stories' endings were rushed, and were unattracted to the book's melancholy tone, while others related well to the themes, and were taken by Lahiri's signature exquisite prose.

Happy reading! I can't wait for our next meeting at Heidi's.

Cheers-

Solveig

Meeting #14: Lovin' Little Bee

Our evening at Rachel's started off with some exciting news: Mitch proposed to Colleen!! Congratulations to both of you.

Rachel's backyard is the secret garden of St. Paul. Absolutely perfect- and so close to everything. We agreed that next bookclub at Rachel's should start off with a shopping trip to Primp (a nearby boutique store)!

Rachel served refreshing dinner and drinks on that hot summer evening. I think it's fair to say that overall we liked the book. Many people commented on how well written and unpredictable it was. We also had an interesting discussion regarding the book's cover and title. I don't know if I can speak for everyone, but I totally judge a book by it's cover and this cover definitely did not clue me into how dark the book would be. Who knew that men --errr, at least that Chris Cleave-- understand women so well. If I didn't know better I would never have guessed this book was written by a man. Part of our discussion also centered on the idea of books that are written from different perspectives. How did Cleave determine what parts to write from who's perspective?

Since this bookclub meeting was almost over a month ago, I'm sure I don't remember all of the details. What else stood out to you? Oh, and please add any pictures that you have!

Looking forward to next Thursday!

-Marit

Meeting #13: Sex Lives of Cannibals

We had a great time this morning discussing The Sex Lives of Cannibals, which for the record, isn't actually about that too much ; )

Read more about what we ATE over on our recipe page!

Next up? Little Bee.

Meeting #12: Sarah's Key

Cream and sugar?

Why yes, thank you.

Christine had us over to her adorable apartment this past Sunday for champagne, sandwiches, tea, and dessert. Oh, and to discuss Sarah's Key too, of course ; )

But let's look at the desserts first:

YUM. They were all delectable. I should know. I tasted all of them. 

Here's Chrstine being the wonderful hostess that she is:

Marit and Solveig, the sisters in the group:

We all loved the little frills on these pink napkins. Looks how cute they are stacked on that stool? I just had to take a picture! And of course the I {heart} BC had to make an appearance ... on the sandwich tray (which were amazing, btw. Can't wait for the Curry Chutney Chicken recipe. From Christine. The CCC from C, ha! And the Cinnamon Walnut Scones!)

 

 

A lost of discussing was going on ...

Most of us really liked the book ... some of us found certain characters annoying and inconsistent, but for the most part, we'd recommend this book. And by "some of us" I meant "me." I don't think Solveig's expression in the below photo has anything to do with her taste for the book ; )

The group! (Solveig had to leave early to go serve football celebrities at the Edina Grill)

Cutest party favors! And hostess! (Sorry this pic got a little pixelated ... I think that happened when I tried to lighten it.)

Remember to email Rachel with your vote by Monday! (Meeting will be Thursday evening, July 7)

Hope you are all enjoying Sex Lives of Cannibals! I have yet to crack the cover but I've heard it is hilarious. We'll discuss that Saturday Mary 21 at 10am -- my house!

Carolyn

Meeting #11b: The Devil in the White City

I forgot to post these pictures from our March bookclub meeting at Heidi's. So here they are! We didn't get a group shot, but we were a small group: Heidi, Rachel, Carolyn, Marit, and Christine (am I forgetting anyone?). 

In honor of Devil in the White City, Heidi treated us to World's Fair goodies: taffy and candies, popcorn, and Cracker Jack (which made its debut at the Chicago World's Fair).

And for lunch, she served up homemade Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza! I could've sworn we were in Chicago back in the 1890s with Dr. Holmes slinking right around the corner .... ; ) Well ok, we'll leave the mass-murderer out of the picture.

We had a great discussion about architecture, Chicago, the nature of evil, and whether or not we've lost some of that wonder and awe that was so alive during the Fair.

Meeting #11: The Devil in the White City

Oooo! Murder, magic, and madness at the fair!

But no, we didn't experience all of THAT at Heidi's house this past Sunday when we met to discuss The Devil in the White City. But we DID however enjoy some tasty popcorn and cracker jacks (cracker jacks made their grand appearance at the fair!) and some homemade deep-dish Chicago style pizza! We had a very small group (just five of us) but sometimes that is recipe for a great conversation. If anyone wants to summarize what we discussed, feel free to add on ...

We decided our next meeting, which will be held by Christine, will be sometime on April 10th (or was that a tentative date?). And I, for one, am very excited she may serve us tea (believe me girls, this is one meeting you don't want to miss! This girl knows how to serve up tea). We'll be discussing Sarah's Key, a pretty quick, although sad story. I'll be hosting after Stine and will probably get my book selections out to you sometime before our next meeting so we can plan ahead.

Until next time!

Carolyn

Meeting #10: All the Pretty Horses

We had a great time discussing All the Pretty Horses at Colleen's place this past weekend!

I don't know if any of us totally loved the book, but we did appreciate it and were reminded of our grandpas, many of whom are big western fans and from that era.

Anyone want to add anything about our discussion? Sign into the blog and write-away!

Colleen made 3 fabulous salads which we thoroughly enjoyed -- twice! We had so much food that each bookette was able to bring some leftovers home. Reminder to self: green salad + bowties (and various other salad toppins) = good combo.

And mini cheesecakes for dessert!

I think Morgan wants to team up with Moose (Heidi's dog) as club mascot.

We're all eagerly awaiting the next voting round. Can't wait to crack the next cover!

Carolyn

Meeting #9: The Help

Who turned one year old today?!

The Bookettes!

Today's meeting to discuss The Help marks our one year anniversary as a book club. We celebrated by feasting on some great southern food - complete with grits, shrimp, and cornbread!

(Recipes available here)

Marit, our wonderful host, provided great "southern hospitality", as always.

Check out these cute decorations!

I do believe this is the same Bookette who equipped us all with these pins, a few meetings back:

After lingering in the living room enjoying our apps and discussion, and feasting on grits and shrimp, we honored Minny from The Help -- and one year together -- with:

A Chocolate-Pecan Pie! Of course we left out one key ingredient ; )

~Carolyn

PS to Meeting #8: Accidental Tourist

Not to be redundant, I loved your post, Stine! But I have to add this picture, even though it was taken from Solveig's phone. Solveig was at this meeting, even though she isn't pictured here.

Where we met: The beautiful community room at Hannah's parent's condo in NE Minneapolis

What we ate: baked brie with a fruity twist to start, followed by the traditional French Nicoise Salad with pistachio chicken (very fitting), followed by the most decadent crepes I've ever had.

What we drank: Wine and Organgina

What we read: The Accidental Tourist

What we discussed: Macon and his ability (or inability to change). What sort of tourist Macon was, and how we were either similar or different in various ways. I went into this not taking a whole lot out of the story, but enjoyed hearing what you ladies thought and learned from Macon. What else did we discuss? What about Jenna, Heidi and Sarah- did you enjoy the book? 

We certainly will miss you, Hannah! What a night- thanks for hosting such an amazing meeting! No one makes crepes like you. We wish you luck in all you do, and hope you will join us the next time you are back in MN.

ps Anyone else interested in seeing the movie? Can we set a date?

pps I was hoping to head to the Edina Grill on Friday for happy hour. If you are interested text me or send me an email or post a comment here. Happy hour includes $3 drinks and appetizers and is from 3-6. Solveig is working there on Friday night, so if we really work it we might get a really awesome waitress!

"The Accidental Tourist" recap summary

Thursday, October 7th marked our ninth meeting - to discuss our EIGHTH book, The Accidental Tourist! The lovely Hannah hosted the Bookettes in the grand and elegant - and so cozy! - community room of her building in Northeast Minneapolis. A spectacular setting it was! (Especially, as some of us were able to enjoy following the meeting, the view from the roof...wowza.)

To start off...the food. What an unspeakably delectable French feast (inspired, of course, by Anne Tyler's literary trip to Paris in TAT)! I am still dreaming of the French wine, baguettes with baked brie, Nicoise salad, and make-your-own crepes....yummmm! I can't think of anything more drool-worthy.

The evening was enhanced even further with yet another hearty, insightful discussion on the reading material. Quite naturally, perspectives varied on The Accidental Tourist as a whole. Topics ranged from character development (or the lack thereof), our own traveling styles, the concept of making real life decisions, motivations, and whether it is possible, as Muriel maintains, to "use somebody up." Discussion questions listed in the back of the book also sparked some healthy debate!

Thanks to Geena Davis (and some other Hollywood folk), The Accidental Tourist is also now a movie...initiating a new Bookettes proposal: movie nights (to be scheduled in-between discussion meetings)! While six weeks is often required in order to finish the proverbial selected book for each meeting, many of us simply long for a chance to spend some more fun time together! What better solution than joining up on a free night for a good flick and perhaps a drink and appetizer (or two)? I suggest we call it..."The Meetings In Between." ;)

Lastly, many many thanks go to the dear Hannah Berg for hosting a spectacular book club, and for being a valued member for just three short months! We will miss you tons, and of course wish you happy times in North Carolina. Thank you for devoting your time, wisdom, and insights to our group of lucky girls!

~Christine

Meeting #7: Anthropology of an American Girl

Where we met: Sarah's adorable apartment overlooking the river

What we ate: amazing apps, including apples and goat cheese (or was it bre?) on french bread, carved out zucchini boats with veggies (and what else was in there?), and the tastiest crab cake ever!!! (Sarah, post the recipe!). I know I am forgetting a few items. Someone want to fill that in?

What we drank: I think they were mimosas! Classic : )

What we read: Anthropology of an American Girl (obviously)

What we discussed: How the book was more like looking at a painting than reading a novel.
That was my favorite take-away idea from the meeting. Anyone want to fill in what kept them thinking after the meeting was over? We talked for a pretty long time - perhaps the longest yet? Most of us didn't particularly enjoy the book, but after the meeting most of us agreed that had we discussed the book while reading it, perhaps we could've enjoyed it more.

Those of you who couldn't make it, want to fill us in on your particular thoughts? Hannah, I remember you mentioned you had an opinion on the word "anthropology". I am curious to know what that is! Of course everyone is busy so if you don't have time that's fine. Just thought I'd make it easy for people to participate here if they want to.

Hope everyone is doing well and enjoying The Accidental Tourist!

-Carolyn

Meeting #6: Let the Great World Spin

With the tornado sirens ringing we traveled through horizontal rain and rivers of water on I-35 to Solveig's house to discuss Let the Great World Spin, just as our world outside also threatened to spin. With the power knocked out, candle light gave the atmosphere of a small bistro in China Town with authentic cream cheese wantons, a shrimp stir fry, delicate spring rolls, and even delicious New York style cheesecake -- all masterfully prepared by Solveig and Marit.

The interwoven characters of Colum McCann's Let the Great World Spin provided the basis for our discussion -- the tightrope walker we felt was selfish; the monk we felt bordered on the deranged side of extreme; the penthouse wife we felt symphathy for. We marveled at how McCann wrote about New York as if it were a character in his book, and how the themes of the book transcend to the events that transpired in the city after 9-11: grief and love, cynicism and hope, despair and resiliency.

Thank you to you all - especially our hosts - I had a wonderful time meeting all of you and look forward to many, many more good times ahead!

Cheers!
Hannah

Meeting #5: The Places in Between

I've been a bit tardy in getting these photos up on the blog, but here's a snapshot of our group after discussing The Places in Between, by Rory Stewart.

Oops, guess we weren't ready for that one. Let's try that again... ; )

We had an awesome time at Anna's house. Big couscous salad (which I learned is called Israeli Couscous), along with some garlic naan and fresh pineapple and strawberries were perfect after a discussion about Rory Stewart walking across Afghanistan (he ate mostly flatbread... didn't quite have the luxury of strawberries, pineapple, and chicken!). I believe the highlight of the day was the frozen tiramisu dessert (a great Trader Joe's find!). We were a rather small group this meeting, but we're excited to have the whole group back next meeting -- with the addition of a newbie: Hannah!

See you all in a few weeks!

~Carolyn

Meeting #4: Portrait of the Artist.. and Pizza!

Thanks for coming over last weekend for another lovely book club meeting!

Perhaps these faces look familiar? I think it's funny how some look super friendly and cute and others have a little evil thing going on, hehe...

How about this face: And these adorable sisters! Can't wait to delve into our next book! Happy reading!