Valerie's Table

Val, hope you enjoyed YOUR table! :))

Cutting for Stone - a Favorite!

Well, going to Kathy Baker's house for dinner is definitely the thing to do. Thank you Kathy for setting such a beautiful table and for having party favors! That is above and beyond and I know everyone enjoyed it so much, I certainly did. I lucked out with a book journal, a notepad and yummy smelling soap; there is no doubt I will say yes if Kathy invites me again. Val got some pictures, can you post them?

Welcome to Susan Valerie who joined us for the first and hopefully not the last time.

Even better, most people really liked the book. We had a compelling and interesting discussion, with lots of talk about the insider/outsider elements of the story. Each of the main characters had his or her own issues with belonging or not, being at home or not, issues that in the end seemed to drive the course of their lives. There were so many good characters, and interesting ones.

Another point of interest was the history and background of Ethiopia, in particular its long christian history and the attitude of the American benefactor towards that history. The rooms filled with bibles rather than needed medicines and supplies really made an impact as well.

Thanks to Val for again bringing real live book club questions that sparked discussion, and to everyone for really digging in to a great, lively talk about a great book.

Our next book is The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. We did not set a date and place, anyone want to volunteer? Our next date should be April 9, I will be traveling that day and the 16th, but might be able to get back in time for either of those days. What works for everyone? Let me know.