May - Fiona is just too fun!

Hello all, as usual we had a fun meeting and a wonderful dinner. For the first time that I can remember, I read the wrong book for the meeting! Needless to say, I spent the balance of the time being mad at myself so didn't pay as close attention as usual. One thing that was clear however is that reviews were definitely mixed on The Rings of Saturn.


Several people really enjoyed the way his chapters developed, starting in one place, ending up somewhere  else altogether after covering some amazing territory along the way. Others found that difficult to follow, completely understandably with sentences that could range a page.  While the chapters were ostensibly related to the same trip around England, each read (at least so I heard) as a complete short story, with its own complete, sometimes fascinating world. Still, no plot, no characters, no narrative to follow can make for a tough go. Perhaps this one is best done in bits.

A big welcome to Dawn Cooper, who is joining us from my other book club, centered in Goochland County. If you have not yet met her, just wait, she is another great addition who had wonderful insights into this interesting book and life in general. Thanks for joining in, Dawn!!

So on to the book I read, Home by Marilynne Robinson. Another one that is a bit slow but so beautifully written! We are on for June 12 at Lynn's house. This is a TUESDAY as Jean's son is getting married that weekend and will be traveling back on the 11th. Val is in town on the 12th, so our frequent flyers are both available. Jean, we want pictures! Get to Lynn with what you want to bring, and we will be poolside if the weather cooperates.

For July, we are tentatively on for July 9 at the Deep Run Hunt Club so we can enjoy the beautiful view and pool. If anyone else wants to host, just speak up, nothing is set in concrete. The book for July is Elizabeth the Queen by Sally Bedell Smith. This one was a Book and Author dinner find, interestingly the author is American but she was able to get amazing access to show the more private side of royal life.

Another big favorite at the Book and Author dinner was The Shoemaker's Wife by Adriana Trigiani. Do we want this one for August?

Don't forget the September book is Don Quixote, so get your copies going now so you can finish in time. I have already started and it is amazing. I LOVE it and really never thought I would. Don't let the 1,000 pages deter you, this is beach reading season and this one goes faster than Anna Karinina, our beach read of a few years ago. 

Just a shout-out to Fiona, who is such a gracious and generous hostess, the food was fantastic. Fiona made a salmon/mango/potato chip entree that was to die for, Lynn brought Elderberry eau d'vie that was great with the prosecco, Jean brought cupcakes that were huge and delicious and there was lots else that disappeared because it was all so good! Thanks everyone for all you do to make this group so much fun and so interesting.