Lean In - and did we ever!

Once again, our book blog has been delayed by a well-timed vacation, this one in the beautiful beaches of Murrell's Inlet, SC, tucked between Pawley's Island and Myrtle Beach. So sorry, I wanted to get this off earlier but just did not!

This past meeting was at Beryl's house, now across the street from her old one!  Of course the food was great and the fun even more so. Many, many thanks to Beryl who was able to get us all around the table for what will now be a rare seated dinner. As you may all recall, we are going the to all hors d'oeurves unless otherwise planned, as we are outgrowing our venues! 

Our book was Lean In, by Sheryl Sandberg, the most recent of many books either for or by women on succeeding in the work place. The short sum up of our very fun evening was that we really liked this book even though some of us are over having to think about the topic. 

Despite some  painful (if still good) advice like "smile when you negotiate", the consensus was that this was a smart, well-researched and well-considered book with a fresh approach on a tired old subject. Many of us in the room had plenty of personal experience and so could relate all too well to the obstructions described.

One of the many fresh ideas in the book was that the choice of partner is as much a part of being successful in the work place as any other factor. Having a partner who is willing to take on child care and domestic duties frees up energy and time to devote to a career. Several of us also commented on how this also frees up resentment and anger from a marriage also, again a help when trying to concentrate on a career.

Sadly, I am unable to do justice to the energetic discussion we had, and it was a really good one. Please feel free to add in your own comments, as the discussion was long and pretty far-ranging.

Our next book is The Dinner, by Herman Koch and did we come up with a location? I think we are heading to the Deep Run Hunt Club but correct me if I am wrong. The date is June 10.

July's date is the 15th.  For those who read ahead, our July book is River of Dust, by Virginia Pye, a Richmond author and this is her first published novel. She has offered to come visit with us, we can talk about that at our next meeting. See you all then!