Hats off to Fiona for hosting our most recent gathering, another warm and gracious hostess and everyone brought fabulous things to add to Fiona's famous bread. Lucky us!
And as for the book, well, whether you agree or disagree with the author's point of view, it was certainly generated thought and discussion. This book challenges in unexpected ways, and we had a wide-ranging and interesting conversation about just what we thought.
The construct of a letter to the author's son allowed for a commentary on "them" versus "us" in a unique way of portraying "those who see themselves as white" as "dreamers", as in they can aspire to, and expect the American Dream. The "us" is the black population stuck in an America that treats them as a danger to be controlled and suppressed even at the cost of individual life with little provocation and with no repercussion. It is hard to read in many places and even harder to imagine dealing with on a daily basis.
The daily struggle to find a way to stay safe, to protect oneself on the streets in ones neighborhood, against school authorities, police and public policy is described as "protecting one's body" and here our conversation turned to our own experience of these feelings. As Val pointed out, this is our own experience in at least one way. We are constantly on guard for our physical safety, and in some cases for our emotional safety as well.
As one who remembers walking down the middle of the street instead of the sidewalk to get to my home in Boston, this certainly hit home for me, as it did for others. We are guarding our physical selves. Our difference is that we expect courtesy from police who stop us for minor infractions, instead of mortal danger. And we expect safe neighborhoods, good schools and a supportive family that helps us achieve our goals in every way.
One thing that was consistent in our comments was just how well written this book was. The sentences, even the difficult ones, were beautifully constructed, and the logic compelling. And yet, I couldn't help but feel as though the story wasn't finished - as a letter to the next generation, shouldn't there be some optimism about a way forward? Some encouragement about a path to take? Not in this book. Maybe there is another, and if so, I will certainly read it.
So on to our next book. We decided on A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman. This has recently been made into a movie for those who want a short cut, but I hear the book is much better. Isn't that always the case?
We are going to meet at Jean's house on March 21 at 6:30. This is a change as the original schedule was for Julie's. Lucky us, Julie is taking April. See you at Jean's in March and Julie's in April. And be thinking about how you would like to celebrate our 10th anniversary in June! I am looking for ideas.
Please comment, this past book was a strong draught, let us know what you think!
