What a great time, thank you Ashley for hosting what was a book club for the ages. Fabulous food, thought provoking and entertaining books, excellent conversation, exceptional company, can it get any better? No, it cannot.
One symptom of just how good it all was - no swapping! Or minimal swapping, as it worked out like magic that each person got exactly the book they wanted. There was short flurry of activity at the end over some blockbuster, but that only solidified our upcoming books.
So here is the list of the books!
Key to the Quarterpole by Robin Williams. Those of us who are Goochland girls know Robin and her fun storytelling about rural and horsey topics. Fun!
Madness of the Crowds by Louise Penny. Need I say more? There was a bonus book called Irish Wisdom, a two-fer!
The Eighty Dollar Champion by Elizabeth Letts. The true story of a horse pulled off the kill truck who became the most famous show jumper of his era, found and ridden by someone finding his way as well. Ask Jen for details, she knew them both, but the book is a great place to start.
Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate. A book with its own study guide and TV show, a sad tale of children taken from their parents and passed on to those who could pay "adoption fees." This historical novel is based on an "orphanage" that existed for decades.
Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro. That's what a Nobel will do for you - get you under the Christmas tree. And lucky us!
The Power of the Dog by Thomas Savage. The movie based on this book is showing up on Top 10 lists all over the country. I am there for Benedict Cumberbatch but alway prefer the book. A story of control and resistance in one family in the American West, written by a critically acclaimed author. Another two-fer, that came with A Year by the Sea, by Joan Anderson, a book of finding oneself after years of neglecting one's own dreams.
The Gift of Imperfection by Brene Brown. This was a 10th anniversary edition, a fact that conveys the heft of this book for many.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. This one swapped around a couple of times, making it January's book. The library is stocked with books about the life you might had lived, had you made different decisions. Sounds great!
When Wanderers Cease to Roam by Vivian Swift. A beautiful book filled with watercolors and stories from someone who chose a place to live and made it home.
Fox and I, by Catherine Raven.We are never alone when connected to nature, but nature does not promise happiness.
Vanderbilt by Anderson Cooper and Katherine Howe. An interesting take on a family dynasty from one of its current members.
The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi. Our February book choice, we are also hoping to get the artist to Zoom in. The first of a trilogy about a woman making her own way in India in the '50's, escaping a doomed marriage. All reports are glowing about the book and the author.
The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles. His latest is also his longest. Our March book, this is the most recent from a beloved author.
Given all that is going on, do we want to revert to a Zoom meeting for January? If not, can anyone volunteer to host? Once we figure out where our sofa will be, I can host in the future, but definitely not January.
See you all soon, I am counting my blessings for such a talented and entertaining group to share reading!
