Saturday, July 26, 2008



June 2008 Host: Karen (with her faithfull companion Mojo)


The Devil in the Junior League by Linda Francis Lee


Summary


This is the story of a Texas socialite named Frede Ware who is dedicated and spends a large part of her time with the local Junior League. To become a member of the Junior League, one must be rich and without reproach. Her husband betrays her by having numerous affairs, but that’s not what really upsets the main character, it is that he stole all her money. In order to keep up appearances and not let anyone know that her husband and her money are hers no longer, she agrees to let a classless yet successful lawyer help her find her husband in exchange for getting his tacky white trash wife into the Junior League. From here, the author weaves a humorous tale about Southern society and how Frede learns lessons about love, money, and friendship.


Discussion


-We all enjoyed the book even though we felt the main character wasn’t the brightest and was way too trusting. This was an enjoyable light summer read. As a matter of fact, it was such a light read that we really didn’t discuss the book that much. Of course, we were all entranced with Molly…..



Menu


Grilled Chicken

Mountain Man Rendezvous Snack Mix


Layered Summer Salad

We all welcomed the newest future member of our book club, Molly.

Mountain Man Rendezvous Snack Mix

Rick's Grilled Chicken


It was great, don't forget to send me the recipe when you can Karen.


Layered Summer Salad


Ingredients


4 cups torn spinach
1 ½ cups shredded mild cheddar cheese, divided
2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
1 small red onion, sliced, separated into rings
2 tomatoes chopped
1 package (10 oz.) frozen green peas, cooked, drained and cooled
½ cup real mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup chopped fresh basil
4 slices bacon, crisply cooked, drained and crumbled


Layer spinach, 1 cup of the cheese, the mushrooms, onions, tomatoes and peas in a 3-quart serving bowl. Mix mayo, sour cream and basil. Spread over salad, completely covering top of salad. Cover, refrigerate at least 5 hours. Sprinkle with remaining ½ cup cheese and the bacon just before serving. Makes 12 servings.

Our host Sarah, on the left, with Angela. Sorry Sarah, I didn't get an individual photograph of you.
May 2008 Host: Sarah

The Tender Bar by J.R. Moehringer

Summary

This is the memoir of a boy growing into manhood in Manhasset, New York. He was abandoned by his father and his search for male role models is fulfilled in a bar where his uncle works. Each man at the bar Moehringer became close with (e.g. the owner of the bar, a cop, a Vietnam vet, other bartenders) seems to fill a particular void in him. He truly feels accepted and comfortable at the bar. His mother who is portrayed as strong and loving was the center of his life and she was also a major force in shaping Moehringer. She often had difficulties making ends meet which is why they lived with her extended family in an old house held partially together with duct tape. His father was a radio announcer and Moehringer spent many hours trying to locate his voice on the radio. He was alternatively awed and disappointed by his father. The author tells of his struggles such as when he is failing out of Yale, when he tries to get promoted from a copyboy position at the New York times, problems with his girlfriend, and his unpublished novel. The Tender Bar is rich in detail, heartfelt, at times funny, and captivating. The author breathes life into his colorful characters. This memoir gives us insight into the importance of the union of men and some of the passages in the book have to be reread to fully grasp their meaning or to remind yourself as to why you are grinning such as the line: “…bars full of pickled people marinating in regret.” J.R. Moehringer is a winner of the Pulitzer prize.

Discussion

-Everyone enjoyed this book, it was a memoir that we would not soon forget and it was very well written.

-Moehringer seamlessly and skillfully weaves together a number of themes such as working single mothers, the pervasiveness of alcohol in certain sects of society, a poor kid in an ivy league setting, a son’s yearning for his absent father, first love, male bonding, and the struggles in writing his first book.

-It was agreed that Moehringer did not appreciate all of what seemed to be lucky breaks for him, e.g. getting into Yale and obtaining (albeit a copyboy) a position at the New York Times. He would go through stages where he would drink every night and then feel sorry for himself such as when he was on the verge of failing out of college.

Menu

For the first time, our group met at a restaurant. It was a vegetarian restaurant called WaterCourse Foods. We dined on tempeh burgers, tofu, and salad.