February 2013 Host:  Sarah

 

Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver

 

Summary

 

This novel is set in Appalachia and opens with 27-year old Della Turnbow, who is ready to escape her marriage and closed-in life with two young children by having an affair.  Her plans are thwarted however, when she comes upon an amazing natural phenomenon which changes everything for her.  This phenomenon centers on the migratory patterns of the monarch butterfly and the potential harmful effects that climate change can have on their fragile ecosystems. In this novel, we learn about the life cycle of monarchs and the science of their study, the effects of climate change, sheep caretaking, and what it is like to live in a closely knit small southern town. Although at times the descriptions were somewhat lengthy, Kingsolver’s novel is artfully written, her characters have just the right amount of nuance, and the landscaping of the area is beautifully portrayed.  Ms. Kingsolver leaves us with the question:  What is the use of saving the world that has no soul left in it… such as continents without butterflies and seas without coral reefs – what if we end up striving only for a place to park ourselves.

 

Menu

 

 

Basil Tomato Bruschetta

(easily prepared by combining prepared pesto with petite diced tomatoes and serving on toasted french bread)

 

Salad

 

Lasagna

 

Assorted Desserts