June 2017 Host:  Jaci

One Second After by William Forstchen

Summary

‘One Second After’ has been cited on the floor of Congress as a book that all Americans should read as it describes how one nuclear weapon could destroy the United States and its infrastructure, a dire warning of what could be our end.  This novel describes what would happen to a small North Carolina town literally one second after an Electro Magnetic Pulse (EMP) hits the United States (which would most likely happen in the form of a nuclear attack or an EMP weapon).  All electricity, transportation, phones, etc. will shut down for probably years.  Many medications such as insulin will become unavailable for years and a large part of the population (especially elders and diabetics) will die within weeks or months.  The United States will regress at least 100 years and we will revert to a tribal society.  This is a good book and it makes you think about how you might begin to prepare for such a disaster.

Panini Sandwiches

May 2017 Host:  Colleen

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

Summary

This novel is set in the near future (around 2044) where nearly everyone lives in poverty due to no oil, etc.  But on the bright side, there is a virtual reality world called the Oasis which serves as an online utopia for the poor populace.  The protagonist of the story, a very destitute Wade Watts, goes to school, earns money, and meets friends on the Oasis.  James Halliday, the deceased creator of Oasis and the richest man to have lived, leaves behind three keys to finding his fortune and Wade Watts becomes obsessed with finding those keys which are located within the Oasis.  His quest puts him in frequent and often violent danger, but he doesn’t give up.  This novel is full of puzzles, 80s nostalgia, nerdy friends and nerdy romance.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book but it was partly due to a plethora of references to the 1980s. Can’t wait to see the movie.

Asparagus Bites

Salad

Mushrooms

Meatballs and Caprese Kabobs

Candy Bar Cake

                                             April 2017 Host:  Karen

                            A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron       
                                                                   
                                                         Summary

This sentimental story is told first person by a dog (Bailey) who lives several lives. His first life is spent as a feral puppy and he is picked up by animal control and euthanized.  His next life is shared with a young boy and Bailey searches for the boy throughout his subsequent lives. He is then reincarnated as a German Shephard police dog and then a black lab.  The true purpose of this dog’s life is revealed at the end.  Throughout his lives, we become privy to his inner most thoughts such as his musings on the usefulness of cats: (none) and his various relationships and bonds with his humans.  This story is full of humor and if you are a dog lover, you will be sure to thoroughly enjoy this tale.  This book club was cancelled so no pictures.