June 2018 Host:  Jaci

The Midnight Watch:  A Novel of the Titanic and the Californian by David Dyer

As the Titanic fired eight distress rockets and slowly sank on April 14, 1912, the Californian sat idly by, just a few miles away.  This is a fictional account of what may have happened on the Californian that night and the resulting fallout for the captain and the second officer of the SS Californian.  This exploration for some valid reason as to why the Californian did not provide assistance to the Titanic fueled the author’s many years of research, while utilizing his own experiences as a lawyer and a ship’s officer to complete this novel.  Overall, this is a very good read and one that will stay with you and is highly recommended for those interested in learning anything more about the Titanic.

Menu:  Nachos

May 2018 Host:  Nancy

Black Boy by Richard Wright

Summary

This is an autobiography which begins by describing how it was for a black boy growing up in the 1910s and 1920s and gives first-hand accounts of the physical and psychological issues he faced from both whites and even his own family.   Even as an adult he was also always expected to be a boy, in his job titles such as cleaning boy or elevator boy, and was expected to be downcast and slump shouldered.  He was not allowed to look at another white person in the eyes or even display any emotion except fear or humility.  Richard eventually heads North and the second part of this book describes his adult life as a communist in Chicago.  Overall this is a very interesting read and recommended to anyone interested in learning more about the Jim Crow era and the harsh effects on blacks.  

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Appetizers

White Chicken Chili

April 2018 Host:  Colleen

Case Histories by Kate Atkinson

Summary

This novel introduces us to Jackson Brodie, a quirky yet kind detective who cannot say no to a case.  He investigates three separate cases that occurred decades ago: a baby girl gone missing, a young mother in a murderous rage, and a young woman who finds herself at the wrong place at the wrong time. resulting in deadly consequences.   Each case history is explored and we eventually learn the context, the victims, and perpetrators of each crime and how they come together at the end of the novel.  Jackson also befriends a cat lady and works for her for free.  He is also being chased by a killer; one day when he leaves his house to pick up a cat across the street, his house explodes.  This is a well written story interspersed with humor and relateable characters as well as the family dynamic.

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A feast!