August 2020 Host:  Jennie

Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

Summary

Maya and her brother are sent to live with their grandmother in a small Southern town.  They feel abandoned as well as prejudice from the local “poor white trash”. When Maya is eight years old, she moves back in with her mother in St. Louis and is frequently attacked by a much older man. She lives with the burden of this trauma for the rest of her life.  She eventually builds a life in San Francisco and through her strong spirit and her eventual love of books, including Shakespeare, she is allowed to be free rather than imprisoned. This is Maya Angelou’s first memoir. She does not censor anything and allows the reader to hear the most honest inner voice of a Black child as well as giving the reader an understanding of her struggles and hardships in life. This is a fascinating look into the author’s life and definitely a must read.

 

 

May 2020 Host:  Stephanie 

Reader's Choice (plus zoom meeting)

June 2020 Host:  Stephanie

Reader's Choice plus watch movie based on book (plus zoom meeting)

 

April 2020 Host:  Megan

Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

Summary

Persepolis is the story of Satrapi's unforgettable childhood and coming of age within a large and loving family in Tehran during the Islamic Revolution; of the contradictions between private life and public life in a country plagued by political upheaval; of her high school years in Vienna facing the trials of adolescence far from her family; of her homecoming--both sweet and terrible; and, finally, of her self-imposed exile from her beloved homeland. It is the chronicle of a girlhood and adolescence at once outrageous and familiar, a young life entwined with the history of her country yet filled with the universal trials and joys of growing up.
Edgy, searingly observant, and candid, often heartbreaking but threaded throughout with raw humor and hard-earned wisdom--Persepolis is a stunning work from one of the most highly regarded, singularly talented graphic artists at work today. This review is posted on Amazon.com and I borrowed it as I have not yet read the book and most of us were unable to get it in time for our book club zoom meeting.

 

 

February 2020 Host:  Stephanie

The Museum of Extraordinary Things by Alice Hoffman

Summary

The author tells the story of the textile factory fire that occurred in 1911 in New York in which over 140 young people, mostly women and girls were killed either by the fire, smoke inhalation, or jumping from the burning building. Her narrators are two people, one a lost soul who becomes a photographer who is greatly affected by the images he captures as a witness to the horrible blaze. The other is a young woman who is captured in a prison of her adoptive father's making in his museum that features oddities, human, plant or animal. The two meet through unusual circumstances and fall in love, which gives them each the impetus to escape the struggles of getting through life individually. They form a bond that carries them through some very difficult times. The author weaves the story masterfully from start to finish and keeps the reader riveted with her description of 1900's New York City.  We met at Rio Grande restaurant but I forgot to take a picture.  This is a picture of us at the same restaurant in 2016.

 

 

 

January 2020 Host:  Jaci

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

Summary

This story is told from the viewpoint of a psychotherapist (Theo) who is trying to help the main character Alicia, who is the silent patient.  Alicia is accused of shooting her husband in the face six years ago and hasn’t spoken since.  Theo attempts to break the silence of the convicted murderer who has been in a psychiatric unit for the last six years. Theo tries unsuccessfully to talk to Alicia, and then talks to her friends and family and even manages to get hold of her diary.  Lots of issues arise during his investigation and he is also dealing with a cheating wife, which causes him lots of extra stress.  This is Michaelides’ first novel and is a page turner with an ending which will surprise even the most ardent mystery lovers. 

Menu

Guacemole

Salad and Jalapeno Chedder Rolls

Cinnamon Rolls (yummy with red chili)

Green and Red Chili 

November 2019 Host:  Nancy

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Setepys

Summary

This is a young adult historical fiction book that details the 1941 invasion by the Soviet Union of Lithuania and other Baltic countries.  Hundreds of Lithuanians were rounded up, condemned, and sent to Siberia to work camps.  Thousands died during this ordeal.  This is the story of Lina, a young girl and her family who eventually are sent via cattle car to a work camp in the Arctic Circle.  Lina and her family face starvation, exposure to the extreme cold, disease, and abuse by the Russian soldiers.  Lina uses her artistic talent to try and reach her dad to let him know where they are.  This is an incredibly powerful story gleaned from first-hand accounts of those who endured the Baltic Genocide.  This is a book that stays with you after you read it and is both inspiring and incredibly sad.

Menu

Cocktails

Tandoori Style Chicken

Rice with Lentils

Eggnog Dip with Vanilla Wafers

October 2019 Host:  Colleen

The Beautiful and the Damned by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Summary

This novel is set in the early 1900's and tells the tale of Anthony and Gloria Patch.  Anthony has no desire to work as he is set to inherit a fortune from his grandfather and Gloria survives partly on her beauty.  Nothing really mattered to these two except drinking, partying, and spending money that they didn’t have.  When their money eventually runs out, they find themselves friendless.  Many have mixed feelings about this book as the characters are at times vacuous and vain and the first part of the book is difficult to get through.  This novel gives us a glimpse into early high society in New York City and the entitlement that goes along with it.  Much of this novel is said to have been drawn from Fitzgerald’s own life and marriage.  

Menu

Veggies and Dip

Potato Casserole

Chicken Pot Pie

Cupcakes