Every human being has a basic instinct to help each other out.  It might not seem that way sometimes, but it's true. If a hiker gets lost in the mountains, people will coordinate a search. If a train crashes, people will line up to give blood. If an earthquake levels a city, people all over the world will send emergency supplies. This is so fundamentally human that it's found in every culture without exception.

At our September 28th meeting, we discussed One Summer: America, 1927 by Bill Bryson. Some of the book group members didn't like how dense the articles were and how the author "jumped around" to different topics.  Since it is non-fiction, it has an index which is helpful but most members were not aware of it.  Overall, it was well liked and recieved a 4 of 5 stars rating with our group.  We had gluten free muffins for refreshments.

• The protagonist is a nice young woman whose life is suddenly invaded.
• She’s self-made and independent, with primarily good family relationships.
• She has an interesting job.
• She is not looking for trouble–she is doing exactly what she should be doing and something cuts across her bow.
• She solves her problem by her own courage and intelligence.
• The story has no on-scene violence
• The story has no strong four-letter words or explicit sex scenes.

At our August 31st book group meeting, we had a nice turnout of 9 members! The book we discussed was Hurricane Sisters by Dorothea Benton Frank.  Overall it was a great summer read and the members enjoyed reading and discussing the book.  Our refreshments included caramel apple cheesecake bars, coffee and tea.

At our July 27th meeting, we discussed the book, Gemini by Carol Cassella.   Everyone really enjoyed the book and for many, it will be something they will think about for a long time. We had great conversations about genetic anomalies and quality of life vs quantity. Refreshments were pound cake, white cake and fruit.

At our bookgroup meeting on March 30th, we had 10 members present.  Now that the weather is nicer, it was great seeing so many of regular members again.  We also had a couple of new faces, and we'd like to welcome new members to our group anytime!

Our March book was The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd and it was thoroughly enjoyed by most members.  Refreshments were Huguenot Torte (pecans were used optionally as topping) and fresh fruit. 

At our February 23 book group, we discussed Black Count: Glory, Revolution, Betrayal and the Real Count of Monte Cristo by Tom Reiss.  Even though the author did a lot of research, we felt that the book lacked rhythm, the dates and history were confusing at times, and the exploits of the Black Count were mired in too much historical detail.  This book was not well liked by the group.  Our refreshments were cheese & crackers and fresh fruit.

The book group meet on January 26, 2015 to discuss The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin and all the members reporting in LOVED this book!  Why did we like it so much?  It was a variety of things--the characters, the location, the idea of a complete life, the quirky and clever ways the author catered to the reader--everything.  This may be our favorite for the year and it's only January!  For refreshments, we had gluten-free brownies and fresh fruit.