Book that Matters Most - September 25
At our August 28th meeting, we discussed Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin. Most members really liked the book even though the lifestyle of the very rich was completely foreign to us. We've read several of Melanie Benjamin's books and we love how she incorporates historical facts with fiction. We tried out the new chairs in the Turner Room extension but we'll be moving our next discussion to the new meeting room. For refreshments, we had fresh fruit and healthy flourless fudge brownies.
Summary: "An enthralling novel about love, loss, secrets, friendship, and the healing power of literature, by the bestselling author of The Knitting Circle. Ava's twenty-five-year marriage has fallen apart, and her two grown children are pursuing their own lives outside of the country. Ava joins a book group, not only for her love of reading but also out of sheer desperation for companionship. The group's goal throughout the year is for each member to present the book that matters most to them. Ava rediscovers a mysterious book from her childhood--one that helped her through the traumas of the untimely deaths of her sister and mother. Alternating with Ava's story is that of her troubled daughter Maggie, who, living in Paris, descends into a destructive relationship with an older man. Ava's mission to find that book and its enigmatic author takes her on a quest that unravels the secrets of her past and offers her and Maggie the chance to remake their lives."
August 28th - Swans of Fifth Avenue
Wow--time is sure flying by this year! We just finished discussing Grunt by Mary Roach last week and we had a great time. Some readers had a hard time getting through the book and felt the first part dragged a bit. However, it picked up after the first few chapters and made a very entertaining read. the author did a great job balancing some of the dry research with humorous comments and we all learned a lot. Who knew that the military had to redesign the crash test dummies they use because their vehicles usually sustain damage from below rather than from the front or side? That maggots can be used in wound debriding but even the medical community can't get past the ick factor? That the military has designed a "chicken gun" to test bird impacts on planes? These topics and more make for interesting reading! Our refreshments for the group included Low Fat Zucchini Lemon Bread and Chocolate Zucchini Bread.
Summary: Of all the glamorous stars of New York high society, none blazes brighter than Babe Paley and her friends, the alluring socialite Swans. But beneath this elegantly composed exterior dwells a passionate woman, desperately longing for true love and connection. Enter Truman Capote. Through Babe, Truman gains unparalleled access to the scandal and gossip of Babe's powerful circle. Babe never imagines the destruction Truman will leave in his wake-- even when the stories aren't his to tell.
Melanie Benjamin fans
"Talk About A Good Book" Bookgroup has read 2 titles by Melanie--Alice I have Been and the Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb. Her most recent book was the Avaitor's Wife which was released in 2013.
More information about the Peoria Public Library event can be found on their website.
Next meeting, January 30th
Author Melanie Benjamin has new book!
Thank you Melanie Benjamin!
We greatly enjoyed our book club meeting with author, Melanie Benjamin on April 25th. She was very helpful in answering our questions about her book, Alice I Have Been, and it was wonderful to get the author's perspective on certain aspects of the story.
Melanie has written another book which is due out in July 2011 called the Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb. Watch the new book shelves because it will soon be available at the LME Library!
Book clubs are so much more than just reading the book. As a book club member, you develop a better understanding of the book, and the community participation transforms the written words into a collective experience that is shared among all attending. Thanks so much to Melanie for visiting with us!
Our next book is I See You Everywhere by Julia Glass. Copies are available in the library and the discussion guide is also available online.
April 25th - Alice I Have Been
Our next book club meeting is Monday, April 25th at 6:30 and we will be reading Alice I Have Been. Melanie Benjamin, the author, is scheduled to skype into our meeting. Join us in the Turner Room for this special meeting.
More information about the author can be found at http://www.melaniebenjamin.com/book-clubs.php
February-June 2011
I just realized that I haven’t posted the books we chose for February-June. At the October and November book groups, I did a series of lightning talks about a variety of books. The members present voted on the books they would like to read. I then created a schedule, so that everyone can see the upcoming titles. Here is the schedule through June 2011:
Feb 28 Girl with the Pearl Earring Chevalier, Tracy (discussion sheet already available!)
Mar 28 Kitchen God's Wife Tan, Amy
Apr 25 Alice I Have Been Benjamin, Melanie
May 23 I See You Everywhere Glass, Julia
Jun 27 Listening is an Act of Love Isay, Dave
Readers can pick up schedules at the library circulation desk or online. Book group meetings are on the last Monday of the month (with no meeting in December) at 6:30pm.
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