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.
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