Mid March 2016 Musings/April 2016 Bookclub Meeting

Dearest Bookclub,

It is a dreary month for San Diego... just kidding. Can't even get El Niño right because dreary is not in the mission statement. So, let's just say it's a good idea to sit inside and read because you can; the weather is non-dictatorial. 

Must share this musing, a take on an Esquire magazine article on "The 80 Best Books Every Man Should Read":

http://lithub.com/80-books-no-woman-should-read/

We've come a long way baby? Yes, Beryl Markham's shaking the gender lock was remarkable. And what happens in today's global society suggests the disconnect persists yet progress is undeniable. Is McLain's take on Markham a 'Best Book Every Woman Should Read'?



 

"Circling the Sun" promotes the womanly spirit in Paula McLain's novel about Beryl Markham. As Jean Zimmerman declared in her July 28, 2015 NPR book review:

'Paula McLain has created a voice that is lush and intricate to evoke a character who is enviably brave and independent. Markham's self-stated challenge is overcoming the "horrible crimes [of] being a woman and daring to think I could be free." Soaring high over the Atlantic at the age of 28, she finally embraces the freedom she seeks when she learns to defy gravity.'

To read the entire review:
 http://www.npr.org/2015/07/28/426741186/an-airborne-adventurers-journey-in-circling-the-sun 


However, not so fast. Alexandra Fuller's July 31, 2015 New York Times review takes issue with McLain's portrayal - not to 'take away' from Markham's achievements. Fuller states, "McLain’s rendition of Markham as a flapper with a penchant for adventure is exasperating.." Feeling McLain's produced another best-selling bodice ripper at the expense of the fairer sex; is that us as the female body of readers?

Check out entire review:
 http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/02/books/review/circling-the-sun-by-paula-mclain.html?_r=0

 Val has invited us to her home for lunch on April 6 at 1 PM for our next meeting. See you there!

Happy reading,
LK

March(!) 2016 Recap

Dear Bookclub,
"Ordinary Grace" hit the sweet spot of our ever-changing, emotionally-discriminating gray matter. A litany of deaths was easily digested given William Kent Krueger's artful presentation of a time and a place and a beautifully developed community of characters. We rejoiced! Tantalized by the promise of a sequel, we imagined who would be the center of the upcoming work.... Jake seemed most plausible but we shall see.

Terry indulged us on a gorgeous day in her home of many settings. Initially settled on the patio, we skirted any book discussion as Terry excused herself to last minute meal prep. The move to the dining room where we feasted on perfectly poached salmon opened our analysis of "Ordinary Grace" which was a collective admiration of the novel.

Irresistibly started before I remembered to photograph!

A glorious chocolate dessert aided in our continued agreement to chose Oliver Sacks' memoir for an upcoming selection. Terry's suggestions:

"On the Move" by Oliver Sacks *chosen
"Between the World and Me" by Ta-Nehisi Coates
"Refund: Stories" by Karen E. Bender

The dining room continued to coddle our relaxed moods with enjoyable conversation(not to be confused with brilliance), delving into unsolicited advice and good shows to watch (see below).

Memory aide moment:
"Narcos" - Colombian drug tale - Netflix https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narcos

Chelsea Handler Does Marriage - Netflix https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chelsea_Does

and something about the New Yorker ... not quite sure if this is it? Trudy?
http://www.amazon.com/The-New-Yorker-Presents-Season/dp/B00RR12SS2

Next up: Paula McClain's "Circling the Sun".
Happy reading,
LK

March(!) Bookclub News

Dear Bookclub,
Hoping this reminder that our March bookclub meeting is this week, February 24 is not a shocker! Terry will be hosting at 12:30 in her home.

William Kent Krueger, a 'gypsy-child' became rooted in Minnesota at age 30 and has been writing Minnesota ever since. "Ordinary Grace" is his first literary fiction work; he has written fifteen Cork O'Connor mysteries with more on the way. Delving into the google, I discovered a very charming writer and encourage you to spend a little time reading about him via his website. There is a 13 minute interview that is great (click 'About'). Snagged by his blog story describing him ditching the sequel to "Ordinary Grace" as it was set to go the publisher, I became more and more interested in knowing this William Kent Krueger. (Don't despair: a new sequel came to him fully-formed which will be interesting to consider when it is published.) Add another layer to your appreciation of  "Ordinary Grace" with Krueger cruising:

http://www.williamkentkrueger.com/

Happy reading!
LK