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