Dear Bookclub,
Converging at the counter of the Karl Strauss Brewing Company, we eagerly ordered fabulously healthy lunches, eschewing enticing artwork and descriptions of on-tap nectar, like the Olympic-hopeful athletes that we most certainly are not. Often confused for that discipline, our training is more focused on healthy aging. Ahhhh, for the days when a mid-day brew would not put us nodding off by three, even in triple digit heat.
Poised to discuss Alena Dillon's "The Happiest Girl in the World", we pondered the family's tremendous sacrifices for Sera's endeavor. Agreeing that Dillon's novel, rang true to voice and content, we were amazed and relieved that the inspiration was not from personal experience. Her ability to weave in the real events of the recent gymnastics environment delivered a deep sense of the horrific paths both the gymnasts and their families take when lured by the innate talent and desire of the athletes. Imagining Simone Biles' journey, beginning as a 6 year old, on a day-care field trip trying out gymnastics, to a world champion as a teen, boggles the mind. Please read her story in this good-old Wikipedia piece, noting her early life foster-care-shuffle:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simone_Biles
Simone, now and back then.... please enjoy this video of a very young champ:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-t7x2PEmAUs
Val's suggestions for an upcoming read:
"How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water" Angie Cruz
"Mercury Pictures Presents" Anthony Marra *chosen
"Lucy by the Sea" Elizabeth Strout
"The Sweetness of Water" Nathan Harris
Up next:
Happy reading,
LK
