This is an article that was sent to me - what to do if you haven't read the current month's book!

Book Club
by Ann Hodgman
May 25, 2009


Discussion points for members who have not read this month’s book:

1. Studying the cover of this month’s selection may provide hints to the reasons that Margy MacDougal chose this book for your group. What does the metallic font used for the title convey—pretension, or insecurity? Although the cover art is minimal, what tensions does it suggest are lurking under the superficially glossy surface of Margy’s relationship with her husband, Eric?

2. In your opinion, is this book fiction or nonfiction? Support your view with examples taken from the jacket copy.

3. Last year, Margy was in Costa Rica when the group discussed the book she had chosen. Why did she get to pick two books this season? Why were both of them so grim? Is there a subtext related to Margy’s daughter’s deferral from Colgate? Could next month’s book maybe be more cheerful, for once?

4. Book-club members who have actually read this book have called its plot “depressing,” “disgusting,” and “too much about poor people.” Does this suggest that you, as a reader, have a moral obligation to say that you liked the book?

5. Early in the prologue, we learn that lab animals will be mistreated as the story progresses. In literature, why is it so much sadder when an animal dies than when a person does? Why does God choose us to read horrible things like this?

6. Open the book to page 47 and slide a bookmark under it. How well can you see the Borders logo through the page? Can the quality of a book’s paper be used as a guide to its “worth”? When or when not?

7. On page 2, the author refers to “supper.” In books, food is often used as a symbol. Try to think of a time when food, or a particular meal, has been important to you. Then keep it to yourself.

8. A book’s setting is crucial to establishing mood. If this book had been set in Darfur instead of in Glen Burnie, would you be more likely to have read the whole thing by now? Why or why not?

9. Is there a way that, by quickly flipping through the pages as if in search of a particular passage, you might be able to glean more of the plot in case Margy calls on you? Why not turn to the last page?

10. What is in those little sandwiches on the piano? Are peanut allergies real?

11. Will the powder room have one of those wick-diffuser things in a bottle, or a scented candle? If such items were described in the book, would they be presented as symbols of vulgarity?

12. What do you think will happen next?

We attended an "Afternoon with Stephanie Kallos" at WICA in Langley. She wrote Broken for You, which we read in 2006, and more recently Sing Them Home. They presented a play of part of Broken for You, which was great, then she was interviewed, and after that she read from Sing Them Home. It was very entertaining - she used to be an actress, and is very articulate.

Afterwards, we had dinner at the Edgecliff. Nancy Horan, who wrote Loving Frank, joined us. From left, front: Audrey, Candace, Nancy, Ginny. Back: Robin, Dayle, Madelyn, Karen, Jane, Louie.

We discussed Loving Frank, by Nancy Horan. It's about the relationship between Frank Lloyd Wright and Mamah Borthwick between 1908 and 1914, when it ended tragically. The affair was very scandalous, as both of them left their children. Most everyone liked the book, but not the choices the characters made. The discussion was lively and covered many areas - we had a great time!

We sure had a fun time in Portland! Don't forget, you can click on each photo, and see it in a larger size.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2008

BOOKWOMEN GO TO THE ZOO

We passed the Graffiti Van on our way to breakfast!
Cathi and I stopped at the Episcopal Church with it's bright red doors.
Reflected in the window, we wait for our train to the zoo.
The big news was the elephants. Here, reaching for the choicest leaves.
But the new baby stole the show.
Robin and Dayle watch him with his mother and aunt.

Most of the other large animals were sleeping in the heat. Look at the size of those paws!
Maybe they should put Cathi behind bars!
On the train home, Cathi shows Dayle and Robin some of her photos.
At the Seattle Station once again.
And, finally, back on the ferry - worn out but happy!

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2008

BOOKWOMEN GO TO THE CHINESE GARDEN.

Jane, Cathi and Karen explore near the waterfall.
One of the many pagodas reflected in the pond.
Jane and Karen resting their tired feet on the patio.
A beautifully cut opening into the Banana Garden.
Cathi wanders through the Moon Gate.
At the entrance.
Cathi and Jane examine the Ginko carved panels.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2008

BOOKWOMEN LOOSE IN PORTLAND

Cathi & I took a little tour in Nob Hill before breakfast - lots of beautiful old apartment buildings and homes.
Breakfast was at the World Cup, directly across the street from the hostel.
We headed downtown for the market . . .
passing the House of Louie!

We stopped often along the way to pose and see the sights.
At the Willamette River, with the Burnside Bridge behind us.
Jane really got into the spirit of the market!
It is held every weekend under the bridge, and in the surrounding area.
Jimi Hendrix was there . . .
as well as other street musicians
and face painters.

This cat and his dog were enjoying the sunny day, too.
Robin reads in a courtyard at an art gallery,
which also proved to be a great spot for a group shot.
Finally, dinner at the brewery.