June 2021 – The Four Winds by Kristen Hannah

The Four Winds is not light reading.   The subject matter is depressing (i.e. The Great Depression and the Dust Bowl) however the author does a fantastic job of relaying the struggles of that time period.  I learned so much I never knew! The dust storms, the migration of farmers to California, amazing story telling.   Hannah really gives you a slice of life during the Great Depression for farmers and families.

We gathered at one of my favorite cottages in Historic College Park – Julie’s home!  It’s literally a Kalidescope of my favorite things!   We were so happy to have Sherry who drove over from Chattanooga to join us! Great seeing everyone!  I was awarded an early birthday cupcake and I completely ate it!!! Thanks everyone!  (I’m a 4th of July babe).

Author bio HERE 

Book Summary:

In The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah, Elsa Wolcott is a woman trying to raise two children on farm in the Great Plains during the Dust Bowl following the Great Depression. She watches as the lands around her crack in their perpetually parched state and the hopelessness threatens to breaks the spirit of those around her.

As the situation worsens, Elsa is forced to make a decision to stay and fight or leave for the uncertain and unfamiliar lands in the West. In this tale, Kristin has written a survival story about resilience, love, family, courage and the American Dream.

For a wonderful video of Kristin Hannah HERE 

So good to see everyone!  See you next month!

Oh!  Julie found our very first Historic College Park Book Club invite to everyone.  From 2007!

Jan 2020 – The Golden Notebook by Doris Lessing

Wonderful evening ladies!! Thanks to Linda (Alan and furry Teddy respectively) for hosting our Jan meeting!  I always LOVE being in your home. Filled with books and so many interesting things to see – always a pleasure.

I always get asked ‘ how do you pick the books for the year? ‘  It’s a complied ongoing list of recommendations from people and articles I collect that’s stored in my phone.  I go in and randomly add the books.  More fun that way don’t you think? Books are chosen for the entire year.   This particular book The Golden Notebook by Doris Lessing was a recommenation by a University of Alabama Prof. of Womens Studies.   I completely freaked when I realized it was uber thick.  The audible version alone was something like 25 hours.

We all agreed it was very difficult to ‘get into’ the book.  It didn’t flow well.  Hard to keep track of when where and who is being discussed and how they entered the story.  The author Ms. Lessing is a very accomplished award winning author on many levels – this particular book was either you loved it or not so much.

For author bio click HERE 

For video of Doris Lessing discussing the book click HERE 

We had a lovely evening discussing the book which then lead onto other paths of conversation which is the very reason I LOVE BOOK CLUB!! Part literary, part social part therapy.   Two NEW members Christine and Alex – welcome!  We touched on so many subjects.  Bravo!

August 2019 – The Last Castle by Denise Kiernan

We’ve had some rainy weather so far in August!  Last night we gathered at the home of Laura Lee Gentry (thanks for hosting sweet friend!) which is always a fun night.   She and her hubby have an incredible edible garden out back – I’m inspired!  My favorite was the chocolate peppermint (think Peppermint Patties) and the basil.  Oh the basil!!! :::dreamy sigh::::

Our book for August is The Last Castle by Denise Kiernan.  We explored the world of the Vanderbilts and the incredible home they built in Ashville, NC.  We’ve all visited this architectual wonder.  The intrigue of the iconic Vanderbilts and the people who swirled around their social circles is quite fascinating.   Can you imagine growing up in the Biltmore estate?  I can!!!

For author Denise Kiernan bio click HERE 

For book club questions click HERE 

There are many tales of ghosts who walk the halls of the Biltmore – the most famous is George Vanderbilt himself!  Upon my last visit years ago, I of course asked the staff (in hushed tones of course – much more fun that way) ifthere were INDEED tales of ghosts.  With a very serious glance around to make sure no one was listening, they confirmed that YES there are certain wings and rooms of the Biltmore that are avoided like the plague due to unusual occurrences happening.  Doors opening or closing – voices echoing when no one is there, foot steps on upper floors.  George Vanderbilt died in the Biltomore  so you KNOW it HAS to be HIIM!  It’s more fun to think it is anyway!

We enjoyed The Last Castle very much – we hope you do too!

Until next time!

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Feb 2019 – Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Thanks to everyone who made the trip North of the city on a rainy traffic filled night to nest at Claire’s home for book club!  We seem to have had a ‘rainy season’ descend upon the South and it’s completely sucked beans for weeks now …or has it been months.  It’s been a long rainy while I’ll tell you that.    Jenny and I actually were able to grab a pre-book club cocktail at Blue Grotto right around the corner from Claires!  All about the cocktail baby!  A big thank you to Claire for hosting!  Always a wonderful day when we get to see Claire.

I remember seeing this book on Reese Witherspoon’s book club list and I added it to ours.  I’m so glad I did!  A wonderful story woven in the marsh of North Carolina.   A love story, a coming of age so many things author Delia Owens wrapped in this wonderful story.

For author bio click HERE  

For book club questions click HERE 

We talked of how painful to think of leaving a 6 year old girl alone to fend with a raging violent alcoholic father who may or may not be present was mind-blowing.  The way Kya learned how to take care of herself was inspirational.   We loved that Kya became an author and expert of the area and natural world that she loves.   The ending was a twist we were not expecting!!!  I brought up the query of how her mother’s sister didn’t send for the children when the mother showed up?  I thought that was bizarre and cold.

It was a delightful read – very much able to visualize where Kya lived, the marsh and nature that inspired and kept her safe.

P.S. we really DID have an issue opening that bottle of friggin’ wine! Holy snap!

We all enjoyed the book — for those who couldn’t join us you were missed!

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