I used to be an avid reader. Then I married a guy who really doesn’t enjoy fiction at all and frankly doesn’t buy in to the idea of reading for pleasure. THEN I had kids. Enough said. So, I really began to miss reading. I longed to curl up in a cozy chair with a mug of tea and a blanket and a great story, but I just sort of didn’t know where to start. I was out of the reading loop, so to speak. That’s about when the Let Them Eat Cake Book Club was born. My sister-in-law (quite possibly the most social person I’ve ever met) moved back to Knoxville from NYC and started herself little book club. And I was invited (probably due in part to family obligation—let’s be honest) and two years later it’s still one of my favorite things in the universe.
The rules of book club are simple: there must be cake, wine and book talk present. That’s it. The host provides cake, the guests all bring a bottle and everyone participates in the book discussion. (Even those who didn’t read it!). Love it. You should start one.
East of Eden by Steinbeck
One of my favorite books of all time is East of Eden. I’m not even a Steinbeck fan (aghast English teachers can all cluck cluck at me now) but THIS story is AMAZING. We had lots to talk about, too. If you have ever read the Cain and Abel story in Genesis in the Bible then you just can’t help but have things to discuss! And look at that cover… gorgeous or what? I think I’ll take my tea, cozy blanket and good book to that cabin, thank you very much.
The Help by Stockett
Another VERY enjoyable discussion was one of my favorite book club books: The Help. If you haven’t read this then stop reading this blog and go to the library right now. You’ll enjoy The Help more than the rest of this post—I promise.
Lesser loved...
No love lost between Book Club and The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao. No comment.
Classic
How fantastic is this cover? And since it’s hard to pick up tone in writing… I am NOT being sarcastic. That slight wear and sheen with the simple school bus yellow text is absolutely glorious. Call me crazy but I’d like that thing blown up to hang on my wall. As for the story: in high school I remember thinking this was a gem of genius. This time I couldn’t even finish it I thought Holden was so self-absorbed and ridiculous. Funny how perspectives change depending on our season of life! Great discussion, though.
"Vampires aren't real, are they?"
I was livid when my group outvoted me to allow Twilight into the mix one month. And then I started reading it. And never stopped. I finished it in about 24 hours, closed the cover, went to WalMart and bought the next in the serious. Delicious, delightful stuff. Not much to talk about at Book Club, actually. But it began my obsession. Oh, and Team Edward all the way.
Recently I asked the girls to think of three words that they would use to describe our Let Them Eat Cake Book Club. Here is my very favorite:
“Frivilous.” —Amy
Heck, yea.
Here is a list of the books we’ve read in case you’re interested.
8/08- Devil in the White City
9/08- The Other Bolyn Girl
10/08- Twilight
11/08- Out of Egypt
12/08- The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao
1/09- Audition (Barbara Walters)
2/09- There is No Me Without You
3/09- Where the River Ends
4/09- East of Eden
5/09- Year of Wonders
6/09- American Wife
7/09- The Namesake
8/09- The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
9/09- Pride and Prejudice
10/09- The Help
11&12/09- Plain Truth
1/10- Bookthief
2/10- Edgar Sawtelle
3/10- My Life in France (Julia Child)
4/10- Middle Place
5/10- Catcher In the Rye
6/10- Art of Racing in the Rain
7/10- Elegance of the Hedgehog
3 Comments
I just joined a book club. It is a glorious event. Great women and discussion. We just read The Hunger Games. I was not excited; however, I could not put it down. Race out and but it today. It is the first of a trilogy and my new obsession. We are reading The Help next.
Cheers,
Dorry
Much love.
Catching up on your posts and loving them all… the lighting, the antiquing, the BOOKS! I am in my first grown-up small group where we are reading ‘Beloved’ by Henri Nowen. I am loving the fellowship, but I can’t wait until I get to also experience a true book club one day. This post has sealed the deal- it’s something I need in my life! I am the quintessential curl up with a good book and Irish tea girl. Happy reading Sarah, and keep ‘em coming!