The Monday afternoon book group has wide and varied interests. We still have two of the original members, and their perspective and insight is very much appreciated by newer members. Marion brought this flyer about the birthday celebration of one of the book club members from decades ago. So neat!
Jeanie reviewed two books:
Title: At Home: A Short History of Private Life
Author: Bill Bryson
Bryson uses a walk through the rooms in his 1851 Church of England rectory in Norfolk, to share his extensive research into the fascinating history of the furnishings and structure of homes. Bryson chooses a topic, such as his refrigerator, and then explains in detail the who, what, where, when and why of its evolution. After reading this book, I have a much greater appreciation for the innovation needed to produce common household items.
Title: Five Little Indians
Author: Michelle Good
This book alternates its narrative between the childhood of the characters Kenny, Lucy, Clara, Howie and Maisie who were forcibly moved from their families to a Church-run Residential School and then their young adulthood when paths again cross in downtown Eastside Vancouver. I found the way that each character dealt with their traumas to be highly engaging and thought provoking.
Here’s a sampling of the other books we read:
Thursday Night Book Club met on Zoom. This month, we deviated from our traditional exploration of one book. Our challenge was to each choose an iconic or classic book that had remained personally significant over the decades. We reread our chosen book over the past month, reflecting on whether the story was still memorable. We presented the books we had chosen by genres: Fantasy/Fable, Historic Fiction/Fiction, and Philosophy, sharing the impact the book had ‘back then’ versus ‘now’. The discussion was lively as we recalled memories that the books invoked, the importance – and joy – of being read to as a child, and how we came of age by reading books that included stories about war, depression, revolution, and ‘the very meaning of life’.
Interest groups are the key to our club’s longevity. It’s not just about the exercise and fresh air and it’s not just about the conversation with old friends and new. It’s about the synergy. Supporting, caring, being there — together. On this cold day in January, every topic imaginable was discussed, including ukuleles.
