Food...A Love Story by Jim Gaffigan hosted by Barbara

What a fun evening! So glad the weather permitted us, all that could, meet up. The food was really good and the Top Shelf Margarita was like whoa. And if you weren't there then we just talked about you. 
How many of you could pronounce the restaurant name? Well Gaye could. 
What do you think of Jim Gaffigan and what did you think of the book.
Barbara loved seeing this guy in person. She wanted a book with no plot, some humor and thought this one fit the bill.
A little story... While Gaye was getting ready for knee surgery Diana and Barbara read some of the book to her. I believe maybe drugs were involved then again maybe not but our Gaye was hitting on the anesthesiologist and they had the nurse laughing so hard she had to sit down. Just a little story I had to throw in. Okay you had to be there...
Jim had a unique point of view. He saw seafood as bugs like cock roaches or spiders for example. I kinda have to agree with him that how can you trust a skinny food critic. I mean if you love food you need a little meat on your bones. Obviously there's a lot of talk about food in this book so don't read if you're hungry or you could be running to the fridge. Jim Gaffigon will talk about all the foods he likes and dislike and break them down by region. I did chuckle several times and so did others. When he compares an anchovy to a sweaty eyebrow was one of them for me. Especially because it made me think of a co-work who can't stand cilantro and says it smells like a sweaty little kid. I love cilantro. We died laughing at lunch one day as we were eating Mexican food and she wasn't because it had lots of sweaty kids cilantro. Probably another you had to be there moment. Anyway hope you found something to chuckle or LOL while reading too.
This guy lives in a 2 bedroom apartment with his wife and 5 kids. Wow and they even go out to eat. I think that would give him more material for his comedy acts.

Favorite quote 

Hope your Coffee is Strong

Your Cheese is Sharp

and your

Guacamole is chunky.

Well I was told to take off my secretary hat and put down my pen because What happens at book club stays at book club. Yep some of it was R rated maybe X. Nay just R but it was funny.

No one before me had a book so I announce my book for our next reading assignment......
And my choice was "The Captain's Wife" by Douglas Kelley. The book is based on true events.  Our next meeting will be July 16th and the location will be announced at a later date.

At that time the next to choose will be Lisa Rhodes, Pam, Patrick, Sandy, Cheryl, Cindy.

PS: Soap box time **When the Evite goes out Please take the 2-3 minutes it takes to RSVP even if it means you have to email me. It's hard to plan on seating and food sometimes if you don't reply and then show up. Please.. And a big Thank you to those who take the time to hit reply or email me your status.

I guess my meeting attendance just dropped after my soap box. aka your book club nazi



You unofficial secretary/photographer
Carla

2015 03-26 Raising My Rainbow Discussion hosted by Brenda W

Nice night at Star Pizza last night. Awesome pizza and Suzanne's sandwich looked really tasty too. There was only 6 of us but we got the job done and discussed Brenda's book choice "Raising My Rainbow" by Lori Duron. Everyone seemed to like the book over all but there was some who worried that the author shouldn't have named the kids in the book. Some worried that when the kids get older they might be traumatized that Mom would talk about how CJ wore little girl panties or enjoyed playing with girl toys. CJ is gender creative or gender non-conforming. The book will follow CJ his whole life. Or Suz was worried that he is only 5 what if he decides he is all boy not a boy who likes girl stuff. And he and his brother Chase read about the tears and the angst the parents suffered over his gender non-conforming.
I think we answered that concern.. The author was in tears because he was gender non-conforming but because she just wanted CJ to be happy but she worried about his safety as he grows up. All she and the Dad want to do is let CJ be himself and Happy.
We were all amazed in how well they did handle the situation and didn't give a rats ass whether people approved of their parenting method. They weren't pushing CJ to be one way or the other. They let him be Himself. And the Dad was a cop. You couldn't get any more macho but he loved and accepts CJ.
Why did Brenda pick this book... well at the last meeting no one had a book and she had just read it and found it interesting. She has personal experience of a loved one being gay. Her grand-daughter announced she was gay. When did her grand-daughter know and why if there is an answer to that. Brenda didn't have either answer but Brenda said it didn't matter. They love her no matter what. I would like to think that's how we would all feel.  The book gave some shared some theories but who really knows... 1 It's heredity 2. birth order 3 some trauma
Kathy questioned if after the heart ache of her brother was she trying to recreate that same scenario and make it right this time. Personally I don't think so but we all have our opinions

Now for a couple of tidbits. We were wondering how old CJ is today.... Drum rollll. CJ turned 8 February 1st. At this time he still likes to wear girl clothing, shoes, and plays with girl toys. His friend Samuel started school this year as a girl. That was hard on CJ. His mother wasn't sure if it's because he lost his friend Samuel or if it was because he was envious of the choice his friend made. 

This is one thing I think if I get time I might comment on her blog when I get to really start reading it. Some how that sounds confusing and a bit unrealistic. Oh let's see this year I'll be a boy and oh next year I'll be a boy. I'm not saying this child needs to make a choice now of his or her preference just that I don't think it makes sense to let them jump back and forth. Hell that's got to be confusing for the kids at the school. It definitely had the parents at the PTA riled up about these children going into the appropriate girls or boys bathroom. 



A picture of CJ from August or September 2014

 The perfect poster was hanging at Star Pizza. Had to share with those of you who didn't make it.

 The Discussion came to an end and no one at the table had a book so I texted Barbara real Quick to see if she had one which she replied with one that I announce right then. And just before getting home I get this message "I changed my mind" so let me announce this book and get it in writing before she changes her mind again. Just Kidding Barbara.... So with out further ado  .... Barbara's choice is "Food...A Love Story" by Jim Gaffigan

Next to choose will be Lisa, Pam, Patrick, Sandy, Susan, Carla, Cheryl

 See y'all in May.

2015 01-15 Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver hosted by Suzanne

Sorry this post is so late but I got busy/side tracked. What can I say....
Glad so many came out to Frida's Mexican Restaurant to join Suzanne in the discussion of her book choice Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver. Nice turn out and the food was good and of course so was the company.
Unfortunately many of us hadn't finished the book but those that did really liked the book.

So glad Cindy has turned a new leaf and lets me take her picture. 


Denise was ready to get rid of the mother who was annoying as hell.

Everyone felt the book ending was perfect.
If you haven't finished reading this book I hope and I know Suzanne would be happy if you did.  The backbone of the story is the communist/worker's movement & US and Rivera, Kahlo & Trotsky's part in it. Kingsolver imagines what it would have been like living in these households during the turbulent period. The story is about politics and history and much more. 
For those that read or finished the book do you think this book trumped the Poisonwood Bible? I'm still working on reading this book so I can figure that out and find out exactly what the perfect ending was. 

This would be my one complaint about our seating. I felt like we had 2 separate groups and I couldn't hear all the comments regarding the book.  If you have any comments on the book you'd like to share click on the comments word and leave your comments. But what better place to hold the meeting but Frida's Mexican Restaurant.  It's always great to be around the group. 
What better place to hold a meeting but at Frida's Mexican Restaurant.  And it's always great to be with this group.  The only person at the meeting ready with a book was Brenny so without further ado....................... Here's her choice of reading.
"Raising My Rainbow" by Lori Duron
Meeting Date:    THURSDAY March 19, 2015

Location:  to be announced

Next to Choose:  Kris, Lisa Rhodes, Pam, Patrick, Sandy, Barbara

See y'all soon

Your unofficial secretary/photographer

2014 10-16 ALCHEMIST & HEAVEN IS FOR REASON HOSTED BY KATHY

Well Ladies and Gents if you didn't make it out for the appetizer book club meeting for Kathy's Books
"Heaven is for Real" by Todd Burpo and the second book to read is "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho and Alan R. Clarke  you missed a very pleasant evening and some tasty morsels. Very tasty. Thanks for opening your home to this crowd.

You know how we all tend have these perceived notions of what books we will or won't read and some more than others....

Well Suz had already rolled her eyes at the announcement of the books and said "nope" not gonna read that". So much for that thought. Suz decided to read was very happy she did. It made her think of that fateful Easter Sunday when Rachel her daughter disappeared.   Suz had looked out the door but didn't see anything and was about to close the door. But something stopped her and a little voice said "look again" and so she did and that's when she saw Rachel who was a toddler back then headed down the street to a very busy intersection. Guardian Angel was with Rachel and Suz that day.

Kathy picked these books because they were inspiring and gave her

hope that one she will be reunited with her own baby. She said that as her faith tends to waiver these books were uplifting and inspiring.
I like these kind of books myself. I like to think I'll get to see my grandparents and many other loved ones I've lost.

It was a fun and relaxing evening with friends who enjoy reading.

One of the tasty treats Kathy served was water chestnuts wrapped in bacon and dipped in a homemade sauce. OMG so good. 
RECIPE:
2 cans of whole water chestnuts and one pound of bacon cut into thirds. Wrap and bake until bacon is done.
 Sauce:

Oh get this Cindy actually got Suzanne to Blush. Big time. I don't think I've ever seen that happen. LOL 2 points for Cindy.
Cindy took the picture here.

Suzanne was at the meeting and thought she was ready to announce a book but suddenly forgot the name. Hate to tell you Suz that's a sign of aging. JK
Suzanne's book choice is The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver. Our next meeting is Thursday December 18th at Freda's Restaurant on Ella.

Next to choose::: Kris, Lauren, or Lisa Rhodes, Lisa Roper, Naomi, or Pam. Be ready Ladies!

Also !! It was discussed at the last meeting about removing some people off the email list so I will be removing a few names off the email list since you haven't been to a meeting in over a year. You can always check the blog page for book, meeting dates, times and place should you want to join us. Just let me know. We've tried to maintain the membership to around 20-22 people or it gets to big if even 70% show up.


So Here's who will be removed  :o(
Lauren Rose
Naomi Bonte
Angie McVay
Dawnie Hebert-Tyler
Lisa Roper

*Sandy I will leave you on as per our discussion since you are now in a position to start attending again. Is there anyone else

***Also please be considerate to a book club host/hostess and be sure to RSVP to the EVITES.
If for some reason you can't RSVP to the EVITE please email me and let know whether you plan on attending the meeting. I can edit invitee's responses.
It's really hard to plan for seating and food especially if we're having it in our home. 
It only takes 3 minutes tops to click YES NO or MAYBE.

That's it for now.
Happy Reading

Your unofficial Secretary/Photographer
Carla

2014 8-21 The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein Hosted by Cindy

Thanks Cindy for hosting the meeting in your home! It was great seeing Cindy again. She was just as energetic as ever. And look lookie It's Patrick! He came back. It was great seeing him too.
Cindy hired him as security for this unruly group and 
Kathy was hired as the kitchen but was fired as the evening wore on. Denise your forgetfulness was your loss but my gain. I ended up getting the pan of Chicken Alfredo. Yummy yummy.

It was as always a great night with food, friends and lots of talking. Might have even discussed the book.

Cindy had a great method in picking her book.... She went to the library and there was the section that said "Book you should Read" LOL and she grabbed this book. Well great choice Cindy everyone loved the book. 

Cheryl was apprehensive at first. She didn't want to read anything with a sad ending but she loved this book and was even hopeful.
The weekend before Cheryl started reading the book a friend of hers told her about racing her Porsche and how to race in the rain and how each car has it specialty.

Patrick said the dog sounded like a Buddhist monk. Then we got into a discussion about dogs being able to smell illness for example on 20/20 there was a story about dogs smelling cancer.

Kathy found it to be a thoughtful book. 


Enzo was a different kind dog. He didn't chase a car but raced it. He learned by watching TV, listening to his best friend Denny a wanna be race car driver. Enzo wants so badly to communicate but knows that won't happen until he dies and comes back with thumbs. yep this dog believes he will be reborn a human.

I guess you'll have to read the or finish the book to find out what happens...Does Denny make it as race car driver or does Enzo become human.?



So are you ready for your next reading assignments. Yep I said assignments. Kathy's choice is rather short so we all chose to add her second book. There's enough time to read both books honest so here goes..... first book to read "Heaven is for Real" by Todd Burpo and the second book to read is "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho and Alan R. Clarke.

Get your books now and get to reading. Our next meeting is October 16. Kathy will let us know where when the date gets closer.

Next to choose will be Kris, Lauren, Lisa Rhodes, Lisa Roper, Naomi, or Pam Holdrup. Be ready ladies

Happy Reading
Your unofficial Secretary/Photographer

2014 06-19 Strangers on a Train by Patricia Highsmith hosted by Jan Hughes

A good crowd showed up at Jan's for her book Strangers on a Train by Patricia Highsmith. So just how or why did she pick this book. She had never read the book but was impressed that it had been made into a movie by Hitchcock. Plus the author was from Dallas.  The story line made her think of "Throw Momma from the Train". It's a take off of the book and during the movie they were actually watching the 1951 Movie of Strangers on a Train. But she wasn't impressed with her own choice and kept apologizing but no apologizing needed. That's what this book club is about. Reading and learning. We've all had our share of duds and really I didn't think it was that big of a dud.

I do know I may think twice about taking to strangers when I travel by public transportation. LOL

Brenda wasn't impressed with the book at all and couldn't believe something like this would actually happen. In today's world I could. People are weird and crazy.
Suz liked it but said it did get a little creepy. She hated Guy because he was such a wimp. Her favorite character was Miriam but she didn't last long.. With that said she didn't feel she would recommend it to others.

Suz had a new friend during the discussion that caused some excitement. Suz was moving fast and slung the damn thing towards Pam. That damn thing was A large tree roach crawling on her arm. LOL

What are the chances you meet a stranger on a train and a plan is devised to murder someone for each other?  Hopefully very slim.

We missed everyone that couldn't make it out to the meeting. Angie I hope your pup is okay. 

Kathy and Lisa Rhodes were off the hook because Cindy had actually given her book choice to Jan before heading off to Michigan.

So here's Cindy's Choice.... The Art of Racing in the Rain  by Garth Stein.  This book is narrated by the I believe the family dog. Well I know a dog narrates it.
Next meeting is August 21. Location to be announced.

Run out...Shop on Line...or check out your book soon.

I was told it's been long enough I could be called the official secretary but it just doesn't have the same ring.. LOL

Your unofficial secretary and photographer

Oh Jan guess what they made into a lamp today on Mega Dens.  A print plate just like yours!

2014 04-24 I Remember Nothing by Nora Ephron hosted by Ed

I just want to say Thanks Ed for always being ready with a book and picking great books.

As always it was a great meeting. Great book, conversation and great friends. It’s hard to imagine that we’ve been together since 1997. I’m not sure many book club groups can say that.

Sorry some of you couldn’t join us. You were missed and maybe even talked about. Hehe  Sorry for the juggling around of the dates. First I made a mistake, tried to fix etc. but finally we got a date!

When asked why Ed picked this book he said “Because Gaye’s was so depressing”. Said with a twinkle in his eye and a smirk. He found this book light, intelligent and easy to read.

I can feel Nora’s pain or lack there of because she can’t remember why she walked into the kitchen or get in the car and forget where she’s going. So far I still recognized my daughter, family and friends. Nora wrote that most authors know when and how they came up with the inspiration to write a book but as the title says “I Remember Nothing” She think of this great idea for a book and then forget it but she guesses that at some point the idea stuck. It is sad that parts of her life slip away but she still has her sense of humor.

Everybody present and a couple who weren’t present said they loved loved the book. I was reading some of the reviews and some people weren’t happy with the way the story just stopped, they wanted more. Well our group loved it and thought it made you feel like you were sitting across the table with a friend just chatting over a drink.

And next to choose was Ms Jan. She wasn’t able to make it but I did get in touch with her and got the name of the next book.

Jan’s choice is Strangers on a Train by Patricia Highsmith.  So don’t waste time so get that book and start reading. Our next meeting will be Thursday June 19^th.

Next to choose will be Cindy, Kathy, Kris, Lauren, or Lisa Rhodes. Be ready Ladies!

Happy Reading

Your unofficial secretary/photographer

Carla