January
Sue, Ashley B., Cynthia and Linda S. hosted a wonderful evening. It was lighter attendance which allowed for reconnecting on a smaller scale. Most liked “Hello Beautiful” with some expressing a desire for a deeper dive into William and his parents. Some had a hard time with the romance of Sylvie and William. Ultimately there was a lot to discuss, including a good look at the parents and how Julia was “just like her Mom.”
December
Stacey hosted at her home with co-hostess’ Julie, Agatha and Karen. The food was Top Notch and a great base for the liquid education of the evening. The wine flowed freely as John shared the history of each wine and imparted some wisdom as to which foods enhance the wine flavor like smoked almonds & Cheez-its, yes Cheez-its! We also learned unless we like the taste of aluminum foil to stay clear of artichokes!
November
Ashley G. hosted at her home with Beth Barg., Jacqui and Michelle Burg. for a great discussion. The book was well liked by almost everyone. For the heavy subject of death that this book was about, many felt a warmth throughout. It also is a subject that every single person has thoughts on because we all experience it in varying ways. The group discussed different ways to help someone that is experiencing grief. We also had an insightful look at nature vs. nurture with powerful points made for both.
October
Dana, Danielle, Nagulinie and Renee hosted a themed evening to host our 1st in-house author visit! It was a special night and a true highlight to have someone who is a local celebrity. Not in the sense of notoriety for her spot on a social ladder but because she is the example of a consummate professional and an author that was able to open our eyes to her profession, death and to living life in the moment.
September
Kathryn, Marcia and Beth S. hosted a successful Season Kick Off Meeting. This was a book of many themes – love triangle, industrial agriculture with the effects on the land and the people of a community, awful tragedy befalling high schoolers and a town, “embezzlement,” mothers and daughters, guardian angels, in-laws, hope, etc. which lead to a lively discussion. While many didn’t care for the book it did prompt thoughts and emotions.
Spruce Ridge Book Club 