Tuesday

Our first meeting



Welcome!
We had our first book group on Friday July 31st and discussed Julie and Julia by Julie Powell. 12 members showed up and it was a fun and lively discussion. Everyone went above and beyond with the food. We had; Crepes, baked cucumbers, beef bourguignon, potato salad, tapenade, asparagus, gratins, creme puffs, fruit tarts and much much more. And let's not forget the gimlets!
I thought I'd recap what happened for those who missed the meeting.
Before we started the book discussion, we made some decisions on our meetings. Typically we'll meet the last Friday of the month. But, that will probably change for October, November and December. Due to the holiday's we'll make a few adjustments to those months. Everyone should bring their calendars to the August meeting so that we can go ahead and plan it out.
At the end of each meeting, we'll take recommendations for the next book. If your book is picked, that makes you the hostess. The hostess has a few responsibilities. 1- they choose the location. Typically their house or someone else's house. I volunteered my house to anyone who would like to host but needs a location. As long as no one minds the humping dog, you are welcome here. It is completely up to the hostess. 2- They should come prepared with some discussion questions from the book to jump start the discussion. Many publishers provide the questions on their websites or in the back of the book. Or you can create your own or ask the group to all bring questions. 3- they should supply the Non-alcoholic drinks (if folks want to drink, they need to bring their own booze :) and they should supply the plates, napkins and utensils. That's it.
At each meeting we'll bring food that is inspired by the book. Our first choice was easy because it was all about food but it will get harder when the subject isn't so obvious. But, it will be fun to see what everyone picks up on.
You don't have to read the book to attend but you can't complain about us spoiling the ending. We know that life will get in the way from time to time and it will be difficult to attend every meeting. We'll leave you on the invitation list for as long as you want. Even if you don't show up very often, we'll still be happy to see you.
I've got the e-vite already set up on my computer so I'm happy to send it out each month. You just need to tell me where you are holding the meeting and I'll send it out the next day. IF anyone wants to do their own invitation, it won't hurt my feelings. Just say the word.
Jane did a great job of setting up this blog. We'll try to post notes from each meeting within one week of our meetings. We'll give an update of what happened and what to expect for the next meeting. Everyone is welcome to leave comments on the book or the meeting or anything else that crosses their minds. It's up to you guys if you want to use this forum to discuss parts of the book that we might have forgotten during our meeting or just to send updates on what is coming up.
Okay.... I think I've gone on enough. Our next meeting is Friday August 28th. We are reading and discussing Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See. Deborah is the hostess this time and we are meeting at my house at 7pm. I'm guessing we'll be eating Chinese food but I haven't read the book so I haven't been inspired yet.
Next post will be about the books and not so many guidelines. Sorry.
Get reading!
Beth