Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet
"Mesmerizing and evocative, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet is a tale of conflicted loyalties, devotion, as well as a vibrant portrait of Seattle's Nihonmachi district in its heyday."
–Sara Gruen, New York Times Bestselling author of Water for Elephants
"Jamie Ford has written a tender and satisfying novel that is tucked into a part of Seattle history we would rather not face. Set in a time and a place lost forever, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet gives us a glimpse of the damage that is caused by war--not the sweeping damage of the battlefield, but the cold, cruel damage to the hearts and humanity of individual people. Especially relevant in today's world, this is a beautifully written book that will make you think. But, more importantly, it will make you feel."
– Garth Stein, NY Times bestselling author of THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN
"Jamie Ford's first novel explores the age-old conflicts between father and son, the beauty and sadness of what happened to Japanese Americans in the Seattle area during World War II, and the depths and longing of deep-heart love. An impressive, bitter, and sweet debut.”
– Lisa See, bestselling author of SNOW FLOWER AND THE SECRET FAN, PEONY IN LOVE
Here is Jamie Ford's website to find out more about the book and other Jamie projects
http://www.jamieford.com/interview/
Kitty hosted our February gathering in her artistically inviting East Sac home. I am somewhat relieved to report that there was no Turkey Neck soup in the eclectic mix of sophisticated foods and bevy of beverages. Good conversation and laughter as we shared the goings on via the Internet with Beth who was unable to attend.
Annette hosted our first Book Club meeting of 2012 in her elegant and inviting home. We enjoyed a lively evening of discussion and book inspired Middle Eastern and Old world foods, with a few modern twists.
USA Today book review October 2011 
Betsy once again hosted our holiday cookie exchange and book group at her festive and elegant home. We all enjoyed the soup, salad, beverages and a plethora of cookies and treats. Much book talk, what we read this year, likes and dislike and what we'd like to read next year. It was a wonderful way to welcome the holiday season and say good-bye to yet another year.
We really enjoyed the language of this book and the tea sandwiches and other treats were also a delight.
The Picture of Dorian Gray is Oscar Wilde's only known novel. The work first appeared in Lippincott's Monthly Magazine in 1890, and it was revised and published as a novel the following year. The work was considered scandalous and immoral when it first appeared, but it was really a way for Wilde to write about his philosophy of art.
Our summer July/August book group meeting was hosted at the Hastings house and the book "boss" was Miss Molly. 
Washington Times
"The Zookeeper's Wife is a groundbreaking work of nonfiction," said selection committee member Mark Kurlansky, "in which the human relationship to nature is explored in an absolutely original way through looking at the Holocaust." Kathleen Dean Moore, the committee's chairperson, said: "A few years ago, 'nature' writers were asking themselves, How can a book be at the same time a work of art, an act of conscientious objection to the destruction of the world, and an affirmation of hope and human decency? The Zookeeper's Wife answers this question."
The Zookeeper's Wife ( a war story)
usual droll, big-hearted self. Vowell's breezy style often disguises her solid craft and the richer messages below her work's shiny surface, so don't be fooled. She's a genuine treasure." 
“A rich account of one woman’s journey through Europe and into the self.”
Our March meeting was moved to a Saturday and started an hour earlier, but we still managed to talk until after 11:00. When we ladies get together we have a lot to say and some of it actually is about the book. Suzi hosted this months gathering at her lovely East Sac bungalow.
Deborah recommended this book for our March read: 
