We are seven handsome and charming* guys who meet at a different restaurant every month or so, having read a book in common, and discuss whatever we want--generally the assigned book, but usually many other timely topics as well. We rotate the responsibility to suggest titles, but the group has the final say. Our book club rules: 1) Anything goes, fiction or nonfiction; 2) paperbacks are preferred; and 3) staying under 300 pages is desirable (N.B., we violate this one all the time). We rate all books and restaurants on a 5-point scale.

* All other adjectives were vetoed.

January 26, 2012

Citizens of London by Lynne Olson (Rinata)

This month's book was an engaging, readable account of the roles played by several key Americans in cementing ties between the US and UK in World War II.  Focusing especially on the work (and love affairs) of Edward R. Murrow, Averill Harriman, and John Gilbert Winant, the book covered mostly well-known events but introduced some less well-known characters.  Our discussion was lively and was supplemented by speculation about the Vikings stadium and presidential politics.  The restaurant, Rinata, was a classic Italian place with nice offerings and fairly modest prices.

The book for next time will be A History of the World in Six Glasses by Tom Standage.  We also considered selecting Rebecca Skloot's Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, Tina Fey's Bossypants, and Steve Martin's Born Standing Up.  Next  meeting will be February 16; Paul suggests the next book.