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.

June 29, 2017

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot (Lexington)

One of the most sought after reservations in town is at the "new" Lexington restaurant.  We gathered with high expectations, and indeed the food was mostly very good and reasonably priced.  But the service was very slow (mostly because of the kitchen not the waitstaff) and the noise level kept the conversation pretty fragmented.  The book got a mixed reception.  Some rated it high because of its blend of science, research ethics, and human interest while others found it choppy and repetitive.

The next book is Patrick O'Brien, Desolation Island and we'll meet on July 31.  Other titles suggested were Ivan Doig, Dancing at the Rascal Fair and Larry McMurty, Horseman, Pass By.  Max suggests the following book.

A book one member enjoyed reading (outside of the book club): Bill Bryson, Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid.