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.

September 29, 2022

One of Ours by Willa Cather (Lake and Irving)

Our book was a popular choice: Cather's story-telling talents and her writing skills won over most of our group. And her evocation of life in rural America in the years before WWI was admired by all.   One wise guy, however, didn't think she integrated the home-life first part with the war experience of the second part very well.  Hemingway was a better writer about war.

Lake and Irving provided a great setting for our discussion.  The menu was diverse, the food excellent, and the service friendly and prompt.  Our next book is The Art of Dying Well by Katy Butler.  Other ideas were The Summer Book by Tove Jansson, The History of Rasselas by Samuel Johnson, and The Mayo Clinic Guide to Stress-Free Living.  We'll meet on October 26.  Roger is on deck to suggest the following book.