James by Percival Everett (Estelle)

Everybody liked James, a retelling of Huckleberry Finn from the viewpoint of Jim. It's quite a tour de force, full of insights about race relations, language and class, and American culture and history.  Seen through the aurhor's eyes, several familiar tropes, involving minstrel shows and how to talk in "mixed company", are funny and engaging.  The restaurant served great food and the service was impeccable. Our next book is Homelands: A Personal History of Europe by Timothy Garton Ash.  Other titles considered were James McBride's The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store and Kazuo Ishiguro's Never Let Me Go.  The next meeting is set for Tuesday, May 28, with Dick in charge of searching out candidates for the next book.

One Summer, America 1927 by Bill Bryson (Online)

An interesting book about the year 1927 but it could have been organized better since it jumps back and forth, descrbing the unfolding events of the year.  Also, it is something of an update to a classic book written in 1930 by William Allen White. It's always fun to read Bryson, however, so it was well worth the time.  The next book is James by Percival Everett, and the following book will be suggested by Roger.

City of Thieves by David Benioff (online)

Supposedly based on a true story, Benioff spins a tale about a couple of Russian soldiers who are sent on a dangerous and ludicrous mission outside the city walls of Leningrad in the midst of the WWII siege.  The author is a co-creator of Game of Thrones and in this novel shows us excellent skils in writing and character development.  Since two of our members were out of town, we held this discussion online.  Our next book is Bill Bryson's One Summer: America, 1927.  Other ideas were Ann Patchett's Tom Lake and Tomorrow and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin.  Next book will be suggested by Peter.

Chances Are... by Richard Russo (McCormick and Schmick)

McCormick and Schmick proved to be an excellent venue for us.  We had a quiet, semi-private table and the menu was eclectic and affordable,  Plus, our server was lively and attentive.  The Russo book got high ratings from everyone: He's a fine writer with a gift for character development and a twisting plot.  Our next book is City of Thieves by David Benioff. Other titles were Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby and Bernard Cornwell"s The Last Kingdom. We decided to meet next on Thursday, February 1, although two of our members will be out of town so we may choose to connect by Zoom or Google Meet instead of going to a restaurant.  Max suggests the next book.