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 7, 2012

King Leopold's Ghost by Adam Hochschild (Mill Valley Kitchen)

Meeting at Mill Valley Kitchen, a fairly new healthy foods kind of place, we had a lively discussion about the book and many other timely topics (e.g., health care audits, the Wisconsin election, public employee compensation, and the role of public sector unions).  Hochschild's 1998 book describes Belgian King Leopold's systematic exploitation and subjugation of the Congo in the late 19th century, mostly for personal gain.  For the natives, the result was degrading and horrific, involving physical maiming and widespread death.  Apparently, the book caused a stir in Belgium where the facts have long been known, but generally swept under the rug.  Although it made for unpleasant reading at times, the book got one of our highest ratings.

Our next book is The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson, and we plan to meet on July 10.  Another book considered was Redbird by Jo Nesbo.  Don is due to suggest the following book.
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