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.

May 7, 2013

This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald (Grand Cafe)

There were divergent opinions about this classic book, Fitzgerald's breakthrough novel written after his eye-opening years at Princeton and published a week before his marriage to Zelda Sayre.  We agreed that it was a tour de force for a 23-year-old and offered a vivid picture of upper class life at an elite school, but we differed on how well it has aged. There was also little consensus on whether the author was reveling in the fun and foibles of the rich set, or mocking it.  The poetry and erudition of Fitzgerald's writing, however, was evident to all.

We all enjoyed the Grand Cafe, especially the Caesar salad and the Halibut.  It was a quiet night and the service was good. Our discussion touched on bad travel experiences, golf, and many other topics.

Our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 25; the book is John LeCarre's The Spy Who Came in from the Cold.  Other titles suggested by Bill were Updike's Rabbit Run, and The Emigrants by Sebald.  Max suggests the next book.
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