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.

August 26, 2014

The Round House by Louise Erdrich (Ward Six)

We met at Ward 6 on St. Paul's east side and enjoyed a variety of dishes, including fish and chips, duck ravioli, and chicken risotto.  For much of the evening, the noisy atmosphere precluded extended conversation and at 8 pm, as we were closing out our dinner, an MC grabbed a mike and started a trivia game.  Our book discussion revealed a near consensus on The Round House:  we thought it was a little disjointed with some unnecessary side-stories confusing the basic story line, and most of us felt a little disappointed for a book that has received so much critical acclaim. Nevertheless, the book's depiction of life on a reservation, contemporary native culture, and the challenges of growing up in a small town were compelling.  Jim suggested the next book: The Boys of Summer by Roger Kahn.  Other titles considered: The Swerve by Stephen Greenblatt, Radicalization of the American Revolution by Gordon Wood, and Looming Tower by Lawrence Wright.  The next meeting is set for Tuesday, September 23.  Roger will suggest the next book.
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