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.

January 13, 2016

Being Mortal by Atul Gawande and Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant by Roz Chast (Sober Fish)

Very different in their approach and appearance, these two books focus on similar issues: aging and death, and how we deal with these issues as family members and as a society.  We thought these books were very well written and discussed these difficult issues directly and honestly.  We rated both books highly, but gave the edge to Chast because her innovative and humorous approach better captured the poignant and human dimensions of the issues.

In addition to the books, we talked a lot about travel but somehow skipped politics, perhaps because the topic is so ubiquitous and annoying.  Sober Fish, adapting the space formerly occupied by True Thai, proved a happy choice.  A Thai/Japanese menu, excellent food, attentive service, and an excellent value.

Our next meeting will be on the Ides of March (the 15th), and we'll read David Rhodes' Driftless.  Other titles considered were Lori Sturdivant's Citizen Swain and Ashlee Vance's Elon Musk: Inventing the Future.  Jim is on deck for our next book selection.
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