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.

November 28, 2018

All for Nothing by Walter Kempowski (Holman's Table)

All for Nothing, a novel set in East Prussia in the last few months of WWII, starts slowly and builds to a powerful climax. In language that is spare and precise, the author describes the denouement of an aristocratic family who are in denial about what slowly unfolds on their doorstep.  Although none of us were aware of the book or author until recently, we all gave it high marks.

The restaurant, too, was popular.  Combine a comprehensive menu, fine cooking, and an accommodating staff and you have a place that is worth going back to.

Our next book is Trevor Noah, Born a Crime.  Other titles considered were George Packer, The Unwinding; Tom Ricks, The Generals; Simon Winchester, The Map That Changed the World; and Michael Lewis, The Undoing Project.  We'll meet on January 2; the next book will be suggested by Phil.
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