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 30, 2024

Homelands by Timothy Garton Ash (Emmett's)

The restaurant was quiet and the food uniformly excellent, with a menu tilting to ward Irish fare.  With the Timberwolves winning in the background, we talked about politics, travel, and many other topics.  We were a bit divided on the book with some thinking it was a patchwork of personal experiences in European travel and others considering it an interesting summary of the development of the EU based on personal interviews and diary entries.  Probably not a candidate for a Hollywood movie, the book is a readable overview of post-WWII Europe and its leaders.  

The next book is Clay Risen, The Crowded Hour.  Other titles suggested were: Deborah Davis, Guest of Honor, Adam Hochschild, American Midnight, James Patterson, Rise and Decline of America's Postwar Political Order, and Thomas Knock, To End All Wars. Our next meeting is July 2, and Don will suggest the next book.


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