12/7/09
We dined at the Red Stag Supper Club, and enjoyed satisfying if not exceptional meals. Our discussion ranged from Tiger's trials, to football foibles, to Palin's preenings. I'm sure some elevated topics were in there, too. The book, The Spectator Bird, got a pretty good reaction, especially for the author's lyrical and often iconic writing style, but there were questions about plot lines and character motivation. The meaning of the eugenics subplot? And why didn't the countess choose to escape to the US? At Max's suggestion, we'll read E. B. White, One Man's Meat (alternative idea: Per Petterson's To Siberia), and we'll meet on February 9. The next book will be suggested by Don.
10/26/09
Al Vento offered great dinner options that pleased everyone: Duck, lamb, scallops. Plus, wine was half-price on Mondays. Our book was Jane Smiley's A Thousand Acres, which most of us rated as above average as a portrait of a seriously flawed Iowa farm family, but nearly everyone had quibbles about the book, especially the story about the poisoned sausages. Most of us didn't mind the somewhat exaggerated stories, but we drifted into discussions of incest and sex offenders in Minnesota institutions. We selected Wallace Stegner's The Spectator Bird for next time (December 7). Other ideas included Philip Roth, Indignation, Diane Ackerman, the Zookeeper's Wife, and David Lodge, Deaf Sentence. The next book will be suggested by Max.
Al Vento offered great dinner options that pleased everyone: Duck, lamb, scallops. Plus, wine was half-price on Mondays. Our book was Jane Smiley's A Thousand Acres, which most of us rated as above average as a portrait of a seriously flawed Iowa farm family, but nearly everyone had quibbles about the book, especially the story about the poisoned sausages. Most of us didn't mind the somewhat exaggerated stories, but we drifted into discussions of incest and sex offenders in Minnesota institutions. We selected Wallace Stegner's The Spectator Bird for next time (December 7). Other ideas included Philip Roth, Indignation, Diane Ackerman, the Zookeeper's Wife, and David Lodge, Deaf Sentence. The next book will be suggested by Max.
8/31/09
We met at Mancini's where two political fundraisers were going on and had surprisingly mediocre steak and fish dinners. Fortunately, Elizabeth Strout's, Olive Kitteridge, was much better fare and we gave it a high rating for ts character development and simple honesty. Next up (October 26) is Jane Smiley's A Thousand Acres. Other books considered: Bad Land by Jonathan Raban and Driftless by David Rhodes. The next book will be suggested by Roger.
We met at Mancini's where two political fundraisers were going on and had surprisingly mediocre steak and fish dinners. Fortunately, Elizabeth Strout's, Olive Kitteridge, was much better fare and we gave it a high rating for ts character development and simple honesty. Next up (October 26) is Jane Smiley's A Thousand Acres. Other books considered: Bad Land by Jonathan Raban and Driftless by David Rhodes. The next book will be suggested by Roger.
7/27/09
A modified-vegetarian place, Cafe Brenda offered a refreshing break from our usual restaurant venue, and most everybody gave the place a pretty good rating. From Here to Eternity got a good reception from everyone (and was deified by one), and we talked about the realities of Army life and the many words evidently required to convey those realities with accuracy. But, really, we liked it. Next up is Elizabeth Strout, Olive Kitteridge, a collection of short stories. Other books considered: Cold Mountain, Ship Fever, Servants of the Map, and Shakespeare's Kitchen. The next book will be suggested by Bill.
A modified-vegetarian place, Cafe Brenda offered a refreshing break from our usual restaurant venue, and most everybody gave the place a pretty good rating. From Here to Eternity got a good reception from everyone (and was deified by one), and we talked about the realities of Army life and the many words evidently required to convey those realities with accuracy. But, really, we liked it. Next up is Elizabeth Strout, Olive Kitteridge, a collection of short stories. Other books considered: Cold Mountain, Ship Fever, Servants of the Map, and Shakespeare's Kitchen. The next book will be suggested by Bill.
6/15/09
After ignoring St. Paul for six months, we ended up at Tanpopo Noodle House, a Japanese home-style restaurant in Lowertown that got a repectable if not wonderful review from our group. We read G. K. Chesterton's The Man Who Was Thursday which got a decidedly mixed review. Some thought it a remarkable tour de force of conservative/Christian thought while others thought it just boring and dated but mercifully brief. Not widely read today, Chesterton has his followers and was once considered a peer of Shaw. Next time we will read James Jones' From Here to Eternity. Other books considered included La Rochefoucould's Maxims and Spencer Wells' The Journey of Man. Next meeting is July 27. Phil suggests the next tome.
After ignoring St. Paul for six months, we ended up at Tanpopo Noodle House, a Japanese home-style restaurant in Lowertown that got a repectable if not wonderful review from our group. We read G. K. Chesterton's The Man Who Was Thursday which got a decidedly mixed review. Some thought it a remarkable tour de force of conservative/Christian thought while others thought it just boring and dated but mercifully brief. Not widely read today, Chesterton has his followers and was once considered a peer of Shaw. Next time we will read James Jones' From Here to Eternity. Other books considered included La Rochefoucould's Maxims and Spencer Wells' The Journey of Man. Next meeting is July 27. Phil suggests the next tome.
4/29/09
We met at Mairin's Table, a Moroccan place with half-price wine on Mondays and Tuesdays. Service was a little slow, but it was quiet enough to talk and the food was mostly good. The book, Blood Done Sign My Name by Timothy Tyson, was admired by all, and it sparked a discussion about race, the south, and our own experiences. For next month (actually June 15), at Jim's suggestion, we will read G. K. Chesterton, The Man Who Was Thursday. Other books Jim suggested were Philbrick's Mayflower, Schlink's The Reader, Murakami's Wild Sheep Chase, Brock's Charlatan, and Ackerman's Zookeeper's Wife. Paul is in line to suggest the next book.
We met at Mairin's Table, a Moroccan place with half-price wine on Mondays and Tuesdays. Service was a little slow, but it was quiet enough to talk and the food was mostly good. The book, Blood Done Sign My Name by Timothy Tyson, was admired by all, and it sparked a discussion about race, the south, and our own experiences. For next month (actually June 15), at Jim's suggestion, we will read G. K. Chesterton, The Man Who Was Thursday. Other books Jim suggested were Philbrick's Mayflower, Schlink's The Reader, Murakami's Wild Sheep Chase, Brock's Charlatan, and Ackerman's Zookeeper's Wife. Paul is in line to suggest the next book.
3/31/09
Despite one strong dissent, we gave this month's book, Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin, pretty uniformly high marks (not apparent from the mediocre average rating). It was an interesting story, well told, and some found it inspiring. Much of the discussion focused on whether or not Mortenson's exploits amount to a kind of "imperialism". For the next book, Max suggested Gladwell's Blink, Shields' Mockingbird, French's In the Woods, and Tyson's Blood Done Sign My Name. We chose the latter. Our venue for the evening, Nick and Eddie, was noisy and unsatisfying, although the food was (mostly) good.
Despite one strong dissent, we gave this month's book, Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin, pretty uniformly high marks (not apparent from the mediocre average rating). It was an interesting story, well told, and some found it inspiring. Much of the discussion focused on whether or not Mortenson's exploits amount to a kind of "imperialism". For the next book, Max suggested Gladwell's Blink, Shields' Mockingbird, French's In the Woods, and Tyson's Blood Done Sign My Name. We chose the latter. Our venue for the evening, Nick and Eddie, was noisy and unsatisfying, although the food was (mostly) good.
2/24/09
This month we met at a new Indonesian place called Bali. Nobody was really bowled over by the place but it was pleasant, affordable, somewhat adventuresome, and they treated us well. We read Fitzgerald's Tender Is the Night, which we all found a little disappointing. Considered one of the 20th century's best novels, it just didn't seem to translate very well to the 21st. Although the story and writing improved as the book unfolded, it was hard
to get into, and some of the characters, like Rosemary and Tommy, were thinly developed. At Max's suggestion, next month we'll read Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. Other books he suggested were Shadow Catcher by Marianne Wiggins, First Person Plural by Cameron West, and Two Gentlemen of Verona by Shakespeare. Next meeting is March 31.
This month we met at a new Indonesian place called Bali. Nobody was really bowled over by the place but it was pleasant, affordable, somewhat adventuresome, and they treated us well. We read Fitzgerald's Tender Is the Night, which we all found a little disappointing. Considered one of the 20th century's best novels, it just didn't seem to translate very well to the 21st. Although the story and writing improved as the book unfolded, it was hard
to get into, and some of the characters, like Rosemary and Tommy, were thinly developed. At Max's suggestion, next month we'll read Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. Other books he suggested were Shadow Catcher by Marianne Wiggins, First Person Plural by Cameron West, and Two Gentlemen of Verona by Shakespeare. Next meeting is March 31.
1/13/09
Our book was Barack Obama's Dreams from My Father, a memoir by our 44th. A thoughtful, well-written, and candid self-exploration by the future politician on the eve of his election to the Illinois State Senate, the book was far more impressive than the usual campaign tract. Our dinner at the Chinese restaurant, Seafood Palace, was good overall and a great value. Our next book is the classic, Tender Is the Night, by Minnesota author F. Scott Fitzgerald. We also considered Fred Kaplan's Lincoln: Biography of a Writer and The World Without Us by Alan Weisman.
Our book was Barack Obama's Dreams from My Father, a memoir by our 44th. A thoughtful, well-written, and candid self-exploration by the future politician on the eve of his election to the Illinois State Senate, the book was far more impressive than the usual campaign tract. Our dinner at the Chinese restaurant, Seafood Palace, was good overall and a great value. Our next book is the classic, Tender Is the Night, by Minnesota author F. Scott Fitzgerald. We also considered Fred Kaplan's Lincoln: Biography of a Writer and The World Without Us by Alan Weisman.
12/16/08
Mea Culpa. I have gotten behind in updating this site on a timely basis. I was out of town for two months in the spring, got a new computer when I got back, and it took me--literally--two months to get all the bugs out of the new system and transfer all my data. Anyway, I'll pick up the thread now and try to keep it current.
Mea Culpa. I have gotten behind in updating this site on a timely basis. I was out of town for two months in the spring, got a new computer when I got back, and it took me--literally--two months to get all the bugs out of the new system and transfer all my data. Anyway, I'll pick up the thread now and try to keep it current.
A minor snowstorm slowed traffic as we made our way to our restaurant, B.A.N.K., which proved to be a rather unpopular choice. The setting is wonderful, but the food and service were not up to the standard one might expect from one of our most expensive venues. Overall, we ranked the place pretty low. Don and Jim had a premonition or something and skipped the event. Our discussion ranged from Morocco to the latest movies to Coleman/Franken. We ranked Lahiri's book (Interpreter of Maladies) fairly high, but we cited various topical and plot weaknesses in some of her short stories. For next time, Bill suggested two books on the current crisis, Peter Gosselin's High Wire: The Precarious Financial Lives of American Families, and Roger Lowenstein's While America Aged, plus Obama's memoir, Dreams from My Father. We chose the Obama book. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 13, and Roger will suggest the next book.
2/18/08
We watched a movie this time, Bladerunner, and some read the novel on which it was based, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? Paul made a strong case that the movie raises important issues regarding human identity and contemporary society. An incomplete group, we met at Luci Ancora and had a very satisfying meal. The next book is V. S. Naipaul, India: A Wounded Civilization. The meeting is April 1.
We watched a movie this time, Bladerunner, and some read the novel on which it was based, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? Paul made a strong case that the movie raises important issues regarding human identity and contemporary society. An incomplete group, we met at Luci Ancora and had a very satisfying meal. The next book is V. S. Naipaul, India: A Wounded Civilization. The meeting is April 1.
2/4/08
We mostly talked politics since the presidential campaign was heating up, but the book (All the Pretty Horses) was well received. We liked McCarthy's powerful, lyrical style and, after the first 100 pages or so, the story was compelling. Most of us also gave high marks to the restaurant (Amazing Thailand). The next assignment is to watch the movie Blade unner and to read Scott Bukatman's Blade Runner and Philip Dick's Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?
We mostly talked politics since the presidential campaign was heating up, but the book (All the Pretty Horses) was well received. We liked McCarthy's powerful, lyrical style and, after the first 100 pages or so, the story was compelling. Most of us also gave high marks to the restaurant (Amazing Thailand). The next assignment is to watch the movie Blade unner and to read Scott Bukatman's Blade Runner and Philip Dick's Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?
11/27/07
We started at a new restaurant, Blackbird. But since they wouldn't seat us until all seven were present, we defected next door to Heidi's, which proved to be a great choice and an apt venue to celebrate our 10th anniversary as a book club. Our book-of-the-month, abbitt, was universally praised as one of the best we have read. We noted Lewis' masterful evocation of the 1920s and American boosterism as well as the similarities to society today. We chose Cormac McCarthy's All the Pretty Horses as the next book, after considering the Cold War by John Lewis Gaddis and the Looming Tower by Lawrence Wright. Next meeting: February 4.
We started at a new restaurant, Blackbird. But since they wouldn't seat us until all seven were present, we defected next door to Heidi's, which proved to be a great choice and an apt venue to celebrate our 10th anniversary as a book club. Our book-of-the-month, abbitt, was universally praised as one of the best we have read. We noted Lewis' masterful evocation of the 1920s and American boosterism as well as the similarities to society today. We chose Cormac McCarthy's All the Pretty Horses as the next book, after considering the Cold War by John Lewis Gaddis and the Looming Tower by Lawrence Wright. Next meeting: February 4.
10/23/07
We met at Da Afghan, which got a higher rating than the first time we were there. We were somewhat divided on the quality of the book, Marilynne Robinson's Gilead, but it did rate higher than the average. Our next book is the classic, Babbitt, by Minnesota author Sinclair Lewis.
We met at Da Afghan, which got a higher rating than the first time we were there. We were somewhat divided on the quality of the book, Marilynne Robinson's Gilead, but it did rate higher than the average. Our next book is the classic, Babbitt, by Minnesota author Sinclair Lewis.
10/1/07
We had 100 percent participation at Salsa a la Salsa, a pretty good Mexican place (except for whatever Paul had--enchiladas, I think). We spent most of the evening talking about "The War", Ken Burns latest epic. When we finally got around to the book, Population 485, the discussion was mostly positive, although we agreed that maybe Perry has a tendency to over-write on occasion. The next book will be Robinson's Gilead; next dinner will be October 23.
We had 100 percent participation at Salsa a la Salsa, a pretty good Mexican place (except for whatever Paul had--enchiladas, I think). We spent most of the evening talking about "The War", Ken Burns latest epic. When we finally got around to the book, Population 485, the discussion was mostly positive, although we agreed that maybe Perry has a tendency to over-write on occasion. The next book will be Robinson's Gilead; next dinner will be October 23.
8/20/07
Our gathering at Peninsula Restaurant (serving Malaysian cuisine) was attended by only four of us, but the food was top notch and the conversation fun. We pretty much agreed that Toole's Confederacy of Dunces was a very good comic novel that made perfect summer reading. The next book is Michael Perry's Population 485. Other works considered: Viktor Frankel, Man's Search for Meaning; Noel Perrin, First Person Rural; and Marilynne Robinson, Gilead. Don is on deck. Our meeting is scheduled for September 17.
Our gathering at Peninsula Restaurant (serving Malaysian cuisine) was attended by only four of us, but the food was top notch and the conversation fun. We pretty much agreed that Toole's Confederacy of Dunces was a very good comic novel that made perfect summer reading. The next book is Michael Perry's Population 485. Other works considered: Viktor Frankel, Man's Search for Meaning; Noel Perrin, First Person Rural; and Marilynne Robinson, Gilead. Don is on deck. Our meeting is scheduled for September 17.
7/23/07
Our book was Candice Millard's River of Doubt, an account of Theodore Roosevelt's harrowing trip down an unexplored river in central Brazil after his failed bid for a third term as president. The trip was truly amazing, and Millard describes it in a compelling way, but some of us felt the book could have been more analytical. Dinner was at Sakura. Next book is John K. Toole, Confederacy of Dunces, August 27. Max is on deck.
Our book was Candice Millard's River of Doubt, an account of Theodore Roosevelt's harrowing trip down an unexplored river in central Brazil after his failed bid for a third term as president. The trip was truly amazing, and Millard describes it in a compelling way, but some of us felt the book could have been more analytical. Dinner was at Sakura. Next book is John K. Toole, Confederacy of Dunces, August 27. Max is on deck.
6/18/07
The book was a memoir entitled French Lessons by Alice Kaplan, a writer with local roots. The story includes the author's memories of growing up, her father's role at the Nuremburg Trials, her early experiences in school in France, and her adult life in the academic study of French language, literature, and society. We gave the book mixed but mostly positive reviews; the middle eastern restaurant, Saffron, that served as our venue fared about the same.
The book was a memoir entitled French Lessons by Alice Kaplan, a writer with local roots. The story includes the author's memories of growing up, her father's role at the Nuremburg Trials, her early experiences in school in France, and her adult life in the academic study of French language, literature, and society. We gave the book mixed but mostly positive reviews; the middle eastern restaurant, Saffron, that served as our venue fared about the same.
5/5/07
We tried another experiment this month as we met jointly with another bookclub (all women) that was reading the same book as our club, Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin. All who participated liked the experiment, but only about half of each group could attend. Nevertheless, the discussion was lively and penetrating. We discussed the nature of leadership, the challenges of writing a joint biography, and numerous civil war issues. The book got high ratings from all attendees. We chatted over a backyard barbeque at the Brooks house.
We tried another experiment this month as we met jointly with another bookclub (all women) that was reading the same book as our club, Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin. All who participated liked the experiment, but only about half of each group could attend. Nevertheless, the discussion was lively and penetrating. We discussed the nature of leadership, the challenges of writing a joint biography, and numerous civil war issues. The book got high ratings from all attendees. We chatted over a backyard barbeque at the Brooks house.
3/6/07
This month was an experiment. We each chose to read a different book about the War in Iraq and to discuss them as a group. We read Imperial Life in the Emerald ity by Rajiv Chandrasekaren, the One Percent Doctrine by Ron Suskind, Colossus: Rise and Fall of the American Empire by Niall Ferguson, and others. Il Vesco Vino proved popular with most of us.
This month was an experiment. We each chose to read a different book about the War in Iraq and to discuss them as a group. We read Imperial Life in the Emerald ity by Rajiv Chandrasekaren, the One Percent Doctrine by Ron Suskind, Colossus: Rise and Fall of the American Empire by Niall Ferguson, and others. Il Vesco Vino proved popular with most of us.
1/10/07
Mountains Beyond Mountains is the inspiring tale of Dr. Paul Farmer and his fight against TB and other diseases in third world nations like Haiti. Our group, however, was less than wildly inspired, giving the book a slightly below average rating. On the other hand, our restaurant, Chambers Kitchen, was judged above average.
Mountains Beyond Mountains is the inspiring tale of Dr. Paul Farmer and his fight against TB and other diseases in third world nations like Haiti. Our group, however, was less than wildly inspired, giving the book a slightly below average rating. On the other hand, our restaurant, Chambers Kitchen, was judged above average.
11/28/06
Robert Penn Warren's All the King's Men was our book-of-the-month, and we gave it a very good reception. Perhaps inevitably, the conversation drifted in and out of Minnesota politics as well. Puerta Azul was our venue, and we gave it a pretty low rating. But at least the wine was good and inexpensive Our next meeting will be January 10; Paul will suggest the next book. (Note: Max actually suggested the next one: Tracey Kidder's Mountains Beyond Mountains.)
Robert Penn Warren's All the King's Men was our book-of-the-month, and we gave it a very good reception. Perhaps inevitably, the conversation drifted in and out of Minnesota politics as well. Puerta Azul was our venue, and we gave it a pretty low rating. But at least the wine was good and inexpensive Our next meeting will be January 10; Paul will suggest the next book. (Note: Max actually suggested the next one: Tracey Kidder's Mountains Beyond Mountains.)
10/17/06
The Red Badge of Courage evoked a lot of discussion: what was it about, was it a good depiction of warfare, how could Crane write the book having never experienced war. Most of us had read the novel in high school or college, but the re-reading was worth it. Overall, we gave it one of the highest ratings. The Signature Cafe also got a high rating. The next book is Robert Penn Warren's All the King's Men. Max is on deck to suggest the following book.
The Red Badge of Courage evoked a lot of discussion: what was it about, was it a good depiction of warfare, how could Crane write the book having never experienced war. Most of us had read the novel in high school or college, but the re-reading was worth it. Overall, we gave it one of the highest ratings. The Signature Cafe also got a high rating. The next book is Robert Penn Warren's All the King's Men. Max is on deck to suggest the following book.
9/19/06
We didn't do our best job of scheduling this month: only three of us showed up. But we had a nice dinner at Caspian Bistro (except for the lack of wine which we solved by sending Phil down to the local wine shop to buy a couple of bottles of Merlot). Edward O. Wilson's book, the Future of Life, got very good reviews for a well written scientific analysis and mini-polemic. Wilson is mainly concerned about the negative impact of humans on natural habitat and biodiversity. We talked about picking a piece of classic fiction for the next book and mentioned Melville, Hemingway, and Crane. We chose Crane's Red Badge of Courage. Meeting date: Tuesday, October 17. Bill is on deck to suggest the following book.
We didn't do our best job of scheduling this month: only three of us showed up. But we had a nice dinner at Caspian Bistro (except for the lack of wine which we solved by sending Phil down to the local wine shop to buy a couple of bottles of Merlot). Edward O. Wilson's book, the Future of Life, got very good reviews for a well written scientific analysis and mini-polemic. Wilson is mainly concerned about the negative impact of humans on natural habitat and biodiversity. We talked about picking a piece of classic fiction for the next book and mentioned Melville, Hemingway, and Crane. We chose Crane's Red Badge of Courage. Meeting date: Tuesday, October 17. Bill is on deck to suggest the following book.
8/15/06
Anchee Min's Red Azalea, a personal account of life in the waning days of Mao's China, got pretty high marks for insights into totalitarian societies. Some thought it dragged a bit near the middle or end (particularly in its focus on the author's various relationships), and some were disappointed that it didn't connect very well the author's personal experience with the larger political/social upheavals that were wracking China in the 1970s. But overall, the group judged it a darn good book. Krista Tippet's MPR interview with the author is also worth listening to. The View didn't fare as well as the book, getting a well-below average score from the group (the halibut disappointed). Next book: Edward O. Wilson's Future of Life. Next picker: Bill. Save the date: Thursday, September 14. Other books considered but not chosen: Michael Pollan's Botany of Life and Jonathan Weiner's Beak of the Finch (which Roger particularly likes).
Anchee Min's Red Azalea, a personal account of life in the waning days of Mao's China, got pretty high marks for insights into totalitarian societies. Some thought it dragged a bit near the middle or end (particularly in its focus on the author's various relationships), and some were disappointed that it didn't connect very well the author's personal experience with the larger political/social upheavals that were wracking China in the 1970s. But overall, the group judged it a darn good book. Krista Tippet's MPR interview with the author is also worth listening to. The View didn't fare as well as the book, getting a well-below average score from the group (the halibut disappointed). Next book: Edward O. Wilson's Future of Life. Next picker: Bill. Save the date: Thursday, September 14. Other books considered but not chosen: Michael Pollan's Botany of Life and Jonathan Weiner's Beak of the Finch (which Roger particularly likes).
7/17/06
The book: Independence Day by Richard Ford; the place: Margaux, a French/American bistro in downtown St. Paul. The book got pretty mixed reviews, but was well liked by some and got a good discussion going about the characters, plot, and writing style. The restaurant was mostly a pleasant surprise. Regarding the next book, the group was pretty evenly split between Red Azalea, a memoir of Mao's China by Anchee Min, and The History of the World in Six Glasses, by Tom Standage, but the Min book prevailed in the end. We'll meet on Tuesday, August 15, and Roger is on deck to suggest the following book.
The book: Independence Day by Richard Ford; the place: Margaux, a French/American bistro in downtown St. Paul. The book got pretty mixed reviews, but was well liked by some and got a good discussion going about the characters, plot, and writing style. The restaurant was mostly a pleasant surprise. Regarding the next book, the group was pretty evenly split between Red Azalea, a memoir of Mao's China by Anchee Min, and The History of the World in Six Glasses, by Tom Standage, but the Min book prevailed in the end. We'll meet on Tuesday, August 15, and Roger is on deck to suggest the following book.
5/30/06
Curious Incident of the Dog was mildly popular, evoking a discussion about autism. The restaurant, 28 Cafe, received pretty good reviews from five, but was panned by two (avoid that pork chop, folks). Next book (July 17): Richard Ford's i>Independence Day. Runners up: Pablo Neruda's Memoirs and Edward Wilson's Future of Life. Jim suggests the next book.
Curious Incident of the Dog was mildly popular, evoking a discussion about autism. The restaurant, 28 Cafe, received pretty good reviews from five, but was panned by two (avoid that pork chop, folks). Next book (July 17): Richard Ford's i>Independence Day. Runners up: Pablo Neruda's Memoirs and Edward Wilson's Future of Life. Jim suggests the next book.
4/18/06
Six thumbs up for this month's book, A Woman in Berlin, an anonymous, frank account of the immediate aftermath of the fall of Berlin in 1945. JP American Bistro proved to be a very popular dinner spot. The next book is Mark Haddon's Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (May 30).
Six thumbs up for this month's book, A Woman in Berlin, an anonymous, frank account of the immediate aftermath of the fall of Berlin in 1945. JP American Bistro proved to be a very popular dinner spot. The next book is Mark Haddon's Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (May 30).
3/27/06
We read Clyde Edgerton's Walking Across Egypt, a light tale set in Carolina to which we gave pretty mediocre reviews. One of us was downright hostile to the book. The highlight was a southern style dinner at Paul's house.
We read Clyde Edgerton's Walking Across Egypt, a light tale set in Carolina to which we gave pretty mediocre reviews. One of us was downright hostile to the book. The highlight was a southern style dinner at Paul's house.
2/13/06
Rez had to miss the meeting due to a last minute work-related conflict, and Bill, well, he had to attend a meeting of his paperboy's stamp collecting club, or condo association, or something. Anyway, the rest of us had a fine meal at the Downtowner Woodfire Grill and discussed The Hunters, which some thought was a little dull, but all agreed was nicely written. Paul skipped the book (couldn't find it), but strongly recommended the movie, starring Robert Mitchum and Robert Wagner, which it seems was loosely based on the book. Next book: Clyde Edgerton, Walking Across Egypt. Other suggestions were Fitzgerald's Great Gatsby and Hitchings' Defining the World.
Rez had to miss the meeting due to a last minute work-related conflict, and Bill, well, he had to attend a meeting of his paperboy's stamp collecting club, or condo association, or something. Anyway, the rest of us had a fine meal at the Downtowner Woodfire Grill and discussed The Hunters, which some thought was a little dull, but all agreed was nicely written. Paul skipped the book (couldn't find it), but strongly recommended the movie, starring Robert Mitchum and Robert Wagner, which it seems was loosely based on the book. Next book: Clyde Edgerton, Walking Across Egypt. Other suggestions were Fitzgerald's Great Gatsby and Hitchings' Defining the World.
1/04/06
We skipped a December meeting, but gathered at It's Greek to Me right after the new year. We had a passable meal and discussed the Roth book, Most of us were a little disappointed in the Roth book, which was beautifully written (and strongly reviewed), but whose plot simply petered out in an unconvincing conclusion.
We skipped a December meeting, but gathered at It's Greek to Me right after the new year. We had a passable meal and discussed the Roth book, Most of us were a little disappointed in the Roth book, which was beautifully written (and strongly reviewed), but whose plot simply petered out in an unconvincing conclusion.
11/01/05
We met at the new restaurant, 112 Eatery, in the Mpls warehouse district. Even on a Tuesday night, it was hot! After we were seated, lots of people more trendy than us waited in line for a table. We had an interesting and spirited discussion about otherwise boring issues like faith and religion. Everyone agreed that the book club members most resembling our simian fore-monkies were Bill and Max. We also agreed to read Phillip Roth's Plot Against America and to meet on January 9.
We met at the new restaurant, 112 Eatery, in the Mpls warehouse district. Even on a Tuesday night, it was hot! After we were seated, lots of people more trendy than us waited in line for a table. We had an interesting and spirited discussion about otherwise boring issues like faith and religion. Everyone agreed that the book club members most resembling our simian fore-monkies were Bill and Max. We also agreed to read Phillip Roth's Plot Against America and to meet on January 9.
10/11/05
Some of us actually read both of these books! Others, the distracted ones, read only one. It looks like the consensus was in favor of the Hassler book, but Chatwin also received respectable reviews. Some weren't sure where the Patagonia book was going. Nevertheless, Mai Village proved very popular in the culinary ratings.
Some of us actually read both of these books! Others, the distracted ones, read only one. It looks like the consensus was in favor of the Hassler book, but Chatwin also received respectable reviews. Some weren't sure where the Patagonia book was going. Nevertheless, Mai Village proved very popular in the culinary ratings.
8/22/05
We did meet on Phil's noname boat at Watergate. It was a cool, clear evening and we ate take out chicken and ribs from Famous Daves's up the road. Sebald's book evoked a spirited discussion and was rated above average by everybody because of its unconventionality and deep resonance on more than one level. We picked John Hassler's Staggerford and Bruce Chatwin's In Patagonia for our next meeting: October 11.
We did meet on Phil's noname boat at Watergate. It was a cool, clear evening and we ate take out chicken and ribs from Famous Daves's up the road. Sebald's book evoked a spirited discussion and was rated above average by everybody because of its unconventionality and deep resonance on more than one level. We picked John Hassler's Staggerford and Bruce Chatwin's In Patagonia for our next meeting: October 11.
7/18/05
There was a pretty close consensus that Kite Runner was a good read that ran out of steam near the end. True Thai was rated average. Bill suggested the next book: Austerlitz by W. G. Sebald. Phil offered to host the next meeting on August 22 on his boat at the Watergate Marina, weather permitting.
There was a pretty close consensus that Kite Runner was a good read that ran out of steam near the end. True Thai was rated average. Bill suggested the next book: Austerlitz by W. G. Sebald. Phil offered to host the next meeting on August 22 on his boat at the Watergate Marina, weather permitting.
6/13/05
Jared Diamond's Guns, Germs and Steel was book-of-the-month. Most were glad we read it, but were unconvinced of its argument. Dinner at Craftsman restaurant.
Jared Diamond's Guns, Germs and Steel was book-of-the-month. Most were glad we read it, but were unconvinced of its argument. Dinner at Craftsman restaurant.
4/18/05
The bookclub confirmed Thucycdides' reputation, and Chaing Mai Thai got respectable ratings.
The bookclub confirmed Thucycdides' reputation, and Chaing Mai Thai got respectable ratings.
3/7/05
The book: The Meaning of Everything by Simon Winchester; the venue: Cafe Barbette. Both were rated average.
The book: The Meaning of Everything by Simon Winchester; the venue: Cafe Barbette. Both were rated average.
2/1/05
Eric Larson's Devil in the White City, a story set at the time of the Chicago World's Fair entertained, but failed to break out in the ratings. The Afghani restaurant, Kyhber Pass, also failed to engender much enthusiasm.
Eric Larson's Devil in the White City, a story set at the time of the Chicago World's Fair entertained, but failed to break out in the ratings. The Afghani restaurant, Kyhber Pass, also failed to engender much enthusiasm.
12/14/04
We met at Phil's new place and were served a fine Norwegian dinner. The book was Pat Barker's Regeneration, the first of a World War I trilogy. Although no one could put his finger on what, exactly, it meant, or why it was significant, it was one of the highest rated books our club has read. OK, the first part of that sentence is my personal interpretation. If you disagree, get your own bookblog. The next book is Eric Larson, Devil in the White City (February 1, 2005). Roger is up next.
We met at Phil's new place and were served a fine Norwegian dinner. The book was Pat Barker's Regeneration, the first of a World War I trilogy. Although no one could put his finger on what, exactly, it meant, or why it was significant, it was one of the highest rated books our club has read. OK, the first part of that sentence is my personal interpretation. If you disagree, get your own bookblog. The next book is Eric Larson, Devil in the White City (February 1, 2005). Roger is up next.
6/2/04
The next book, suggested by Phil, is Founding Brothers by Joseph Ellis. We will meet on Monday, June 10, at a location to be announced. Jim will bring suggestions for the next book.
5/4/04
The next meeting will be on Monday, May 10, at La Grolla, 452 Selby in St. Paul. The book is Ian McEwan's Atonement. Bill suggested the MeEwan book, so Phil is up next.
The next meeting will be on Monday, May 10, at La Grolla, 452 Selby in St. Paul. The book is Ian McEwan's Atonement. Bill suggested the MeEwan book, so Phil is up next.
4/19/04
We met at Reds in the Foshay Tower, a rather expensive but very good restaurant. Most of us found With the Old Breed to be a moving, stunning account of a young man's experience in war. Subsequently, I found that Studs Turkel did an interesting interview with the author, Eugene Sledge. The next book is Ian McEwan's Atonement, and the meeting date is May 10. Phil suggests the next book.
We met at Reds in the Foshay Tower, a rather expensive but very good restaurant. Most of us found With the Old Breed to be a moving, stunning account of a young man's experience in war. Subsequently, I found that Studs Turkel did an interesting interview with the author, Eugene Sledge. The next book is Ian McEwan's Atonement, and the meeting date is May 10. Phil suggests the next book.
3/2/04
Everyone enjoyed French Lessons, but most agreed that it was not in the highest rank of books. The movie, Fog of War, and Robert McNamara got more discussion. Babalu received mixed reviews: the inventive menu and good food was balanced by loud, piped-in music. The next book is With the Old Breed, a World War II memoir by Eugene Sledge. We will meet on April 19; Bill suggests the next book.
Everyone enjoyed French Lessons, but most agreed that it was not in the highest rank of books. The movie, Fog of War, and Robert McNamara got more discussion. Babalu received mixed reviews: the inventive menu and good food was balanced by loud, piped-in music. The next book is With the Old Breed, a World War II memoir by Eugene Sledge. We will meet on April 19; Bill suggests the next book.
3/1/04
Tonight's dinner will be at Babalu, 800 Washington Ave., Minneapolis. George found a different kind of book by Peter Mayle.
Tonight's dinner will be at Babalu, 800 Washington Ave., Minneapolis. George found a different kind of book by Peter Mayle.
2/27/04
The New York Times article on the Deerfield Massacre recalls Devos' book, The Unredeemed Captive. Also, see the eerfield museum website displaying artifacts from the event.
The New York Times article on the Deerfield Massacre recalls Devos' book, The Unredeemed Captive. Also, see the eerfield museum website displaying artifacts from the event.
2/23/04
Peter Mayle meets Fodor.
Peter Mayle meets Fodor.
1/26/04
The restaurant, Osteria I Nonni, set two kinds of records on Monday. It topped out as the most popular commercial venue we have patronized, with a rating of 4.54 out of 5.0. And it was (I think) the most expensive dinner we have enjoyed--$65.68 plus tip--and enjoy it we did, especially the scallops and desserts. The book was Philip Roth's The Human Stain. The discussion touched on the book's characters (nobody liked them), their motivations, victimhood, Roth's ability to speak "different voices", etc. Poetry was by Langston Hughes.
The restaurant, Osteria I Nonni, set two kinds of records on Monday. It topped out as the most popular commercial venue we have patronized, with a rating of 4.54 out of 5.0. And it was (I think) the most expensive dinner we have enjoyed--$65.68 plus tip--and enjoy it we did, especially the scallops and desserts. The book was Philip Roth's The Human Stain. The discussion touched on the book's characters (nobody liked them), their motivations, victimhood, Roth's ability to speak "different voices", etc. Poetry was by Langston Hughes.
The
next meeting will be at 6 PM, Monday, March 1 (unless somebody squawks), in Minneapolis at a place of Phil's choosing. The book is Peter Mayle, French Lessons. Other suggestions from George that got attention: David Friedman, A Mind of Its Own: A Cultural History of the Penis, and Robert J. Lifton, Superpower Syndrome. Oh, and Paul gets to celebrate his return to the fold by suggesting the next book.
next meeting will be at 6 PM, Monday, March 1 (unless somebody squawks), in Minneapolis at a place of Phil's choosing. The book is Peter Mayle, French Lessons. Other suggestions from George that got attention: David Friedman, A Mind of Its Own: A Cultural History of the Penis, and Robert J. Lifton, Superpower Syndrome. Oh, and Paul gets to celebrate his return to the fold by suggesting the next book.
1/19/04
Well, today's news is that I finally got around to setting up this website for the book club. There's not much on it at this point, but we can add stuff as we go along. Send me your ideas. Also check to make sure your e-mail address is correct in the table below.
The next meeting will be 6:00 PM, Monday, January 26. I suggest we go to Osteria
I Nonni in Lilydale.
1/9/04
George's e-mail: Surprises
in the Family Tree (NYT).
Well, today's news is that I finally got around to setting up this website for the book club. There's not much on it at this point, but we can add stuff as we go along. Send me your ideas. Also check to make sure your e-mail address is correct in the table below.
The next meeting will be 6:00 PM, Monday, January 26. I suggest we go to Osteria
I Nonni in Lilydale.
1/9/04
George's e-mail: Surprises
in the Family Tree (NYT).
