April Book

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl. 

Next Books

Upcoming Months

·         Februray Book: “Galway Bay” by Mary Pat Kelly (chosen by Andrea) – Meeting Thursday, Feb 7

·         March Book: “The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao” by Junot Diaz (chosen by Ellyn) – Meeting Thursday, March 7

·         April Book: TBD (chosen by Leigh)

When It Happens To You

Book Discussion

·         In all, members gave the book favorable reviews stating it to be a quick and interesting read. 

·         We liked seeing the different points of view from different characters and how they tied together.

·         Some would have liked a few more chapters on other characters (Milo, Theresa) and most of us were interested in knowing more about Oliver/Olivia.

·         We discussed how you never know what’s going on in other people’s lives or what their situations are – we haven’t walked in their shoes.

·         Ratings averaged a 6.78 out of 10 with Michele ranking it a 5 and all other members giving it a 7.

Recipe

Black Bean Paste

1 1/2 cups cooked black beans (canned are fine) - I used Goya 15.5 oz and drained the liquid

1 tsp ground coriander

1/2 tsp ground cumin

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

1 bunch cilantro (leaves and stalks, about 1 oz), rinsed and chopped

juice of 1 lime

1/4 tsp salt (maybe use less if beans have salt?)

Pulse in a food processor - leave chunky if you like. To make the full recipes quesadillas, spread between 2 corn tortillas, top with a little salsa and sharp cheddar and heat on both sides. 

Book Club Meeting Notes

Discussion started with details on book club logistics.

·         Book choice/hosting order will start new for the New Year and proceed alphabetically (order specified in the members list above).

·         Blog to be set up by Michele.

o   Cute name needed.  “Not Your Mama’s Book Club” was the most popular option.  Later the name “Book Club. Period.” was tossed out with amusement but not discussed.  Please email Michele right now (Go ahead!  Click Reply!) with your vote on which name you’d prefer.

o   Blog will track current and upcoming book selections and our opinions on each, as well as keep a record of which books have been read and by whom they were chosen.

·         Because it is sometimes difficult to find a good book that at least one person hasn’t already read, a book can be picked as long as not more than two members have read it.  (0-2 good, 3 or more bad.)

·         In order to have time to receive and read the book, each member should make every effort to have a title chosen 6-8 weeks before their hosting date.  We started this right away with both Andrea and Ellyn choosing books.