February with Lisa

Lovely food and ladies and lots of discussion. We were missing Roz and admittedly I didn't finish the book still we had good insight to  Inside the O'Briens.  In particular Lisa shared her own family experience with Huntington's, certainly a heart breaking disease.

The book was compelling and difficult, yet the characters were so interesting and full of resilience. 

Next up from Kelly for April 24

2016 January

Lively, lengthy and lovely discussion on our selection - Ordinary Grace. Each of us liked the book -- possibly for different reasons. Still it stirred a chord in our hearts.

Personally, I plan to read one of the author's other novels, he is truly a talented writer. It was noted in a biography that his favorite book was To Kill a Mockingbird, a coming of age theme as well.

Sorry I have no pictures, if you do please send to me and I will be happy to post. What a lovely group of book club ladies. We  learn so much from one another! Thank you, you thank you for fun, food and festivity.

Next up Lisa has selected a book by the author of Still Alice:

Fantastic End of Year for Y-Read Book Club

So many good books this year. Just look at the list on the left. So much good food, look back at our pictures. Such good girl friends, each bringing a special presence and view point to the table. So much love and caring, just look at us.

"We carry your hearts in our hearts"
(click for the actual poem)

Breathe

And the Devil is.....?

....in the White City, of course!

A wonderful afternoon at Roz's house. We learned a lot about Chicago and the World's Fair. Lovely food and wine! 

In addition, we were treated to a lovely photo journal of The Lufkin's most recent excursion - Bali.Very entertaining.

Our next read is:

A first novel by Laila Ibrahim.

Biography

  My experiences in multiracial, developmental psychology provided ample fodder for the story of Mattie and Lisbeth. I was the founder and director of Woolsey Children's School where I had first hand experience loving children that were not my own. There are scenes in the book that were largely influenced interactions I had with children from Woolsey. As a birth doula I have the privilege to witness the intensity and joy of childbirth. You can see that my birth experiences are reflected in the novel as well. I recently started working as the Director of Children and Family Ministries at the First Unitarian Church in Oakland. I live in a small co-housing community in Berkeley, California, with my wonderful wife, Rinda, our amazing children, Kalin and Maya, and our crazy dogs, Bella and Lucie. Yellow Crocus is my first novel. 

"Moments after Lisbeth is born, she’s taken from her mother and handed over to an enslaved wet nurse, Mattie, a young mother separated from her own infant son in order to care for her tiny charge. Thus begins an intense relationship that will shape both of their lives for decades to come. Though Lisbeth leads a life of privilege, she finds nothing but loneliness in the company of her overwhelmed mother and her distant, slave-owning father. As she grows older, Mattie becomes more like family to Lisbeth than her own kin and the girl’s visits to the slaves’ quarters"

Y-Dine September Birthday

Our Rockin' Kathy has a birthday!

 We had a great time and were surprised by 
    Kelly Jones!

Buster Gets a Quilt

Lookin' good buddy!