Chronic City

Again, a unanimous vote, this time in the opposite direction. In the opinion of all I spoke to who read or attempted to read Chronic City, it was difficult to follow, seemed to have no clear plot (sort of like the Seinfield theme, except not nearly as entertaining), and the language used was so sophisticated (long words, eek, lots of them!) that you would really have to take your time and pay close attention, even re-reading paragraphs, to figure out what is being said. This would be ok if the story had meaning, but it was like a Seinfield episode written with super-intelligent narrative. It just doesn't fit. Oh well, moving on...

Our current read is True Colors, by Kristin Hannah. I've read one other book by Kristin, Firefly Lane, and loved it. It was one of those 500-pagers that you could get through in a week because you didn't want to put it down. So I'm looking forward to True Colors. Best Books in the Jackson Crossing has plenty in stock for us, and if you purchase your book there, give them my name for a 15% discount for our book group.

The Big Read in Jackson kicks off late February with events through March, so we decided that should be our next title. The book is A Wizard of Earthsea, by Ursula K. LeGuin. I will make sure Best Books knows to have copies for us in stock soon. You can also order the book online at indiebound.org, or of course pick up a copy at the library. More information on the book can be found by clicking here.

Our next meeting is Monday, February 8, 6:30-8:30 pm at Biggby in Jackson. We'll be discussing True Colors, enjoying wonderful drinks and snacks, and growing friendships. I hope you'll join us, even if you don't get a chance to read the book.

January Meeting Reminder

"Hello, Everyone! I'm back from my business trip to Atlanta and getting settled in. It's always so good to come home. I could NOT believe the weather in Atlanta! It felt like I never left Michigan, only worse because they don't know how to handle this kind of weather. We're getting around better up here with multiple inches of snow and extremely cold temps than they did with just a dusting of snow and extremely cold temps. They closed schools and cancelled flights before it even started snowing! LOL! Oh well... they knew they didn't have the equipment and resources to handle it and tried to head it off at the pass.

Anyway... I'm looking forward to seeing you at our gathering tomorrow night - Monday, 1/11, 6:30-8:30 pm, Biggby. Please come if you can, even if you didn't read the book. I SO need some girl-time, ya'll!"

Checking In...

How is everyone holding up with this one? I'm very curious to hear all of your feedback on Chronic City. I'll keep my opinion to myself for now. ;) I'll just say that I'm really looking forward to our next one, True Colors.

I'm going to be in Atlanta from tomorrow, 1/5, till Sunday, 1/10, for work. I plan on finishing Chronic City while I'm there, and I look forward to seeing all of you Monday evening, 1/11, at Biggby.

Also... Westwinds is having a Satellite 'reboot' this Sunday the 10th. That's where all of the Satellite groups will be available after each service to take questions and hopefully generate interest from potential new members. Since I'm going to be out of town, Lisa Wooden is going to stand in for me as our leader for this event. Please tell everyone you know who may be interested in The Novelties to talk to Lisa this Sunday.

I hope your Christmas and New Year's holidays were wonderful. Mine were awesome! I was able to enjoy some much needed down-time with my kiddos. Have a great week!