Books, Lunch and Summer

In my world, the second Tuesday of the month from September to June is Book club. That means for ten months, one book a month for come up for group discussion. Each of us have read all or at least part of the host's recommended book. A small group, some of us read far more than one book a month. But for myself, one book a month has often been enough, although my recent retirement has opened up space and time for journeying into the many lands and lives within the covers of books. Yes I still prefer solid, paper and ink books. My generation? Doesn’t matter. I will use e-books but only for the logistics of traveling ~ maybe.

So. No book review this month. June is the month to establish a new list of books for the next season. We go out to lunch, each one of bringing our suggested books. When someone has two possible books, the group make the difficult decision about which book sounds like a better fit for us. There is also a list of hosts for the months. It’s a very productive and fulfilling afternoon. Books and lunch ~ what a great combination!

Occasionally we discuss a book or books that qualify for a good summer read. There’s no time line or discussion with these reads. No pressure to even read those suggested! Not that any dedicated book readers need pressure. Did I mention I recently retired? 

For this summer, two books were suggested by one of our members:

Washington Black by Esi Edugyan

“George Washington Black, or “Wash,” an eleven-year-old field slave on a Barbados sugar plantation, is terrified to be chosen by his master’s brother as his manservant. To his surprise, the eccentric Christopher Wilde turns out to be a naturalist, explorer, inventor, and abolitionist. Soon Wash is initiated into a wold where a flying machine can carry a man across the sky, where even a boy born in chains may embrace a life of dignity and meaning - where two people, separated by an impossible divide, can begin to see each other as human……”. 

Partial summary from bookbrowse.com

Full Disclosure by Beverley Mclachlin

“From the former Chief Justice of Canada comes a riving thriller starring Jilly Truitt, a rising , young defense attorney faced with a case that hits close to home. A searing look at what justice means in the courts and on the streets, Full Disclosure is perfect for fans of Kathy Reichs, Louise Penny, and Lisa Scottoline.

When everyone has something to hide, the truth is the only defense.

There’s nothing Jilly Truitt likes more than winning a case, especially against her former mentor, prosecutor Cy Kenge. Jilly has baggage, the residue of a dark time in a series of foster homes, but that’s in the past. Now she’s building her own criminal defense firm and making a name for herself as a tough-as-nails lawyer willing to take risks in the courtroom……..”

Partial Synopsis from kobo.com 

“Books are mirrors: you only see in them what you already have inside you.”

~ Carlos Ruiz Zafón, The Shadow of the Wind