Another wonderful book club meeting - and fantastic holiday meal, I was waiting for someone to say Tiny Tim's line "God Bless each and everyone"! A Dickens evening with the tree and all. Christine you have a beautiful house and wonderful sense of holiday style, bubbly and all! Also I wanted to thank who ever picked the H2O bottle as my gift - it will be well loved at my office as I never drink enough water during the day, I don't remember who brought it but I'm happy I picked it!

Next month we're reading "Small Island" by Andrea Levy. If you get busy with the holiday craziness apparently BBC made a 2-part movie of it... although it's cheating if you watch vs read.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Atq4rpDm63Q

This was the 2005 winner - let's hope it's worth reading! Happy Holidays everyone, see you in 2012. Hope you all find time to read!

December 5 Book Club !!

I can't believe December is around the corner!!
I am looking forward to hosting everyone this Monday December 5 at 7pm, 114 Grace St. 416 532 4770. Please be careful where you park - they ticket like crazy in front of my house - it is safe south of Mansfield and the stop sign near ecole Pierre Elliot Trudeau.
Natalie will be leading our discussion of a very interesting book! Marney will be bringing her Orange selection for January's read. Don't forget to bring your secret Santa gift ($20 value)!
Please RSVP - I don't expect we will see Elva, she gave birth today (Nov 28) to a 8+ lb baby boy!!!

I'm loving this book - great choice Natalie... only half way through and it's really unsettling but love it! Can't wait to discuss this in December!

Bitter Sweet

It was a bitter sweet evening as we welcomed back our long lost book club member Jacqueline and we said good bye to member Faith. So nice to have Jackie return to us after her time in Spain. We wish Faith all the best with her new business. Faith -- you are always welcome to join in if you see a book that you would like to read and you can grab a few hours.

Thank you Elva for hosting and looking after us so well. It was great to be in your happy home and bask in your glow.

Next month we move to the Orange Prize books. Natalie selected: "We Need to Talk about Kevin" by Lionel Shriver. We will do a $20 gift exchange at the December event at Christine's.

Happy November everyone.

Novemeber 7th Book Club

Hello Ladies,

I will be hosting bookclub on Monday, November 7th.
I live at 353 Greer Road, Toronto, On (North of Lawrence, South of Wilson area) between Yonge and Avenue Road.
(416)789-2966
7p.m.
I am hoping to make chili, one with meat and one veggie
Please let me know if you will be attending.
Thanks.

Elva Maria

Thanks to Marney

Thanks Marney for hosting the last book club event.Thanks too to Lester, for hosting support. It was a tall order for new member, we appreciate you stepping up. It was great to be in your home so we could oogle your awards.

Next month's book is The Brief Wonderous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz. It was the winner of the 2008 Pulitzer Prize. For November either Jackie or Elva will host and Elva will facilitate.

Happy Thanksgiving all.

Winner of TD Canadian Children's Literature Awards

I thought I had posted this on my way home from my iPhone but it seems to be somewhere lost on the College Street car from what I can tell! Here it is again, I did start to read the book on the ride home from Carlu and it is really quite good, not as challenging as a pulitzer but deserves the award from what I can tell.

Just came from the TD children literacy awards and the winner of the big award (25$K prize) was "Plain Kate" by Erin Bow. I figure it's always good for all of us to stay young by knowing what's cutting edge in children's literature which is why I'm sharing this info. They gave us copies of the book so I'll read it and report back!

Monday = 218 Rusholme Road

I'm still trying to figure out why it's taking me so long to read such a tiny book! Almost done though which is a good thing since Monday night book club night! From the blog here's who I believe is coming; Carolyn, Barb, Laura, Elva, Natalie, & Jacqueline. If I've missed anyone let me know. If you need to phone for any reason here's my home number 416-535-5785 / 416-720-0161 cell.

Looks like the October 3rd meeting will be at my house! I live at 218 Rusholme Road which is College & Dovercourt area, easy to get here on TTC or there's street parking.

Unlike Laura who managed to cook an amazing meal (even though she was working all day long and still needed to feed two young boys before we arrived) I'm planning for something much easier - more like fall comfort food! No, not mac & cheese or beans & toast but does Vegetarian Lasagna work for the various food allergies the club might have? I'm looking to cook something that I can throw into the oven so I don't miss the variety of conversations happening before, during and after we eat!

Let me know if you plan to come Oct. 3 (which is only two weeks away)... I'll be busy trying to read the next book while I finish reading Fingersmith a book Carolyn rec'd which is great. Oh yeah and somewhere along the line I'll cook! cheers, Marney.

October Book

Thank you Laura for a delightful and delish meal. We don't know how you do it but we're grateful that you do. It was worth the drive to Etobicoke;-)

And it was great to meet our new members Marney and Carol. You both managed to hold your own among the cacaphony of the group. Stephanie - we hope to see you next month and Jackie we're looking forward to your return.

The next book is The Bridge to San Luis Rey by Thorton Wilder. This is from the 1920s. Christine says there are 80 copies in the library. Happy Reading everyone. See you in October.

Hey Goonies

I would like to begin by saying I am deeply insulted by Carolyn's post that states "Laura lives very far away" I would like to put on the record that my driver's license with address says Toronto, so not sure why you're diggin" at me when I live in the same city as you sister!!! Anyway, I am looking forward to seeing all of you at 3 Paddington Place, Toronto, on Monday Septemeber 12th to discuss "A visit from the Goon Squad." I am sure our night will be filled with rich discussion of the multiple characters that inhabit the book! If you can believe it you can take the TTC to my house and Mayor Ford lives 3 blocks away from my house...How do ya like my Toronto now :) Let me know if you're able to make it, as I will set the table to include you!

Carpool anyone?

Considering that so many of us live very close together and Laura lives very far away, it would be a good idea to carpool. I'm happy to drive and so is Barb D. If you would rather be the driver both Barb D and I would be happy to passengers. We are easy. Let us know what you would like to do and we would be happy to accommodate.

Carolyn B.

Introductions. Welcome.

September is often about new beginnings: back to school; change of seasons and sometimes new challenges. It is in this spirit that we welcome new members to our book club. We are looking forward to meeting you.

At the book club, we normally eat, drink and talk; not necessarily in that order. The person who selected the book will come to the meeting with questions or discussion points to focus our comments. While there is some structure, no one is required to write a paper or answer every question. Discussions range from the book we read to our lives and other experiences. So much depends on your perspective.

I would like to suggest an exercise to help everyone learn a little more about each other and to let the new folks practice their blogging skills.

Can everyone comment to this post with a response to two questions?
1. Returning members - What am I looking forward to in this years book club? New members - What am I looking forward to from this book club?
2. My favorite book is .....

Our Next Book

I figured I must be reading the chart right so I have taken a "risk" here and posted our next pick so that you can all get reading and since I will be in Muskoka when you meet. I choose : The 2011 Pulitzer winner: A Visit From the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan. I have chosen it for two reasons: books about "Rockstars" have been well received by our group, and it seems like a perfect topic for an end of summer read! It is widely available in paperback and on sale right now. See you September 12th. I will re post details of that closer to the date. Let's rock out the end of summer Ladies!

Book Club August 8

I am hosting book club for the Rockbound discussion. I was thinking of a seafood salad. Can those attending let me know if you have any allergies or sensitivities to seafood?

7:00 pm
4 Croft Street (1.5 blocks east of Bathurst, just north of College)
416-546-6823

There is no parking on Croft street, best bets are College or side streets. Let me know if you are attending.

August pick -- Past Canada Reads Winner

Hey All,

It turns out we have read more than half of the past Canada Reads winners lists so I've chosen one that is a little more obscure but seems intriguing and well reviewed.

Its called Rockbound by Frank Parker Day. It may not be widely in print so let me know if its hard to find. I did check and there are stores who have it. It was re-published in 1989.

Cheers

Barb M

Absolutely Perfect!

Thanks Carolyn and Marc for hosting a magical evening on your deck. The meal and the atmosphere couldn't have been any better. And there was cake!

We had a wonderful discussion with Terry Fallis about his book "The Best Laid Plans." Terry was exceedingly gratious as he answered our questions and read a passage from his novel. He talked about his love of language and the political system, about finding time to wirte and how he structured his book. We found out that he, like us also really enjoyed "A Prayer for Owen Meaney." He is working on book #3 which will feature a PR flack.

Meet the Author

This's month's book club will be a slightly different format. Instead of Barb facilitating the whole discussion, come prepared with a 1 question to ask the author(I already have back up questions should anyone have the same question).

There is also another surprised planned...

I look forward to this usual event.

Host: Carolyn B.

Date: July 04

Time: 7pm

Address: 508 Brunswick Ave

Phone: 416 899 3271

July's Book

Can anyone tell me what we are reading for July?  With it being the last month of school, I have been checking in for 17 days  but am only now extending a plea.  I will most likely not have time to read a whole book before July 4th but I'd like the opportunity to try.

What are we reading?

:)


Melissa

June Book Club Mtg - Monday, June 6

Hi ladies,

I am looking forward to hosting this Monday and seeing all, or some, of you!

I am still in the same "garden flat" ... as I've taken to calling my little apt. :)

I will have a light summer foods to nosh on.

195 Madison Ave

Back door, Buzz A

My street is 1 way N from Bernard, just S of Dupont.

Kindly RSVP here or text me at 416-995-0344.

Cheers,

Barb

June's book club book is...

Nikolski by Nicolas Dickner.

The Best Laid Plans by Terry Fallis will be July's Book club selection. The author will be joining us for our discussion.

Thank you Carolyn for making a switch to make this happen. I updated the june book choice and the selector list in the earlier post so all information is consistent.

Keeping With the Theme of Best Laid Plans......

Hi Barb,

Great to hear from you. I’d be delighted to come to your book club, but I have another speaking engagement in Hamilton on June 6th. I had a look at your website and noticed that your next meeting is set for July 4th. I am available that night if you think you could switch around your book choices on such short notice. My schedule is happily packed these days but July 4th is currently clear. Thanks and I hope you’re well…

Terry
_______________________________________________________________________
I reached out to Terry Fallis to ask if he would attend our meeting to discuss his book. See above.

Would you be willing to change this book to July? If yes, would Natalie be able to get us another Canada Reads book choice right away?

Please comment asap and let me know so I can inform Terry.

Quick Update

First - Special thanks to Elva for hosting an indian themed dinner for the discussion of the book. The evening was made even more special with Elva's announcement.We were a small but mighty group. The book was considered a hard read but most liked it in some way.

It raised a question for us: "What kind of book wins the Booker Prize?" As we talked about plans for the next year, we decided that we should use the prize categories and find out what kind of book wins a certian award. e.g Booker, Pultizer, Canada Reads, Orange Prize etc. We decided that we should read several books that are award winners (any year) to see if there are themes, styles or other similarities between them.

What this means is that when you pick your book for book club, you will pick something from the prize group designated for the month. The first prize that we are going to look at is Canada Reads Winners. Next month will be The Best Laid Plans by Terry Fallis - this year's winning book. Over the next 2 months we will read 2 more Canada Reads books selected by the book selectors. Following that we will read Pulitzer prize winners and then Orange Prize winners.

I am posting everything in is this message now. Sorry that it is soo messy. I will update all sections when I have more time.

Hosting Duties
June 6 Barb M
July 4 Laura
Aug 8 Carolyn
Sept 12 Barb D
Oct 3 Melissa
Nov 7 Jacqueline
Dec 5 Christine
Jan 9 Faith
Feb 6 Natalie
Mar 5 Elva

Book Prize Category/Month/Book Selector-Facilitator
The month shown is the month you come to book club with the name of the book you chose from the prize group. If you pick in May - we read it for the June bookclub.

Canada Reads May Carolyn
Canada Reads June Barb D
Canada Reads July Barb M
Pulitzer August Laura
Pulitzer Sept Christine
Pulitzer Oct Elva
Orange Nov Natalie
Orange Dec Melissa
Orange Jan Jackie
Orange Feb Faith

Look forward to seeing you all soon!

Book Club Books 2010-2011

Let the Great World Spin
The Thirteenth Tale
Far from the Madding Crowd
The Corrections
Half Broke Horses
The Housekeeper and the Professor
Out
One Day
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
The Midwife of Venice
The Inheritance of Loss

May 9th Book Club

Hello Everyone,

I am hosting tomorrow night's book club. My address is :

353 Greer Road
(North of Lawrence, East of Avenue Road)
(416)789-2966.
Please let me know if you plan to attend via blog, since I will be ordering some Indian food.

Talk to you soon.

Mays Book Club

I guess I need to pay more attention but I had no idea we changed the book club date for May.  I kept checking the blog all weekend looking for details of yesterdays book club and was very confused when I didn't find them.  It was only when I logged on today to see if someone had posted next months book that I saw Laura's comment and put it all together.  I know I am supposed to facilitate the conversation this month but I am unavailable on May 9th.  I know you all come prepared with online research about each book and I know you will have no problem discussing the book with out me.  Enjoy your discussion and I will see everyone in June (assuming we are sticking with June 6th).

:)
Melissa

May's Book

First, thank you Faith for hosting a fantastic book club night. The food, the company and the conversation were all to the highest book club standard. Thanks too to Lupina for sharing you with the group. She was pretty gracious about us interfering in her prime time.

Melissa announced the book for May is The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai. It won the Booker award and a few other awards when it came out. It is a story of the continuing political and personal impacts of colonialism.

Our next meeting will be May 9 (note - I updated this from an earlier posting - it was always May 9 - I can't read the Blog) hosted by Elva. Mark your calendars. Also note that we will be coordinating our schedule for next year. There is no selector or host for June so we will be organizing the schedule beginning with June. Come prepared with a book choice and we will either decide jointly or we may begin the new rotation with June. There was also discussion about whether to add new members to the club. Again, we will discuss this further and decide if we want to add new people in May.

Happy reading

Faith is hosting Monday April 4th Book Club

I look forward to hosting this months book club. My address is 193 Beatrice St, one block north of College St. between Bathurst and Ossington. It is a one way street going north and there is street parking. Let me know if you can make it.

The Midwife of Venice by Roberta Rich

Thank you Melissa for hosting a great evening at Queen Margarita Pizza. Everyone who attended will have lunch figured out for today. Mmm...pizza. Laura's discussion covered a lot of ground from medical ethics to who gives blood and why. I really appreciate how well researched the members of our book club are. The supplementary information was just as fascinating. We learned how Skloot put the book together, Oprah is making a film from the book.

I could not get Shilipi to skpe with us. I sent her another email mentioning that she could choose the date and never heard back from her. This was not my first choice in book picks for I went in another direction.

Hello Carolyn,

Thank you so much for your message. I'm delighted to hear that you book club has chosen SECRET DAUGHTER for your upcoming meeting and am very flattered by your invitation. Unfortunately, I will be unable to join you via Skype because of conflicts with the release of my US paperback that same week. I do hope your group has a great discussion and please send them my best wishes.

Best,

Shilpi

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/books/the-midwife-of-venice-by-roberta-rich/article1920568/

I look forward to hosting book club on March 7th at 7pm at my new favourite restaurant, Queen Margherita. http://www.queenmargheritapizza.ca/index.html

Hope everyone can make it.  Appetizers and beverages are on me.

:)
Melissa

Warm Food on a Cold, Dark Night

Natalie put on a delicious spread despite wearing sunglasses in her dimly lit house. Her bean salad was so delicious that it converted two of our members back to the bean after decades of absence! Faith led a very lively discussion of One Day that all of us loved. Happy Birthday to all of the February girls, what a nice way to kick off our new year! March's book is "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot. Admittedly a departure from our regular themes at book club. We are going into the world of science reading about cells that have touched all women for the last century. You will find it in Chapters and the library in the science section. There are many good reviews of this book on the net, so fire up "The Google" and check it out. We also decided that our April book would be The Secret Daughter and that Carolyn would work on setting up an Author's chat via skype at Faith's house. Stay tuned for more details.....

FEBRUARY 7TH BOOK CLUB

Looking forward to hosting Monday's meeting! Please check the blog in the morning for potential last minute venue changes. Otherwise...

I live at 166 Manning Ave. just south of Dundas near Trinity Bellwood park - west of Bathurst. There is no number on the door - it's a newer semi directly across from the alley.

Please let me know if you're a non-meat eater or have any dietary restrictions. I loved the book and look forward to discussing...

Natalie

Need to Switch Hosting Duties

I am posting on behalf of Natalie. She is the host for the February 7th meeting but can't do it. Can anyone change with her?

One Day by David Nicholls

In a strange twist of fate, the book Faith chose was the gift Barb D. brought me back from England where it is A National Book Award winner.