January book choice...

Carolyn's choice for January is "Turn of the screw" by Henry James.

Christine you hosted the best Christmas ever... dinner was delicious, secret Santa as fun as it ever is... even though I did not select Caroline 's present that apparently helps with mindfulness and I had my Barb bag stolen! Thanks so much for hosting!

Happy holidays to all... here's hopin 2017 is all each of us hope it might become!  Enjoy and take care!  See you at Jane's in January,

MERRY CHRISTMAS BOOK CLUB

On Monday December 5, 2016 I will be hosting our annual Christmas party at 114 Grace Street 416 588 2285 at 7pm. Do not park in front of my house (you will be ticketed). Please park south of the stop sign in front of École Pierre Elliot Trudeau. 

Remember to bring a secret Santa gift (value of $25). 

Julia will be leading our discussion about "We have always lived in the Castle", by Shirley Jackson. 

Keeping with our gothic literature theme, Carolyn will suggest our January book.

Keep safe, see you all next week. 🎄🎅

Who's doing what when...

Our thanks go to Barb for hosting this month... loved that the meal connected to the book!  Christine, thanks for facilitating.  Nice to see how many loved the book.... aside from Jane, Natalie and myself!

Next month's Christmas celebration will be at Christine's house, secret Santa set at $25

Julia's book choice is "We have always lived in castles" by Shirley Jackson

Next batch of hosting and book selection will be updated shortly.

Book club November 7 – Loft on Croft

Hi Everyone

I will be hosting the next book club to discuss Dracula and the plan for book selecting and hosting schedule for the next 10 months.

Please let me know if you will be able to attend. If you can’t be there can you let us know if you have any preferences or restrictions in terms of hosting or facilitating next year? The new schedule will be posted on the blog after our meeting.

Details:

4 Croft Street (just north of College, 1.5 blocks east of Bathurst)

There are no parking spots on Croft – options are to park on College (paid) or on one of the side streets: Lippincott or Borden. 

Thus endeth our year of translations: 2016 book choices

I like to keep a record of all of the book choices from each year. I am posting the list of the books in translation that we chose in case anyone wants to refer to what we've read in future years.

The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov

The Summer Book by Tove Jansson

Night Train to Lisbon by Peter Bieri (Pascal Mercier)

My Struggle vol.1 by Karl Ove Knausgard

A Whole Life by Robert Seethaler

Tram 83 by Fiston Mwanza Mujila

My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante

Wild Rose by Sharon Butala (not a translation but author visit)

The Story of My Teeth by Valeria Luiselli

To Quote Natalie: "Best Book Club Ever!"

Thank you Miriana for hosting a lovely evening on the heels of your fabulous NYC weekend. We are all totally jealous. And you made it look easy.

Was it the best book ever? Were we all mesmerized by the book's depth, humour and humanity? Well -- those who attended may or may not ever tell. Too bad you missed it.

What we can disclose is the theme for our next year or 18 months. We will be focusing on the gothic novel or horror genre. We did not pick names for hosting or book selection. We will do that next month. What we did decide on was that I (Barb) would host and Christine would pick the book and facilitate. We will do the hosting and book selectors when we have a bigger crowd next month.

In the meantime, our next book is a seminal work in our new theme: Dracula by Bram Stoker.

OCTOBER BOOK CLUB

How is it almost October already?

I am looking forward to hosting you all on Monday October 3rd.  I am in NYC all weekend and working kind of late on Monday so it may well be take out - we shall see!  The address is 146 Westminster Ave. Usual time at 7PM.  Hope to see you then.  Please let me know who can make it.

xo
Miriana

Next Book - THE MASTER AND MARGARITA by Mikhail Bulgakov

Considered one of the finest creations of Russian literature in the 20th century…. And available in book stores.

I have plagiarized the following synopses - happy reading:

Mikhail Bulgakov's devastating satire of Soviet life was written during the darkest period of Stalin's regime. Combining two distinct yet interwoven parts—one set in ancient Jerusalem, one in contemporary Moscow—the novel veers from moods of wild theatricality with violent storms, vampire attacks, and a Satanic ball; to such somber scenes as the meeting of Pilate and Yeshua, and the murder of Judas in the moonlit garden of Gethsemane; to the substanceless, circus-like reality of Moscow. Its central characters, Woland (Satan) and his retinue—including the vodka-drinking black cat, Behemoth; the poet, Ivan Homeless; Pontius Pilate; and a writer known only as The Master, and his passionate companion, Margarita—exist in a world that blends fantasy and chilling realism, an artful collage of grotesqueries, dark comedy, and timeless ethical questions.

The Master and Margarita is a complex and multi-level novel. The city of Moscow is made unsafe by professor Woland and his henchmen. These suspects prove to be of diabolic origin and make the life difficult of the artists, civil servants and others who are walking along with the regime. In a very contagious manner the reader becomes witness of decapitations, arson, black magic, abductions, counterfeiting of currency and self-satisfied people who are litterally put in the nude... no lack of fantasy. Margarita is not afraid of the satanic company. She calls on the devil, flies on her broom through Moscow as an experienced witch, in search of her disappeared lover, the Master. He stays in a psychiatric institution. He had written a book on Pontius Pilate, with a completely new variant of Jesus' trial. But the manuscript was rejected by law-abiding editors and in the press appeared ominous articles about the novel while it was never published. As a result, the master collapsed totally, and he even burned his manuscript. But it shows up again because.. Рукописи не горят or "manuscripts don't burn"...

The punitive expedition of the devil throughout Moscow, Margarita's search for her lover and excerpts from the Master's novel about Pontius Pilate are the most important materials for The Master and Margarita. The book is not only a funny and sometimes caustic criticism on the soviet society between 1920 and 1940 but also a touching love story... And the devil, after all, does not at all appear a bad chap. The book shows the large creative fantasy of Bulgakov. His work is part of a Russian tradition of satire that started with Gogol and continued with authors as Zostchenko, Ilf and Petrov.

Hi ladies.
This Monday we will be having bookclub at my house.
I am hoping that we can be outside but no guarantees.
I am at 1028 Queen Street East.  Parking on the street is free after 6pm.
If the front door is not open please feel free to text and I will come and open up(can't hear my doorbell from the deck).
416-841-4117
I am having BBQ and salmon.  If this doesn't work for you,  please let me know .
Happy to see you all and let me know if you can come.
me.

Elena Ferrante's Run On Sentences

Hi. I came across this article today about Elena Ferrante's writing style and thought I would post in case anyone is interested. http://arcade.stanford.edu/blogs/elena-ferrantes-run-ons

August Book

Hello Everyone,

So sorry to have missed last night's meeting but I heard you had a great discussion and lots of fun too!

I have selected The Summer Book by Tove Jansson as our next book.

It is available on Kindle for $8:
https://www.amazon.ca/Summer-Book-Tove-Jansson-ebook/dp/B007BP3A9U/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1470753923&sr=1-1&keywords=the+summer+book

I have also arranged to have 7 copies delivered to the Book City on Bloor Street  2354 Bloor Street West (between Runnymede and Jane). The books should be there by Thursday.  They will be held under College Street Bookclub.  They are paperback editions and we will receive a 10% discount for the book club.  If we need more then 7,  I can order more in. The additional books will take 5 business days to arrive.  Please let me know who wants a hard copy from Book City and I will make sure we have enough.  :)

Looking forward to seeing you all in September!

xo
Miriana

August 8 - Sotto Voce

We will convene at 7:00 pm at Sotto Voce Wine Bar 595 College St (Corner of Clinton) for our book club this month. In addition to excellent wine, Sotto Voce has love appetizers and pastas.

Please check in to let us know if you will be able to attend. We are sending support and love to Marney this week.

Monday Bookclub NOT at Rusholme Road

I'm sorry to cancel hosting book club Monday but I just learned one of my oldest friends had an aneurism on Friday and they are waiting for her boys to arrive from BC before they take her off life support.  I'm at a bit of a loss with how to support her family in their moment of need so hosting book club is one of those things that just seems too much take take on.  I know all of you will understand and support my decision although I do apologize for cancelling as having book club at a restaurant isn't quite the same a sitting in someone's backyard!

I've asked Barb and Carolyn to suggest somewhere you can meet, I'll leave those arrangements to all of you.  I'll see everyone in September.  Take care, and live life fully - sometimes there are no tomorrows.

August 8 = 218 Rusholme Road

I'm looking forward to hosting book club next Monday - August 8..... Should be a fun discussion to learn who would jump on a train to Lisbon and who would not!

The plan is to sit in backyard eating various summer salads and if all goes according to plan we'll have homemade peach pie for desert... Personally I'd just eat desert but I've learned this is a tough crowd to feed so there will be plenty of everything!

Address is 218 Rusholme Road, parking is on the street.

Marney.

What's Said on the Dock, Stays on the Dock 2016

Thank you Laura for opening your cottage to us and hosting this year's retreat. The weather, the food, the drinks, the card game and the company were all fantastic. We have had many great weekends on Lake Simcoe and this year was no exception. As always it is the conversation and the camaraderie that makes this time so much fun. Our group is full of interesting stories and antics. There were so many laughs.

Excellent contributions all round.

We look forward to connecting with the all of you in August at Marney's where we discuss Night Train to Lisbon and hopefully meet baby Theo.

If we would like to try out First Nations literature next year there is a good survey in the Hufpo.  http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2016/05/20/aboriginal-authors-canada_n_10051780.html

Cottage Book Club Retreat

Ladies, this Saturday July 9th is book club at the cottage. You are all welcome to arrive for sun and dock therapy anytime you want on Saturday. I will be up there around 10:00am. The day goes as follows, sun, swim and day drinking. I'll have a bunch of snacks feel free to bring whatever you like. We have a new blow up island so let's hope the dry hot weather continues and we'll float the day away.  Dinner is provided by me and that's when book talk starts.

All partners and kids are invited to join us on Sunday, please tell your families to come when they like to make the most of the day, we will bbq and have snacks so that everyone is happy.

There are 5 queen sized beds so lots of space for us all to sleep, I will have made the beds with fresh sheets, bring a pillow if you're particular, otherwise we are all covered.  At night and if the day is windy it can be cold so be sure to pack a sweater and pants for nightfall. We will continue our discussion by the fire.

Please let me know if your coming and if you're family is coming Sunday so I have an idea of numbers.

I think by now you all know where it is I'll send an email with the directions so as to not invite the world to see the ladies of book club dockside!

Introducing Theodore McLean Heinrich....born June 29 at 3:37pm

Are these the correct books?

Seems I wrote down some incorrect book titles and author names so before I fix the blog Carolyn and Julia can you confirm these are the books you wanted? When I went to Indigo today this is what I bought but they seem different  Thx

June Book - title seems different

July Book - author different

June & July's book selection

Natalie, you are a dedicated host when you stand in the pouring rain to BBQ our burgers!  A delicious start to summer eating even if we didn't get to enjoy your back patio.

Turns out it was a rare evening when almost everyone liked the book, ok so Barb didn't't enjoy it and Christine thought it was alright but everyone else LOVED it.... Jane when you are feeling better you'll need to read it and weigh in!  You were missed and everyone sends good thoughts your way.

The June book is "My struggle" vol.1 by Karl Ove Knausgard (Carolyn's pick) and July book is "Night at rain to Lisbon" by PeterBeiri (Julia's pick).

MONDAY BOOK CLUB

Hey Ladies!

Looking forward to hosting you on Monday.  Please bring a sweater in case it gets cool because I am hoping to sit us outside.  I'll be bbq'ing.  Dietary restriction?

166 Manning Ave.
Just south of Dundas, one way, a few blocks west from Bathurst.

Natalie

Interesting article related to My Brilliant Friend

http://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/writing-is-an-act-of-pride-a-conversation-with-elena-ferrante

Jane

A small but powerful discussion...

There were only six of us tonight but it was a powerful discussion... we discussed the book, menopause, cocaine, aging parents, death and so much more... Those of you who were absent were missed... Christine you were a wonderful host, dinner delicious and as always your home wonderful, warm and inviting.

Next month book is "A whole life" by Rober Seethaler.

Book Club Monday May 2 at Casa Reali

Looking forward to hosting everyone on Monday May 2, 2016 at 114 Grace Street.
Please make sure you don't park in front of my house (you will get ticketed). Please park south of Mansfield (stop sign in Front of Church).
Discussion of Tram 83 by Fiston Mwanza Mujila led by Carol
Please RSVP!

NOTE: Laura you will be presenting next month's book!

BOOK FOR MAY

Hi all.
Thanks Carolyn for such a fun pizza party last night.  I came home completely content and so pleased to see you all again. 
I have chosen Tram 83 for our book next month by author Fiston Mwanza Mujila (say that 5 times fast. Yeah, ya can't). I am hoping it is good as I have not done much research in choosing this and because Carolyn and Christine kinda scare me, I have my fingers crossed.
See you soon and maybe it will be spring when we see each other again.

My Brilliant Friends...

I will be hosting bookclub on April 04 and I'm sure a rousing discussion of female friendships will ensue.

7pm
508 Brunswick Ave. (just south of Dupont St.)
416 899 3271

Please let me know if you can make it.

An evening with amazing women... And a great Author

Barb - thank you for opening your home to all of us well as Sharon and our extra invited guests.  Your themed menu was delicious and channeled our inner prairie pioneer.  As well the apron you created was another collectors item.

Jane - thanks for convincing Sharon to spend an evening with us, such a wonderful way to celebrate International Women's Day.

Next month we go back to translated authors.  The choice is Elena Ferrante "My Brilliant Friend".  She's an Italian writer, book one of four and unfortunately Carolyn has already read this.  Good news is Carolyn liked it and so did Sharon so hopefully it will be a good read.  See you in April!

An Evening with Sharon Butala

I will be hosting book club on March 7 at 7:00pm. The author will be joining us and we have a few special guests as well to round out the evening. Details:

4 Croft Street (just north of College, 1.5 blocks E of Bathurst)
You can't park on Croft. Park on College (pay) or side streets.
416-546-6823

Please let me know if you're coming.

Click on the link, it will make it easier to read

http://themanbookerprize.com/man-booker-international-prize

Another great book club meeting

Thanks everyone for another great book club meeting and a wonderful book choice from Barb. There was much to talk about with this one. Our "books in translation theme" is going to offer us quite a bit to think about and discuss.

Having said that, we are taking a one month break from books in translation next month for Sharon Butala's book, "Wild Rose" because Sharon will be visiting Toronto and is able to come and join our discussion. Next month is at Barb's.

See you all in a month!

Found

One phone. Call me. I can offer a phone delivery service in the am.

February Book Club Reminder

Hello Everyone. February's Book club is on Monday February 1 at my house Our book this month is The Story of My Teeth by Valerie Luiselli and it is the first of our "Books in Translation" series. I'm looking forward to our usual spirited discussion.

Please RSVP if you are coming and let me know about your food preferences, restrictions, or allergies. See you Monday.

A possible change for March?

Hi fellow book club members. My friend and writer Sharon Butala is coming for a visit in March. She is speaking at the public library March 10. Right now she has not set her arrival date, but I could try to persuade her to arrive March 7 and be at our book club IF we wanted to take a break from the plan and read her new book, Wild Rose. It's had rave reviews and is really a great story.  http://www.quillandquire.com/review/wild-rose/
Sharon is a wonderful writer and would be a treat. Should I go for it? Feel free to say no. Being a new member, I don't know if it is terribly rude to request a plan change.

Thank You Julia!

Our book club rocks! Last night's discussion and hosting proved that we have something very very special.  I often brag that this book club is like no other. We read the books, we talk about the books and we invent interesting ways to explore the books, all while eating great food, drinking wine and respecting the code that "what's discussed in book club stays in book club."

Our newest member did a fine job hosting. Thank you Julia (and Carl) for opening your home and feeding us so well in your super cute bungalow. Also congratulations on your pregnancy. There are many in the group who can offer advice and guidance -- just ask.

While there were mixed reviews about MLP's writing, the group really appreciated the format that she used and the discussion and writing exercise was one of the best ones in our history. Thank you Christine for facilitating an interesting approach to the book.  Our members write pretty well -- despite everyone's protests that they couldn't. The stories were beautiful, heartfelt and honest. They told of discovery, personal growth, heartbreak and recovery. There were even some good titles like: Dear Gateway and Dear Mr. You Still haven't found what you're looking for.

Next month's book is The Story of My Teeth by Valeria Luiselli.

As always - it is an honour to be in the company of the book club members.

Dear Mr You our 2016 Book Club meeting Jan 4 @ Julia's home

Just a reminder of our assignment to write a short (or long) letter to a Mr. You  (or even a Ms You) from your personal memoirs. In the spirit of Mary Louise Parker, lets do some creative writing to head off the new year.
It doesn't have to be too personal, and doesn't have to be serious or even well written. Keep it simple and if you prefer, we can even be anonymous. It will be fun for each of us to read someone else's letter. If you cannot attend the book club, just send me your letters directly. Have fun writing them - I haven't started mine - waiting for inspiration to strike...
Looking forward to an interesting book club.