MO Interview with your favourite T.V. host… Oprah

Happy Holidays Ladies!  I hope you are enjoying the book.  I think you may find Oprah's "conversation" with Michelle interesting: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdA_QlawkmQ 

See you next month.
Natalie

Reset for 2019....

Thanks to Laura's teaching background and therefore accurate note taking I now believe the blog has a current list of who's doing what when!  If changes need to be made we can easily alter in January!

January's Book (selected by Natalie) is Michelle Obama's new book, her biography. 

We decided to revisit our book theme in January as we wanted Barb & Jane's feedback on what might help us all ensure we select interesting books that work for everyone while helping us all learn a little bit more while we read!

Laura - again thanks for hosting Christmas, your holiday house was beautiful as well as the meal you served!  Sorry we never got to sing happy birthday to your boy! 

Barb - you'll see Palm Springs is on the list for an April location... you'll need to tell us if you think that's still possible, we all love the idea!

Twas' the Night Before Christmas!

Ladies:
Thank you for coming to the west end, not sure why I am thanking when we also travel to the east end!   Anyway, it was a great night, facilitated by Julia, most enjoyed the book and everyone had something to say.  The gift exchange did not disappoint, as the Elves did well presenting gifts in secret. The winners were those who wore their Christmas Cracker crowns the longest...or was is Carol who got a prized possession for all her travels.... No matter what we all made Santa's Nice list.  We also went about resetting our year, a true New Year's Eve.  So someone smarter than me please publish on the column on the left but here is what we determined, through fair selections:

Month             Host       Book Selector
January            Jane         Natalie               Book Selected Michelle Obama Biography
February          Natalie     Christine
March              Christine   Mirianna
April                 Barb PALM SPRINGS BOOK CLUB book selector Jane
May                  Carol        Julia
June                  Julia         Barb
July                  Cottage     Carolyn
August             Cottage      The cottage will be a summer month TBA
September        Carolyn     Laura
October             Mirianna   Marney
November         Marney      Carol

Let me know if there is a mistake.  Thank you all for another great year, I feel privileged to be part of your tribe.

Love Always and Best Wishes for a Merry Christmas and Happy New year!
Laura

Christmas Book Club in the West End

Ladies
Looking forward to hosting you on Monday while we kick it in the west end! I live at 3 Paddington Place. Don’t forget your gift for the gift exchange, the tree will be up for you to place it under. See you then to discuss Swing Time!
Laura

Ferrante article

I thought a few of you might be interested in this article on Ferrante. There is a lot of interest in “My Brilliant Friend” because of the new HBO series (which I highly recommend).

https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2018/12/elena-ferrante-pseudonym/573952/

Have fun at the next book club! Sorry I will miss it (again.)

Jane

December Book is....

Zadie Smith “Swing Time” - Julia’ choice!

December book club is December 3rd hosted by Laura and yes bring a gift in the $25 “range”... spend more if you want, find something that speaks to you and makes everyone want to steal it as we are playing where three times is a charm and it’s yours!

Both Jane and Barb will be MIA in December traveling the world but I hope to see everyone else there as December is always one of my favourite book clubs!

And before I forget ... OMG Mariana I think you should have become a celebrity chef vs Executive Producer... wow what a delicious meal... there’s still time to add catering to your business portfolio!

Happy November to all!

NOVEMBER BOOK CLUB

Hello friends!  It has been so long. 

I will be hosting book club on Monday Nov 5th @ 7PM.  My address is 146 Westminster Ave.

Looking forward to seeing you all.

Dinner will be a surprise - ie - not sure what I will be pulling together.  :)

Please let me if you can make it.

Miriana

Transcription by Kate Atkinson

Is the November pick.

October 1st is next Monday!

For those of you who thought there was plenty of time to still to read Judy's book I thought I'd give you a gentle reminder that book club is next Monday!  I'm personally very excited about hosting and meeting Judy in person as I don't believe I've ever read about a more interesting person who's life so far has been truly spectacular!  I found this a super hard read at times but also learned so much reading about her history and therefore all of our collective history. 

This book was my selection but I've asked Jane to facilitate the discussion on my behalf as hosting and facilitating is too much to take on.  I know last month we had a heated discussion around what facilitating a discussion actually means and although I know we have divided opinions on how facilitation should occur I leave it to Jane to define and lead.  The two hours of time will go quickly and after finishing the book there is so much to discuss we absolutely need categories of discussion or we will be chatting until the wee small hours of the morning!

Plan is to likely cook a gluten free pasta (Judy is Gluten intolerant) along with regular pasta dish, salad etal... if there's anything you need to remind me that you don't eat please do so as that's always helpful.  Looking forward to seeing everyone next week! 

218 Rusholme Road.  Street Parking and when in doubt about two cars can fit in the back in front of our garage.  My cell 416-720-0161.

Happy Fall... rode my bike today to work and need to wear gloves, yuck!

Some book club business...

It was decided at last night’s meeting to do our annual reset in December so here are some additional hosting and book selectors to get us through to December... I’ve switched a few things up by following last year’s cycle of Book selectors to ensure everyone has their turn!

October Host = Marney / October Book selector = Carolyn

November Host = Mariana / November Book selector = Julia

December Host = Laura / December Book selector = Miriana

Fall has arrived...

Carol thanks for hosting a lovely evening of spirited debate... whether challenging Christine on her interpretation of the university years in the book, discussing our behaviour at previous book clubs with previous author guest or deciding where Natalie should purchase her second home (PEI vs Simcoe) we certainly all are opinionated!  And just so we are clear, that is what I love about this book club... we are all passionate about everything but at the end of the day we come together to discuss the book we read and connect those readings to our live.

  Next month is hosted at my place and the book we are discussing is Judy Rebick’s book “Heroes in my head”.  Bookclub is Monday Oct. 1 - see you then!

Hi friends

Sorry for the delay in posting.  I am in the mountains and I have no service most of the time out here.  I am in a hotel now so can post.
Book club is at my house on Monday.  1028 Queen Street East.  Parking is free and the door (black with graffiti) will be open.  Don't forget the stairs are steep!  Hoping to sit outside as the house was painted while I was gone so may be smelly and all the art is on the floor.  We'll see.
I land at noon and have to go right to a tech scout so I will likely be ordering in.  Who is coming and would you prefer portugese chicken, dim sum/bao or sushi?
Please let me know if coming and your preference.
See you soon.
xo

September book choice

On the lighter side....  Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman. See you all on September 10th at Carol’s.

Email test

testing to see who is receiving emails from the blog as I missed Laura’s cottage post... if you can please reply so we know if it’s just me or there’s something up!  See everyone Saturday, can’t wait.

Cottage book club

Ladies:
Looking forward to hosting you Saturday July 14th at the Lake, can you tell me who is coming and your planned time of arrival on Saturday because that will direct my timing! As usual Ladies for Saturday, I will do appetizers and dinner on Saturday  and families, kids,lovers and friends welcome on Sunday. We usually do snacks on the dock Saturday if you and your loved ones are staying Sunday I'll bbq for the gang just let me know if you’re in for Saturday and Sunday. Dave and my boys will be coming on Sunday.
Can’t wait,
Laura

Looking for a book

Hi. In my terrible memory, I have a vague recollection of loaning one of you my copy of Lincoln in the Bardo. I could be wrong. My memory is truly terrible because concussion. But I can't find it (not unusual) and then I had this little spark of a memory. Our discussion was over and someone who hadn't read it and wanted it. Or was that somewhere else? Let me know if one of you has it. I think it was hard copy. I need to look at it again for another purpose. I like George Saunders a lot but don't need to pay him twice for this book.

NEXT MONTH'S BOOK!

Thanks Julia for being a great host and serving a delicious Middle Eastern dinner.
It was so nice to see Theo and Carl. Theo was an adorable host serving us crackers and olives! 

Thanks to Jane for picking a very interesting book. The discussion brought up conflicting discussions and opinions on Lucy Barton's life. We had lots to talk about, and the question "We only have one story?" is a very compelling one...

Next months' book is Blood, Water, Paint by Joy McCullough

A feminist young adult historical novel written in verse. About a female painter who wins a trial against her rapist - in 1612.

This is the story of Artemisia Gentileschi, a young woman living in Rome with her family. Her father sells paintings signed with his name, even though it is Artemisia who does all the work. Her mother, long dead now, once told her goodnight-stories of strong women trying to survive in the world of men. Today she finds solace in these tales. When a handsome young artist comes into her home and promises to take her under his wing and free her from her malicious father, Artemisia falls in love with him - until he does not take a no for a no.


The assignment is to try and write a short prose piece that can embody the theme of 'difficult women'. Or, not. We can share our prose WIPs on July 14 at Laura's family cottage in Lake Simcoe. Happy reading. Stay safe and see you next month.

June Book Club

Hi Everyone!

I'm very much looking forward to hosting book club next Monday, June 4th at 7pm.

We're out of our house because of some basement renovations so I will be hosting at my Mum's apartment (she is conveniently out of town). The address is 485 Huron Street, apartment 1402.

Please let me know of allergies/restrictions.

Hope to see you all Monday!

Julia

A small yet opinionated group...

There were only five of us tonight but I believe we kept the noise factor high enough that Christine’s men feel traumatized having book club at their house which is only fair since Peter is still recovering from last month!

Christine thank you for hosting a lovely evening of conversation and delicious food.  I think one of my favourite moments from tonight was when Carolyn started describing her meditation retreat and Christine was full of questions, leaning in to learn more!

Next month’s book is in the post below, enjoy the read and see you all then.

(Jane - fantastic news about Judy R. In October... very cool!)

Judy Rebick book now on for Oct 1/ June 4 is "My Name is Lucy Barton."

Hi all. I ran into Judy last night and we got it sorted out. She's too busy with the tour right now, but can come to our book club to discuss "Heroes in my Head" for our October meeting, which is October 1 (first Monday).  I think it is worth waiting for her. We haven't set that up yet in the schedule because it is too far ahead. So that will be my book choice for next year! And we don't know who is hosting yet, but I'd rather it wasn't me since I promised to pick her up.

Is that ok with everyone?

For the upcoming book club in June, which is July 4 at Julia's, I choose, "My Name is Lucy Barton," by Elizabeth Strout. I'm not sure if she's difficult - it's a matter of perspective. But there certainly is one difficult woman in the book. It's a straight up novel, kind of nice even, almost heartwarming. I thought it might be a nice change and she is an excellent writer.

Apologies to Nats who is already in Spain and is now reading ahead for this coming October. But Lucy Barton is a fast read.

See you June 4 at Julia's.

Jane

Shocker...

My job has moved our shoot day from Sunday to Monday due to location availability.  As a result I can't make Monday.  Christine has agreed to swap hosting duties with me so Monday will be at her house.
I will send discussion questions via email.
SO lame.
Have fun!

My house... Monday May 7

Hi all,
Come have dinner with me and we will talk about a book.
1028 Queen East.
Black door with graffiti all over it.  It will be open.  Let yourself in.
See you then.
Parking on street is free.
Let me know if you are coming.

Hey! I'm away again for the upcoming book club and I'm supposed to choose for June. Prompted by Barb, I'm choosing "Heroes in my Head" by Judy Rebick.
https://houseofanansi.com/products/heroes-in-my-head

I have invited Judy to join us, although I have not yet heard back. It is possible she may say she can come at a later date, in which case I'll have to switch with someone (again) but I think it will be worth the chaos to have the chance to talk with her. She's really great. Hoping I hear from her soonish. Whether or not she can come, I think the book is going to generate quite a bit of discussion.

If you find the book engaging, she has been interviewed several times about it. Here is a link to CBC.
http://www.cbc.ca/radio/thecurrent/the-current-for-april-10-2018-1.4611587/how-judy-rebick-s-11-personalities-helped-her-cope-with-the-abuse-she-suffered-as-a-child-1.4611611

I will be in Spain during book club this moth but thought I would throw out this suggestion… Canada's former and first female Chief Justice, Beverley McLachlin, is launching her debut novel next week.  I think she fits well into this year's theme.

http://www.simonandschuster.ca/books/Full-Disclosure/Beverley-McLachlin/9781501172786

Hi all.
So I spent a part of my day in Chapters today looking for a book I would like to read.  Based on our discussion last night I have created a shortlist--
It Girls
Girl in Disguise
Bachelor Girl

I'm obviously kidding.

I am going to side with Carolyn on this one as her choice of Brave really did interest me.  There were others but honestly why not make someone else really happy.

So book choice is Brave by Rose McGowan.
You're welcome Carolyn.

Also, remind me to tell you about the call I got today in regards to women being underpaid in film!! So timely and so remarkable that a male in our industry has decided to stand up and fight for our right to be paid equal and be given more roles as art directors!  Such a great day.

To drink or not... that is the question!

It was such a lovely evening discussing the merits of drinking  or not... would we be better friends if a close friend said they had a drinking problem, could we hide the realities of drinking ?  All godd meaningful questions!

Barb - such a lovely meal, thank you!  You make hosting seem simple!

FYI Carol will post later this week the April book choice, see everyone in May!

Book Club Easter Monday April 2

I will be hosting book club on Monday April 2nd. 7:00 pm at 4 Croft Street.

Let me know if you are able to attend. 

Thanks Natalie and April book

Great discussion tonight of "What Happened?" And a fantastic delicious and super healthy dinner made from scratch by Natalie. Every bite was yummy. Thanks! And great to see Scully again.

Natalie chose the next book which is "Girl Walks Out of a Bar: A Memoir" by Lisa F. Smith. Book club will be April 2, Easter Monday at Barb's. Carol is choosing the book for May, replacing me, because I'll still be away.

I suggested two books tonight based on the wide ranging conversation we were having. They are:
Strangers in Their Own Land by Arlie Russell Hochschild
And
Women and Power: A Manifesto by Mary Beard.

See you all again in June.

Feeling pretty lucky...

To have such an incredible group of women in my life.  Thanks for making me laugh, question, reflect and feel like I might be the dumbest person in the room at all times (and not care one bit). You are all just so fantastic and I am happy to know each and every one of you.

I am excited about our next book and am curious about the Rabbi, the priest and the minister.

See you all next month to celebrate both our book choice and the resurrection of our lord and saviour. Cabbage rolls and red wine - the body and the blood.  Seems perfect.

Read on.

March 5th Book Club

What Happened - Hillary Clinton

Looking forward to seeing all of you on Monday!  

My address is 166 Manning - link here:

https://www.google.ca/maps/@43.6503092,-79.4150311,16 

Just south ⟱ of Dundas (one way south) and a few blocks east ➾ of Trinity Bellwood's. 

Nat

One of the things I love...

... I love heading to book club thinking I didn’t really like the book only to return from book club thinking what a good book... amazing how our discussion changes opinions!

Jane thank you for a delicious meal and for hosting a lovely evening... Carolyn and Barb, thanks for sharing NYC stories of dancing to the wee hours and the joy of open an bar..... Julia, great moderating and book choice plus thanks also for keeping us young... Christine glad to see you finally didn’t enjoy the book but that has no reflection on us growing old, nope none at all... and Natalie so happy you managed juggle stuff to get off work.

Next month Natalie is hosting and Laura selected the book.  The book selected is Hilary Clinton’s book “What happen?” See everyone in March.

February Book Club

Carmen Maria Machado's book of short stories, Her Body and Other Parties, will be under the microscope on Monday, February 5 at my house. Street parking is available but not assured.

I know someone doesn't do shellfish or red meat and others are vegetarian. Anything I'm forgetting?

Let me know if you are coming. Looking forward to seeing everyone.

February Book Selection

Hello Book Club!

I'm so sorry to have missed last night. Carolyn informed me it was a night of enthusiastic debate!

I hope my book choice will prove as interesting. I have selected a(nother) collection of short stories:

"Her Body and Other Parties" by Carmen Maria Machado

I look forward to seeing you all next month!

Julia

Happy 2018!

What a wonderful start to another year of passionate discussion around life and the books we read!  Carolyn thank you for hosting and toasting the new year... that lemon meringue was the best ever! 

Julia is selecting next months book... stay tune for her selection.  Jane is hosting and will send details prior.  In the meantime stay warm, read lots and apparently watch award shows as they spark great conversations!