What We Thought: At the Water's Edge by Sara Gruen

Evening Book Club January 2016

At the Water’s Edge by Sarah Gruen

The evening’s discussion was dominated by recurring questions; “What is this book really about? What is the significance of water throughout the story?”  Several themes were evident; World War II and its effects on the residents of rural Scotland, the contrast of class differences between entitled socialites and working people in both England and Scotland, belief in traditional  folklore and practice of folk medicine, and the consequences of societal norms of male dominance and violence against women. There was the question of unusual male friendship interfering with recently married Maddie who was beginning to realize that her marriage and relationship with her husband Ellis and childhood friend, Hank was somewhat unorthodox.

Husband Ellis drank liberally and helped himself to Maddie’s medicine, so much so that she finally threw out her remaining supply. Undeterred Ellis continued on his drug addled spree with no concern for Maddie who was left to fend for herself in an inn full of strangers in the middle of the wild Scottish Highlands. Readers felt the search for the Loch Ness monster was backdrop for the transformation of Maddie from her former life into an authentic woman with true concern and understanding for those in the village and they for her. 

After much discussion it was decided that the Loch Ness monster was not defined or found, but perhaps was behind some of the supernatural events. Readers agreed that the author wrote extensively about the emotional and guarded lives of people. Although the story was a dark one, the group broke into nervous laughter at the absurd situations and antics of characters. Maddie speaking about husband Ellis after a terrifying incident of abuse in the night, “Dr.McLean banished everyone while he examined Meg, so the rest of us went downstairs to wait. As far as I could tell, Ellis had slept through the entire thing. That, or he was dead, but I saw no reason to check. If he was dead, he’d still be dead in the morning."  

Have you read At the Water’s Edge? What did you think? Please share your thoughts in comments.

What We Thought: Skipping Christmas by John Grisham

Evening Book Club

December  2015

Skipping Christmas

John Grisham

You're skipping Christmas! Isn't that against the law?” 

 Spike Frohmeyer

“This is a free country...you can do almost anything you want.”

 Luther Krank

Readers used the book as a springboard for sharing memories of past Christmas celebrations. Readers devoted a great deal of time reminiscing about exotic holiday treats. The conversation turned to recipes for favorite and reviled, local and international delicacies most notably fruitcake, mincemeat and venison hung out to cure on the porch. Nobody had a comment about the smoked trout served at the 

                                                Krank's Christmas party.

Another animated discussion centered around favorite Christmas specials; Emmett Otter’s Jug Band Christmas, Muppet Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens Christmas Carol with Alastair Sim, and of course, A Charlie Brown Christmas. The beloved Christmas character who brought an immediate smile to everyone was Buddy the Elf and everyone at once recited his four  main food groups; candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup.

Readers were not disappointed in the change of the author’s style of writing legal thrillers. Most were already Grisham fans and had read his other books and watched movies based on them. Once they discovered that Skipping Christmas was supposed to be humorous they got in the holiday spirit, stopped looking for dark elements and enjoyed the story. Some even laughed out loud at the absurdity of it all.

When the question was raised, “Who would skip Christmas?” only three said yes. When asked “What would you miss about Christmas?” the answers were tallied and the conclusion was everything! Skipping Christmas was a good idea until it wasn’t. This book served as a welcome break from stress of holiday hustle and bustle. Readers were visibly relaxed and cheerful at the end of the evening and a good time was had by all

Have you read Skipping Christmas? What did you think? Please share your thoughts in comments.

What We Thought: Marcelo in the real world by Francisco X. Stork

Evening Book Club Blog

November 25, 2015

Marcelo in the real world by Francisco X. Stork

Marcelo’s father Arturo has insisted that he change his summer plan from working with ponies at his school to a job in the mail room at his father’s law firm. The deal is that Marcelo must follow the rules of the “real world” in order to earn the privilege of returning to finish his senior year at his school.

Readers exclaimed that they “loved, loved, loved” Marcelo and his story. They recognized the point-counter point of the characters who were on Marcelo’s side and those who would take advantage of his naiveté. He was truly a good person who made decisions that fit into his life in a positive way. The discussion was evenly divided between those who accepted his childlike nature and wish to be left alone in his own world and those who felt that he should accept the challenge of the “real world” and move on to an independent life. No one changed their mind after the discussion ended, but everyone cheered for Marcelo and the outcome of his decisions.

Readers were very involved with Marcelo’s experiences and wanted to know about the author’s background and how he was able to write so convincing and emphatically about Asperger’s. They speculated about what happens to Marcelo after the book ends and wanted to talk personally with the author. Several plan to read his other books and talked quite a bit about them while reading from the book club discussion guide.

Quotes from Marcelo and his character traits were recognized as authentic and truthful. Most readers thought that his father Arturo pushed Marcelo out of his comfort zone into the “real world” for his own reasons and not for the benefit of Marcelo. It worked out for Marcelo anyway so it would have been a win-win situation except for Marcelo’s discovery of malfeasance in the law firm.

Marcelo found his way in the “real world” on his own with the support of his mother who some believed to be over protective but kind and understanding. His discussions with Rabbi Heschel revealed another dimension to his character and readers quoted passages of scripture from the book which resonated with them. Jasmine from the mail room encouraged him and accepted his somewhat unorthodox ways of doing things. She opened his eyes to new experiences and independence. Ixtel, the girl with an injured face showed Marcelo the positive as well as negative aspects of misfortune. Wendell, the other partner’s son was a bully, but Marcelo soon learned not to let him take advantage of any situation. One reader said, There are lots or weasels in the world like Wendell.”

Readers spoke about characters from TV shows and books who reminded them of Marcelo and others in his life. Eddy Haskell from Leave it to Beaver is a clone of Wendell and Sheldon from the Big Bang Theory could be Marcelo a few years in the future. It was said that Marcelo is a gentle soul and we need more of him in the world. Some readers decided to let Marcelo live in the “real world”. The world will not go away. He has to live there or he won’t be able to live on his own. He found his own place in the real world and will be self-sufficient. Others said that he should be left alone to live in his world because it’s a better life. One reader suggested that the group should end the evening with a rendition of “Imagine” by John Lennon. They declined.

Have you read Marcelo in the real world? What did you think? Please share your thoughts in comments.