The Observation Deck

With all of this talk about whether or not it would be possible to open a book store--I was thinking how about a book club in the mean time? I would love to meet some neighbors and discuss some good books over coffee. Anyone game?

Erin--- Great idea! I've found it increasingly difficult to finish a book since I've gotten a computer yet I still enjoy reading.

Maybe this would be the inducement!

Stan Austin

I would be interested! Any ideas for a location?

Bela, of course.

Jeff

I'm interested in the book club--has it happened yet?

--Katherine

their is a book club that meets at bela dubby every so often.....It seems like once every other month at the most. I will look for their info or feel free to start another.....
I would join but the last book I read the The Stand back in 1986.

I am ready to set a date and pick out a first read. Any suggestions?

Are you thinking fiction or non fiction?

My son got a good book for Christmas that is pretty interesting.

Blink:The Power of Thinking without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell It is a pretty interesting non fiction. It was pretty easy and fascinating. I grabbed it one evening and read about half of it quickly.

Another one is The Death and Life of Great American Cities by Jane Jacobs a historical one on Urban planning another good non fiction.

But I love fiction too, and they are usually easier reads. I know great literature is often depressing, but I'd prefer something a little less than horribly depressing.

One that I read with my son last year was Disgrace by Coetzee. He is a South African author who won a Nobel Prize for Literature. Amazing story. I'd kind of like to read more of his work - but definitely depressing.

Maybe Ken has some ideas?

On April 4, the Lakewood Public Library will be hosting an Evening with Sue Monk Kidd at Lakewood Civic Auditorium. May I suggest either The Secret Life of Bees or The Mermaid's Chair? You can bring your questions, comments, and books to be signed and help out the Lakewood Public Library Foundation in the process. It will be a great community event!

I'd suggest any of the wonderful books by Rachel Ray.

Granted, they're cook books.

Chef Geoff

Here's an idea that combines proven excellence in literature along with a local slant.----David Halberstom just recently wrote a book about pro football featuring Bill Belechick (New England Patriots head coach who learned his trade here).

I've never been in a book club so I don't know what a discussion could be. But I would like to know why other readers think Halberstom is so good and even though the topic is football it's a subject about which many people might have a familiarity with.

Stan Austin

I'm overwhelmed with all the good suggestions! I need a happy book right now so my initial inclination was to go with Rachael Ray but I am not sure how long we could discuss "EVOO".

What if we try Lynn's suggestion: Blink:The Power of Thinking without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell, since it is a quick read. Then maybe the football book and the Secret Life of Bee's in March (before the event).

What do you think? How long should we wait before the first meeting?

I think the Rachel Ray book would be better discussed in someone's kitchen testing one of her recipes. (Jeff?) I love her too, I've never seen anyone so happy about food.

Lynn Ferris--I recently read Disgrace also and had a similar reaction. Anyway, it sounds like there is no dearth of ideas about what books--but how about what day? What time? That will be more of an issue for me. I won't be able to make it on a weekday or evening--just weekends. Also, and please no offense meant to the men, but is anyone interested in a women's book group? (obviously this forum could potentially generate more than one book group)

Katherine---- Let's start with ONE club first, then split off if there's an interest.

How 'bout this for a time---- Thursday evening or on Saturday (Bella Dubba is closed on Sundays) because many public meetings are on Monday night.

Maybe just a first meeting to talk about a book club (it's new to me) and what criteria we might use for choosing books.

Stan Austin