Thanks to John and Next Book

Many thanks to John for hosting last night. I'm told that, in some book clubs, such a priority is placed on the food and drink that the actual book discussion is secondary. Fortunately, judging from last night's food service, we are in no danger of straying from our core mission. Cold and hungry, our bookmen somehow managed to choke out a few observations on this fascinating, if polarizing, novel by Cormac McCarthy.

For our next book, we have selected Oscar and Lucinda, by Peter Carey. My quick research reveals that this is a romance set in Australia , but is most definitely not Chick Lit (and therefore does not violate the Cardinal Rule of MBC). At 448 pages, I encourage everyone to start reading before July 10. Stan, if you need more time, take it from your day job and not from our company on July 10.

Peter will host our next meeting on July 10 at 7:00 pm. He has promised to serve us nothing canned or with its labels removed.

As a reminder to all, and to impose a little discipline on folks like Dean (Manchester United?!), come prepared with a book recommendation that meets our criteria (major award winner in the last 10 years, less than 500 pages, no chick lit). Go to http://www.powells.com/psection/Literature.html for a list and summaries of the different award winning books.

John to host next

Just a reminder that John is hosting our meeting on Tuesday, June 5, at 7:00 p.m. John will supply the food; libations are your responsibility. (Hint to Garth: that means BYOB.) John has warned me that his hospitality will be in keeping with the theme of our book, so bring warm clothing and an open mind.

For those of you who haven't read or finished The Road, don't worry. It reads quickly, if joylessly, and will stick with you long after you've put it down. (One of our members, who can't attend Tuesday's meeting and will remain nameless because he chose an evening with his in-laws over MBC, complained that The Road was a long and tedious journey in a relatively few pages. I disagree with Dave--oops!--but thought I would pass on his sentiments.)