November 16, 2011

A Taste for Death (Adam Daigliesh Mystery No. 7), by PD James: The beautifully crafted complex characters have read Trollope and are knowledgable about architecture and art. Daigliesh, a Scotland Yard detective with a tragic past is also a poet and Sgt Kate Miskin, newly assigned to replace his previous longterm assistant has problems in her personal life. 480p

January 18, 2012

Abigail Adams, by Woody Holton: Based on her writings, largely letters, Abigail is revealed as a business woman who invested her own money (not necessarily the way John would approve) as well as a reformer both inside and outside the home. 512p

February 15, 2012

Perrot and Oliver in America, by Peter Carey:  A riff on deTocqeville...”The stark differences in class and background, outlook and attitude...(humorously present) the unique social experiment that was democracy in the early years of America”  400p

March 21, 2012

Cleopatra by Stacey Schiff:  Monumental research about “the life and times” leads to an understanding of this legendary woman, about whom little is known except that written by her enemies. 384p

April 18, 2012

Poetry Month: Please bring a few poems to share with the group.

May 16, 2012

Room: A Novel, by Emma Donoghue: Narrated by five year old Jack, who with his Ma occupy Room (their 11X11 prison) along with frequest late night visitor ‘Old Nick’. As Jack grows older and more curious, it becomes clear that the room will not be able to hold him forever. 352p

June 20, 2012

The Autobiography of Alice B Toklas, by Gertrude Stein: Published in 1933, the book is full of the most lucid and shapely anecdotes, told in a purer and more closely fitting prose...than even Gide or Hemingway have ever commanded.