LA Book Club

[mobox]

This is the new thread for the Los Angeles Book Club (aka LA WC Book Club)

The list of books are as follows:

January – Sunday 13th (Los Angeles)
Goodbye Without Leaving – Laurie Colwin

March – Sunday 2nd (Burbank area)
Girls Who Gossip – Theresa Alan
The Zahir: Novel of Obsession – Paulo Coelho

April – Sunday 13th (Santa Monica area)
Lamb – Christopher Moore

June – Sunday 1st (Pasadena area)
Frenemies – Megan Crane

July – 12th or 13th (Los Angeles)
March – Geraldine Brooks

August – Sunday 17th (Encino area)
Snowflower and the Secret Fan – Lisa See

September - 27th or 28th (Los Angeles)
Little Chapel on the River – Gwendolyn Bounds

November - Sunday @ (Los Angeles)
Fortune Rocks – Anita Shreve

December Christmas Dinner – Sunday 14th TBA
Away – Amy Bloom

Upcoming Books:
• "Anything for Jane" by Cheryl Mendelson
• Dreaming in Cuban – Cristina Garcia
• Winkie – Clifford Chase

[mobox]

By the way, if you are not in the book club, all are welcome in Los Angeles, please post to this to join.

[Katy]

wow, a thread I can actually participate in. Well sort of (if I'm not reading the book, and am just along for the drinks and chats - that's *still* participating, right?!?!

Any intrest in other local areas to meet up and discuss the same books?

Katy

[nixer]

Hi there,

Hope I'm not barging in on the conversation.....I did want to chime in to say that I'd definitely be interested in a book club in the San Diego area, if there are any other takers.....

[Rosebud]

Oh good, I found you! Haven't picked up our current book yet, but will hopefully be doing that this weekend. I'm still reading Wendy's "The Ivy Chronicles", which is good chick lit fun. :)

Katy- This site is awesome! I'm completely addicted.

[mobox]

I love the site too. So much easier than WC!!!
Although I miss some of my pals over there.

[Elizabeth]

I want to join! Where are the meetings?

[Katy]

The past two times they've been on Sunday evenings in Silver Lake at one of the gals homes. It was fun, half book talk, half socializing (then again, they just picked the actual book this last meeting). If you're still interested, just drop a note and I'm sure Mo can set you up.

[mobox]

Elizabeth,
Check out the first post above to see what we are starting with. The next meeting will be in 4-5 weeks and we'll post info here. Thanks for joining!!

[mobox]

Is everyone reading their book???

I started last night and I really like it so far. :)

[Katy]

I ordered mine and should get it this week or next some time. I can't wait.

Waving - Hi Wendy, I see you! :D

[Rosebud]

I finished it last week. I thought it was good-- definitely interesting and a unique point of view.

Read it a little early because I wanted to clear my slate in anticipation of HARRY POTTER!! :D

[Katy]

The book just came in the mail today. I'm going to plop myself down on the couch and start reading (after I call to schedule a groom for the boy) :D

[Rosebud]

Hey, how's the reading going? Should we schedule another meeting-- maybe towards the end of the month or so?

:D

[mobox]

Yay, absolutely. I"m open on the 28th...anyone else???

[wendalah]

I haven't read the book yet!
Blah!
But yes, 28th works fine for me.

[Rosebud]

The 28th is good for me, too.

:-)

p.s. If you all don't mind coming further west and sitting amidst boxes of incoming wedding presents, I can host it this time.

[mobox]

I'll go anywhere.
Wendy~we need to talk about me bringing my bro over!!!

[Raven_Girl]

The meetings are in LA? COOL!!
I want to come!!!
I've always wanted to join a book blub.

[Rosebud]

Just checking in. Are we still thinking the 28th?

Also, I started "The Time Traveler's Wife"-- not really feeling it so far. Anyone else started it?

:-)

[mobox]

E~ ARe you still up for hosting on the 28th? And if so, what time? Email me your address and I'll send out an email to the list tomorrow. I'm still up for it.

[Rosebud]

Hi Maureen,
I emailed you with the info. Are you going to invite Julia to this one as well?
Erin

[Amuse Bouche]

I'd love to join, too! Just moved to LA and I'd love to meet some people. AND I happened to pick up the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency at the Library this weekend!

[Amuse Bouche]

Looked at the dates (doh!) Are you on the Time Traveler's Wife? I've read that, too.

[mobox]

Amuse,
I'll email you through CC to get the details. WE are still on #1 Ladies and are meeting next weekend.

[Katy]

I think I can make the 28th. We have a doctor's appointment the 29th, so I might stay home and have a little "girlie time" and let Richard visit his dad. I won't know for certain until we get closer.

Don't forget to email Chrisy, Mo (and my friend Tammy - RavenGirl, above - said she might be interested as well, but I can contact her if you want)

*side note* Mo, you started a CC journal?

[Amuse Bouche]

Great! If the CC messaging isn't working for some reason, I'm at amusebouches@gmail.com. I'll put down Kim and start on the #1 Ladies.

[alical04]

I would love to join for the next meeting in which you discuss "The Time Travelers Wife" since I wasnt able to read the first book. Just post when you plan on having the second meeting for that book.

[Rosebud]

Here's the list I have so far:

1. Maureen
2. Wendy
3. Katy
4. Julia
5. Erin (me)
6. Caitlin

ETA: Sarah can't come after all.

Anyone else planning to come?

[Amuse Bouche]

I'd love to come, but I didn't get any info ... I did finish the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, though!

[Rosebud]

Amuse Bouche- I just sent you an email.
:)

[mobox]

Katy, do you know if Chrissy got my email? I sent her all the info.

[Rosebud]

It was great to see you all at book club last night and to meet some new members, as well! I'm sorry that my place was so hot (hopefully this heat wave is almost over!)-- but it was really fun to hang out with all of you. Enjoy "The Time Traveler's Wife." I can't wait to discuss that one!

[Katy]

Erin, it was so much fun and thanks again. The heat wasn't so bad (we don't have a decent AC, so I rarely even use it) so don't even worry about that. I totally forgot we had this thread. Thanks also for the wine names - I think I'll go pick them up today and have them chilled and ready for when the hubby wants a glass.

I think I'll need to subscribe to this thread now. I'll start Timetraveler's Wife as soon as I finish my cheesy chicklit book (Neurotica by Sue Margolis - it's quite "eh", but I'm one of those that can't bring myself put down a book once I've made it half way through.

Again ladies, it was great to meet and hang with you all.

PS - we got some pretty good news on my FIL (it's in my LJ if you care to find out any details

[mobox]

See you all again soon!

[Elizabeth]

Sorry I missed it! I'm looking forward to the next one!

[Amuse Bouche]

I swear I had substantive and insightful discussion topics re: the book. Maybe we should do chitchat at our meetings and save the booktalk for online, lol.

[Katy]

I just now finished The Time Traveler's Wife. All I can say is "wow". That book was great. I loved it all (even the beginning - I know Erin, you said you didn't really like it unti the middle).

Of course, now I have nothing to read while at the hospital tomorrow, but I"m sure I can dig up something :sheepishgrin:

[Katy]

Just a reminder ladies, Liza's book signing (Conversations with the Fat Girl (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0446693952/ref=pd_rhf_p_1/002-9361143-4655210?v=glance&s=books&no=*)) is this Monday at Vromans in Pasadena if anyone is planning on joining. She's also having an "afterparty" that we can go to.

I just now picked up the book at Barnes & Noble and will start reading it as soon as I catch up on the boards here.

Let me know if you plan on going with so I can adjust my RSVP :cool:

[mobox]

I hope you are all reading "The Time Traveler's Wife." I just started it. I offered to host the next gathering. We decided on the end of Oct since Erin will be back by then. This time, I swear we will talk more about the book!!! :)

[Rosebud]

Yes, I'm dying to talk to you all about this book. Really enjoyed it. Oh- and Wendy I still have to return the book you lent me! I'll be back from the honeymoon at the end of October and am looking forward to seeing you then. :D

[Amuse Bouche]

I read it in March, and then lent it to my mom, but I rescued it from my parents' house last weekend to reread. Good thing I have plenty of time!

[mobox]

So, Erin is on her honeymoon but I thought it would be good to plan our next meeting. I'd like to propose November 6th at 4:30 (I'd like to start a little earlier and I'll do a light dinner). It will be at my casa. Is everyone available? I'll send this out to the group via email as well.

Amuse, can you PM me so I make sure I have your email.

[Katy]

that works for me.

[mobox]

So everyone is still on the same page: December 4th at my house. Dinner will be served!

[Rosebud]

Great! I can't wait to see all of you. :)

[mobox]

Bring pictures!!!
And I can finally show you all my wedding album. Only like two people have seen it. :)

[Amuse Bouche]

Yay! I totally want to see both of your wedding pictures. I'd bring mine, but I got married almost three years ago, and it's getting kind of embarrassing ...

[mobox]

Hey girl, bring them anyway!!!
Also, give me the name of the book you haven't read but want to add to the list of our books.

[Amuse Bouche]

Life of Pi. I've been meaning to read it forever.

If everyone has already read it, I could pick another one.

I think we should have a wedding theme to Time Traveler's Wife and everyone should bring their wedding photos.

[Rosebud]

Yes, I'd like to read Life of Pi, too.

If there's a wedding theme for our next meeting, how about if we all just wear our wedding dresses? :p And they say you can never wear them again...

[Katy]

LOL - I like the idea of a wedding-themed meeting (although I WON'T be wearing my dress, but I can wear the tiara and shoes again!) Didn't Wendy say she wanted to eat wedding cake again anyway?

I read Life of Pi, but you guys can still read it. It was quite good.

[cactus]

Hi there,
I just sleuthed my way over to this thread from the LA thread, and I'd love to be a part of the book club (Is that okay? Are you still taking new people?). I'm in Venice and am willing to travel. Can someone fill me in on the December book and when the meeting is? It sounds fun...

Thanks!
Alex

[mobox]

Hi Alex,
It's "The Time Traveler's Wife" and the meeting is Dec 4th at my house in South Pasadena. Email me at mo1mo@email.com and I'll add you to our distribution.


Ok, ladies, I'm pulling out my veil and putting it on!!!

[meatpie]

Somehow I lost track of this group. I'd love to join in!!! Although I can't make Dec. 4th I'll try for the next meeting!!!

email me (joannagrossman@hotmail.com) pleeeze!

[mobox]

Hi Joanna,
I'll add you back into our email trail.

[Amuse Bouche]

Had a great time last night, ladies!

The price comparison book shopping site I mentioned is here:

www.addall.com

[Rosebud]

Thanks, Caitlin! I'm excited to check out that site.
:D

[cactus]

Okay, I did space out on this month, but I'd like to try and participate next month! Hope the meeting was fun.

[Katy]

Alex, the meeting was great fun! Definately pick yourself up a copy of The Red Tent (for our next meeting), or volunteer to be the non-reader for that book. We found that it was quite easy to discuss the book when you had to explain it and talk about what you liked/disliked and why, to the one person that didn't read it (wendy!) I think Caitlin might have volunteered to host (still up in the air) and if so, it will be over in the Miracle Mile-ish area.

[SMgal]

Hi Katy!!

It's Julia. You convinced me and I joined today!
Your above post made me laugh because I have been telling all my friends how GREAT our discussion was. You're probably right. Explaining the story to the non reader probably brought up the discussion a few notches!! =)

[Katy]

I really think that made a difference. Of course, now I wonder who will be the designated non-reader (I haven't started the book, but I did already BUY the book). And again, glad you decided to pop on over to CC :D

[meatpie]

The Red Tent it is!! See you in Jan. I hope it's in the Miracle Mile area, as I will be 8 1/2 months pregnant then!!!

[Elizabeth]

YEA!!!! I'm actually already reading this book! Phew! :D

[Amuse Bouche]

*waves*
Hi Julia!

[mobox]

If you are new and need to be added to our email distribution, please send me a note to mo1mo@email.com

[mobox]

So far the first three weekends in January, someone can't make it. So moving on, can everyone go on the 29th? I'll send out an email this week to confirm.

[SMgal]

I'm good for the 29th...

Hi Amuse Bouche!! :)

[Rosebud]

The 29th is good for me, too!

[Katy]

wait, did I miss it? I thought Caitlin posted that if she's hostessing, that the beginning of the month is better for her because she has boards in early Feb. I'm sure I'll be fine either way.

[Amuse Bouche]

How about this -- I'll host on the 29th, but I'll also be the designated non-reader? Saves me a bit of time.

And the bar isn't until late February. I'm just a big wuss. Plus I have the month of February off from work.

[mobox]

Sounds good to me... Caitlin, email me your address, phone and directions and I'll send out the email.

If you aren't the email distribution and want to be, email me at mo1mo@email.com

[mobox]

Elizabeth and Meatpie...

Do I have your emails?

[meatpie]

joannagrossman AT hotmail.com

The 29th works great for me! Hopefully I won't have had this kid by then (due mid-Feb.)

Sorry - what are we reading again?

[Katy]

Hey Mo, I might have a few other JLPers interested (like Jasmin - and she should be here on CC later tonight). I'll tell them to email you if they are.

[mobox]

Right now we are at 11. I think we need to make a decision as a group as to how many more we should allow to join as I personally don't want it to get TOO big. You know?

[Rosebud]

I completely agree. Smaller is better for this particular gathering. No more than 12?

[Amuse Bouche]

I think max 12 sounds like a good number.

[Katy]

works for me.

[Raven_Girl]

Right now we are at 11. I think we need to make a decision as a group as to how many more we should allow to join as I personally don't want it to get TOO big. You know?

Since you're at your max number I won't ask about joining the group.

[mobox]

Katy and Raven Girl. As far as I can tell we are at 10 people, including Joanna. The consensus was 12. So if Raven Girl adds, we can still add one of your girls too Katy. Let me know email addresses and I'll add them to the chain.

[Katy]

Cool! That would be Raven Girl (Tammy) and Jasmin from JLP (she's on CC now too - JCoyne - although she hasn't been on lately). I'll go send your her email (and one I have for Tammy) :D

[stochasticgirl]

Doh! Are you really thinking about closing the group? Because I have a friend who just moved to LA and she's looking for some new friends and a book club to join, and of course I thought of you all.

Let me know...

[Katy]

Me, i'm a more the merrier kind of gal (plus I'm pretty certain that on any given date, someone won't be able to make it - and I know of one gal that hopes to move over the next couple months), but I think since most of us have smallish houses, that we're limiting the size. Mo is our unofficial leader, so we'll wait until she comes back from vacation and she what she says - and of course, everyone else is welcome to share their thoughts.

[Katy]

Check it out...there's a Reading Group Guide where they have some discussion questions for groups. Here's the one for The Red Tent (http://www.readinggroupguides.com/guides/red_tent.asp)

[mobox]

Thanks for the reading group guide.

Judy, send me her email when she gets to LA. We are trying to keep it at 12 so that we aren't too crowded in our small spaces and right now I think we are at 11.

[Katy]

See you ladies later today! :D

[Rosebud]

Hey girls! Tonight's meeting was really fun. Thanks, Caitlin for hosting! :)

Here's a link to that book I mentioned, "Quarantine (http://tinyurl.com/bex2w)." It's sort of similar to "The Red Tent" in expanding upon a Biblical story. It's about the 40 days Jesus spends in the desert & is really interesting.

Also I wanted to recommend a memoir that I read and really liked. I was thinking of it during our conversation about "A Million Little Pieces" and totally forgot to mention it. It's called "Another B.S. Night in Suck City" (http://tinyurl.com/797jh) and is about a young man (later a poet and Columbia professor) who volunteers in a Boston homeless shelter where his "struggling writer" father eventually ends up living. I highly recommend it--- very moving.

See you next time!

[Katy]

Ladies, tonight was fun! I enjoyed getting together and chatting about the book and life in general. Good food, good conversation and good friends, what more could you ask for?!?!

Amuse, what was that foodie site you mentioned again?

[Amuse Bouche]

I had fun too! Sorry I'll miss the next one. Maybe I'll email my discussion thoughts to Mo.

Katy -- the site was www.egullet.org

[Katy]

Thanks Amuse! I bookmarked it and will check it out later.

PS - Southerner, I see you! Get out of our thread :p

[southerner]

PS - Southerner, I see you! Get out of our thread :p

LMFAO, that's funny! I was coming in here to see if y'all posted a pic. Guess you can't hang with the NC GTG :p

[Katy]

LOL - nah, I never thought of taking pictures. It's not really a GTG since it includes folks outside of CC (though we usually bring them over to the dark side)

[Amuse Bouche]

Hey -- my DH decided that we sounded like we were having fun last night, and he's thinking of starting a men's book clubs (as he complains - there are a million bookclubs for women, and a hundred for gay men, but none for straight men.) I don't know if anyone's husband would be interested, but PM me if your husband would be.

[mobox]

I wish Dave was interested. He always starts the books, but never seems to finish any!!!

[SMgal]

My DH ( I think that abbreviation is SO silly- I mean, what if he's not dear that day???), so my H says he'd be interested depending upon what book the guys decided upon...

[Amuse Bouche]

K's a non-finisher too. You should see the number of books piled on his nightstand. I think part of it is he wants a way to meet other men who like books. Kind of like our club.

[Katy]

Well, Richard isn't all too social for starters and he's not a finisher either (he a flipper and doesn't even read in order)

[Raven_Girl]

I had a great time also! can't wait for the next gathering.

Ladies, tonight was fun! I enjoyed getting together and chatting about the book and life in general. Good food, good conversation and good friends, what more could you ask for?!?!

Amuse, what was that foodie site you mentioned again?

[Rosebud]

An update....

Thank you Corrine for hosting our book club brunch last weekend! It was a lot of fun. :)

We've set the dates for our next two meetings:

Sunday, April 2
Sunday, May 7

If you didn't get the email, leave a message here and we'll make sure you're on the list.

The book we're currently reading is The Kite Runner. (I'm several chapters in and it's great so far!!)

See you in April!

[mobox]

Can you let me know what time you decided on for April 2? That way I can get the email ready and send it out. Katy's house, right?

[Katy]

Mo, let me talk to the hubby and see what time he prefers. I have a feeling that late afternoon is going to be best.

[Amuse Bouche]

Ooh, I hope I can make it! I know that's my grandmother's birthday and there's some lunch planned, but it may be Saturday, and if it's Sunday, I may be back in time, depending on the start time.

[mobox]

I'm in the same situation. I will be in Mammoth that weekend but if it's an evening meeting, I will be able to make sure I'm back by the time. BF or lunch, I can't do.

Not that you should play it around me...that's not what I'm saying at all.

[Katy]

I'm such a schlub..sorry about the delay in getting back in here. Okay, Sunday, April 2nd we'll be at my place in Glendale (I'll email out directions as it gets closer). I was thinking that 5:00 pm sounds good (unless I need to move it up or back and hour).

I have a feeling I won't have the book done. I haven't even picked it up yet, I've been so busy and then I'm out of town for a week. If I don't get around to reading it, you ladies can all convince me why I should at the next meeting :D

Hope everyone is doing fine.

[Rosebud]

Just finished The Kite Runner last night....

It was SO good!! What an amazing book. I think this may be my favorite of all the books we've read so far. Really moving, great plot twists.... I can't wait to discuss it with all of you at the next meeting! :)

Here are some potential discussion questions for the book. Don't read them if you haven't finished the book yet! Book club discussion- The Kite Runner (http://www.bookbrowse.com/reading_guides/detail/index.cfm?book_number=1232)

[mobox]

I'll send out the email tonight. Katy, do you want pot luck. I'll assume yes...will you make the entree?

[Katy]

Yes Mo, pot luck please. I just got in a few minutes ago and Richard's dragging me out tonight to see some band he saw at SXSW, so I have a feeling, I'll be totally useless over the next couple days (ending with Richard's birthday on Saturday).

[mobox]

The Los Angeles Book Club has been opened to three new members. First posts, first joined! Next meeting is in May.

[mobox]

Our next book:

The Secret Life of Bees



For my use: The Usual Rules by Joyce Maynard

[mobox]

The Los Angeles Book Club has been opened to two new members. First posts, first joined! Next meeting is in May.

[mobox]

Next meeting is May 7th, brunch, 11am.

Do we have anyone who wants to join?

[ee_chick]

I'd love to join! Do you guys meet once a month?

[mobox]

We meet as close to once a month as we can. Next one is up in the air. It was suppose to be on the 7th but may get moved to the 21st. PM me your email and I'll add you to the list.

[mobox]

We are open to three new members. PM me with your email if you wish to join.;)

[mobox]

We still have room for one or two new members. Our next meeting is July 23rd and our book is Conversations With The Fat Girl by Liza Palmer. PM me if you want to join. :)

[Rosebud]

Does anyone have the complete list of what we're reading for the next couple of months? I'm finished with our July book and would like to purchase/ get started on the next ones.

See you all soon!

[Katy]

Rosebud, check the very first post of this thread. I have the list in my LJ as well, but I think I made it private.

And Liza has confirmed and will be there to discuss her book with us. What fun!

[Rosebud]

Thanks, Katy. I totally forgot the list was on the first page. :) Just ordered the next book. See you soon!

[mobox]

Hi, the list on page one is updated and we now have some "lighter fare" interspersed with the heavier stuff. We also have a new member SUMIKE who has been added to our email chain.

[Rosebud]

Just wanted to pop in and say that I'm halfway through "My Year of Meats" and really enjoying it. Thanks for recommending this one, Judy!

[Katy]

yeesh, I have a few pages left on my Memoirs of a Geisha and then I start on My Year of Meats (which reminds, me, I need to hit the library to pick up my reserved copy today or they'll send it back!)

[mobox]

Just started MYOM. So far, so good!

[Rosebud]

It was great to see everyone today. Thanks so much for coming! :)

We decided that the next book club meeting will be on November 5th. It will be a brunch meeting held at Katy's house.

Also, we decided to change up the list a little bit, and our book for this month is The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls. This book is supposed to be fantastic and is on a bunch of "best books of the year" lists, so I think we'll have an interesting discussion next time.

Maureen- I'm going to email you Stacey's address so we can include her from now on, too.

[mobox]

I'm buying the book today!

Thanks Katy for bringing Megan...it's so cool to have the author there and Megan was super cool. Also, could you post the LJ link for the 5 spot blog?

[Katy]

Raven said her roomie is interested in joining us as well. Here's the link to Liza, Megan and friend's blog (http://www.welcometothe5spot.blogspot.com/). I just ordered my book online last night - turns out every copy in the local public libraries are out and the wait list would put me at #9.

[mobox]

Hey ladies, we switched up the order a little to make the book light around the holidays.

The next meeting is on December 3rd at Mo's house (so she doesn't have to travel whilst being as big as a house!). It's going to start a little earlier than usual as it's getting darker earlier...so a 4pm start time with tea and appetizers (no main meal) and desserts.

Sound good?

[mobox]

Book list updated.

Next meeting: January 21st at Judy's house.

[mobox]

How's everyone liking this book so far???

[Rosebud]

It took me a little while to get used to the tone, but in the end I really liked the book. I wasn't connecting with the main character at all at first, but then found myself really involved later in the book. I re-read the last page of the book like 5 times. Thought it was beautiful.

[Katy]

eh, it wasn't my thing. I don't really feel like I connected to any of them and the tone was WAY too freaky for my tastes.

[mobox]

The very end where she was looking at the field? Yeah, I thought that was a lovely scene. It's a weird book and I have some questions, but I did like it.

Erin, I love your icon!

[Rosebud]

What date did we decide on for the next meeting? Was it February 25th? And am I hosting?

Our book for this month is Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. It sounds really interesting! Be sure to order your copy ASAP.

*Starred Review* Gilbert, author of The Last American Man (2002) and a well-traveled I'll-try-anything-once journalist, chronicles her intrepid quest for spiritual healing. Driven to despair by a punishing divorce and an anguished love affair, Gilbert flees New York for sojourns in the three Is. She goes to Italy to learn the language and revel in the cuisine, India to meditate in an ashram, and Indonesia to reconnect with a healer in Bali. This itinerary may sound self-indulgent or fey, but there is never a whiny or pious or dull moment because Gilbert is irreverent, hilarious, zestful, courageous, intelligent, and in masterful command of her sparkling prose. A captivating storyteller with a gift for enlivening metaphors, Gilbert is Anne Lamott's hip, yoga-practicing, footloose younger sister, and readers will laugh and cry as she recounts her nervy and outlandish experiences and profiles the extraordinary people she meets. As Gilbert switches from gelato to kundalini Shakti to herbal cures Balinese-style, she ponders the many paths to divinity, the true nature of happiness, and the boon of good-hearted, sexy love. Gilbert's sensuous and audacious spiritual odyssey is as deeply pleasurable as it is enlightening.


Erin, I love your icon!

Oh yeah, I looooove me some Colin Firth! http://images.teenspot.com/boards/images/smilies/pink.gif

[mobox]

Yes, Feb. 25th.

[mobox]

Erin and I discussed moving book club to March 4th as Feb. 25th is the Academy Awards (gotta watch them!). Hope that it works for everyone, let us know if it doesn't.

[stochasticgirl]

Hey, I just thought of this today - since the book club meeting is on March 4th, won't that conflict with the marathon??

[Katy]

oh crap! Good point J. I can say that the baby shower should be fairly short since the only RSVPs we have right now are the immediate family (and hostesses) :rolleyes:

ETA: we're not meeting until 5:00 so maybe we won't be affected.

[Rosebud]

The streets should all be open by 5pm. I will double check the schedule, but usually it's just the morning and early afternoon where the streets are shut.

[Rosebud]

Okay... anyone who lives on the Westside shouldn't have a problem. The route doesn't come down Fairfax this year (yay!).

Everyone coming from the Pasadena/Glendale area should come in on the 110-->10 freeways. None of the ramps in your area will be affected, so you should be able to come right on through.

Katy and Wendy, I'm not entirely sure where you get on the freeway, so you should look at the map more closely to make sure your freeway onramps will be open.

It looks like Cahuenga and the 101 are routes that should be avoided on Sunday.

Here's the closure/reopening timetable: LINK (http://trafficinfo.lacity.org/images/Marathon2007Reopen.pdf)

Here's a map of the marathon course: LINK (http://www.lamarathon.com/Maps.118.0.html)

[Katy]

I'm actually coming from East LA (the shower) so I should be fine taking either the 10 or the 110 (probably the 10)

[mobox]

Hey kids, I would like to add this book to the list. Anyone object? Anyone else have something they want to add???

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/0380813815.01._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,45,-64_OU01_AA240_SH20_SCLZZZZZZZ_V45303967_.jpg

[Rosebud]

Mo- It sounds funny! I'd be interested in reading it. Any else?

If we're adding more books to our list, I'll throw this one out there. Supposedly it's a big favorite in book clubs recently.

Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen (http://www.amazon.com/Water-Elephants-Sara-Gruen/dp/1565125606/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-1163057-7493741?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1173762371&sr=8-1)

[mobox]

I will add them both.

[Amuse Bouche]

I could go for funny. This month's read is depressing as hell.

[Katy]

yeah, it wasn't exactly the sort of "chick lit" I was expecting

[mobox]

I have to agree and can't wait to discuss it.1

[mobox]

Hi ladies....

Next up is The Namesake - LJhumpa Lahiri . Meeting will be held May 19th at 11am (brunch, Saturday) at Christine's place. I will send out an email as well.

Does anyone have a book they want to add to the list? Send me your suggestions.

[bubbles]

Hi,

Can I still join the club?

Thanks!

[Katy]

sure thing! Just drop Mobox a PM and talk with her about it. Our next meeting will be outside of LA and we'll mostly be carpooling, but let Mo know and she can fill you in.

[mobox]

Please post your choice of May 19th or June 3rd for our next meeting...

Thanks!!!

[Katy]

I can't make the 3rd, I'll be OOT - but I'm fine for the 19th

[ee_chick]

Either one works for me

[Amuse Bouche]

Either is fine for me.

[bubbles]

My first choice is June 3rd.

[Katy]

I'd like to add Julie and Julia: My Year of Cooking Dangerously (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316013269/ref=pd_cp_b_1/103-8387062-9193414?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-41&pf_rd_r=0AG7JS5TE7WSJ26AGK8E&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_p=252362401&pf_rd_i=031610969X) by Julie Powell to the list...

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Q6VVX0J9L._AA240_.jpg

[Rosebud]

I'll cast a vote for June 3. I might go visit my parents this weekend, last minute, but June 3 I could definitely do.

[mobox]

We switched up the book order....sorry! We made a collective decision to make the next one light. We also decided to pick a real day...so we will go with the third Sunday in the month and meet every time so you can basically just put it on your calendar. We'll move the location as always.

Next up: July 15
Book: Water for Elephants, Sara Gruen

[cactus]

Hi there...I know some of you guys from LJ, but there are lots of unfamiliar names too. I'm just moving back to LA after a year and I was wondering (sorry if this is already posted somewhere else and I just didn't read it) if the LA book club is kind of an open thing or if you are keeping it to the people who have all been coming all along. I would love to be part of it if it's the former--and Water For Elephants is a book I would love to read!

[Katy]

Yay Cactus!!! I think you'll have fun with us!

Yikes! Water for Elephants is totally booked out of my library and my request would be 27th in line! Off to Amazon...

[mobox]

Hi Cactus,
It's not neccessarily an open thing but if you want to join and come as often as possible then we'd love to have you. PM me your email address and I'll add you to our emails. Thanks!

[Katy]

I just ordered my next batch of books - #16, #17 and Megan's Frenemies!! Yay!!

[Amuse Bouche]

Dude, Water for Elephants is light? The Amazon review contains the word "venal". Still, I'm just happy it's not the 9/11 book, because I'm warning you all that I'm not reading that one.

[mobox]

Are you guys cool with June 14 (Sat) in the morning? That way Judy can join us.

Please post here and then I'll send out an email with directions to my house.

[Rosebud]

I'm fine with the 14th.

[mobox]

Hey, I watched the Namesake movie on the plane this week. I really liked the version. A little shorter, obviously, with a lot left out but I liked it. The actor that played his father was awesome.

[ee_chick]

I'm okay with the 14th.

[Amuse Bouche]

I'm fine with the 14th.

[mobox]

Ok, the 14th it is. I will send out an email. We'll do 10am (brunch).

[Rosebud]

Just want to confirm that our next book is The Usual Rules by Joyce Maynard and our next meeting is August 26th. Correct? Was any decision made as to who is hosting this time?

[mobox]

No decision...someone suggested I ask Stacey? Yep, it;s the 26th and that's the right book.

[mobox]

If our two new book club babes would like to each add a book, post it here and I'll add it. There's no rules, just that the book be easy to find.

[mobox]

Hey galies,
I've been trying to find Sparkle Life and am having trouble. Anyone else find it yet?

[ee_chick]

Wow, even amazon says the paperback is unavailable. I haven't looked recently, but didn't have any luck a few months ago when I tried to stock up...

[Rosebud]

It's at the BH Library, so it's probably at all the LA libraries. I see a hardcover on Amazon.

[Katy]

It's in the Glendale/Pasadena library system, but there's only one copy. I'm next on the list. We just might have to change our book - if so, I just read one that I loved!

[Rosebud]

Well, I am dying to read something more substantial and I know a lot of us have been waiting for The History of Love to finally come around on our list. We could just move on to that one since it's up next.

Sorry about the other. When I put it on our list more than a year ago it had just been released. No idea why it wouldn't be in paperback by now.

[Katy]

ugh, more substantial already? I would say that we've had quite some substantial, deeper reads for the last seven books (since Megan's last book), but that's fine. I'm flexible. I'll just keep up with less substantial books on my own ;)

[Rosebud]

Oh, I just meant more substantial than Sparkle Life, which is on the light side supposedly. Up to you guys. I haven't been able to read the books for the last two months and now that words on a page aren't making me nauceous anymore, I'm just looking forward to joining back in.

[mobox]

I would vote for something light as well.

[mobox]

Let's put a little summer chick lit next instead of Sparkle Life. Can someone recommend something...something new?

[Katy]

Ooohhh Me!!! I can! I can!!

Megan turned me on to Jane Porter. I read Flirting with Forty and loved it!!! It was nice that chicklit grew up a bit. I suggest we check out her first book, The Frog Prince (http://www.amazon.com/Frog-Prince-Jane-Porter/dp/0446694495/ref=sr_1_5/102-1960609-0152106?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1187202873&sr=1-5). You should be able to get a copy at the library or used. Or stick with Flirting with Forty (http://www.amazon.com/Flirting-Forty-Jane-Porter/dp/0446697265/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b/102-1960609-0152106?ie=UTF8&qid=1187202873&sr=1-5) - it was really a great book, one that I wasn't ready to end. Megan's going to hook me up with meeting with her when she comes to town late Sept/Oct* so I can interview her for CC.

I also plan on checking out The Next Thing on My List (http://www.amazon.com/Next-Thing-My-List-Novel/dp/0307351246) by Jill Smolinkski. She's another LA author (and might be open to attending book club). She's got a fun blog (http://todayslifelist.blogspot.com/) too about her own life list. I hope to interview her once I've read the book (came in to the library hold desk yesterday).

* Megan, Liza and Jane will be doing a meet-n-greet, sort of thing (can't think of the correct word) at that time. By then, Jane's new book will be out and both Liza and Megan will have their new books out in early '08.

[Rosebud]

We could also skip ahead to Julie and Julia or Frenemies, both of which are lighter and are already on the list. My only concern with inserting new books into the middle of the list is that is delays titles that we chose a while ago and some of us really want to read.

Not to be a PITA, just explaining why I'm reluctant.

[Amuse Bouche]

Hey, can I add another book to the end of the queue? It's a serious one -- I'm dying to read March by Geraldine Brooks and haven't managed to get it together to actually do it.

[ee_chick]

I'd be up for giving Jane Porter a shot. We could also just bump something like Julie and Julia up. I actually didn't love the book, but I don't remember it being heavy, either.

Rosebud, I just started The History of Love last night. I figured we'd bump it up, and it sounded good anyway...

[Amuse Bouche]

I'd love to bump up Julie and Julia, since I already read it, and I can't come. I'd hate to miss History of Love or Frenemies.

[Rosebud]

Hey, can I add another book to the end of the queue? It's a serious one -- I'm dying to read March by Geraldine Brooks and haven't managed to get it together to actually do it.

AWESOME book. One of the best I've read in a while. Definitely not light, but so good.

[Katy]

I just got The History of Love from the library (along with my Jane Porter and my Jill Smolinski). I've started with Julie and Julia and to be honest (I'm the one that added it to the list) I'm having a hard time getting into it. In fact, I'd be more than willing to replace it with one of the other books I've recommended above. I'd also be up for doing Frenemies as well (though I've already read it and loved it!) and I know that Megan is around for a bit (working on other books) if we want to invite her.

[mobox]

Ok, someone make an executive decision here. I will add March to the end of the list. As for Julie and Julia...should we take it off or bump it up? Is Frenemies in paper back yet? I'm all for inserting light chick lit myself, just for a change of pace. Please make a decision and let me know so I can update the list.

[Katy]

Unless Julie & Julia gets any better, I suggest we take it off (it was my suggestion so I won't be heartbroken). Yes, Frenemies is in paperback - it was released that way. I definitely vote that we go light this time around since the next four are all more deeper (than your average chicklit) and since we've been pretty serious for the last seven or so.

I also vote that we alternate our book choices a little better between light and serious (I'd also like to change my other book selection - the Lovely Bones - to something lighter). When they're all serious or deeper, "acclaimed", I tend to drag my feet while reading and I'm not able to sit back an enjoy books more my taste since it all seems like work, instead of fun. So I'd like to know that I've got something more my style coming up the next book so I might be more motivated to read. I'll admit that it's my thing, but just like everyone doesn't enjoy all the light, fun books, not everyone enjoys the intense, "acclaimed" books as well. Just a thought.

[Katy]

I'd like to add Winkie by Clifford Chase (http://www.amazon.com/Winkie-Clifford-Chase/dp/0802143105/ref=pd_bbs_1/102-1960609-0152106?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1187813221&sr=1-1) to the list for a change of pace. I've heard good things about it - and it's light reading (and most definitely NOT chick lit)

From Publishers Weekly
Starred Review. This debut novel from memoirist Chase (The Hurry-up Song) begins with the capture and wounding by a SWAT team of the eponymous, sentient teddy bear in a backwoods cabin; the team thinks it has captured a mad bomber. In jail, Winkie, who no one denies is a teddy bear, must contend with cruel jailers; his stuttering, court-appointed lawyer named Unwin; the 9,678 counts of everything from treason to witchcraft he's charged with; and the intersection of his life with that of the previous possessor of the cabin, an old humanities professor whose bombs never worked. While marking time, Winkie contemplates his past: his ownership by the Chase family, his loneliness when on a shelf , his magical awakening to life one morning—marked by a bowel movement so lovingly described that it recalls Bloom's in Ulysses. The sections devoted to Winkie's trial is a minor masterpiece of ridiculousness, in which the prosecution's move to end the trial after it has presented its side sounds uncomfortably close to what we read in the newspapers. This book is way too odd to be sentimental, and its political sensibility shuttles easily between the cartoonish and the shrewd. Chase puts himself in the same league as David Sedaris with this unclassifiable debut.

[Rosebud]

Do we know what our next book is? Would love to get it ordered.

[mobox]

I updated the front page with all the current info.

[mobox]

Once again, updated on the front page. Is everyone cool with Dec 9th, evening, for our next outing. I think we decided on an evening restaurant deal but we can always go back to someone's house instead?

[Katy]

works for me! :cool:

[Rosebud]

The 9th is good for me, too.

[mobox]

Ok, Dec 9th it is. Does anyone know how to do a poll on this? We should do one to vote on a restaurant.

[mobox]

Should we add this book? With the talk of AB last night I thought it might be fun.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1582341028/ref=reg_hu-wl_mrai-recs

[Amuse Bouche]

I'm all for AB! I think it's light without being chick lit.

Can someone email me the list of dates and books upcoming? I didn't write it down.

[Katy]

I'll get that out shortly. Sorry I've been a little busy with other things :o

I don't have the list in front of me, but according to the first post here here's what we've got...

Goodbye without Leaving - Laurie Colwin (January 13, J's house)

[ee_chick]

Yes, add the AB book!

[mpc863]

hi!

i recently moved back to LA and would love to join the book club.


i love AB and that book sounds awesome!

[Rosebud]

Has anyone else had terrible trouble finding this book? I've been to Borders and B&N. No luck. The BH Library doesn't have it and the L.A. library only has one copy-- in Porter Ranch of all places nowhere near me. I think I may have to skip this month, unfortunately.

eta: Actually, there are also copies at the Central library and in Northridge-- but honestly, I don't if I'm going to go that far this time of year for a book.

[stochasticgirl]

Rosebud - if you do the "request copy" thing, LAPL will transport the book from Northridge over to your local branch for you! I just picked up my copy of Goodbye Without Leaving today from the Pasadena Central Library - they seem to have quite a few available in their library system, too.

mpc863 - Hi there! I'm sure it isn't a problem to join - you might want to PM mobox to get her your contact information. as we do most of the organizing via email.

[Rosebud]

Thanks-- I didn't realize you could do that. Will get on their website right now and figure it out!

[mobox]

I got my copy on half.com

[mpc863]

Rosebud - if you do the "request copy" thing, LAPL will transport the book from Northridge over to your local branch for you! I just picked up my copy of Goodbye Without Leaving today from the Pasadena Central Library - they seem to have quite a few available in their library system, too.

mpc863 - Hi there! I'm sure it isn't a problem to join - you might want to PM mobox to get her your contact information. as we do most of the organizing via email.

Hi Judy! It's Maya :) I think I'm all set to for the next group.

[Katy]

*waving* Hi Maya!

[mpc863]

Hi Katy!

[Katy]

The new schedule is updated and emailed out. When in doubt, you can always check the very first post in this thread (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showpost.php?p=4815&postcount=1) (though the specific hostesses been have omitted)

[Raven_Girl]

Have I been kicked out? I havent recieved an email in....FOREVER.
:(

[Katy]

You still want in?

[Raven_Girl]

You still want in?

Yes, still want in. My emails got insane when I no longer added to my blackberry and couldnt keep up. I have a better handle now.

[Amuse Bouche]

Rosebud -- I request books all the time! It usually takes a few days.

[Rosebud]

I just got an email from my local branch that the book is in, so I'll be reading it by the weekend. Yay! :)