Food, Friends and Books

Hello fellow book lovers.  Our first BC meeting was a success.  We had wine (Rock Lobster Zin), an oven fiasco (not sure how but I blew out my oven with the last set of finger foods) and a great discussion on both what we want to read and Dickens.

On Dickens, we discussed the parallels to current events; at what point does social injustice rioting become mob mentality rioting?  Many felt there is a fine line between standing up against tyranny and using chaos to quell your own rage and revenge.  It is a good point and one I don't remember discussing in high school lit class.  Any additional comments on this point?

We also hit on the similarities between this story and others of the time - Dumas' "The Counte of Monte Cristo" came to my mind.  Was it common place to have mistaken identities back then or was this a successful "formula" for writers of the time?  Another interesting point I didn't remember discussing the first time around with this book.  Formulaic writing and fan bandwagons make for some interesting literature nowadays so it would make sense to see this in different eras.  Any thoughts or insight here?

Yes, there was symbolism in the book; yes, there were social points of the time; no, we didn't spend much time discussing either.  We did discuss the title "A Tale of Two Cities" and how it was both literal with the story moving between London and Paris and also symbolic with the difference in class; one city could be two depending on your class/social standing.

And now one to BC particulars.  Our next meeting is Friday, March 25th at 7pm CST.  I have set up a Skype account so our virtual friends can participate "in person".  Just look for BrewedBohemian or send me your account name.

Our next book - "A Vintage Affair" by Isabel Wolff (Listing on Amazon)

Please read the full book before our next meeting.  A note - we might string some books out over a few meetings; we will play it by ear for now.  Also, bring a food item inspired by the book.  (Virtual friends can just send a recipe to share with the group.) Let the nom-noms abound!!

We also need each person to present one book for a different genre at the next meeting.  This is how we will choose our books each month.  We currently have Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Food, Feel Good/Easy reads, and Mystery/suspense being presented next month.  We still need an Historical Fiction selection as well as other genres like Romance, Biography, Poetry and Non-Fiction.  Please let me know your selection if you do not already have one on the list.

We can use the comments to continue discussion of "A Tale of Two Cities".  You can also leave questions or comments for the group.

See you all next month!  And Happy Reading. ^_^