WAKE UP SCOTT!
We all know that you got a good night's sleep last night, so look alive. Besides, now that we all know you spend your vacations on paramilitary operations, we expect that you will be extra vigilant.
Love or obsession? Our discussion could have been a lively advertisement for Calvin Klein. Is there a difference between love and obsession? Can you love someone you don't like? More importantly, can you love someone book club doesn't like? Why bother being obsessed with someone who doesn't like you? Get over it already! Okay, so there was no consensus on love vs. obsession, but I think there was generally enthusiasm for a character in one of our books that has actually gotten some good luvin'. And it's about time!
Kathryn, tell us again how they don't even like each other.
While he's no psychologist, for the first time Tom did not regale us with his 'its about love' speech. I don't know about y'all, but I was disappointed. He was, however, best dressed book club member in his fabulous summer suit. And its clear that FL needs a psychologist as he went through an entire box of Kleenex weeping while discussing the parallels between his experience with an Italian woman and the disastrous relationship between James and Inez. "This book has set me back at least two years in my therapy," he said, guzzling a bottle of Prozac. "It has given me depressive fits, writers block, and tennis elbow." You can get a brace for that, you know.
By the way, FL, no one was fooled by your "I-switched-my-rating-before-we-started-discussion" bit. We could all see what this book meant to you and it was certainly more than 8.5.
I stand by my original answer: He loved her. Oh, my God, did he love her! (There's the religion part for you.) Was it healthy? No. Was it anything I would ever wish for anyone in my book club? Certainly not. Did he need a psychologist? Probably even more than FL. But he absolutely loved her.
Did anyone else notice how well Drew behaved last night?
Disappointingly, due to the darkness of night, most of the photos from last night are well, not quite the high caliber we're used to. I planned to insert here the photo of FL wearing his shades and with the top of his head cut off--note to FL, do not let Laura use the camera!--but it really just didn't work out. Here's the one photo that turned out--
And we love book club! Or maybe we're just obsessed? Clearly a discussion for another time.
Next time I host book club I promise to either A) have discussion inside or B) provide everyone with throat lozenges after we shout at each other outside. Or maybe just more wine, so we can shout and it will seem perfectly normal since we're all drunk?
By the way, thanks to Nate for the wine selection last night. He is available for further discussion of African/revolutionary politics if anyone is interested. In fact, I expect that he may host a screening of "Lumumba" in the near future.
Most times, Matt's last word is pretty clear. This time it was somewhat muddled. I got the "Quiet American" part but other than that I'm not entirely certain. However, did anyone know that Matt is so enthusiastic about vegetables? I had no idea--and I sure hope that's a pepper.
So, next month's meeting will be hosted by Nancy at FL's pad on September 10th. And you can tell she's readyto go. Watch your inbox for a list of potential readings.
Sherry, as a public safety measure, it was probably good that you covered your arms a little. Someone could have slipped on the boys' drool and really gotten hurt! But, I hate to tell you this, Anne could be the new favorite. The boys seem very fickle.
Look forward to seeing you all next month. In the meantime, I will be fearlessly awaiting FL'srebuttal!
Bookishly yours,
Fearless Sweetie
PS: For those of you who need a review--and you know who you are: the first rule of book club is that we RSVP! I propose a second rule of book club that we do not sing. Ever. Please.