Greetings, Book Club!
It was great seeing everyone out on the deck last night for stimulating discussion of "Slowness," a story about speed and memory, dominance and humiliation. It was also generally agreed that it was sloppily written, absurd in content, and totally lacking in wit. Hilary opened the discussion with an impassioned diatribe against the author's claims of truth and misleading metaphors. Yes, she even backed herself up with margin notes--very impressive, Hilary. "This was the longest short book I ever read," said Anne. Scott nailed the themes from the get-go and brought up the Czech scientist, noting that the author had previously addressed smart people crushed under communism. The ensuing discussion touched on the importance of dominance in society, especially political-type situations, and the way people put down others to make themselves feel more important. Does anyone else see the connection between Reaganomics and Communism? If this is the case, it is more irony than most found in the book! The sisters Feiwel defended the story with a romantic view of the sexual shenanigans. Go Feiwels!
For me, several questions remain: Where was Chris? And why (God why) did he dictate this book? And was his mysterious absence due to the discontent produced by "Slowness"?
During the meal, we learned that Matt loves (loves!) flan! He has also moved to private practice. Hilary, who has inherited Jeanne's table, is in the process of removing 80 years worth of paint from her apartment walls. Nate is a magnet for condensation, especially off beer bottles, and is originally from Davenport, Iowa. Laura used her magic powers to make an apple pie peach, and yes, those are walnuts in there. In the great farm heirarchy, chickens are at the bottom, despite the high toxicity of pig waste. And, oh, how we love the scenery off I-5!
As a courtesy to Jeanne and the mini-Yurman duet, I have complied a list of Book Club's Parenting Tips, never mind that we are a generally childless group:
-Less Kundera, this material is not appropriate for developing minds. Or any minds, for that matter.
-Give each child the same name, avoids any appearance of favoritism.
-Encourage flipping over handlebars/hoods of cars/curbs, builds character.
-No cigarettes. No booze. No anti-bacterial soap.
For the fall, Book Club will move to Monday nights to accomodate Hilary's "Collection Development" class. Nancy will host September 29 on the deck. If you have a book suggestion, please send it to her ASAP.
Happy Reading!
FS