We met at the library in Stillman Valley. A group of 10 women, all of a certain age, to review the short story given to us last month.The leader of the group, a librarian, furnished the dessert.... a delicious banana cake.It was served along with coffee, tea, cider or soda. We ate while we talked, often leaving the dessert alone because the conversation was so interesting. Yesterday, we had to really crowd around the table as our group is growing. We started at the first page and dissected it as only people who love books can. It was a lively conversation...sometimes a little loud for a library. Remember the days when you were shushed while talking at the library? The stern librarian, would give you a look over her bifocals and you knew that you had better shush. Well, that is in the past. Libraries are lively places...with programs for little ones and book clubs....craft projects...people on computers...a much more relaxed and fun place to be. Our noise competed with the story telling going on in the main room...a room with several toddlers. We went from the first sentence to the last... examining each word of the author. Along with following the story...we tell things from our own lives that might relate to the story.This month the short story had to do with a couple who were, what I would call hoarders, and how they got out of their situation. Julian and Marsha accumulate too many possessions--they can no longer see the walls of their own house, or cook a meal. Yet Marsha keeps accumulating furniture. Julian calls in a "Professional Organizer", who makes the couple move out of the house and begins, moving all their goods out of the house.The short story is called "Filthy With Things" by T.C.Boyle. I have found, since being with this group, that I am coming out of my comfort zone...and reading things by authors that I have never read before. I never used to like short stories...I always wanted more. Now, I find that I am really enjoying them. Who knew at the age of 74ish...I could learn something new?
Balisha
10 comments:
Book clubs are great - they get you out of your comfort zone and force you to read some great books :-)
I'm finding that out, Vicki. I always said that I didn't want to "have to" read a book...I wanted to choose one for myself. Now, I'm finding that I was wrong.
Balisha
Of course you can learn new things at 74! Today 74 is the old 54.
Your book club sounds like fun. I have never really liked short stories either. I would love to be in a book club like that. Maybe someday I will have the time.
One of my favorite short stories is Eudora Welty's "A Worn Path". Have you read it?
A cousin of my husband's teaches high school English and has assigned this piece to her students for many years. When I heard that, I found the story on the Internet and read it. Found it here.
There is also an interview of Welty on this subject. I was trying to listen to it when workmen arrived and it is still noisy. Maybe I can listen to it later tonight. HERE
When I first started using E-mail, my husband bought for me the program called Eudora. I loved the simplicity of it. I still use Eudora even though they quit supporting it a year or two ago. Not long after I started, I read that the program was name after Eudora Welty, and that when she learned of it, she was amused. (Well, I tried to post this, but got an error message. Don't know if it went through or not. You might get a duplicate comment.)
Hi Zoey...I have changed my mind about book clubs and short stories.I think you would love our group.
Balisha
Hi Barbee...I went to the website and read the story last night. I loved it...thanks for reccomending it to me. I'll have to read some of her other works.I'm planning on listening to the interview later today.
I left a message on your blog a little while ago. You hadn't commented lately and I wondered if you were OK. Glad to find out that you are.
Balisha
Thank you! Yes, I saw the comment that you left on my blog about a week ago. I replied to it, but you might not have seen my reply. Here is a copy: "Hello Balisha, yes, quite busy. Thought I was going to be cooking for 12 people today and tomorrow, but instead I should be packing. Husband's sister-in-law died in Alabama so we leave in the morning (Thurs.) to go there. Local daughter came by on her way home from work and took a lot of the food off me to feed her busy family, so I don't have to cope with the surplus. I was hoping to use my nice new slow cooker again. Now must pack. Last time I used it was for the blueberry and blackberry cobbler in the book you gave me. Next time, I will double that recipe. It went so fast we almost didn't get a spoonful. Okay, that's it, must run."
Your book club sounds like a lot of fun! I LOVE to read, but I shy away from groups. I do remember when the library was a quiet place to go to. People do so much of their research at home now via the internet. I like the activities our library offers...something for everyone.
I took loads of college English classes and in a short time I read books by authors I would never had known of. T.C. Boyle is one of them. I have a book of his short stories at the lakehouse to read on lazy days. The story you read is interesting and very relevant right now.
Thanks again for stopping by my blog. I am following yours now! Have a great weekend!
XO,
Jane
Hi Jane,
I read your blog everytime you post. I love your honest posts...the way you write about your life between your everyday home and the lakehouse is always the highlight of my week. Have a great weekend.
Balisha
Hi Barbee, I didn't read your reply and I'm saddened by the loss of your relative. Glad to hear that you are enjoying your crockpot. That dessert sounds wonderful. Have a great weekend.
Balisha
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