You and No Other

Just wrapping up reading this book and wanted to share with everyone briefly. I found the book engaging and touching, reaching deeper than is sometimes comfortable. But I feel like I know Bonnie and Jane already, and I can't wait to meet them at our next Book Club.

This book is honest, touching, raw, and amazingly honest. I am so pleased that we decided to read this book.

I hope you guys enjoy the book as much as I have, and if anyone hasn't had the chance to order it yet, I do have it, and am always willing to share.

Thank you, Jarby, for introducing this book and these wonderful women to us!

Katie

Early Fall Celebration

Fall weather contributed to the ambience at Jarby's as we gathered to celebrate friendship and a shared love of books, friends, companionship and awesome stories. The rain pattered until it downpoured while we enjoyed shrimp cocktail, gruyere cheese and crackers, olives and (what was that greek term for....) phyllo wrapped yummy stuff. Oh, and some super Argentinian white and Hungarian red wine.

Wait, you thought I was done with the food. Ha ha. Our marvelous host, Jarby, prepared chicken crepes, served with mixed greens with fresh raspberries and almonds and a luscious ginger based dressing.

But, wait! Jarby introduced the new definition of heaven when she served raspberry, strawberry and Colorado peach tarts. Oh my God, yes heaven and the Lord's name were invoked.

What? Oh, yeah, we talked a little about the book, Liar's Club by Mary Karr. Most people liked it. I was surprised to hear that people thought it was a bit "all over the place". A book with ADD? I loved the book myself, it resonated with my growing up feeling out of place, I guess, and I loved her writing style, as Marie also expressed.

We were surprised to hear about Jarby's being a little under the weather as she seemed as bright and up as usual. Lee was helpful and a great conversationalist as we prepared to feast.

Next time, we'll meet at my place - late October or early November. Look forward to hot chili and warm friends. We'll read the book "You and No Other" by fellow Minnesotans Bonnie Zahn and Jane Weiss. Maybe we can even get them to come and speak to our little group? Do check out the book on Amazon, it looks fantastic and I will be excited to support the goal of saving even 1 young adult from suicide, which gives this book an even deeper meaning.

Bring some recommendations for upcoming book club meetings!

Happy reading all,
Katie

Focus on Mary Karr

I'm excited that the latest pick for Book Club reading is Mary Karr's Liar's Club. This is on my list of 40 Favorite Books Ever. And I've read ALOT of books. Did you know that Mary Karr wrote two follow up books after this memoir? It's true. She also wrote Cherry, about her "growing up" years, a follow up to Liar's Club. And then, just released in 2010, she wrote Lit. This book explores her adventure through alcoholism, a gritty, but very realistic view of the slide down to the bottom, followed by redemption. I've found Mary Karr just lately on Twitter, where you can follow her, too. She posts youtube videos of herself and other writers reading poetry and various other interesting endeavors. You can follow her on twitter here: http://twitter.com/marykarrlit. Hopefully, you have been around the Internet enough to know what twitter is! I've had fun following a couple of her links, great to "see" her in person. If you are loving the book, as I did, you won't want to miss being able to follow her a bit in real time.
I look forward to seeing you soon!
Katie

Does Anyone Need the book, Finn?

Hi All,

I have finished the book, Finn, and was just wondering if anyone needed the book for next book club? I'll mail it out if you email me your address. khogan23@hotmail.com.

I did enjoy the book!

Katie