Book:Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
Food: Hand-size spinach pies, greek pasta salad, brie with thyme and rosemary from the garden and good crusty bread, a homemade strawberry cake
Month: June
Wine of the Night: Espuela Del Gaucho Malbec
Jennifer lives the farthest from the rest of us - not far, but going there is always an event of getting together who is driving with whom in what car. This time, we all met at my house, divided into two cars, and left the city field trip style, bound for Jennifer's house.
I can imagine the sight we presented to Jennifer when we pulled up within seconds of each other, all piling out of the car like a book club circus. We filed into the house, plopped onto the couches, and immediately the wine became open and flowing. We checked out Jennifer's new bathroom remodel, which is gorgeous and such a soothing and comfy color. I loved it!
We chatted, there was a lot to catch up on! Mary's home invasion, Jennifer's new bathroom, Ladies of London, Pretty Little Liars, Jill's trip to Cleveland, my Italian class, among other topics.
After we had eaten and chatted, we started talking about the book. This discussion was perhaps our most spirited! Everyone had strong opinions on this book and its characters. There was anger, frustration, bewilderment - how could any adult who knew that situation let it continue? Why didn't the mother leave? We talked about abusive relationships, in all its various horrific states.We talked about Eleanor, and Park, and Park's mom and dad. We talked about what those three words were on the postcard from Eleanor (which is obvious but we had fun coming up with alternatives). We disagreed on things, and emphatically stated our reasons why.
This was an excellent book. Two of us cried at the end. Your truly, included.
We hope there is a sequel. Will there be a sequel? Please tell us there is one coming.
I know there is a debate about adults reading young adult books. Personally, I feel that YA can teach adults valuable lessons too, and make us look inside and see how as adults we react to these situations, to the kids in these books. We think, what would we do? As an adult? How could we help. if we were to encounter these things in real life. I don't see anything wrong with it either, if they are purely for entertainment. A book is written to be enjoyed, to be loved, to enlighten, to challenge your opinions and create some new view points. I don't believe in age limits.
All in all, the night was filled with conversation, food, and friendship.
Next month is Kelly!
It sounds like you had a lovely evening, and quite the passionate discussion about Eleanor & Park.
ReplyDeleteI'm one of the few people who has yet to read E&P. I did actually hope to read it this month, but I've failed quite miserably on my TBR this month - although I don't mind. You have only furthered my want to read the book more!
Thank you for sharing your evening!
:-)
Bits & Bobs
It was a great night, and you are right, our discussion became quite passionate. :)
DeleteIt's ok to wander from your TBR. I do it all the time too lol. When you get to it, I hope you like it as much as I did. :)
A wonderful review. This is a book i definitely will be reading soon :)
ReplyDelete