We are on at 7:00 on Friday May 8! The only disclaimer is the 18% gratuity for large groups, but whatev, we are usually a generous bunch.
I am looking forward to the tales of inlaw woes, wedding plans, foreign lands, nerdy husband hobbies, and other such topics of interest...oh yeah...and A Wolf at the Table!
Diner Deluxe is 804 Edmonton Trail NE. Not far from Casa de Dunham. If you are early park at my place and walk on over with me! Click here to check out the menu. I don't know about you but I'm thinking trout sandwich. Brian issued a "cook more vegetarian" challenge to me and I am facing it head on with 10 straight days of meatless cuisine. Blogging about it too. I am a blogging foo. It's on this old blog here if you want to see what I'm cookin' up.
Till Friday!
C
1.5.09
Feature Friday!! The Disappeared
Hello Ladies!
Spring has arrived! What are you all up to this weekend? I am throwing open the windows and starting some spring cleaning. After a long winter our old house just smells...old. I also have about 100 windows to clean. Spring clean up the yard. Dust off the patio chairs and sink into Edgar Sawtelle in the +17 sunshine. I made the mistake of clicking on the link on the side bar - the Reading Group Guide. This book goes where I never expected it would. It totally revealed the story line so I do NOT recommend reading it unless you like that kinda thing.
I've got Edgar Sawtelle going in the evening at home and Twilight going at my desk at lunch...okay and I read a bit when I'm supposed to be working too. I was going to dive into another Phillipa Gregory (The Virgin's Lover) as soon as I was done, but this book, The Disappeared, has caught my attention. I LOVE historical fiction and I LOVE a love story. This book blends the two. Maybe I'll save it for a pick for next year, if I can wait that long. BD thinks that we should only pick books for Book Club that we have already read. What do you gals think of that format? The month where everyone is reading your book, you would have to read another one of your choosing.
Either way...here's Heather from Chapter's review of The Disappeared.
A Beautiful Blending of Truth and Fiction
I have often noted in my reviews that I love great historical fiction. The stories can cover a brief moment or grand sweep of time. It is simply that beautiful blending of truth and fiction that always seems to strike a chord. The Disappeared by Kim Echlin is one such story. The book centers on a single love story, the intense romance between Anne and Serey and is set against one of the most tormented moments in human history: Cambodia under the reign of Pol Pot.
Anne is a high school senior when she falls in love with the slightly older and exotically charismatic Serey who is in exile from his beautiful Cambodia. Their romance begins in a small café in Old Montreal, moves through intense exploration and love making. But Serey cannot stay with his new life. Compelled to discover the fate of his parents and friends, Serey knows he must pull himself from the passion he feels and return to his home. He promises he will be in touch, and, at the right moment, they will reunite forever. But once gone, Anne never hears from Serey despite endless letters and efforts to reach him.
Years later, unable to bring closure to her feelings, Anne goes to Cambodia to search out the man she knows is the love of her life. Woven beautifully into her story of love rediscovered -- in language which is both poetic and heartbreaking -- are the unspeakable horrors wrought by the now retreated Khmer Rouge.
As Anne works to understand the man who becomes the father of her child, and all that is Cambodia, we come to learn how easy it is to allow distance and the burdens of truth to insulate us from bearing witness to war and its aftermath. But as Anne herself says, “If we live long enough, we have to tell, or turn to stone inside.”
From its first page, The Disappeared takes us into the land of kings and temples, fought over for generations. It reveals the forces that act on love everywhere: family, politics, forgetting. This is a story that will embrace you from the first page and stay with you like a good wine.
Spring has arrived! What are you all up to this weekend? I am throwing open the windows and starting some spring cleaning. After a long winter our old house just smells...old. I also have about 100 windows to clean. Spring clean up the yard. Dust off the patio chairs and sink into Edgar Sawtelle in the +17 sunshine. I made the mistake of clicking on the link on the side bar - the Reading Group Guide. This book goes where I never expected it would. It totally revealed the story line so I do NOT recommend reading it unless you like that kinda thing.
I've got Edgar Sawtelle going in the evening at home and Twilight going at my desk at lunch...okay and I read a bit when I'm supposed to be working too. I was going to dive into another Phillipa Gregory (The Virgin's Lover) as soon as I was done, but this book, The Disappeared, has caught my attention. I LOVE historical fiction and I LOVE a love story. This book blends the two. Maybe I'll save it for a pick for next year, if I can wait that long. BD thinks that we should only pick books for Book Club that we have already read. What do you gals think of that format? The month where everyone is reading your book, you would have to read another one of your choosing.
Either way...here's Heather from Chapter's review of The Disappeared.
A Beautiful Blending of Truth and Fiction
I have often noted in my reviews that I love great historical fiction. The stories can cover a brief moment or grand sweep of time. It is simply that beautiful blending of truth and fiction that always seems to strike a chord. The Disappeared by Kim Echlin is one such story. The book centers on a single love story, the intense romance between Anne and Serey and is set against one of the most tormented moments in human history: Cambodia under the reign of Pol Pot.
Anne is a high school senior when she falls in love with the slightly older and exotically charismatic Serey who is in exile from his beautiful Cambodia. Their romance begins in a small café in Old Montreal, moves through intense exploration and love making. But Serey cannot stay with his new life. Compelled to discover the fate of his parents and friends, Serey knows he must pull himself from the passion he feels and return to his home. He promises he will be in touch, and, at the right moment, they will reunite forever. But once gone, Anne never hears from Serey despite endless letters and efforts to reach him.
Years later, unable to bring closure to her feelings, Anne goes to Cambodia to search out the man she knows is the love of her life. Woven beautifully into her story of love rediscovered -- in language which is both poetic and heartbreaking -- are the unspeakable horrors wrought by the now retreated Khmer Rouge.
As Anne works to understand the man who becomes the father of her child, and all that is Cambodia, we come to learn how easy it is to allow distance and the burdens of truth to insulate us from bearing witness to war and its aftermath. But as Anne herself says, “If we live long enough, we have to tell, or turn to stone inside.”
From its first page, The Disappeared takes us into the land of kings and temples, fought over for generations. It reveals the forces that act on love everywhere: family, politics, forgetting. This is a story that will embrace you from the first page and stay with you like a good wine.
26.4.09
Hello ladies!
It's been a while since I posted. I've been busy ya know. Weddings and such. That is all over now and I'm ready to get back into a more regular existance on weekends. Which includes movies! And books! And speaking of the two I happened to watch Twilight on Friday night. I have to say it left me with two thoughts...I wonder what the hype is all about...and I have to read the book to find out! Has anyone else read or watched Twilight?
We've got a full week ahead of pretty crappy weather so lots of reading should get done. You have to look on the bright side, ya know?
I'm excited that I may have a new book for my list of favourites. I am loving Edgar Sawtelle...the setting, the atmosphere, the characters and conflicts, and the style of writing. Once it's officially "May", I'll add lots of links for Sawtelle. Love her or hate her, the Almighty Opes will have a lot of good material on this book I think.
Shall we say 7:00 at Diner Deluxe on Friday May 8? I'll call ahead to be sure we can reserve a table for 8. I'll keep you posted...
Don't let the flakes get you down...
CD
p.s. Unrelated material...I am blogging from the couch tonight, while watching a Canadian Geographic special on the Canadian Beaver. Cute lil buggers. Did you know there used to be a Giant beaver the size of a black bear that went extinct 10,000 years ago? True story. You can Google that shiz. Hmmm wonder if my next book pick could have something to do with the Giant Bever or life on Ellsmere Island.
It's been a while since I posted. I've been busy ya know. Weddings and such. That is all over now and I'm ready to get back into a more regular existance on weekends. Which includes movies! And books! And speaking of the two I happened to watch Twilight on Friday night. I have to say it left me with two thoughts...I wonder what the hype is all about...and I have to read the book to find out! Has anyone else read or watched Twilight?
We've got a full week ahead of pretty crappy weather so lots of reading should get done. You have to look on the bright side, ya know?
I'm excited that I may have a new book for my list of favourites. I am loving Edgar Sawtelle...the setting, the atmosphere, the characters and conflicts, and the style of writing. Once it's officially "May", I'll add lots of links for Sawtelle. Love her or hate her, the Almighty Opes will have a lot of good material on this book I think.
Shall we say 7:00 at Diner Deluxe on Friday May 8? I'll call ahead to be sure we can reserve a table for 8. I'll keep you posted...
Don't let the flakes get you down...
CD
p.s. Unrelated material...I am blogging from the couch tonight, while watching a Canadian Geographic special on the Canadian Beaver. Cute lil buggers. Did you know there used to be a Giant beaver the size of a black bear that went extinct 10,000 years ago? True story. You can Google that shiz. Hmmm wonder if my next book pick could have something to do with the Giant Bever or life on Ellsmere Island.
17.4.09
June's Book
Hello ladies,
I know that I am totally jumping ahead of myself here, but I was ordering a prezzy for Christien from Chaperts online and was going to pick up the James Frey book for our June read. Just found out that it's coming out in paperback in May. The 6th or the 12th. So for those of you who haven't bought it yet, or enjoy paperbacks more then hardcover, it'll be out soon. Just thought that I would share. Have a wonderfully, fantastic, sun shiney weekend!
Malia
I know that I am totally jumping ahead of myself here, but I was ordering a prezzy for Christien from Chaperts online and was going to pick up the James Frey book for our June read. Just found out that it's coming out in paperback in May. The 6th or the 12th. So for those of you who haven't bought it yet, or enjoy paperbacks more then hardcover, it'll be out soon. Just thought that I would share. Have a wonderfully, fantastic, sun shiney weekend!
Malia
15.4.09
Midmonth Update
Hello ladies...Sawadee Ka Kristin!
Hope you are enjoying Thailand and staying away from political uprisings! I was quite concerned by the images on the TV until BD explained it to me this way..."It's kinda like Stampede Week in Calgary, if you stay away from it, you'd never know it was happening." Hopefully you are reaching new levels of tan on the powder sand beaches drinking out of a bucket.
What are your thoughts on our current book? I got stalled on Chapter 7 but I am hoping to get back into it this week...planning a weekend away, taxes, birthdays, weddings, spring cleaning and errands have all got me distracted!
Next meeting is still up for debate as to the where & when...but we do know it's out on the town. Thoughts? Suggestions? Keep me posted.
Hope you are enjoying Thailand and staying away from political uprisings! I was quite concerned by the images on the TV until BD explained it to me this way..."It's kinda like Stampede Week in Calgary, if you stay away from it, you'd never know it was happening." Hopefully you are reaching new levels of tan on the powder sand beaches drinking out of a bucket.
What are your thoughts on our current book? I got stalled on Chapter 7 but I am hoping to get back into it this week...planning a weekend away, taxes, birthdays, weddings, spring cleaning and errands have all got me distracted!
Next meeting is still up for debate as to the where & when...but we do know it's out on the town. Thoughts? Suggestions? Keep me posted.
8.4.09
What a Fabulous Bunch...
Hey Gals...
BIG thanks to Alana for the Meatatarian-Movie Book Club! Food was super fab (sad again I didn't bring camera for visual documentation - next time it is a must). The movie brought mixed reviews, am I right? It followed the book, yes...but if you hadn't read the book I'm sure that you would think it the weirdest, most crazy ass movie you'd ever seen. Rocks? Death by Chocolate Pudding? Cherry Daquiri? WTF.
Overall thoughts on the book were mixed...like what can you make of it? However, based on the fact that we all read and finished reading it...I'd say it was a success! Great pick KD! We missed you KD as we ate our kebabs!
I was reflecting on our fabulous book club and how the best part of meeting monthly is to witness the changing of the tides, so to speak. One month is the perfect increment it seems to always have some big and fabulous news. Since the inception of our book club we have done the following (in no particular order)...
Travelled to:
Mexico (3 or 4 times)
Thailand (2 times)
Vegas (3 times)
Hawaii (4 times)
Africa !!!!
Halifax
London
Croatia
And yet one more fabulously European country for Shannon that my memory is failing
(Did I miss any?)
Gotten engaged (2 times)
Gave BIRTH !!!
Bought homes (4 times!)
Renovated homes (3 times)
That is the lives of 8 gals over 18 months...I'd say that is mayjah.
Not to say there haven't been a lot of hard times through the months, but the support and friendship through those times as well has been remarkable. Thanks ladies!
Have a great Easter Weekend! Eat Chocolate!
And BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Malia and Amber. Another year is definitley something worth celebrating. LOVE YA!
BIG thanks to Alana for the Meatatarian-Movie Book Club! Food was super fab (sad again I didn't bring camera for visual documentation - next time it is a must). The movie brought mixed reviews, am I right? It followed the book, yes...but if you hadn't read the book I'm sure that you would think it the weirdest, most crazy ass movie you'd ever seen. Rocks? Death by Chocolate Pudding? Cherry Daquiri? WTF.
Overall thoughts on the book were mixed...like what can you make of it? However, based on the fact that we all read and finished reading it...I'd say it was a success! Great pick KD! We missed you KD as we ate our kebabs!
I was reflecting on our fabulous book club and how the best part of meeting monthly is to witness the changing of the tides, so to speak. One month is the perfect increment it seems to always have some big and fabulous news. Since the inception of our book club we have done the following (in no particular order)...
Travelled to:
Mexico (3 or 4 times)
Thailand (2 times)
Vegas (3 times)
Hawaii (4 times)
Africa !!!!
Halifax
London
Croatia
And yet one more fabulously European country for Shannon that my memory is failing
(Did I miss any?)
Gotten engaged (2 times)
Gave BIRTH !!!
Bought homes (4 times!)
Renovated homes (3 times)
That is the lives of 8 gals over 18 months...I'd say that is mayjah.
Not to say there haven't been a lot of hard times through the months, but the support and friendship through those times as well has been remarkable. Thanks ladies!
Have a great Easter Weekend! Eat Chocolate!
And BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Malia and Amber. Another year is definitley something worth celebrating. LOVE YA!
2.4.09
Another Month, Another Book
Friends,
We meet tomorrow, Friday the 3rd, at Alana's. This is the third consecutive Book Club on the first Friday of the month! We are getting some consistency in our meetings, which is awesome. Looking forward to your thoughts on Choke...and to starting Wolf.
I've got a few links to A Wolf at the Table and Augusten Burroughs on the side bar. I love that name. I don't have much experience with this author other than seeing the movie Running With Scissors. Has anyone else seen that or read the book? I remember thinking it was a pretty good movie at the time. Apparently A Wolf at the Table is about the time period in his life before Running With Scissors, when he goes to live with his mother's shrink!? WTF. It's so crazy.
Also I just finished The Queen's Fool, another Phillipa Gregory. It's pretty good if you are at all interested in the relationship of Elizabeth I and her half-sister Mary and how Elizabeth came to be Queen.
Has any one else been doing any extracurricular reading you'd recommend??
I'd say the one downside to ordering a years worth of books at a time is I don't get into Chapters to see what's on the shelves much...but that does save me probabably a lot of money.
BD is reading Angels and Demons right now. I quite liked it, almost better than DaVinci code. This movie comes out next month and we plan to see it...any one up for making that one a double, triple, quadruple...(I don't know what comes next) date? Let's make it happen.
So much to discuss...till tomorrow...
We meet tomorrow, Friday the 3rd, at Alana's. This is the third consecutive Book Club on the first Friday of the month! We are getting some consistency in our meetings, which is awesome. Looking forward to your thoughts on Choke...and to starting Wolf.
I've got a few links to A Wolf at the Table and Augusten Burroughs on the side bar. I love that name. I don't have much experience with this author other than seeing the movie Running With Scissors. Has anyone else seen that or read the book? I remember thinking it was a pretty good movie at the time. Apparently A Wolf at the Table is about the time period in his life before Running With Scissors, when he goes to live with his mother's shrink!? WTF. It's so crazy.
Also I just finished The Queen's Fool, another Phillipa Gregory. It's pretty good if you are at all interested in the relationship of Elizabeth I and her half-sister Mary and how Elizabeth came to be Queen.
Has any one else been doing any extracurricular reading you'd recommend??
I'd say the one downside to ordering a years worth of books at a time is I don't get into Chapters to see what's on the shelves much...but that does save me probabably a lot of money.
BD is reading Angels and Demons right now. I quite liked it, almost better than DaVinci code. This movie comes out next month and we plan to see it...any one up for making that one a double, triple, quadruple...(I don't know what comes next) date? Let's make it happen.
So much to discuss...till tomorrow...
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