June 2010 Selection

The Book Snobs chose to discuss The Other Boleyn Girl in June.  This was not a book that we read as a group, but we chose to discuss it because we realized that all of us had read it over the past couple of years.

“Two sisters competing for the greatest prize: the love of a king."

When Mary Boleyn comes to court as an innocent girl of fourteen, she catches the eye of Henry VIII. However, she soon realizes that she is a pawn in her family's ambitious plots. Eventually the king's interest wanes and Mary is forced to step aside for her sister, Anne. This is the story of love, sex, ambition, and intrigue, Mary Boleyn survived by following her own heart.

The Book Snobs Gathering
The Book Snobs met for margaritas, dinner and discussion at Tequila on Monday, June 28.

Discussion was somewhat limited by the fact that the book was not fresh in our minds.  But we talked about the rivalry between the two sisters, the incest between Anne and George, the role of the Boleyn family in shaping the destiny of both girls, and Queen Catherine of Aragon.

May 2010 Selection

Claudia selected The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas as the May selection for Book Snobs in the classic literature genre.

A classic adventure novel, often considered Dumas' best work, and frequently included on lists of the best novels of all time. Completed in 1844, and released as an 18-part series over the next two years, Dumas collaborated with other authors throughout.  The story takes place in France, Italy, and the Mediterranean from the end of the rule of Napoleon I through the reign of Louis-Philippe.

For Edmond Dantes, life couldn't be better.   At 19, he is soon to be captain of his own ship and about to be married to his true love, Mercedes.  But his life is suddenly turned upside down when on his wedding day he is arrested.  Without a fair trial, he is condemned to solitary confinement in the miserable Chateau d'If.  Soon, it is clear that Edmond has been framed by a handful of powerful enemies, jealous of his success.

The Book Snobs Gathering

The Snobs gathered at Claudia's house on Monday, May 24 at 6:30.  Claudia served a delicious meal of Chicken Spaghetti.

The discussion of The Count of Monte Cristo was challenging.  It became obvious during our discussion that we had not all read the same version of this book.  Some of us read the complete and unabridged version and some read an abridgment.  The story lines of these two books varied widely.

April 2010 Selection

Theresa has selected Dating Dead Men as the April selection in the mystery genre. Here's what Publisher's Weekly says about Dating Dead Men.

The critically acclaimed and multiple award winning debut novel from Harley Jane Kozak, is a fast-paced, flawless blend of romance, comedy, and suspense. Dating Dead Men introduces a writer who is bound to take her place alongside Janet Evanovich and Gillian Roberts—and a heroine as feisty, funny, and unforgettable as Bridget Jones.

Wollie is dating 40 men in 60 days as part of a research project for a bestselling radio personality; the $5,000 fee could help her struggling store, "Wollie's Welcome! Greetings." In particular, Wollie's worried about inspections from national headquarters, who want to ensure that her franchise is up to standard. Her already full plate gets loaded up further when her paranoid schizophrenic brother, P.B., who resides at a mental hospital called Rio Pescado, phones to tell her he's witnessed a murder. The last thing Wollie wants is to call the police, so she dashes off to Rio Pescado. On the way she finds a dead body. At the hospital she picks up a charismatic stranger, "Doc," who's on the run, and Wollie can't help getting herself mixed up in his troubles as well...

The Book Snobs Gathering
The Snobs gathered at Theresa's home on Monday, April 26.  Theresa served delicious homemade Strawberry Daquiris made with fresh strawberries.  For dinner the Snobs were treated to a make-your-own Quesadilla bar and salad.

Dating Dead Men was a fun read and the discussion was entertaining.  This was the first mystery we've read as a group.  We discussed the author's use of red herrings and the interesting characters.  The settings used in this novel were vivid and were an integral part of the story.  Generally, all the Snobs enjoyed this lighthearted mystery.

March 2010 Selection

Around the time Elizabeth Gilbert turned thirty, she went through an early-onslaught midlife crisis. She had everything an educated, ambitious American woman was supposed to want—a husband, a house, a successful career. But instead of feeling happy and fulfilled, she was consumed with panic, grief, and confusion. She went through a divorce, a crushing depression, another failed love, and the eradication of everything she ever thought she was supposed to be.

To recover from all this, Gilbert took a radical step. In order to give herself the time and space to find out who she really was and what she really wanted, she got rid of her belongings, quit her job, and undertook a yearlong journey around the world—all alone. Eat, Pray, Love is the absorbing chronicle of that year. Her aim was to visit three places where she could examine one aspect of her own nature set against the backdrop of a culture that has traditionally done that one thing very well. In Rome, she studied the art of pleasure, learning to speak Italian and gaining the twenty-three happiest pounds of her life. India was for the art of devotion, and with the help of a native guru and a surprisingly wise cowboy from Texas, she embarked on four uninterrupted months of spiritual exploration. In Bali, she studied the art of balance between worldly enjoyment and divine transcendence. She became the pupil of an elderly medicine man and also fell in love the best way—unexpectedly.

An intensely articulate and moving memoir of self-discovery, Eat, Pray, Love is about what can happen when you claim responsibility for your own contentment and stop trying to live in imitation of society’s ideals. It is certain to touch anyone who has ever woken up to the unrelenting need for change.

The Snobs Gathering
The Snobs gathered at Della's home on Monday, March 29.   As usual, the evening started with a cocktail hour followed by a delicious meal.  Della served Pasta Milano with salad and bread.  The Snobs enthusiastically discussed Eat, Pray, Love.  Opinions on this book were widely varied.  Some of the Snobs thoroughly enjoyed it and others disliked it so much they didn't finish it.  The evening was topped off with brownies and ice cream.

February 2010 Selection

A dangerous homeless drifter who grew up picking cotton in virtual slavery.  An upscale art dealer accustomed to the world of Armani and Chanel.  A gutsy woman with a stubborn dream.  A story so incredible, no novelist would dare dream it.

It begins outside a burning plantation hut in Louisiana... and an East Texas honky-tonk... and, without a doubt, in the heart of God. It unfolds in a Hollywood hacienda... an upscale New York Gallery... a downtown dumpster... a Texas ranch.  Gritty with pain and betrayal and brutality, it also shines with an unexpected, life-changing love.

Same Kind of Different as Me was chosen by Sandra for the "Biography/ Autobiography" genre.

The Snobs Gathering
The Snobs met at Sandra's house on February 22.  As usual, we started with wine and chit-chat.  Our hostess served a delicious dinner of pulled pork sandwiches on onion rolls with homemade Cole slaw.  This book made for excellent discussion  of topics like discrimination and homelessness.  We also discussed prayer and how prayers may be answered.

January 2010 Selection

The Wednesday Letters is the story of Jack and Laurel.  Married 39 years, the Coopers lived a good life and appear to have had a near-perfect relationship.  Then one night, with his wife cradled in his arms, and before Jack takes his last breath, he scribbles his final "Wednesday Letter."   When their three adult children arrive to arrange the funeral, they discover boxes and boxes full of love letters that their father wrote to their mother on every single Wednesday.  As they begin to open and read the letters, the children uncover unimaginable adventures and the shocking truth about their past.   The Wednesday Letters has a powerful message about redemption and forgiveness.  And it just might inspire you to begin writing your own Wednesday Letters.

This book was chosen by Lisa for the "Realistic Fiction" genre.

The Snobs Gathering
The Snobs gathered at Lisa's home for a "wake" in memory of Jack and Laurel Cooper on Monday, January 25.  The Snobs enjoyed a dinner reminiscent of a typical family funeral meal.  Mourners dined on fried chicken, chicken pot pie, twice baked potatoes and chocolate cake.

The Snobs enjoyed their usual enthusiastic discussion.  We talked about each of the main characters and discussed the effect that secrets, often revealed after a loved one's death, can have on those who survive.

It was a lively and enjoyable evening of food, wine and discussion.

December 2009

The Snobs took a break from reading as a group in December.  We met for dinner at Vietnam Restaurant in downtown Corpus Christi.  Eating at Vietnam is an elegant communal experience with shared dishes.  As always conversation was the highlight of the evening.  And, in spite of an inattentive waiter, we enjoyed a great dinner.  For the second year, in lieu of a gift exchange The Snobs each contributed to a gift for the Corpus Christi Literacy Council.  Our donation will sponsor beginning reading workbooks for four adults who are learning to read.