You think You know, but You have no idea!!

Before this month’s meeting several of you had given way to the idea that I had completely lost my marbles, due to the homework assignment. Sadly I think it led to a smaller turn out, however for those of us that did participate in my many strange but fun activities we decided that even though my assignments seem totally nuts they do make for a fun evening!!!

For her participation, investigative deduction and cleverness Anna was awarded this month’s bag of goodies. She had us all laughing at her many kitchen item clues!! My personal favorite was the bottle of hot sauce she used to represent Mexico!!

For those of you that are curious the answers to our 12 clue quest were as follows:

Clue #1
In which previous book club book did a thirty year old secretary, decide to take a yearlong adventure of recreating 524 French recipes? ~Julie and Julia

 Clue #2
The fictional (made-up) character of Dracula was based on a man that lived in what Eastern European country between 1431 and 1476? ~Romania

Clue #3

Which book club member said her favorite book genre is Period Romance? ~Lydia

 Clue #4

Which previous book club book, experienced sky rocketing sales during the Amanda Knox’s trials? ~Monster of Florence

Clue#5
Which neighboring country now requires a passport or enhanced ID to cross the border? ~Canada

Clue #6

Which book club member is exempt from all BOOK related homework? ~Debbie

Clue #7

On which past book club, book sleeve were we told that the book was “Gritty, sensual and charged with dark secrets involving love, murder, and a majestic, mute heroine? ~Water for Elephants

Clue #8

In which country is Día de los Muertos celebrated as a national holiday? ~México

Clue #9

Which book club member probably spends more money on wool than clothing? ~Sarah

Clue #10

In which previous book club book, were we taken on a multi-generational journey that helped a girl find her missing history? ~The Forgotten Garden

Clue #11
In which country could a woman from centuries past be considered a half wife, a wife of nightfall, a woman who sold not her body but her skills and with it created a fragile, forbidden world? ~China

Clue #12

Which book club member owns horses? ~Twyla

The Thirteenth Tale had several little hidden secrets and charms and at the meeting we also discovered some interesting things about one another. For instance I am related to Brad Pitt, Anna once danced in a drag show, Sarah’s dad was a Hells Angel, Beth really does like the Family Guy and Marsela does not love Justin Bieber!! I have to say ladies you never cease to keep my laughing and on my toes.

After playing our silly little games and enjoying some awesome food

it was time to discuss our book. Well it was pretty unanimous WE LOVED IT!!! This book was absolutely amazing and I personally felt as thou I had a lot in common with the main character Margaret. Especially her love of book and the way she felt they could completely encompass you.

“There is something about words. In expert hands, manipulated deftly, they take you prisoner. Wind themselves around your limbs like spider silk, and when you are so enthralled you cannot move, they pierce your skin, enter your blood, numb your thoughts. Inside you they work their magic.”
― Diane Setterfield, The Thirteenth Tale

Several of us agreed with this quote and said we constantly found ourselves hypnotized by the passages in this story. We also agreed that the book would have been better had it ended about 30 pages before it did. The nice little wrapped up ending wasn’t needed and it felt amateur when compared to the other wonderful charms that book laid before us.

For many of us we saw certain sections of the book going very differently. For the most part Anna and Marsela said they had figured the ending out. They knew that our beloved Ms. Winter was in fact not one of the twins. Sarah on the other hand had her pegged as a schizophrenic with definite split personalities and both Beth and I found ourselves wondering several times whether or not there had ever been twins to begin with or if it had always just been one person. I admittedly said I didn’t see the ending coming.

In the end we all voted the book needed to be ranked among the other brilliant stories from our book club past. It has now found a home among our top five.

Before leaving I passed out the cute little patriotic inspired pin wheel invitations for July’s meeting and gave everyone very strict instructions that if they wanted to win this month’s prize they would need to pull out all the stops with their best red, white and blue outfits!!

We had a blast at the meeting and left feeling excited for what next month had in store for us. I personally am very excited to see what everyone comes up with for our next meeting and to hear their opinions of the book An American Childhood.

So until next time as usual Happy Reading!!!

Sincerely yours,

Mistress Book Club Wench

Book Descriptions

Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter~

When Abraham Lincoln was nine years old, his mother died from an ailment called the "milk sickness." Only later did he learn that his mother's deadly affliction was actually the work of a local vampire, seeking to collect on Abe's father's unfortunate debts.

When the truth became known to the young Abraham Lincoln, he wrote in his journal: henceforth my life shall be one of rigorous study and devotion. I shall become learned in all things—a master of mind and body. And this mastery shall have but one purpose."

Fall on Your Knees~

The Piper family is steeped in secrets, lies, and unspoken truths. At the eye of the storm is one secret that threatens to shake their lives — even destroy them.

Set on stormy Cape Breton Island off Nova Scotia, Fall on Your Knees is an internationally acclaimed multigenerational saga that chronicles the lives of four unforgettable sisters. Theirs is a world filled with driving ambition, inescapable family bonds, and forbidden love.

Compellingly written, by turns menacingly dark and hilariously funny, this is an epic tale of five generations of sin, guilt, and redemption.