The August Edition

I think of life as a good book!"

Matchbook Book Club presents: The August Edition Dear Members, I cannot believe we've arrived at the month of August! Summer days just seem to just fly past us at such speeds that often we take such warm afternoons for granted. Let us not forget that there are still weekends, afternoons, and evenings left so let's make the best out of them! Leisure moments like these are best spent with a book in tow: how has everyone been with their book pledge this year? Anyone close to accomplishing the 2015 Reading Bingo? (For those who need a refresh or have not encountered one before, please visit this link hereand print one out today!) I am thrilled to see that some of you are on Goodreads (We have a Goodreads page too- follow us here!) It's always lovely to see what everyone else is reading. I'm looking forward to seeing all next month- and in the meantime, enjoy the sunshine, relax, and read! Joanne Thank you to everyone who came out on a warm Sunday to have lunch at Bar Milano! What a beautiful view of the lake,  not to mention sitting in a shadier place helped to beat the heat! Sipping on iced tea and eating dishes like pizza and delicious pasta: can't complain! My, my, what overwhelming feedback for our latest read, Confessions! The characters, the story-line, the themes, the vivid imagery of certain scenes (hint: the ending anyone?!!?!?)- there were definite moments where we went WTH! While there were those who couldn't sympathize with the characters but thought it well-written, others found it to be a thrilling read and liked that the story was told through multiple points of view- one member even finished this book in two sittings! Fun fact (taken from Wiki): The author has been described in Japan as "the queen of iyamisu." Iyamisu (eww mystery) is a subgenre of mystery fiction which deals with grisly episodes and the dark side of human nature. Readers blurt out "eww" when they are reading iyamisu (eww mystery) novels. Huh! Interesting! Theme: Carry Me Thank you to everyone who have submitted their votes: our theme draws on titles which renders coming back to the theme of home: memories of days past, weekends spent, evenings well cherished with loved ones- which at times for some, can hold both the good and the bad. And this month's pick is: The Shore by Sara Taylor  Left: UK Cover Version Right: Canadian Cover Version Summary: Welcome to The Shore: a collection of small islands sticking out from the coast of Virginia into the Atlantic Ocean. Where clumps of evergreens meet wild ponies, oyster-shell roads, tumble-down houses, unwanted pregnancies, murder, storm-making and dark magic in the marshes. . .  Situated off the coast of Virginia's Chesapeake Bay, the group of islands known as the Shore has been home to generations of fierce and resilient women. Sanctuary to some but nightmare to others, it's a place they've inhabited, fled, and returned to for hundreds of years. From a half-Shawnee Indian's bold choice to flee an abusive home only to find herself with a man who will one day try to kill her to a brave young girl's determination to protect her younger sister as methamphetamine ravages their family, to a lesson in summoning storm clouds to help end a drought, these women struggle against domestic violence, savage wilderness, and the corrosive effects of poverty and addiction to secure a sense of well-being for themselves and for those they love. Together their stories form a deeply affecting legacy of two barrier island families, illuminating 150 years of their many freedoms and constraints, heartbreaks, and pleasures. Conjuring a wisdom and beauty all its own,The Shore is a richly unique, stunning novel that will resonate with readers long after turning its final pages, establishing Sara Taylor as a promising new voice in fiction. If we encounter a man of rare intellect, we should ask him what books he reads. – Ralph Waldo Emerson FUTURE EVENT Our next meeting will be taking place in September! A Doodle has been made so vote for your dates and times. See you soon! Bookshop love!

The July Edition

“Without words, without writing and without books there would be no history, there could be no concept of humanity.”

Matchbook Book Club presents: The July Edition Theme: How Far We've Come Dear Members, What a glorious weekend we've had! With sunnier days and warmer nights, I hope everyone has been enjoying themselves! This month's pick will look at reads that will further deepen view of the human condition, whether it's about self-discovery, injustice overcome, or being inspired by the unexpected. Thank you to all who have voted for this month's selections! It was safe to say that it was an overwhelming yes for Harper Lee's  "Go Set A Watchman", the much anticipated runner-up to the classic, "To Kill A Mockingbird". "Go Set a Watchman" will debut on July 14th, and as a result, our upcoming meeting will be pushed a little later: regardless, for the ambitious readers among us- there's room for opportunity to read the first book as a refresher, or better yet, watch the film (who doesn't love Gregory Peck, my ultimate dream man?!) I think it's safe to say that this book will definitely lead a hearty round of discussions for our next meeting! I can't wait to hear what you have to say! In the meantime, enjoy the sunshine and stay bookish! Joanne “I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what.”  - Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird Summary: Originally written in the mid-1950s, Go Set a Watchman was the novel Harper Lee first submitted to her publishers before To Kill a Mockingbird. Assumed to have been lost, the manuscript was discovered in late 2014. Go Set a Watchman features many of the characters from To Kill a Mockingbird some twenty years later. Returning home to Maycomb to visit her father, Jean Louise Finch—Scout—struggles with issues both personal and political, involving Atticus, society, and the small Alabama town that shaped her. Exploring how the characters from To Kill a Mockingbird are adjusting to the turbulent events transforming mid-1950s America, Go Set a Watchman casts a fascinating new light on Harper Lee’s enduring classic. Moving, funny and compelling, it stands as a magnificent novel in its own right.  Happy reading!

Future Event In light of the Pan Am Games, we figured it would be best to meet more uptown this month. Location is to be announced- however due to the nature of the book's late release into the month, there is only one day we can call the meeting (the following weekend is a long weekend) here is aDoodle to vote for the times! Bookish love: a personal library shot from a beautiful home in Dallas. Beauty!

June Edition

Good reads under a summer breeze...

Matchbook Book Club presents: June 2015 Dear Members, I hope that everyone is having a wonderful start to this month so far! My goodness does time fly: already we are heading into the summer season and with a touch of lovely weather we've been having here and there, I'm looking forward to warmer afternoons! Thank you to everyone who came out to our last meeting at Cibo Wine Bar- it was a delicious brunch buffet and definitely worth a visit! In terms of our previous pick, we enjoyed H is for Hawk by Helen MacDonald. There were some bones to pick, such as the preference of eliminating segments where she talks about T.H. White out of the book, and more focus on both her personal moments and her father's interesting past! Overall, the book was well-written and definitely worth passing on to bird-loving friends! Looking forward, I can't wait to discuss our next pick: for those who loved Still Alice, I'm excited to hear everyone's thoughts on this one! Enjoy! Joanne Thank you to everyone who submitted their votes! In light of this month's theme, the kick-off read to our summer season is: Summary: From award-winning, New York Times bestselling author and neuroscientist Lisa Genova comes a powerful new novel that does for Huntington’s Disease what her debut Still Alice did for Alzheimer’s. Joe O’Brien is a forty-four-year-old police officer from the Irish Catholic neighborhood of Charlestown, Massachusetts. A devoted husband, proud father of four children in their twenties, and respected officer, Joe begins experiencing bouts of disorganized thinking, uncharacteristic temper outbursts, and strange, involuntary movements. He initially attributes these episodes to the stress of his job, but as these symptoms worsen, he agrees to see a neurologist and is handed a diagnosis that will change his and his family’s lives forever: Huntington’s Disease. Huntington’s is a lethal neurodegenerative disease with no treatment and no cure. Each of Joe’s four children has a 50 percent chance of inheriting their father’s disease, and a simple blood test can reveal their genetic fate. While watching her potential future in her father’s escalating symptoms, twenty-one-year-old daughter Katie struggles with the questions this test imposes on her young adult life. Does she want to know? What if she’s gene positive? Can she live with the constant anxiety of not knowing? As Joe’s symptoms worsen and he’s eventually stripped of his badge and more, Joe struggles to maintain hope and a sense of purpose, while Katie and her siblings must find the courage to either live a life “at risk” or learn their fate. "There comes a time when you have to choose between turning the page and closing the book. "-Josh Jameson Future Event There are a couple of options to vote from in terms of meeting dates. Unfortunately, June 14th and June 21st are out of the equation as I will be running the Nike Womens 15K on the 14th and it will be my birthday on the 21st! As a result, the only dates availble this month would be Sat the 13th, the 20th, and the weekend of the 27th and 28th should anyone be interested in a later date. Vote here! Bookish love: we are loving this room. How inspiring!

Copyright © 2015 Matchbook Book Club. All rights reserved.

April/May Edition

Dear Members,

I hope everyone is doing well!

I am currently in Norway at the moment- so far, Scandinavia has been wonderful and there will be many tales to tell when upon return!!!!!!

Unfortunately, I won't be able to create a newsletter this month- rather, I wanted to touch base with you all:

Thank you to everyone who came out to our last gathering at the AGO for Sunday brunch: we all had tasty picks, and am happy to hear that our recent pick, The Girl With A Pearl Earring by Tracey Chevalier had a positive feedback by all. Definitely a read worth passing on! 

The film adaptation is also worth a watch if you haven't seen it already!

This month's pick: thanks to all who submitted their votes for this month's non-fiction picks! 

H Is For Hawk by Helen MacDonald:

I hope everyone has been enjoying it so far! 

Upcoming events:

Vote for our dates and time on the Doodle here! http://doodle.com/c9y4fh4pi99wcax7

Location is to be determined!

In the meantime, take care and I'll see you all soon!

Have a great weekend,

Joanne

Our March Edition

Spring is in the air...

Matchbook Book Club presents The March Edition Dear Members, Slowly but surely, we are seeing imprints of Springtime weather! What a huge relief, given how brutal this Winter seemed to have dragged on for... we welcome the sunshine and fun times. Thank you to everyone who came out to our recent meeting: it was quite the experience dining at the wonderful Grapefruit Moon, who were kind enough to accommodate all of us! Overall, we highly recommend the spot: any place that makes Blueberry Cheesecake French Toast is in our books! See you all very soon! Joanne A modern day book lover's haven! Thank you to everyone who submitted their choices for this month's theme- with the draw out of a hat, a winner was announced (it's also Lauren's pick as well!): Summary: With precisely 35 canvases to his credit, the Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer represents one of the great enigmas of 17th-century art. The meager facts of his biography have been gleaned from a handful of legal documents. Yet Vermeer's extraordinary paintings of domestic life, with their subtle play of light and texture, have come to define the Dutch golden age. His portrait of the anonymous Girl with a Pearl Earring has exerted a particular fascination for centuries--and it is this magnetic painting that lies at the heart of Tracy Chevalier's second novel of the same title. Girl with a Pearl Earring centers on Vermeer's prosperous Delft household during the 1660s. When Griet, the novel's quietly perceptive heroine, is hired as a servant, turmoil follows. First, the 16-year-old narrator becomes increasingly intimate with her master. Then Vermeer employs her as his assistant--and ultimately has Griet sit for him as a model. 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 FUTURE EVENT   In lieu of our recent book club pick, I thought it would be fine to dine at Frank's at the AGO, followed by a lovely stroll in the art gallery after our Sunday brunch! All are welcome, thank you to those who have submitted their dates on the Doodle: as such, we will be meeting on Sunday, April 19th at 1PM! See you there :)

Our February Edition

Matchbook Book Club presents: The February Edition Dear Members, I hope all is well! We're into the second month of the year and already we can't help but feel a bit dapper with the weather that we're having. However, Valentine's Day and Family Day long weekend is right around the corner, so hopefully everyone has the opportunity to unwind a little and enjoy a couple of good reads (or a few rather, for some!) In the meantime, continue to stay warm and I'll see you next month! Joanne Thank you to everyone who have turned up on a cold and snowing Sunday afternoon! I apologize for the slight wait and the lack of items on the menu that we really wanted (the waffles...why?!) I hope that the next time will be a lot better! We discussed our latest read, The Unquiet Dead by Ausma Khan. Overall, it was a fantastic read. Although slow at first, the plot thickened and was a page-turner right to the very end. The subject matter that ranged from the Bosnian War to domestic violence was worth discussing about while also noting that all too often, the world can sometimes be an unjust place. We are very lucky to be able to hold a Q & A with the author herself, thanks to Sonya's offer! Should you have a question or two, send me an e-mail as soon as possible. Otherwise, stay tuned for Ausma's answers! When it came to this month's selection, we encountered for the first time in our book club history, four titles  (Etta and Otto, The Remains of the Day, A Spool of Blue Thread, I Capture The Castle) that were caught in a tie! To be fair, the next fair step was to draw these titles out of a toque- and the winner: Summary: From the beloved Pulitzer Prize-winning author--now in the fiftieth year of her remarkable career--a brilliantly observed, joyful and wrenching, funny and true new novel that reveals, as only she can, the very nature of a family's life.       "It was a beautiful, breezy, yellow-and-green afternoon." This is the way Abby Whitshank always begins the story of how she fell in love with Red that day in July 1959. The whole family--their two daughters and two sons, their grandchildren, even their faithful old dog--is on the porch, listening contentedly as Abby tells the tale they have heard so many times before. And yet this gathering is different too: Abby and Red are growing older, and decisions must be made about how best to look after them, and the fate of the house so lovingly built by Red's father. Brimming with the luminous insight, humor, and compassion that are Anne Tyler's hallmarks, this capacious novel takes us across three generations of the Whitshanks, their shared stories and long-held secrets, all the unguarded and richly lived moments that combine to define who and what they are as a family. Enjoy!!

Our March Selection Already wondering what our next month's theme is? It's definitely one with a twist: The Book You'd Grab If You Could Take Only One Book With You Your house goes on fire and you could only rescue one book out of the many you have in your shelves. What would it be? It could be a classic from your childhood days that you've cherished, or a recent book you've relished and just can't put down. You decide, dear members! "Beware of the person with one book." -Thomas Aquinas Well said! Future Event Our next meeting will be taking place during the middle of March. A Doodle has been created, so check your inbox. Next month's location will possibly be at the wonderful Grapefruit Moon for brunch! I'm still working out reservations with them, so stay tuned!