The March Edition

Springtime is just around the bend...

Matchbook Book Club presents: The March Edition Dear Members, Apologies for this late distribution of the newsletter! Springtime is here (or is it? Looking outside this morning when it was actually snowing, does put a damp in our optimistic outlook on warmer days!) and it's that time of year where we look forward to a new batch of books! I'll look forward to the days we can all enjoy the patio, go have a a picnic outside, or take a bike ride around places like High Park or Toronto Islands...I guess we'll just have to be a little more patient! Thank you to everyone who attended this month's meeting at the super yummy Lisa Marie's! We discussed Cheryl Strayed's "Dear Sugar", which for many was a wonderful read, and there were those who found it to be "just okay"! We shared a bit of our personal experience and saw how it related to many of the advice being given, and overall there were great takeaways from the book (recall Tomas Transtromer's Sister Life passage). A great book to pass it on to family and friends! Good times at Lisa Marie's! This month's theme: Man Booker International Longlist! Thank you to everyone who cast in their votes: while there were plenty of great ones to choose from and to add on our to-read list, this title came out as promising. Fingers crossed it makes it to the shortlist like last year's pick! Enjoy! Summary: Andreas lives his whole life in the Austrian Alps, where he arrives as a young boy taken in by a farming family. He is a man of very few words and so, when he falls in love with Marie, he doesn't ask for her hand in marriage, but instead has some of his friends light her name at dusk across the mountain. When Marie dies in an avalanche, pregnant with their first child, Andreas' heart is broken. He leaves his valley just once more, to fight in WWII - where he is taken prisoner in the Caucasus - and returns to find that modernity has reached his remote haven. . . Like John Williams' Stoner or Denis Johnson's Train Dreams, A Whole Life by Robert Seethaler is a tender book about finding dignity and beauty in solitude. An exquisite novel about a simple life, it has already demonstrated its power to move thousands of readers with a message of solace and truth. It looks at the moments, big and small, that make us what we are. Translated by Charlotte Collins.

The February Edition

Books...the key to my soul!"

Matchbook Book Club presents:  The February Edition   Dear Members, Family/Valentine's Day long weekend has come and gone. Already we are getting nearer to Spring, which means more exciting things are coming our way! One of the great things about this book club is the opportunity to take on books that we often probably wouldn't have given a second thought, and appreciating that we did! Such an instance could be said of The Danish Girl. Telling a story that contains heavy subject matter can go one of both ways: very well or a big miss. So I was very glad to hear that everyone quite enjoyed this read! The Danish Girl was a wonderful and eye-opening account on what it means to be human, and just how far one would go for love. A big thanks to David Ebershoff  for making our month, in answering our questions for our Author Q & A! It's always such a special treat to hear more of the behind-the-scenes of our reads and to hear their thoughts. See you next month! Joanne Thank you to everyone who attended this month's meeting. It was a very lovely brunch at Colette Grand Cafe! Below, is the Q & A for David Ebershoff. Enjoy! Lauren's Question: Q: Which character did you like to write - Greta, Lili, or Einar? Which was the most difficult or which one surprised you the most? A: I love these characters for different reasons. Lili, for her courage, determination, and sense of wonder and belief in the future. Metaphorically, Lili’s story is one of rebirth. So this was an interesting writing challenge. The challenge with Greta was to write her in a complex way — to show her remarkable love for Lili, her seemingly bottomless support, while also showing her complicated responses to what was happening to her spouse and to her marriage. Greta is both selfless and selfish, and I needed to show that in a nuanced, empathetic way. Barbara's Question: Q: Did you know what happened to Gerda after separating from Lili? Did Gerda move to the U.S.?  Did she actually become a Baroness? A: She ended up marrying an officer from the Italian Air Force, someone who had many of the qualities that Hans has. She never stopped drawing/painting Lili and a few years after Lili’s death she tried to buy back one of her favorite Lili paintings that she sold in 1928. She died in 1940, mostly forgotten, just as Lili was mostly forgotten until somewhat recently. Shirley's Question:  Q: My main question is why dedicate so much of the book to Greta? I would have liked more of what was going on in Einar and Lili's mind.  Why did he change Gerda to Greta? Why change her from Danish to a brash rich American woman? Am very interested!  A: As much as this is a story about identity it’s also a story about love and marriage. Lili’s life would have been different if she had had to transition on her own. For me, I decided the way to tell this story was as a love story. I also find Greta’s journey as complex and uncharted as Lili’s. Both women had to navigate their lives, and their paths forward, without any kind of role models or examples to look to. Both were pioneers. Joanne's question: Q: If you could invite anyone, dead or alive for dinner, who would it be? A: Right now, my answer has to be Lili Elbe.I’m going to Dresden in April to participate in a ceremony to lay a new headstone at her grave (her original headstone is missing — probably destroyed in World War II). Lili is very much on my mind and I would like to spend time with her and toast her and thank her for being so brave. This Month's Selection: Member's Choice   On a spontaneous whim, this months' choice was Member's Choice- at this month's meeting, I discussed what genre we should pursue and non-fiction was the popular choice. After a few suggestions, Cheryl Strayed's "Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life from Dear Sugar" became a pick that everyone wanted to give a shot. So let's give it a go! Happy Reading! Summary: Life can be hard: your lover cheats on you; you lose a family member; you can’t pay the bills—and it can be great: you’ve had the hottest sex of your life; you get that plum job; you muster the courage to write your novel. Sugar—the once-anonymous online columnist at The Rumpus, now revealed as Cheryl Strayed, author of the bestselling memoir Wild—is the person thousands turn to for advice. Tiny Beautiful Things brings the best of Dear Sugar in one place and includes never-before-published columns and a new introduction by Steve Almond.  Rich with humor, insight, compassion—and absolute honesty—this book is a balm for everything life throws our way. Future Event Our next meeting will be taking place in the middle of March! A location has been set: Lisa Marie's on Queen Street! Visit the Doodle here: http://doodle.com/poll/kq9r7hygvwamdsqk   Lovely bookish interiors: this one's a dream! Bookstores always remind me that there are good things in this world. — Vincent van Gogh

The January Edition

Matchbook Book Club presents: The January Edition Dear Members, A new year means a fresh start: new goals are made, plans are fixed, and adventure is right around the corner! Best of all, it's exciting to know that we will be reading so many new books from authors new and old! 2016 also signifies that this book club has been around for five years. Five years! And as we approach our sixth year, it gives me butterflies in my stomach knowing that you, dear members, have made this little love project possible. So let's sit back on our favourite armchair, grab our choice of beverage (whether it be a glass of red or a cup of tea), sit by the fire with our book on our laps, and drink a toast to many more brighter and happier memories in the months to come. Thank you all, Joanne Thank you to everyone who came to this month's meeting! Despite the last minute change of venue (drats to places who do not accept reservations...we were NOT going to be waiting for 45 minutes at Insomnia, thank you very much). We trekked on over to Hey Lucy's for brunch at the Annex! In light of discussing our first read of the year, Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, there were mixed reviews of this classic. Those who watched the films compared and contrasted with what took place in the book. Additionally, fun questions were asked, including whom Jo would be friends with from other books (Hermione Granger and Anne Shirley were top choices!) Summary: Now a major motion picture starring Eddie Redmayne and directed by Tom Hooper, THE DANISH GIRL is a shockingly original novel about one of the most unusual and passionate love stories of the 20th century. Loosely inspired by a true story, this tender portrait of marriage asks: What do you do when the person you love has to change? It starts with a question, a simple favour asked by a wife of her husband while both are painting in their studio, setting off a transformation neither can anticipate. Uniting fact and fiction into an original romantic vision, The Danish Girl eloquently portrays the unique intimacy that defines every marriage and the remarkable story of Lili Elbe, a pioneer in transgender history, and the woman torn between loyalty to her marriage and her own ambitions and desires. The Danish Girl is an evocative and deeply moving novel about one of the most passionate and unusual love stories of the 20th century. I can't wait to hear everyone's thoughts about this book! Read the book, watch the film! Curious about the film? Check out the trailer here - both Eddie Redmayne and Alicia Vikander have both been nominated for the Oscars this year! Love to hear your thoughts! “My Best Friend is a person who will give me a book I have not read.”  - Abraham Lincoln

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The December Edition

t's the most magical time of the year!

Matchbook Book Club presents The December Edition Dear Members,  'Tis the season to be jolly! Despite the lack of snow, December still holds a magical presence around us. It's that time of year where we get together with our beloved family and friends, bake lovely sweet goodies, and drink apple cider and mulled wine! The holiday season is also a time of reflection. We should always appreciate the simple things in life, and have gratitude for the positive things that take place in our everyday lives. Lastly, a major thank you to all of you dear members. We have shared a lot of happy, bookish memories and I look forward to many more in the new year. Have a safe and wonderful holiday season! Joanne   Christmas Gift Suggestions   To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect.  'Twas a very festive time indeed with members all happy with their books and treats! A big thank you to everyone who came out to this month's meeting: with Christmas sweaters and gold paper crowns to boot, it reminded us of how lucky we are to be among friends and family. This holiday season, be with the ones you love. Thank you to everyone who voted on this month's pick! I couldn't have chosen a more fitting title to cozy ourselves with this holiday season! Enjoy! Summary: The charming story of the March sisters, Little Women has been adored by generations. Readers have rooted for Laurie in his pursuit of Jo's hand, cried over little Beth's death, and dreamed of travelling through Europe with old Aunt March and Amy. Future writers have found inspiration in Jo's devotion to her writing. In this simple, enthralling tale, both parts of which are included here, Louisa May Alcott has created four of American literature's most beloved women.  Watch: the film trailers for the classic Little Women with Judy Garland and Natalie Wood, as well as the1994 version! “The joy of brightening other lives, bearing each others’ burdens, easing others’ loads and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of the holidays.” - W. C. Jones Our kind of tree! Future Event A new year dawns: I'll be seeing you all in 2016! A Doodle will has been made so vote for your dates and timeshere.  In the meantime, enjoy the holiday season! A very super touching John Lewis ad for the holiday season. Watch it here.

The November Edition

Second chances...

Matchbook Book Club presents The November Edition Dear Members, Lots of things have been taking place as of late, apologies for the late update! One of the greatest highlights of November was having author Ann Walmsley visit us during our meeting! It was such a wonderful Q & A with great questions and she was so kind to answer them all and give us a deeper insight into the lives of the men in prisons and how books can truly make a difference. In the meantime, the holiday season is fast approaching us, so stay tuned for lots of festivities! Take care! Joanne A big thank you to everyone who came to our meeting with special guest author Ann Walmsley of November's book club pick, The Prison Book Club! We had such a fabulous time listening to her stories and her incredible answers to our questions. She is such a lovely person, and we were happy that she was able to  give us an opportunity to have a "behind-the scenes" look at her book. Some fun questions we asked her: If you could ask anyone dead or living to dinner, who will it be? Winston Churchill. Was the title of your book your pick or the publisher's choices? It was my original title. (Interestingly enough, the Canadian cover edition actually has an image of Chapter One of her actual book!) What books are you currently reading at the moment? Boris Johnson's The Churchill Factor  What book is on your to-read list? Kenneth Oppel's The Nest One thing everyone agreed on was how wonderfully written the book was: poetic at times, it gave us a deeper understanding to how these inmates lived their lives behind bars. The book club gave these men something to look forward to, and it was great to have read how much of a positive impact books have made for these inmates. Well worth the read! November Selection: Mystery Thank you to everyone who submitted their votes! With a draw out of a hat, our current read is ( one that was picked by Kristin! ): Sidenote: there's also a film that is based on the book that you may want to look up (don't know how true to the book it was, but worth noting the contrasts!): watch the trailer here. Summary: On January 15, 1947, the torture-ravished body of a beautiful young woman is found in a Los Angeles vacant lot. The victim makes headlines as the Black Dahlia-and so begins the greatest manhunt in California history.Caught up in the investigation are Bucky Bleichert and Lee Blanchard: Warrants Squad cops, friends, and rivals in love with the same woman. But both are obsessed with the Dahlia-driven by dark needs to know everything about her past, to capture her killer, to possess the woman even in death. Their quest will take them on a hellish journey through the underbelly of postwar Hollywood, to the core of the dead girl's twisted life, past the extremes of their own psyches-into a region of total madness.

The October Edition

Matchbook Book Club presents: The October Edition   Dear Members, We're well into the Fall season, and the excitement's just only begun. I can't believe October is already over- soon enough we shall be entering holiday season, and that's when things get festive! There's lots of great events coming up, so make sure to join in on the fun including... Taste of Iceland: starts November 12-15th. From food to films, can't wait for this as many of you know I'm very fond of that country! For more information, visit their website here. Roald Dahl Day: Sat November 14th, 1PM free screening of Fantastic Mr. Fox at Bloor Hot Docs Cinema. Tickets at bloorcinema.com See you next month! Joanne Thank you everyone who came out to our recent meeting! We discussed our latest pick, The Fishermen! I'm pleased to hear that everyone enjoyed reading the book- there are parts where it was very dark, but all can agree on the magnificent storytelling and vivid imagery the author weaves on the tale of four brothers in Nigeria. Thank you to everyone who voted for our next pick! Looking forward to reading it and discussing with you all soon. The winner: Summary: An attack in London left Ann Walmsley unable to walk alone down the street, and shook her belief in the fundamental goodness of people. In Canada a few years later, when her friend Carol asked her to participate in a bold new venture in a men’s medium security prison, Ann had to weigh her curiosity and desire to be of service with her anxiety and fear. But she signed on, and for eighteen months went to a remote building at Collins Bay, meeting a group of heavily tattooed book club members without the presence of guards or security cameras. There was no wine and cheese, plush furnishings, or superficial chat about jobs or recent vacations. But a book club on the inside proved to be a place to share ideas, learn about each other, and regain humanity. For the men, the books were rare prized possessions, and the meetings were an oasis of safety and a respite from isolation in an otherwise hostile environment. Having been judged themselves, they were quick to make judgments about the books they read. As they discussed the obstacles the characters faced, they revealed glimpses of their own struggles that were devastating and comic. From The Grapes of Wrath to The Cellist of Sarajevo, Outliers to Infidel, the book discussions became a springboard for frank conversations about loss, anger, redemption, heroism and loneliness. The Prison Book Club follows six particularly involved book club members, who kept journals at Ann's request and participated in candid one-on-one conversations. Graham the biker, Frank the gunman, Ben and Dread the Jamaicans, and the robber duo Gaston and Peter come to life as Ann reconciles her knowledge of their crimes with the individuals themselves, and follows their lives as they leave prison. And woven throughout is the determined and compassionate Carol Finlay, working tirelessly to expand her program across Canada and into the United States. The books changed the men and the men changed Ann, allowing her to move beyond her position as a victim. She came to realize that given the choice, she'd forsake the company of her privileged friends and their comfortable book club, and make the two hour drive to Collins Bay.  For an interesting extra, watch the author being interview on Global News here. A fun bookish list that we can all check off together in November! (Except of course, #4 of course!) If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need. -Marcus Tullius Cicero     Some Food For Thought...Literally! A great article from The Telegraph on the 10 Greatest Meals in Literature- read it here! Toronto Power Walkers Group For those of us who attended our recent meeting, Shirley had informed us about her walking group which seemed fantastic! For more information, visit their blog here! Future Event Our next book club gathering will be taking place next month around the usual time! ADoodle has been created, so vote for your time and dates! New: A Friday night time slot! Location would be at Artisano Bakery Cafe: learn more about this placehere. Our November Selections As per tradition, November is Mystery Month! (Cue PBS's Masterpiece Mystery Credit Opening from the late 90's: watch ithere!) Best of all, it will be Member's Choice! Bookshop love:   Paris bookshop Shakespeare & Co. has opened up a cafe. Potential meeting place in the future, dear members? :) Read all about ithere! A very interesting read on author Lisa See and celebrating 20 years of Gold Mountain: you can read it here! (thanks Shirley for sharing!)