I embarked on my literary journey in the first month of 2020, venturing into my third book club. This experience opened up the floodgates to a world of numerous books, many of which I have enjoyed through my engagement with the clubs. Numerous novels that I wouldn’t have given a second thought became worthy reads thanks to the clubs’ recommendations. But the joy of reading these books is not the only reward; the human connections fostered and the friendships developed through shared appreciation for literature have been utterly fulfilling. A journey to a book club companion’s condominium in Florida remains one of the shining highlights of the past month.
On the return flight from Florida, I was engrossed in a novel, an activity that sparked a fascinating dialogue with the cabin crew. It led to a book suggestion from the flight attendant, a memoir titled ‘Honeymoon With My Brother’ by Franz Wisner that had touched his life. My interactions also extended to my dedicated readers. They would email me their current reads constantly, and I even had a chance to engage with a book club that has stayed active for half a century. I’m warmed by the thought of my book clubs maturing just as well with time.
Of course, my loyalty to my book clubs doesn’t nullify my choices. There might be instances when I opt not to engage with a particular book, and hence miss its related meeting. Now, without further ado, let me share the works I delved into during the fall season, precisely in September and October. ‘All Fours.’ A fictional work by Miranda July paints the picture of a middle-aged heroine embarking on a journey towards self-discovery. The protagonist, unidentified and celebrating her 45th birthday, decides to gift herself a road trip. Her adventure stretches from Los Angeles to New York, planning a six-day escapade that includes visiting various tourist attractions.
A memorable visit was to Casey, Illinois, famously known for being a home to many of the world’s largest items, offering a unique sightseeing experience. Compliments for Joy are in order because of her innovative and illustrative storytelling techniques. Her novel ‘All Fours’ managed to secure a spot among the five nominated novels for the National Book Award in October. However, the narrative was a tad too extravagant, leading most book club members to deem it too ‘far out there’.
Another consummate literary work is ‘Straight Man,’ a novel penned by Richard Russo. It provides a light-hearted yet insightful depiction of a man navigating a midlife crisis. William Henry ‘Hank’ Devereaux Jr. is the protagonist, filling in the chair of the English department at the imagined Railton College in Pennsylvania. The story provides a snapshot into a week in Hank’s life, which is filled with a multitude of tests, both psychological and physical, further magnified with his spouse out of town.
Hank, in his 50s, is a once-successful novelist, who finds himself grappling with the decisions he’s made in his life, one of them being to stick around at a university plagued with financial constraints. Complex relationships with his mother, father, daughter, and colleagues add layers to his character. One unforgettable moment in the book sees Hank holding a goose by the neck on live television, vowing to ‘kill a duck a day’ until his department budget is released, making for quite a memorable read.
Then there’s ‘All the Colors of the Dark,’ a novel by Chris Whitaker. This book incorporates elements of a thriller and a mystery, with its narrative centered around a pursuit of a serial killer and a missing individual. Readers are also led on a deep exploration into this decidedly lengthy character-driven novel. Luckily, short chapters help sustain the pace. The storyline is set in the mid-70s, in the fictitious countryside town of Monta Clare, Missouri. Here, teenage girls start disappearing, inciting fear and dubious intrigues.
The story introduces us to a one-eyed boy, Joseph ‘Patch’ Macauley, who earns the nickname ‘pirate.’ His closest ally is Saint, an outcast like him, intelligent, a beekeeper, and fiercely protective of Patch. The ensemble cast includes a rich family’s daughter, a gallery owner, the town’s police chief, a bus driver, a doctor, and a serial killer. Without revealing too much, the tale unravels over three decades, depicting how their lives creases and folds end up intersecting and forging enduring ties.
‘Stolen Beauty’ is a novel by Laurie Lico Albanese that masterfully juggles elements of both fact and fiction to recount the stories of two women, Adele Bloch-Bauer and Maria Altmann. The narrative also details their connection to Gustav Klimt’s paintings. Adele hails from an affluent, Jewish family, growing up in the bustling city of Vienna in the latter part of the 19th century and the early 20th century. Adele’s life changes when she crosses paths with Ferdinand, her senior, at her sister’s engagement party.
He presents an irresistible world of arts to her, prompting her into marriage. As an infertile woman, Adele evolves into a society hostess who runs salons and supports the arts. She also becomes an inspiration for Klimt, leading her to pose for several portraits, including the famous ‘Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I’ or the ‘Woman in Gold’. Maria, her niece, takes center stage in 1938, when Hitler’s forces occupy Vienna. Despite being secular Jews, Maria’s family is in peril. While witnessing families forced to abandon their homes and possessions, including invaluable art, taken away, Maria and her spouse find refuge in California.
The book club also embarked on a discussion around ‘Chasing the Boogeyman,’ a novel we read after an enthusiastic recommendation by a club member. Authored by Richard Chizmar, the book masquerades as a ‘true crime’ story. Such was Chizmar’s convincing narration that even with the knowledge of it being fictional, I couldn’t resist Googling certain aspects. It was supported by images corroborating the ‘criminal activities.’
Richard Chizmar, the author, genuinely spent his formative years in Edgewood, Maryland, during the late 1980s. His narration paints a chilling picture of a town terrorized by a serial killer, resulting in multiple females disappearing. Chizmar’s personal experiences, however, encompass the full extent of the actual particulars. The rest of the unnerving account is pure fabrication.
Embracing the Joy of Book Clubs: A Personal Journey appeared first on Real News Now.
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