"Aye Dios Mio", the meeting was so much fun and I truly enjoyed hosting and preparing Puerto Rican "Cuisine" for all of you. Hope you savored the meaning of the book with the real flavor of America's palate. We sorely missed Carmen, Irene, Maria P. and Tracy's contribution to our discussion. We're sorry a few of you were not able to attend the meeting and feast with us as well.
The discussion was LIVELY and "LOUD" according to my husband in another rooom behind closed doors. He didn't understand our excitement while discussing our book. Not to worry, he did not hear any of it. We focused on how melodrama exists in real life. A few of us shared stories of our own that were pure drama. Among the topics discussed were: women's relationships with daughters, mothers,men and employers, dual standards, machismo and adjusting to a new culture.
The book ends on a positive note for America: " she has a right to live that life as she chooses. It is, after all, her life, and she's the one in the middle of it." May we all empower our own daughters and sons to live the life they were meant to and see that there are always choices in life. "Que Dios Bendiga Su Vida". Diana
Diana - What a memorable meeting! Mondays aren't bummers when it's book club time! You were the hostess with the mostess - making us all feel special and relaxed in your lovely home. I love Puerto Rican food, and you thought of everything. I really enjoyed the discussion and the book - even if I did have to read it with my EYES this time. It's a challenge to remember that everyone has the right to make their own choices - even if we may think their choices are wrong. Isn't that how we learned? Come back once a month for book club meetings! XXOO Robin
ReplyDeleteWe have the best book club ever!! ! Que jaltera nos dimos!
ReplyDeleteDiana, Thank YOu so much, great food, great read. I read the book in less than a weekend. It was a quick read, flowed nicely and the story was intriguing and powerful. It made me think a lot about my youth, remembering how my mother had harbored a neighbor whose husband used to beat her. It made me think of how strong and courageous my mother was for taking such a risk of protecting this woman. I am so glad the book had a happy ending where America was able to break free from the man who said he loved her yet stripped her dignity and self esteem. In my years of social work, I have worked with many women who suffered domestic violence, enduring physical, emotional and sexual abuse. It is a struggle of huge preportions. Our discussion was riveting, again with pure honesty and liveliness.
Diana you surely will be missed!!!When you come back next November, remember cheese and crackers will not cut it :-) Your food was sooooo tasty. I really do love spanish food. It's my favorite. I cannot say it enough, it is an honor for me to be part of this group of lovely woman. I enjoy all of you very much. We surely missed you ladies that didn't make it.
Robin you are becoming quite good with your animoto videos! Thanks for those special touches.
Let us not forget to continue to dream!!!
Love
Mary
Joining this book club is one of the best things I've done since retirement. We have great reads, great discussions and great food!
ReplyDeleteReading America's Dream stirred up a lot of emotion for me--scenes from my youth or situations I've heard from students' parents.
After our meeting, I have grieved for all the young girls who have gone through or are going through so much abuse. I pray for them, to have their guardian angels shield them from so much harm. Many of the books we have read are stories of abused women. Some of us shared personal stories. Aren't we now so blessed to have survived these obstacles, and become the strong, professional women we are?
Diana, thank you for recommending this book and mostly, thank you for hosting such a classy meeting. You worked so hard to set us up with nourishment for body and soul.
The tostones and the mayoketchup dip were great. And your arroz con gandules passed the test--very good!! The guineitos: superb!
You have to come back every month!! Gracias.
Love,
Lourdes