The Language of Flowers

Ten of our book club members squeezed enough time to meet tonight at Blu Fig for a discussion of The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh. There were many themes in the book, including family, forgiveness, food, second chances, and unconditional love. Victoria had so little faith and belief in herself, in spite of her many talents. The table was decorated with flowers and spices in an effort to communicate love, health, cheerfulness, and more -- to my beloved Neary friends.

It was difficult to agree on the most important theme in the book. For me personally, life can be so fragile, that I felt second chances, along with forgiveness, are the most important part. But then again, if you don't have love in your life, what would it all mean? And for me FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD is always front and center in my life. Then there's maternal love, represented by moss, which is rootless. So perhaps all the themes were very important.

I am so glad Victoria found a true love in Grant, and a second chance with her daughter and Elizabeth. I am a sucker for happy endings -- but this one didn't come easy!

RED ROSES -- I mean love - to all

XXOO
Robin

Dreams of Joy

On Monday, November 5th, we had a wonderful discussion about the lives of the characters in Lisa See's Dreams of Joy.  We all agreed that this book brings the story of May and Pearl full circle.  It was refreshing to see how they found love, and themselves, after the rollercoaster life of heartache, loss, and a very few momentary joys they experienced in Shanghai Girls. 

We were also introduced to Joy, May's daughter.  As the story developed, we grew to love her. Several incidents in her life made us wish we could reach her and talk some sense into her to "right" her ways.  Yet, she was able to  pull through and emerge stronger.  

The realistic (fiction) nature of this story also gave us a glimpse into how human beings respond to injustices, hardship, hunger, and oppression.  We saw how Joy's early enthusiasm under these stressors turned to disillusionment and despair, how Z.G. Was able to navigate a system he did not agree with, to survive. We saw how Pearl was willing to sacrifice so much, becoming a paper collector, coming to her childhood home inhabited by pitiful "nails", to find the daughter she loves.  And finally, we saw how Pearl's and May's father was able to make amends for the way that his vices and poor choices sent May's and Pearl's life into a heart wrenching tailspin. 

It was wonderfuly stimulating to learn from each other as we shared our thoughts and perspectives! We are all looking forward to the next book!

Miggy

 

Veil of Roses

Our first book club read of our 2012-13 school year, was Veil of Roses by Laura Fitzgerald. I'm happy to say everyone was able to enjoy the story.  We also related to the story as educators.

The discussion was focused on Tami 's new found freedom in America. We talked about Tami 's search for a husband so she would not have to return to Iran.  We also discussed Tami's relationship with her sister Maryam and Maryam's  husband, Ardishir. 

We really enjoyed catching up with each other --  eating hummus with pitas and many other delicious entrees -- and desserts.

Till next month,
Yvette

Hotel on The Corner of Bitter and Sweet

Dear Book Club Sisters,

What a beautiful time we had this last meeting!  

I guess reading the book Hotel in the Corner of Bitter and Sweet was a good way to end the year.  The book touched on themes such as parental conflict, prejudice, commitment, hope and true love; all so familiar to all of us.  Once again, we had the opportunity to share our thoughts and emotions, which are so many and so rich…We bring so much of our own lives and colorful personalities into our discussions that together we make our own wonderful story of honesty, kindness, and friendship, with a sprinkle of humor of course!  We are truly blessed!

A big thank you to all my dear friends for enriching my life in so many ways.  Thank you Mary for your generosity and thoughtful gesture.  The beautiful glass will forever be a reminder of our club’s special bond.  Thank you Robin for being the glue that binds us all, and for keeping the light burning so that our club will not lose its way.  Until we meet again…

Love, 

Maria Pages

Emma Donoghue's

Never-disappointing, always-satisfying blu Fig was the setting of our April book club gathering. Though the gathering was small (those not in attendance were missed) there was much to discuss about ROOM.

This captivating yet disturbing tale of 5 year old Jack, born into the confines of a 121 square foot square room (11 feet x 11 feet) and his mother, effected us deeply. We discussed Jack and Ma's world or "room" before and after their escape. We explored the author's character development, use of Jack's voice/perspective, and love/attachment themes. As a whole we agreed that ROOM was well written and deserving of praise.

In closing, I want to give a big thanks to my many friends in the book club, near and far, who have always been and continue to be gracious and generous with their friendship and support. Thanks to you all for expanding my literary horizons.  I look forward to our featured May selection, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, chosen by Maria P. I hear it's a great read.

Best,
Nicole

Lucia Lucia

Hello Lovely Ladies!

Robin thanks for the blog video, it makes me want to visit Italy!

What a true pleasure it was to host Lucia, Lucia and to see all of you at the Blu Fig. Tracy and Diana were missed. It would have been fabulous if we were all together. I really enjoyed this book and am happy that you seemed to have enjoyed it too. It was a light hearted, warm love story filled with strong family cultural values and beliefs. The Italian culture reminded me so much of mine. Since it was set in the 1950's it made me think about the stores that were so popular back then and now a past time. Remember Woolworths? I enjoyed Lucia's character. She had passion, ambition and had a strong family bond. I loved how she was able to stand up to Dante's Mom. Although the author attempted to make Lucia seem like she was happy at the end or complacent with her life, I felt sorry for her. I didn't like the ending so much because I felt like none of her dreams were fulfilled. She lived alone surrounded by her wedding presents and wearing her mink coat all the time. THAT IS SAD. I was happy that at least Lucia ended up with Dante.

I really enjoy doing our book club at Blu Fig, even Matt is a regular. I look forward to Nicole hosting Room on April 16th at the Blu Fig and wish you all peace and health.

Arrivederci!!

Mary

Hi ladies, Thanks Millie for putting things together. Loved the company. Good to see Diana . Welcome home to NY!!!! Good choice on the book Millie, as you said light reading and not too emotional. You were right. Can't wait for our next meeting. See you all then. Love, maria

The Beach House

February 13, 2012

Hi everyone,
It was so nice to see everyone at the Blu Fig.  We missed those of you who couldn't attend.  We had a special visitor, all the way from Puerto Rico....Diana.  Thanks so much Diana  for making time to join us. I was glad The Beach House was light reading and touched on so many real life situations.  The night turned out to be a social gathering, which was so needed!!  We shared our points of view on our favorite characters and their dilemmas.  Life had many turns for each character, but the good thing was there was a happy ending for everyone.  Nice to read a book where things turned out for the best.  I hope you all enjoyed the book and thanks for sharing!  Look forward to our next gathering.  It really is so great to meet everyone at a restaurant where we can all relax!
Best Wishes always,
Millie

Still Alice

January 23, 2012 

We enjoyed a great afternoon and dinner at Bella Rose Cafe in Haverstraw. Still Alice touched many of us so deeply. Almost everyone knew someone, or a loved one, who has been devastated by Alzheimer's disease. Lisa Genova brought the trials and tribulations to us so vividly - since she wrote the book in the voice of a patient with Alzheimer's. Many of us were comforted to know that we weren't the only ones to worry about our memories while reading the book. In the part where Alice visits the Doctor, who tests her memory by asking her to remember an address and name later on in her visit, I found myself trying to repeat the name so I, too, would remember it later on. Thank you to everyone who took time out of their busy schedules to discuss this touching, and memorable, novel.