I selected this story after reading a short excerpt. I thoroughly enjoyed the story of brothers Abe and Mort and sisters-in-law Helen and Rose. As Jill said, “this story can be about any family”. It transcends cultures. This story is the author’s first. She based some of the events on her grandmother’s tales about her family. The one thing that bothered her most about most (if not all) cultures is their desire to have a boy or treating the boys as princes. Mary Velez shared her own story of her father. He didn’t want to hold the baby, but was forced to when her mother left him alone with the baby and he needed to comfort her. His love for her bloomed. I wonder if father’s want boys because they get to “carry” the paternal family name. 0r ________________ fill in the blank.
Whenever, I hear stories of men wanting sons, I’m reminded of this great song, "El
Gran Varon" by Willie Colon (Google it). The events portrayed in The Two-Family House gives readers many topics to think about: motherhood, nature vs.. nurture, longing, love, betrayal, regret, and the consequences of buried secrets. I believe we touched on most of the topics in our discussion. Thank you bookworms for the insightful conversations.
--- Myrna
Dear Myrna and bookworms
ReplyDeleteSorry I missed the opportunity to share time with yuo wonderful ladies. Love the Blog!! Great job always Robin. Looking forward to December plan to be there.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
XooX Maria
Hi Bookworms,
ReplyDeleteThank you Myrna for hosting!. I enjoyed the deli, the food was goooood! We just needed a round table, lol. The Two Family House was a great story about family and immense sacrifice!!! Have a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving ladies!!
Mary
Hi Robin
ReplyDeleteWonderful video! I agree with you! You can eat healthy at a deli!! Mary, if anyone of us selects this venue for our book discussion, we will try to get a square set up:-) Have a wonderful thanksgiving!
My dear bookworms!
ReplyDeleteI did not drop out of the book club!! Actually, I have read the last two books and enjoyed them immensely!! Good choices Robin and Myrna! My biggest regret is not being there to discuss them and mostly not spending time with my favorite group of ladies! God willing I plan to be there next time. Wishing you all a blessed, and happy Thanksgiving Day! Much love to all!
Maria P.
Thank you, Myrna for a great evening with wonderful food and great conversation. Really enjoyed the book and our thoughts on the involved relationship beteeen the two families. Especially liked the twists and turns in the plot. Great choice of places for dinner! Thanks, Robin for putting together a great video! Hope everyone enjoyed Thanksgiving and family time. Looking forward to our December meeting.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Robin A
Myrna, I loved the book. As a Brooklynite, I TOTALLY related to the setting. The characters were so real to me too. I could just picture their house, and it brought me back to good times spent in my beloved Brooklyn, growing up. XXOO--Robin L.
ReplyDelete