Thanks Gals!

Really enjoyed hosting last night and loved the poetry- so wonderful to be introduced to different genres and writers. So glad I joined this book club- it has far surpassed my expectations. You are a very special group of women and I am honoured to be part of this whole thing!

Esther

Greg Mortenson's New Book!

Here is a link on goodreads of an interview with Greg about his new book 'Stones into Schools'.

December POETRY Night

This is to kick off planning for the poetry night, Tuesday Dec 15... hosted by our newest member Esther. I have created a facebook event page to simplify the RSVP process (I need to make some time to find a real working solution, open to suggestions)

See link in right hand column to RSVP.

Hope to see everyone there, :)

carpool

Hi Comox based book club ladies-
Wondering if anyone wants to carpool to Liz's on Tuesday night? I can drive.
Jill 339-7619

book suggestion

Hello Ladies,

I have a suggestion for February's book (or any other month)- it's Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell. It's a really fun and easy read and quite interesting- all about what factors combine to make people successful. Just an idea for you to peruse. You can learn more about it here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outliers_(book)

'Who Does She Think She Is?' film screening

Hello lovely ladies!

I know that there are many creative moms in our group who might be interested in an event being held next Sunday at the Courtenay Museum. 'Who does she think she is?' is a documentary, (made by the Academy Award Winning filmmaker of , 'Born into Brothels,') that deals with combining creativity with motherhood. I haven't seen the film yet, but the preview has me intrigued. Along with the movie, there will be local artists and mothers showcasing their creations. (I'll have a table of 'Grateful Mama' books, thus fulfilling the 'Who does she think she is?' requirement.)

Seating is limited, so you'll want to get tickets right away if you're interested. Here's the link: http://lianne.typepad.com/womenart/

Usborne Book Night

Hello Ladies,
Speaking of books... I am hosting an Usborne Book Gathering on Dec. 1 (Tues. evening) from 7:30 - 9ish. I have invited most of you through email, but was worried I may omit some newbies:) If anybody needs more details please contact me. Thanks, Marnie

November Meeting

Sorry that I will not be able to attend this month. I loved the book and I am disappointed that I will not be able to discuss it with all of you. However I will toast you all on Tuesday night with a Margarita on the beach in Cancun. See you all in December.

FOR JANUARY BOOKCLUB - 'FOREVER' Pete Hamill

Hello everyone... I just watched this TED video and found it totally interesting, especially given the book choice for January. I encourage you to watch it, maybe even before you start the book!
Here is the link on Chapter's: http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Forever-A-Novel-Pete-Hamill/9780316735698-item.html?ref=Search+Books%3a+%2527pete+hamill%2527

cheers,
Jennifer

November meet-up

Hi Gals,

I'll be there on the 24th! Loving the book!

Cheers,

Esther

Hello Ladies!

I am obviously missing tonight as I was just checking the blog thinking we meet next week.....The Tuesdays sure sneak up on me, I don't know how time flies so fast!
I will see you next month at Liz's house :) Thanks for hosting this month Marnie!

Jill

Seems like the poll is closed (?). I'll be there tonight, but can't seem to auto-rsvp using the poll...
Anyhow--see you tonight.

regrets

HI all, sorry to say, but I won't be there tomorrow. We have a double booking in our house... alas, no book club for moi demain soir.

As for next month, I would like to host on November 24th, which is the last Tuesday of the month.

And for the future... could we settle as a club if we are meeting the third or last Tues. of the month. That would be helpful for me.

have a great time tomorrow. Liz Girard

Copies of next book?

If anyone has a copy of November's book, In the Realm of the Hungry Ghosts, that they have finished reading and are willing to lend, please bring to BookClub at Marnie's house Tuesday.

I would love to borrow it, and I am sure there may be other's in need too?
Amanda

for the poets in the group...

Can I Host???

hi girls - was thinking it was about time that I host one of the book clubs evenings at my house. I haven't chosen a book but perhaps I can put forward a few of my favourites at the next meeting to get a response and then choose one. I could do January??? or February???

either lisa see's 'snowflower and the secret fan'





or lisa see's 'peony in love'





or pete hamill's 'forever'










or one of my all time favourite author's pauline gedge 'child of the morning'

Sorry to miss you all tonight, but hoping to catch up with you THIS SATURDAY at 1pm, for KP's book launch at the Laughing Oyster in Courtenay. Neat! :)

RSVP HERE PLEASE :)

Please RSVP by leaving a comment to this post if you aren't able to access the gadget on the right!
Thanks, and hope to see you tonight!

Book Club at Tria?

Hi all,

Some of you know Kathy Jerritt and know what she has been up to with opening up her culinary studio, Tria, at Nature's Way Farm. I am in the process of trying to organise a book club night for my other book club there in December and thought that I would see if anybody here was interested in doing the same thing.

Karen McKinnon's bookclub was there on Tuesday night, and they had a blast and were well fed.

It is 14 people max. $30 pp + tax and grat and wine is available by the glass or bottle and varies in price. No wine more than $8 per glass. The menu would vary depending on when/what's in season.

Karen's was salad with different types of toppings to customise your own, yukon gold potato cups with either roast beef or smoked duck, assorted dips with crudites, a tofu snackie thing and quite a bit more. For dessert, Kathy made crepes for everybody.

What do you think? I won't be at book club this week since I am going to California, but maybe discuss it there and let me know when you return.

Lisa

You asked for it...

Last bookclub we talked about the ability to RSVP on the blog. Let's try this "EVENT" gadget I have added in the right hand column. It describes the date/time/place of the next meet up, with an option for signed in members to click on whether they will attend. Folks WILL have to sign in order to post a response (at least I think so) but all this means is become a follower (click "Join Site to RSVP" under map or scroll down to FOLLOW THIS BLOG...)

Anyone who wants to create posts but hasn't accepted membership yet, contact me at amanda@awmd.ca so I can email the author invite again. If its all driving you crazy, (the blog I mean) or if you just need a little help, call me at 9-4159

I will be asking for blog feedback, ideas, improvements, etc. next meet up. See you there :)

gabor mate at hollyhock

just stumbled across the upcoming event at hollyhock featuring gabor mate called 'healing the hungry ghost'.

Party at Sue's August 8th

For all of you who are not on Facebook I am having a party on the evening of August 8th. It is a Rocky Horror Picture show theme and also my 40th Birthday. (18 with 22 years Experience)
Would love to have you all there, so please let me know if you can make it! No presents and please just bring an appy and whatever you want to drink.

New updates

Sidebar has been updated to reflect the selections for Sept/Oct/Nov.

Summer Reads

OK, I am sorry that this post has taken so long. I lost my list and finally found it last night. (This is what happens when you have too many coats).

Now my notes are kind of rough. I think that Jen ("Fraction of the whole or Three Day Road" )was going to host September and I know that Marnie was thinking "Run" for October and it looks like Liz is going to Host November.

I see that Slap - Sandra's recommendation has already made the blog.

So if I got some of them wrong ... so sorry! Too many glasses of wine while taking notes!

Recommended reads:
Run author Ann Patchett
A Fraction Of The Whole author Steve Toltz
Three Day Road by Joseph Boyden
Multiplicity Author: Rita Carter ( I think this is the right book)
She's Come Undone author Wally Lamb
Fall on Your Knees author Ann-marie Macdonald
White Teeth Author: Okot P'bitek
The Hour I First Believed author Wally Lamb
The Unbearable Lightness Of Being Author: Milan Kundera
Emergency Sex and Other Desperate Measures: A True Story From Hell on Earth author Kenneth Cain
The In-between World Of Vikram Lall author M.g. Vassanji
The Road author Cormac Mccarthy

Happy Reading Everyone!

October's read

Hi all, Jen B gave me the heads up that we are already discussing the fall book list. I would like to host the October meeting with the book "In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts" by Gabor Mate. It is a large book, non-fiction and the best and most illuminating read I have ever had about addiction. Let me know what you think, Liz

Found the Book!

Hi everyone...just saw a huge ad in the Globe and Mail for 'Slap', by, Cristos Tsoilkas, the book that Sandy recommended at the last meeting. It is available at chapters online for only $16. We could order a whole bunch and get free shipping if anyone's interested.

List of Books read

Just a thought but would it be possible to get a list on here of the books that have been read so we have a reference for future book selections.

Thank you Sue for a lovely Tuesday evening!

Just wanted to post the dressing for my salad which is super easy and good, particularly when paired with fresh red leaf lettuce, creamy goat cheese, red onion, lots of grape tomatoes, peppers, sunflower sprouts and toasted almonds.

DRESSING
(1/2) cup cranberry juice (pure, not from concentrate)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon dried cranberries, finely chopped
1 tablespoon finely chopped shallot
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
2 teaspoons ground almonds
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon white sugar
1/3 cup vegetable oil

DIRECTIONS
Whisk together the cranberry juice, lemon juice, cranberries, shallot, parsley, almonds, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and sugar in a small bowl until the sugar has dissolved. Whisk in the vegetable oil until the dressing is thick and smooth.

Sacred Hearts Press Release

Hello Afictionados!

Thanks for Tuesday night, Sue! Everything was smashing; is there any chance we'll see some of those salad recipes on our blog? Just a thought.

I wanted to let you all know that I received a letter from a book promoter after our article ran in the Globe & she's sending me a promo-package for 'Sacred Hearts' by Sarah Dunant. I thought I'd attach the press release for your perusal, as it looks really intriguing. I'll read the book when I get it and perhaps we'll put it on our list for next fall. You'll see that there's a music cd that accompanies the book so I can imagine a full-on 'theme' meeting. Keep your eyes open for nun's habits!

OOPS...I can't attach the press release so watch for an email!

The Book of Negroes

HI Ladies!

As it is presently 9 pm - I am sure you are currently eating yummy food and discussing the amazing Aminata. I enjoyed the book very much and had a hard time putting it down to get other things done.

I am obviously not there with you, but I am in spirit - Colin was at our staff end of year golf social and I was home with the kids.... it is a bit late to show up now and I'm already in P.J.'s!

Thank you for hosting Sue and I apologize for the late R.S.V.P.

A very happy summer filled with lots of quality reading time to all of you!

xo Jill

the Book of Negroes

Came across this website with lots of interesting info to supplement June's Book of Negroes if interested- http://www.blackloyalist.com/canadiandigitalcollection/wireframe.htm

Really enjoying the book so far.

PS had lots of good feedback from friends in Ontario and locally who enjoyed our article in the Globe.

See you on the 23rd!

Globe trotters

You girls looked amazing in the Globe today!  Kudos to Jen for submitting the idea & Amanda for generating interest with the blog.  No doubt you've inspired a lot of other bookclubs to blog & to party at the beach!  Cheers!

Mint Flat Bread with Green Onion Pesto

NOTE - Australian tablespoons are four teaspoons, not three like in Canada. IE two tablespoons of oil is actually two tablespoons and two teaspoons with our measuring utensils.

It calls for self-raising flour which equals one cup of flour and one teaspon of baking powder.

2 cups (300g) self-raising flour
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups grated haloumi
1 cup boiling water
1 cup mint leaves, plus extra for garnish
sea salt flakes, to serve

Pesto

1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/2 cup chopped mint
2 cloves garlic, crushed
3/4 cup olive oil
sea salt and cracked black pepper

To make the pesto, place the green onion, mint, oil, garlic, salt and pepper in a bowl and stir to combine. Set aside.

Place the flour, oil, haloumi, water and mint in a bowl and mix well to form a soft dough. Set aside for 15 minutes to rest.Turn out onto a lightly floured surgace and divde into eight pieces. Roll each piece out to 30 cm long. Top with extra minut leaves. Brush with the pesto. Heat a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Cook bread, in batches, for 1-2 minutes each side or until golden and crisp. Brush with the remaining pesto and sprinkle with salt to serve.

The Fat Woman

Hi all,

My other bookclub is reading the Fat Woman and some of the women are having a hard time finding the book.

Do any of you have a copy that I can borrow to share within the group?

Thanks!

Lisa

Secrets of the yum...

Toasted Israeli Couscous Salad with Cucumber, Mint and Feta


1 cup small-diced feta cheese
fresh ground black pepper
1 tsp. finely grated lemon zest
2 Tbs. fresh lemon juice, more as needed
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh spearmint or peppermint,additional sprigs for garnish
Kosher Salt
1 medium English cucumber, peeled and finely diced (2 cups)
1 cup Israeli couscous

In a large saucepan, bring 2 quarts well-salted water to a boil.
Meanwhile, in a medium skillet over medium heat, toast the couscous, stirring frequently, until golden-brown, about 7 minutes.

Cook the couscous in the boiling water until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold running water until cool. Pour the couscous into a large mixing bowl. Stir in the cucumber and mint.

In a small bowl, mix the oil, lemon juice and zest, 3/4 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Stir in the feta. Add the feta mixture to the couscous, season to taste with salt, pepper, and lemon juice, and mix well. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with the mint sprigs.
You can refrigerate the salad for up to 4 hours; toss before serving.

Hi Ladies
As we are enjoying the sunny weather I thought you might appreciate a little sunscreen info that a friend passed along to me.


http://www.naturemoms.com/blog/2008/04/21/safe-sunscreens/

Also reading...

I am about to reveal the REAL reason that I didn't get through Mr. Pip last month...and it's not the baby! ;) For all you voracious readers who are looking for extra-curricula book club reading this summer, I want to suggest two recent reads: "The Believers" by Zoe Heller and "Ten Year Nap" by Meg Wolitzer. If you are a fan of contemporary fiction a la Anne Tyler or Jonathen Franzen and are a sucker for novels that take place in NYC, these new releases will appeal. I would suggest both for book club but will wait until they come out in paperback...

June's Book Club

So as most of you know June's Book is the Book of Negroes. We will have it at Sue's house (1942 Greenwood Cres. in Comox) please call me if you need directions. So we will have it on June 23rd! Hoping to have the hot tub and pool ready so bring a towel.

Sue's News

Well I hope you all don't mind me using this blog to spread my news but I thought you might be curious. So on Wednesday I got notice from GM that they will not be renewing the contract with us to sell their product. At first I was really upset, obviously as GM has been my life for the last 20 years. Today (48 hours later) I am super excited for the future. I can't say what is going to happen yet, but as soon as I can I will let you all know. Thanks for all of your support and your friendship. I am so very lucky to have such wonderful supportive women in my life!

So sad I missed it :(

Hello ladies!
Yeah, I am now connected to the blog (finally, right?)
Unfortunately, I wasn't until today and missed book club this week - erroneously thinking it was next week. It must have been a beautiful setting at Karen's on the beach.....hope you all had a great night!
I will see you next month - my best to you all
Jill

Poetry reading at NIC

Hi Ladies,

Thanks so much Karen, it was lovely last night.

I wanted to let you all know about a poetry reading coming up at the college. Elizabeth Bachinsky, a poet from Vancouver, will be reading on Thursday June 4th at Stan Hagen Hall (in the evening, but I'm not sure what time). I'm not familiar with her work (yet) but I have heard rave reviews.

See you all soon. Erin

try this to subscribe

I have added a subscribe feature in top right check it out and see if it will work for anyone. Not the one that I was hoping, that would send directly to a specified email address, but it does work this way if you have a google account (or yahoo).... then you can direct that account into your mail app.

I know, I know, there must be an easier way. I will keep searching. I know it exists, I just can't figure out where they have hidden it!

--Thanks so much for last night Karen, perfect. I still can't believe that it was light out enough to see across the water at 10:00. beautiful.

thank you karen!

last night's discussion of mister pip was great - and the company superb!
thank you karen :)
looking forward to june's book too.

Hey Girls, Hope you all enjoyed your long weekend:) Mr. Pip meet is tomorrow night hosted by Karen, but not at her residence. The directions are... take the old island highway north and turn right on Coleman Rd. (it is just past the S curve after Tsolum school). Then take a left on Left Rd. which will bring you to a steep downhill that curves sharply left. At bottom of hill take a hairpin right. Second to last house on left side. Any time after 7:30. Please RSVP per usual. Thanks!

COMOX VALLEY BIKE SURVEY FOR IMPROVEMENT!!!

This would be great if you could take a few minutes to fill out the online survey.
Thank you everyone :)
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=xtE0nNJw43MrEzcWhj1_2ffw_3d_3d

Pip on May 19th

Okay, it's decided...we'll stick with the third Tuesday, May 19th, and if the weather looks good we'll have a little beach party!  I'll post all of the details on the long weekend.  Happy reading everyone!

Date for Pip meeting?

Hello again ladies,

It looks like the fourth Tuesday is better for Jen, Louise and Jennifer...I can change the date, but I thought I'd first give everyone else a chance to weigh in.  The reason I was hoping for the 19th is that my folks beach house is available then, and I thought a little beachside meeting would be fun.  If I don't hear from anyone else though, I'll change the date.

Could other members please let me know if you'd prefer the 3rd or 4th Tuesay of the month?

Thanks!

Mister Pip Meeting

Greetings Afictionados!  

I hope you're enjoying this month's selection.  If it's alright with everyone, we'll swing back to the third Tuesday of the month and Meet May 19th to discuss Mister Pip.  I'll provide details closer to the date, as I'm not sure if we'll be at my house or my parents' beach house.

Cheers!

I have a copy for you Jennifer W. so give me a ring and we'll connect: 339-7672

I hope you can make it!

You are invited to attend an

ART OPENING

MAY 16^th, 2009 ~ 2pm till 5pm

To all of you writers out there!

This appears to be a cutting edge new website created by a friend of mine in Vancouver. You can submit work under a pseudonym if you wish.

http://www.ireadiwrite.com/home.php

Mr Pip setting information

Hey gals, I have been curious about the setting for Mr. Pip, and did a bit of research. I found out it is set in a real place, with a real conflict as it's backdrop. I have a few links here for anyone else who is as interested in the geography and visuals of a story. The first is Wickipedia, so, ensure you have your bit of salt, if you feel you need it. The second is about the conflict on the island, and the others are maps to place the island of Bougainville for you.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bougainville_Island

http://www.eco-action.org/dt/bvstory.html (it is out of date, but interesting)

http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/oceania/pg.htm

http://www.riverbendnelligen.com/bougmapdetail.html

Looking forward to seeing you all in a month! Liz

I had a great time last night, thank you Lisa for hosting! It was nice to be in a bit smaller group for a change. Those who didn't make it missed seeing Marcy and her lovely new son Archer, great conversation, and of course, fabulous food... we will definitely be working a recipe section into the blog or website, or somewhere!

Here is a booksale that Jennifer Weber wanted to share with everyone:
booksale Hope the link works!

The Fat Woman Next Door is Pregnant - Michel Tremblay

Book club at my house on Tuesday, after 7 PM. 1946 Left Road. 703-2966.

From Courtenay – Old Island Highway to Coleman Road, first left on Left Road, teeny-tiny house on the corner of Left and Eagles Drive. The first driveway with the address on goes to Keith’s shop, so bypass that.

From Comox – past Seal Bay Park, left at the Y-intersection onto Coleman, right on Left Road.

Book club at Lisa Wilcox's house on Tuesday, after 7 PM.
Directions were sent in email Sunday morning...

The Grateful Mama

Hey there Afictionados!  I've been having some fun creating my own little blog & wanted to invite you to check it out.  Hope you all enjoy a fabulous weekend!

thegratefulmama.blogspot.com/

Thanks for setting this up Amanda! I hope that everyone will log in and get ready to blog!

Welcome to Book Club

and now we can end the email whirlwind