Happy Anniversary

Tonight was The Page Turner Club's one year anniversary. We do not have the same people we started with. Our numbers are smaller. But it still works. Tonight our discussion was, Flowers For Algernon. This book is a classic. Several of us had read it before. The first time I read it was in high school. I am sure I read it without any major revelations. I probably took from the book whatever we were told we needed to pass the test. I know I liked the story. Reading this time I saw so much more in the story. The ugliness of human nature. That would not have been as easy to see when I was 17. Hard to see through the brightness of youth. This time when I read it the dark side of human nature jumped out at me. People being cruel to mentally challenged. People aligning themselves with people that they feel superior to in some way. Help boost their own self-esteem on the flaws in other people. This is such a great example of how a story is not just a story. Our emotions and life experiences can enter into our interpretations of what we are reading.

We had a great discussion from this book. Many levels to look at. Everyone had something to add to the discussion. The discussion was rated high. A friend I have known since about 1982 has joined our group. She still feels like an outsider. I think she will feel like part of the group soon. I hope so. Over the years she and I have shared many deep discussions about books, life, music, whatever. She is quiet but intelligent. I cannot say I will look forward to her book pick. She loves psychology and self-help. That said, this is what book club is about. Stretching ourselves, opening up to new things.

It was a bit more quiet than we are used to. The hole that The Bride usually filled up. We missed you tonight. Hope you are spending a warm night, enjoying a Florida evening. Congratulations to our the Bride! She moved to Florida last week. She had a small wedding on the beach. Larger ceremony will take place back here in the Spring. I hope you are able to find a group to share your passion for books down there. Until you do, send e-mails to me. You know I love to talk about a good book!

Good food, great discussion, good book. Happy One Year to Us!



Dear Old Lady: I read that book Oxygen on September 3rd. Since that date I have read, 25 books. I barely remember what I did yesterday, what I read last week. 25 books ago? Are you kidding me. I will have to go back and read the blog entry about the book.