The Book Bags

History of the Club

The history of our club dates back to August 1999. Patricia Butt, our "founder", put out the feelers among her friends about starting a book club and the club has maintained the original 8. We come from a variety of backgrounds, public relations, teachers, personal trainer, lawyer, company directors, and office manager but have one major thing in common, we are voracious eaters, I mean, readers. We meet on a weeknight for 3 hours every 6 weeks, depending on schedules. The host serves appetizers and beverages.

Which Book???

The process for choosing books follows this pattern: the host for the next meeting prepares a list of possible titles to choose from. Other members are welcome to share their suggestions as well. We found that if at least one person came with suggestions then we have something to pick from. The book is decided based on consensus. We always have chosen fiction and have tried to include Canadian titles, Newfoundland titles, and something from the classics in our choices.

Discussion Format

The host, as moderator, conducts a roundtable discussion, so that everyone has her say. After a "little" chatter and catching up, the moderator begins by asking everyone to rate the book on a scale of 1 to 10 which is a fun way to start. We give our rating and a quick blurb about why we did or didn’t like the book. Then the free-for-all discussion begins. We discuss our favourite parts, characters we liked or didn’t like, the motivations of characters, and what drew us into the book. Sometimes we discuss questions from online reading lists which are often quite helpful. Then we talk about the picks for the next meeting, which is always lively! We break for the summer with a summer read and meet again the end of August.

Reading List

1999 and 2000

Thoroughly enjoyed by some, detested by others (This "Mother of God" book!). Carolyn, the dollmaker of the group said she has plans to make a Joody Two Sun doll.

Strong female characters tell their side in this tale of missionary life in the Congo during the turbulent ‘50s. Recommended

Everyone enjoyed this rollicking tale of a girl coming of age in outport Newfoundland.

A classic. Difficult to get through but great discussion. Recommended

Overdone imagery. Ismail, get over yourself.

Michelle enjoyed this diary of John Cabot’s wife.

Great discussion from this story within a story.

Summer read about a strong female character with skeletons in her closet.

Summer read and a humourous book but not much depth. Lots of complaints about the abruptness of the middle section.

A different Roddy Doyle for those who‘ve read the Barrytown Trilogy. Susan enjoyed the Irish landmarks in the book as she had just returned from a trip there.

A Canadian novel that received a good response. A modern day Helen of Troy has a major impact on people’s lives even after her death.

An Oprah pick that led to an interesting discussion.

2000 and 2001

An interesting yet disturbing novel that took us out of our comfort zone. Challenging and enlightening discussion. Recommended.

A "Meet the Author" dinner book. Good discussion with Jo over a lovely meal at Carolyn’s.

Another Oprah pick. Another mediocre book

A disturbing yet moving book. The scenes continue to haunt. Recommended.

Long book; it took us 2 meetings to get through it. Great insight into East Indian culture. Patricia saw her unfinished book floating off in her flooded basement and made no attempt to retrieve it. Enough said.

Another Canadian novel that made for lively discussion. Recommended

Another Oprah pick. Beautifully written story of a girl coming of age in the South.

Everyone agreed this one was hard to get into but worth reading. Brilliant wit. Recommended

Charlotte missed the Panic Room for the Birthing Room and it was a lot less painful.

Split down the middle with this one. We’re still not over the "denture scene".

A light read but a surprisingly good discussion ensued.

Summer pick. Another Canadian choice. Unusual and thought-provoking.

Mystery within a mystery. Things aren’t always as they seem. Overall, a low rating for this book from a Booker Prize-winning writer but like the Weight of Water, we were enlightened by the discussion.

2003 and 2004

Mixed ratings but enlightening discussion on this novel of the struggle of the Beothuks and the Peyton family who meet in the early 19th century hinterland of Newfoundland.

The way we are and the way it is- the book was both riveting and depressing, pointing out the frailties of 20th century North American culture. A relentless journey into places that you hope you won't have to go.

"A Must-read." Fantasy vs Reality? You decide. Recommended

Dinner with the author. Greatest indulgence: Michael Crummey!

Belly up to the bar for a great journey of good friends saying good-bye to their mate.

A story that explores the power of the preposition. Mixed reviews of a story of living through a crisis.

A best pick with great discussion. Highly recommended.

This novel was picked because the book club went to PEI for its meeting. A great time was had by all.

Well-received Newfoundland historical fiction (or creative non-fiction).

Story of growing up and of parental expectations

Good discussion about a Northern Ontario family dealing with tragedy. Recommended

Like one of Roxi’s meals, light and not very meaty.

Moral of story: don’t marry your cousin, you might end up with a pig’s "tale"

Interesting point of view of an aspiring writer who tries to right the wrongs of her past.

Humourous, engaging look at immigrant families in North London. Well-received. Recommended.

"A bit of fluff" but it encouraged lots of outside research on what was fact and what was fiction.

A nineteenth century soap opera in true Austen form, a good read.

Great history lesson from warring Turks to Detroit race riots. Thought-provoking read. Recommended

2005

Much ado about nothing with this Pulitzer Prize winner. Some parts are humourous.

Hard to put down but at times difficult to read.

Recommended

A real lonely-hearts club explored in this Southern gothic tragedy. Very sad and humourless.

6 out of 7 had high praise for this Biblical tale told from a woman’s point of view. Highly recommended read.

Well-received. Poignant (and humourous) look at personal loss. The Hunt sisters are in everyone's family.

Interesting look at the world of autism

Mixed reviews (9/10 by three members) for a historical look at a woman of substance in 15th century Italy.

2006

Interesting read and lots of controversy with this choice


Wonderful, well-written story about a young woman's experiences growing up in Ethopia and settling in London

One member rated this book highly and loved its Gothic elements, but some found it contrived.

I'm telling you now man, that was a blery good book! I am giving it eleven out of ten, absoloodle.

Mixed reviews for the Canadian Giller Prize winner.

Again mixed reviews. Some found it poignant and well-written. Others thought it dragged too much.

...sure if you're in a sixties time warp; drugs would help, too.

An excellent blend of past and present with romance thrown in for good measure.

Mixed reviews for this one. Some felt it was a well-woven tapestry of Canadian history held together with intriguing characters who explore physical and emotional place. Others, well... didn't.

2007

 Good reviews for this Newfoundland author who sets the story in Cape Breton this time. The story is eloquently written and the characters are beautifully rendered. Mixed reviews for this South African tale of apartheid. Some readers felt a lack of empathy for the 2 main characters, Marit and Tembi. Good, but not great. Some loved this book about love and loss, others could take it or leave it.

  • Alligator by Newfoundland author Lisa Moore
    • Wonderful dinner with the author. Interesting discussion.

  • Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
    • Interesting book about love, the circus and of course, elephants.

  • Summer Reads: Suite Francais by Irene Nemirovsky and Bloodletting and Miraculous Cures by Vincent Lam
    • Suite was panned by those who read it (some didn't) but loved by one reader. Bloodletting was enjoyed by some but too easy a read and so a bit boring for others.

  • The Other Boleyn Girl by Phillipa Gregory
    • Well received historical fiction about the family Boleyn

  • My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult
    • Another good pick. Everyone raved about this modern tale of love and loss. Great storytelling.

    2008

  • Cloud of Bone by Bernice Morgan

    • We savoured Cloud of Bone with some culinary delights prepared in honour of our expected dinner guest. Unfortunately, the author took an "unexpected twist" (literally), which is best left to novel plots and bones other than body bones. But guess who's coming to dinner when she's back on her feet again?

    And she did...Lovely tea in the afternoon with Mrs. Morgan.

  • The Gathering by Ann Enright

    • Interesting intelligent read by an Irish writer. Highly recommended.

  • People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks.

  • The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
  • Rush Home Road by Lori Lansens
    •
  • Belong to Me by Marisa De Los Santos
  • The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shafer
    • 2009

  • Mr. Pip by Lloyd Jones
  • The Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill
  • The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski
  • Bel Canto by Ann Patchett
  • White Tiger by Aravind Adego
  • Still Alice by Lisa Genova
  • The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson
  • A Fraction of the Whole by Steve Toltz
  • A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick
  • The Help by Kathryn Stockett
  • Next Selection: Three Day Road by Joseph Boyden

    • Members

    Patricia Butt

    Susan Follett

    Donna Hynes

    Charlotte McCardle

    Carolyn Morgan

    Anne Murphy

    Angela Wilcox

    Michelle Willette

    Booklets

    Since we have formed our reading club we have had four new additions. Michelle gave birth to Anna in 2000 and to Kate in 2003. Charlotte gave birth to Isaac in 2002 and Claudia in 2005.

    Recipes

    Beef Bourguignon
 
2 lbs lean beef (cut in small cubes)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tins whole mushrooms
1 large onion
¼ cup flour
½ tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
2 cups red wine (be generous)
½ tsp garlic powder
1 bay leaf
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tsp parsley flakes
½ tsp thyme
3 x1/2 oz beef bouillon cubes
 
Fry onions in olive oil until brown.  Transfer to bowl.  Brown beef in frying pan.  Add onions.
 
Put flour, salt and pepper in frying pan.  Stir in wine, garlic powder, bay leaf, ketchup, parsley flakes and thyme until it boils and thickens.
 
Dissolve beef cubes in boiling water.  Add to frying pan.  Add mushrooms.  Cover.  Simmer for 1 ½ hours.  Discard bay leaf.
 
Serve over noodles or with mashed potatoes.
 
Serves 6.

Hot Mushroom Dip
2 tbsp margarine
1 cup finely chopped onion
1 garlic clove minced
3 cups chopped fresh white mushrooms
8 oz cream cheese (softened and cut into 8 pieces)
½ tsp seasoned salt
½ tsp dill weed
pepper
1 ½ cups grated Monterey Jack (with Jalapeno) cheese
½ cup real mayonnaise (can use light)
 
Melt margarine in large frying pan on medium. Add onion, garlic and mushrooms. Cook 10 minutes until liquid evaporates and mushrooms are golden. Remove from heat. Add cream cheese, salt, dill and pepper. Stir until cream cheese melts. Add M. Jack cheese and mayo. Mix well. Spread in an ungreased 9 inch pie plate or shallow baking dish. Bake 350 for about 30 minutes until heated through. Serve with veggies or crackers.

    Carolyn's vegetable medley

     

    4-6 cups frozen or fresh, french or regular cut green beans( I used frozen french cut)

    1 large red pepper, cut into narrow strips

    1 can pieces and stems mushrooms or use fresh cut up mushrooms

    1 large onion, diced

    1cup slivered almonds

    Microwave frozen beans for about 6 minutes. Don't overcook-  you want to keep the green a bright colour.

    Saute onion and mushrooms in about 2 tb. cooking oil of choice (I used safflower oil) 

    Add red pepper and almonds. Cook on high heat for about 2 minutes.

    Add well drained green beans.

    Season with sea salt (mine came all the way from France. Nothing is too good for The Bookbags) and freshly ground pepper. Regular salt is okay too. Mix all together.

    Remove from frying pan and place in a microwave safe dish. Heat in the microwave for a few minutes to serve hot.

    Crab Dip

    1 tin of crabmeat, rinsed and drained

    8 ounces of cream cheese

    2 tablespoons of mayonnaise

    ½ tsp seasoning salt

    ½ tsp Dijon mustard

    2 tsp onion flakes

    1 tablespoon of white wine

    Soften cream cheese. Add the rest of the ingredients and beat with mixer until blended (about 1 minute). Bake mixture in 300ºF oven for 10 minutes. Serve with crackers.

    Bacon Mushroom Roll Ups
    1/2 cup chopped onion
    1/2 lb. chopped mushrooms
    1/4 cup butter or margarine
    1 tub light cream cheese
    Worcestershire sauce to taste
    salt & pepper
    1/2 lb. Bacon (already cooked and crumbled)
    1 loaf of white sandwich bread
    melted butter for brushing
    Sauté onion, mushroom and butter in frying pan until onions are clear. Add cream cheese in chunks.  Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, cooked bacon. Stir until cream cheese melts and mixture is blended.  Let stand until cool.
    Meanwhile, roll each slice of bread with rolling pin and cut off crusts. Spread mixture on each slice and roll up like a jelly role.  Brush with melted butter. Place on tray to freeze or cook.  If freezing, place plastic bag over rolls.  To cook, cut each roll in three and arrange on ungreased baking sheet.  Bake in 400ºF oven for 10 to 15 minutes until toasted and hot.

    Poached Pear Salad

    Serves 6

    3 pears (canned pears in juice from concentrate are already peeled, cored and halved)

    300ml Rodriquez strawberry wine (do not substitute)

    2 tbsp brown. sugar

    ½ tsp each cinnamon & nutmeg

    ½ c water

    If not using canned pears, peel and core fresh pears and cut in half. Bring to a boil wine sugar water and spices in a large shallow saucepan. Put pears in and let simmer for 35 min. (turn pears once)

    Remover pears and put them in the fridge

    Boil remaining liquid until reduced by half (approx ½ c) Takes about 5 minutes or so

    Dressing

    Whisk together

    ¼ white wine vinegar (no substitutes)

    1 tbsp Dijon mustard

    ½ c olive oil

    ½ tsp salt

    pepper to taste

    Add reduced liquid to this. I like to put it in a jar so it is easy to mix

    When ready to eat, put mixed greens in a salad bowl and toss with dressing (you will have lots of dressing so be careful not to use too much; just enough to coat). Put greens on salad plates. Slice pears lengthwise and put one on each plate in a fan. Add crumbled stilton (not too much) and chopped pecans.