Monday night is a little rough to meet for a book club but since I’m pro-book club and I like this current group well enough, I always decide to go rather than flake out last minute. I mean, what else would I do? Sit on the couch in sweats? Clearly, yes, that is an attractive option but I keep my commitments.
This month, we read a non-fiction memoir. Beth wanted a break from literary fiction and so we read, “I’m Glad My Mom Died” by Jennette McCurdy. It certainly is an eye-catching title. The book was fine. I’m not the biggest memoir person but at the same time, I’ve read more than I would expect given I don’t love the genre. There really wasn’t much to talk about other than reactions to what was described in the book. I mean, how do you analyze/critique a real person’s life and feel good about yourself as a reader?
We didn’t have any great ideas for a December book. I thought about The Only Good Indians, but I think it’s pretty dark which may mean I don’t even want to finish it. But it has garnered some rave reviews so TBD in regards to my personal to-read list. But I don’t think it’s good for the club.
Well, it’s late and I’m tired but I’ll post some recent reads soon. Any suggestions? I recently read Premonition by Michael Lewis, which was great.
Portmanteau Suitcase 
I used to be in a book club – then that fell apart during Covid. I’d like to find a group of readers again. How did you find your group? Do you meet every Monday or once a month?
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San you could join our online book club that meets around every six to eight weeks.
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I’ve heard a lot of mixed reviews on I’m Glad My Mom Died, but I have to say that I’m curious. Memoirs can go either way for me – sometimes the person is fascinating and other times it’s “uh I’m not that in to this person and I don’t need the TMI”.
I just started The Accomplice by Lisa Lutz and I’m chowing down on it. It’s a mystery about two close friends dealing with the aftermath of a murder and it’s got me good.
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I agree…. Monday night I like to be sitting on the couch in my pajamas. You are a trooper for getting out to a book club! I’m trying to think of the last book I read that was book club-worthy… maybe Gabrielle Zevin’s Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow?
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Sweats on the couch does sound quite appealing to me today, have to admit.
I’ve also heard mixed reviews on that book, but it sounds pretty dark/hard and I think, for now at least, I’ll avoid…
I’m proud of you for showing up – it does take a lot more energy to get out the door at the end of the day, but what great memories and time for connection with friends. Gold star!
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I agree it is really hard to “judge” or review a memoir. The person does have said feelings and opinions because going through the situation. We haven’t walked in their shoes so very tough.
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