october book club
I love to read. In my life-before-children, I devoured books, reading whenever I got the chance – on the subway during my commute to work, walking to work (if it was a really good book), even driving the car (although I really shouldn't admit that!). Since having children, however, my reading has taken a turn for the worse. Where does one find the time between work, children, husband, household duties, and socialization (which is few and far between!).
Thankfully, I am part of a book club which usually guarantees that I will read at least 1 book a month. Currently, we have six members (we've recently had two stalwarts move) and we meet once a month at someone's house (we rotate). Every January, we come up with a schedule of dates, who's going to host, and the books for each month. It is potluck – the host makes the main dish and everyone else brings sides. The theme of the night is determined by the chosen book and everyone really goes all out with their creativity.
For October, we chose a nonfiction book called The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson. It is set in Chicago in the late 1800's and tells the stories of two men: Daniel H. Burnham, the architect responsible for the Chicago fair's construction, and H.H. Holmes, a serial killer masquerading as a charming doctor. I highly recommend it – I couldn't put it down.
The ghoulish nature of the book lent itself well to food. I made "eyeball" cake balls using red velvet cake, Andrea (the host) made a lentil sausage stew and cheddar biscuits, Jenny made pumpkin bread with chocolate chips and finished it off with plastic spiders crawling on top (clever).
Now I'm off to read November's book selection – Paris to the Moon by Adam Gopnik. I'm hosting and it will be a French theme. I'll keep you posted....
10.28.2009
Reader Comments (3)
Paris to the Moon is a great book. Let me know if you want a fab crepe recipe.
I echo Catherine's comment on Paris to the Moon. IT IS A FAB READ! You will absolutley love it... xoxo W
We do the same thing for our book club! We read Devil in the White City and also loved it. Your table definitely looks better than ours!