As their October “Book of The Month”, POC’s Book Club, “Hooked On Books”, chose The Nightingale by Kristen Hannah, a novel about the German Occupation of France during WWII. The Club held their meeting on October 13, 2020 at 2:00 PM at the home of Terri McGuire. To complement the setting, and emphasize the importance of the French Resistance during the War, the Hostesses: Terri McGuire, Charlotte Fitzgerald, Agnes Hannes, and Mary Nell McGee; chose a French theme, and held the meeting in the McGuire boat barn, because it resembled a “hideout”.
Guests were greeted at the front door by a Wine-Cork wreath, and postings of “Bonjour”, “Vive la France”, & “Le Menu” (in French). They entered the “hide-out” to French music, and found tables decorated with hot pink and black Eiffel Tower tablecloths, Eiffel tower centerpieces, and French phrases on the table tops. French words were also placed about. Guests were invited to add a “French touch” to their ensemble. (Beret, scarf at the throat, boa, etc.)
After the vote on Books for the Club’s 2021 season, Guests were treated to French tidbits wrapped with navy blue napkins “in the style of” a knapsack, and garnished with a fleur-de-lis. The “knapsacks” contained oer’douvres of croissants, olives, charcuterie of ham and cheese, a French tarte, a merengue cookie, and grapes, of course!!!! Drinks were Perrier, La Croix, and eau-water.
After the fine French Cuisine, Charlotte led a fun game of French words, utilizing the French phrases on the tables, ones that had been adapted into English, those in the book, and even a few German words!! Examples- Please R.S.V.P.-“oui o non”; “Merci”; and “Au revoir”. Terri then led an interesting study of the The Nightingale, using the personalities of the book’s characters, lessons learned, and how they still affect our lives today. All who attended enjoyed our “Afternoon in France”, and extended our compliments and appreciation to the Hostesses!! Merci Beaucoup!!
The Club’s next meeting will be held on November 10, 2020, at 2:00 PM, and our “Book of the Month” is “Trials of the Earth” by Mary Hamilton. If you would like to join “Hooked On Books”, please email your contact information to alanehaardt@yahoo.com. All are welcome!!
