Port O’ Connor’s “Hooked On Books” Book Club held its monthly meeting on Tuesday, February 11th, and exceeded all expectations. February hostesses were Amber Gustainis, Beth Smith, Terry Twomey, and Kim Ballard who outdid themselves in every way. The monthly meeting was as rich as the detailed imagery of the novel.
In keeping with the book club’s practice, the ladies followed the meet and greet with sharing the scrumptious spread of appetizers, desserts, and beverages. Cheerful visiting and munching was held before we delved into the novel. The fifteen participants were served chicken salad, regular salad, and cucumber sandwiches while laughing and enjoying each other’s company. The meal was finished off with apple pie! After the feast, guests engaged in book club business and deconstructed the novel.
Many agreed that Barbara Kingsolver’s Prodigal Summer is a beautifully written novel that intertwines the lives of three central characters, each of their stories deeply connected to nature, weaving multiple themes between human life and the wilderness. The author also weaves a deep appreciation for the region’s flora and fauna into the narrative, making the mountains feel like a character in their own right. Kingsolver masterfully explores how humans interact with and depend on their environment, while also diving into the complexities of relationships, traditions, and personal transformations. Many found Kingsolver’s ability to blend environmental consciousness with human drama very thought-provoking.
All in attendance agreed that it was an engaging and fun-filled afternoon. They thanked their wonderful hostesses for the ingenuity, expert planning, and hard work put into making it all happen. It was definitely an afternoon to remember!
Hooked on Books Club’s next meeting will be on March 11th and our book is Remarkably Bright Things by Sherry Van Pelt. If you are interested in joining “Hooked On Books,” please email your contact information to alanehaardt@yahoo.com. All are welcome!
