March’s book club meeting proved to be as entertaining as its book was suspenseful. Twenty-one ladies showed up to discuss Lee Child’s Killing Floor and many agreed that it was an enjoyable read.
Many thanks to the month’s hostesses: Kim Ballard, Amber Gustainis, Melanie Martinez, Kathleeen Simmons and Beth Smith. All certainly enjoyed the diner fare represented in the book: chicken and waffles with maple syrup, deviled eggs, BLT sandwiches, apple pie with ice cream, and a multitude of beverages.
April’s Hooked on Books meeting took members back in time to Oklahoma during the 1920s. Hostesses Darla Miles, Cindy Fitzgerald, Kristina Lewis, Rebecca Allen, and Cindy Boone welcomed guests into a home decorated like a crime scene which set the tone to evaluate David Grann’s Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI. Indeed, the hostesses created a unique and thought-provoking setting to effectively delve into the harrowing true story of the Osage Indian murders and the newly-formed FBI, making the “crime scene” fitting.
Book club members are always delighted to see one another each month and look for decorations and food that can be correlated to the book. The hostesses did not disappoint! Attention to detail in the decorations reflected a deep engagement with the themes and subject matter of the book. Skull and crossbones markers surrounding food gave us pause. The decorative napkins resembling one-hundred dollar bills served as a stark reminder of the greed and exploitation that drove the atrocities committed against the Osage Indians. The tablecloth adorned with bloody handprints served as a poignant symbol of the violence and guilt associated with atrocious acts. The crime scene tape trimming the room signaled a commitment to addressing difficult questions and exploring the historical context of the crimes against the Osage Indians.
Overall, the stage was set for a powerful, thought-provoking and impactful discussion. Evidently, our book club has some true crime fans who were deeply engaged in the implications and details of the book. All attendees had the opportunity to contribute their thoughts and insights. We agreed it was a compelling tale that explores not only the murders themselves, but also greed, wealth, conspiracy, racism, and the early days of the FBI.
The next Hooked on Books meeting will be held on May 14th at 2:00 p.m. and our designated book is Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. Check your email for location details. If you would like to join “Hooked On Books,” please email your contact information to alanehaardt@yahoo.com. All are welcome!
April’s Book Club Attendees
