The Locale: Susan H's
The Book: Welcome to the most tumultuous summer of the twentieth century! It's 1969, and for the Levin family, the times they are a-changing. Every year the children have looked forward to spending the summer at their grandmother's historic home in downtown Nantucket: but this year Blair, the oldest sister, is marooned in Boston, pregnant with twins and unable to travel. Middle sister Kirby, a nursing student, is caught up in the thrilling vortex of civil rights protests, a passion which takes her to Martha's Vineyard with her best friend, Mary Jo Kopechne. Only son Tiger is an infantry soldier, recently deployed to Vietnam. Thirteen-year-old Jessie suddenly feels like an only child, marooned in the house with her out-of-touch grandmother who is hiding some secrets of her own. As the summer heats up, Teddy Kennedy sinks a car in Chappaquiddick, a man flies to the moon, and Jessie experiences some sinking and flying herself, as she grows into her own body and mind.
In her first "historical novel," rich with the details of an era that shaped both a country and an island thirty miles out to sea, Elin Hilderbrand once again proves her title as queen of the summer novel.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42283286-summer-of-69
I don’t think anyone loved the book; many of us found it taxing to read with all of the detail about songs, style, etc. It felt like the author was really, really trying to remind us we were in 1969! I think the funniest comment came from Lori, who said she was shocked “Lavender” didn’t end up being involved with Charles Manson. LOL. The author certainly hit everything else that happened that summer- then again, it was an historic year. And then Tassy listened to it and felt Siri was reading to her- ha, ha.
As always, I enjoyed the discussion both related and unrelated to the book and I look forward to our December dinner! We have chosen December 2nd as the date, a Monday night. We are open for suggestions; Bella Bella, Backwoods Bistro (downtown) and Table 23 were possibilities though we’ve eaten at all of them before. Also suggested was Masa. Let us know if you have a preference or a better suggestion- remember we need a good space for 12 where we can hear each other talk! And many places (FGF, Sage) are not open on Monday nights.
Jessica presented her three choices and the book for February will be “The Woman's Hour: The Great Fight to Win the Vote” by Elaine F. Weiss.
Since we are meeting for dinner in December and my book is lengthy, we decided to hold off to discuss “Waiting for Snow in Havana” at my house until January 12th. Kristine has plenty of time to think about her selections 😉 She’s up next.
I’ve attached the updated spreadsheet which includes everyone’s contact information.
Happy Halloween and Thanksgiving to everyone and safe travels for those doing so.
The Vote: Jessica presented...
Next to Present: Kristine
Then:
- The Dearly Beloved by Cara Wall
- The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead
- The Woman's Hour: The Great Fight to Win the Vote by Elaine F. Weiss WINS!!
Next to Present: Kristine
Then:
- Holly
Tassy Jolynda - Brenda
- Susan
- Gina
- Jana
- Susan H.
- Sarah
- Jessica
