Book Club

“The Longevity Plan: Seven Life-Changing Lessons from Ancient China”

Book Club, Village Edition | September 1, 2017

By Dr. John D. Day and Jane Ann Day. Centenarians in a remote village become role models for how to thrive and embrace life. American cardiologist Dr. John Day was 44, overweight, and battling insomnia, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and degenerative joint disease when he and his wife first visited Bapan. The remote village in Bama County, China, is billed as “Longevity Village” because…

Book Review: “A Lowcountry Heart: Reflections on a Writing Life”

Book Club, Village Edition | August 1, 2017

Pat Conroy was one of the best Southern writers in this century. Though he is gone, readers can enjoy this little book of essays, blogs, and speeches. If you are a reader, it is often a great thrill to meet one of your favorite writers. This generally takes place during a book signing where you may get two minutes to talk (or gush, as I…

“Come Sundown”

Book Club | July 1, 2017

By Nora Roberts. A daughter the family believed turned her back on them has come back home, after being held captive 25 years. Though her family is strong, will she or any of them ever be the same? “Come Sundown” is No. 1 on the New York Times bestseller list, and I know why. It is riveting. I freely admit Nora Roberts is one of…

‘My Father’s Ashes’ by Bruce Jenvey

Book Club, Village Edition | June 27, 2017

Story: Diane Dean A young man’s journey through his father’s life This novel by Bruce Jenvey felt like “old home week” for many in the Bookworm Book Club. The author, who was born and raised in Michigan and is a Michigan State University graduate, visited our book club for a discussion of his latest novel. Bruce says the town names are real, and the actual…

‘Euphoria’

Book Club | May 1, 2017

By Lily King. A romantic and intelligent page-turner. Story: Diane Dean “Euphoria,” written by award-winning author Lily King, is a historical novel based on Margaret Mead’s experiences in the 1930s in New Guinea. The story revolves around Margaret’s anthropological study of the tribes there, but it also is a love story. The New York Times book review called it “a taut, witty, fiercely intelligent tale…

Circling the Sun

Book Club, Village Edition | April 1, 2017

By Paula McLain. Life in Africa for a bold woman who thrives on adventure, passion, and scandal Story: Diane Dean One of the 17 books author Paul McLain researched in order to write her bestseller, “Circling the Sun” was “West with the Night.” It’s the story of risk-taker, trailblazer, daredevil, and a self-destructive woman named Beryl Markham. She was the first licensed female horse trainer…

Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania

Book Club | March 1, 2017

By Erik Larson. A gripping account of history that puts a human face on the tragedy Story: Diane Dean Thinking a about a cruise? “Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania” by Erik Larson is not recommended reading while on your cruise. Spoiler alert—the luxury liner Lusitania took its last voyage in May 1915. This book tells the story of the Lusitania’s voyage from…

Book Club: Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker

Book Club | February 1, 2017

By Jennifer Chiaverini. An intimate look into life of former slave that spans nearly a century. Story: Diane Dean In 1868 Elizabeth Keckley wrote an autobiography “Behind the Scenes: Or Thirty Years a Slave and Four Years in the White House.” Elizabeth bought freedom from slavery for herself and her son and became a modiste. As a modiste she designed and produced fashionable dresses for…

Book Club: ”The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah

Book Club, Village Edition | January 1, 2017

Story: Diane Dean This is a favorite of book clubs for discussion. The Bookworm Book Club thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and the way Lisa French and Charlotte Priestner handled the discussion. They set the stage of the French locale with their apparel, which included berets along with little baskets of croissants on our tables. Inside the baskets were the questions for small groups to…

BOOK CLUB: THE WRIGHT BROTHERS

Book Club, Village Edition | December 1, 2016

The dramatic story behind the two courageous brothers story: diane dean “Your bags should be stowed overhead or under the seat. Please stow your tray tables and fasten your seat belts.” This is how Patricia Crigler, our facilitator and a former writer for US Airways, prepared us for our discussion on flight. “The Wright Brothers” by David McCullough was the selection of the month for…