Happy Bookers choose The Thirteent Tale

Posted by Storie (storiebook) on Mar 17 2009
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They were “booked” from the start! That was the consensus of the “Happy Bookers” Book Club that met at Storiebook Café on Monday, March 2, to discuss their recent read, “Memoirs of a Geisha.”

The ladies had an animated conversation on how the story was so real it was hard to believe it was fiction, written by a man; an American man! The conversation bounced around, from actual quotes or scenes from the story, to real visits to the Geisha district. Yes, one of the “Happy Bookers” told of her visit to the area and how it really was as was written, if not more grandiose in energy.

“The kimonos were absolutely stunning,” she told of the traditional dress of the Geisha.

After agreeing that all enjoyed the February choice, it was time to turn the page.

As was voted at the first meeting of the newly formed book club, selections would be made in alphabetical order by member’s last names. Lila Carter revealed her choice for March, The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield .

It appears the Storiebook setting of the groups meeting location had influenced Carter, briefly describing how The Thirteenth Tale is the story of Vida Winter, a best-selling British writer nearing the end of her life, and Margaret Lea, a youngish apprentice bookseller and part-time biographer, whom Ms. Winter has chosen to write her life story. The problem is that Ms. Winter has spent her life telling stories -- including 19 different ones about her background and childhood. Will she be able to tell the truth this time?

The Thirteenth Tale has been said to be reminiscent of classic British novels, like Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre. It has tragedy, romance, moors, and dark, stormy nights. One review describes it as a rich story about secrets, ghosts, winter, books and family. The Thirteenth Tale is a book lover's book, with much of the action taking place in libraries and book stores, and the line between fact and fiction constantly blurred.

Books play an important role in The Thirteenth Tale. One of the discussion questions to be considering if deciding to read along with “The Happy Bookers,” this month, is how have books affected your life? What made you chose the treasure you call your favorite?

If you are a book lover looking for some fellow bibliophiles to indulge in rich conversation, laughter and a love for a good story, stop by Storiebook Café on the first Monday of each month at 11:00 a.m. If you are interested in starting a book club of your own, maybe dectivie thrillers are all you will pick up; or historical fiction is the only thing that captures your attention. There is sure to be others that are on the same page. Contact Storie at 254-897-BOOK and see about starting a new chapter.

 

Last changed: Mar 17 2009

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