In July of 2009, Francie hosted the Revolutionary Road bookclub at Jude's Spring Hill home. Delish pea n ham soup warmed us on the mid winter's night. A great choice of book that 6 of us thought brilliant.

Richard Yates published RR in 1961. The movie, released in 2008 was an Academy Award winner and was probably the catalyst for renewed interest in Yates and his books. The characters are very human, bruatally honest in their fears, aspirations and limitations. Writing so fine that the reader cringes and squirms.

April and Frank are in their 7th year of marriage in 1955. Frank is entrenched in a well paid but boring office job. April is a character like Ester Greenwood in The Bell Jar.....only older and married with kids- a frustrated housewife still mourning the demise of her acting career.

Their relationship deteriorates. Their dream of escaping the sprawl of the suburbs to live in France doesn't come to fruition. An endless cycle of squabbles and jealousies leads to betrayal and tragedy.

by Denise, sorry iphone photos are dull and colourless.....will bring better camera next time.X

Annie Pate - "Pheasant"

This is a midnight blog.  The cat is rubbing herself against the monitor as I type this - both irritating and kind of nice at the same time!  I have been in the Valley to see Annie and her friend Ben perform at Rick's cafe.   Janet, I thought that Annie was fabulous - just the right amount of self consciousness at the beginning, and then that stunning smile at the end (perhaps relief that it was OVER!) and, of course, beautiful music in between!  She didn't seem the least bit embarrassed that her parent's friends possible outnumbered her own - all those doting and proud 'aunties' and 'uncles'.   Annie seemed genuinely pleased that we were all there (although there may have been an element of 'good manners' involved....no, I am sure that she was pleased!  I would have been in her place).  On my part, I just loved seeing passionate young people tonight and remembering what I was like when I was 18.   And then feeling so envious of Annie's obvious talent.   Janet - you have a gorgeous daughter.  Love D.

Prue to be at every book club from now on !!!

Amazingly it has been reported that Prue, after being under seige for months for non-attendances at book club, has guaranteed that she will be in all the historical/ hysterical photos taken at our gatherings! The photos below will evidence her guarantee!!!!

Make sure you check the evidence closely!!!

Can't remember when ?

The lovely instigator of the Book Club Denise with Ingrid with the magnificent city views in the background!

Memories from Ingrid's first bookclub night

Hi gals ,

remember when we went to Ingrid's and she had just put some beautiful new carpet down... and the bottle of red managed to overbalance... who was that gal with the exuberant arm gestures !!! Lucky we had a few resourceful gals who knew some handy hints for housewives!!!

Anna and Neicy hugging in the 80's

Sorry that my OCD is so obvious with all these photos I've added.....I just became excited to learn someting new, and know I have to practise to retain it for next time.
That's it for me for a while. I shall try to chronicle LS or B team BC events as they happen from this day forth. My definition of an event is when 2 or more of us are present- if you believe that to be a bit loose, let me know. We'll change the rules and break them again.
Kisses and luv
Denise

Lunch with the Blacketts 2008

On their riverside deck, Ingrid, JB- John and son, Kim chomp through Ingrid's plowman's beautifully prepared lunch.