The Snow Child, by Eowyn Ivey

The Snow Child, by Eowyn Ivey, is a fun read.  Although the story is at times sad, the fairy tale quality of the book, the engaging characters, and the satisfying ending makes it an entertaining story.  

A link to a summary of the book on the Cats and a Book blog.  To purchase the book, link to the Cats and a Book Bookstore (scroll to the bottom of the page).  I ask you to support this blog and the Cats and a Book blog by purchasing your books through the bookstore.  Orders are fulfilled through Amazon.com; the Cats and a Book Bookstore retains none of your purchase information.  

Here are some questions to get your discussions started.  Keep in mind that the questions may give some of the plots away, so read the book first if you're intending to:

1.  Was Faina real?  How much of the story do you think could have been Mabel’s imagination? 

2.  What was your favorite fairy tale when you were younger?  Why?

3.  Have you ever had a “fairy tale” experience in real life?  What was it and what made it a “fairy tale”?  

In The Snow Child, Jack and Mabel survived on wild berries, potatoes, and game.  For your book club meeting, I've pinned a number of recipes and a couple of centerpiece ideas on the Alaskan Wilderness Board.   For decorations, arrange evergreen branches for a centerpiece or multi-colored berries with crinkled plastic wrap (it looks like ice!) in a clear glass vase.    

Happy reading!

The Odds, by Stewart O'Nan

The Odds, by Stewart O’Nan, is a lovely book and perfect for your book club to read and discuss.  First, it is a delightful story.  Second, it is a quick book to read—perfect for those in your club who don’t have much time to commit to heavier tomes.  And third, the themes in this book—marriage and finances—are common to a lot of readers. 

A link to a summary of the book on the Cats and a Book blog.  To purchase the book, link to the Cats and a Book Bookstore (scroll to the bottom of the page).  I ask you to support this blog and the Cats and a Book blog by purchasing your books through the bookstore.  Orders are fulfilled through Amazon.com; the Cats and a Book Bookstore retains none of your purchase information.  

Here are some questions to get your discussions started.  Keep in mind that the questions may give some of the plots away, so read the book first if you're intending to:

1.  Have you ever visited Niagara Falls?  What was your experience like?

2.  How did you feel about Art and Marion’s resolution to surrender the control of their futures to the roulette wheel?  What is the benefit to giving up control?  What is the disadvantage? 

3.  In what other ways did they surrender control during their trip?  In what ways did Art and Marion behave in attempt to retain control? 

4.  Does your family have any saying or language that would make no sense to outsiders?  What was the shared experience that gave rise to that saying?  Did it originally have a different meaning?

During the course of the book, champagne features prominently.  How about a Champagne Brunch menu for your club to enjoy?  Whether or not you choose to serve actual champagne is your choice; champagne grapes make a lovely accompaniment to your main course instead.  If you recall, Art and Marion had room service deliver an elaborate breakfast, so this menu will feature breakfast foods.

Check my Pinterest board “Champagne Brunch” for recipe suggestions:

“Champagne Brunch” Menu:

Champagne grapes with goat cheese squares, rolled in crushed or finely chopped pistachios

Stuffed French Toast

Candied bacon

Mini quiches

Some heartier options:

Hand-held Hash brown casseroles

Breakfast casserole

And of course, we need some Niagara Falls/Casino themed decorations, which you can find on my Pinterest Board for Casino Party.  Since the book occurred on Valentine’s Day weekend, you can also use Valentines to decorate, too. 

Happy reading!