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Booklist
Schedule
History

November/December 2006-2007

Chooser*
Meeting Date**
Book
Hostess/Snacks***
Melissa K
January 31 Tuesday Jan 30
Don Quixote (Miguel de Cervantes)
with special guest, Prof. Judith Berlowitz
Susan K
Clare
February 28
The Hummingbird's Daughter (Luis Alberto Urrea)
Anne-Marie/Susan T, Susan K
Helen
March 28
The Year of Magical Thinking (Joan Didion)
Helen
Anne-Marie
April 25
Old Filth (Jane Gardam)
Anne-Marie
Consensus for our 10th anniversary!
May 30


Fran
June 27


Susan T
July 25

Melissa M
August 29


Susan K
September 26


Laura
October 31


Rachel
November 28




*Chooser: We try to set up a roster of choosers each year to share the burden/power. Whoever's turn it is to choose a book brings two or three possibilities to a meeting or sends an e-mail to the group, briefly explains why she liked the book, and lets members vote on the one they'd like to read. The only criteria for recommending a book is that you a) have read it (or enough to know it'll generate a good discussion); b) you liked it; and c) you would like to participate in a group discussion about it. You may want to also take into consideration its availability and cost (new hardback bestsellers are perhaps not the best choice). This system is designed so that we have some consensus on choices, but at the same time, end up reading some quirky books, not just popular favorites. We try to stay two books ahead (so that you know in March what you need to read for the May meeting). If you elect to make the choice/vote using e-mail plan to be the vote tabulator. In case of a tie, as chooser, you get to pick. You can also decline to count hanging chads, etc., so the power is enormous, actually.

**Meeting Date: We always meet at 7:30 on the last Wednesday of the month, except for November/December when we have one combined meeting, usually the first Wednesday in December.

***Hostess/Snacks: We usually meet in the East Bay, largely Rockridge. (We did have one field trip with friends and family to Moss Beach inspired by reading Civilization and the Limpet.) Members take turns volunteering to host a meeting, provide snacks, or facilitate discussion. These are often separate roles—not  everyone can host (some people live too far away or have small houses or have toddlers asleep in the next room)—that’s OK.