Wow. What a fun evening we had! Thank you Betty Scanlon for your superb book suggestions and wonderful ideas for future discussions. We will file your suggested list of books in a safe place and post it on this blog spot. Thanks also to Judy for presenting Malcolm Gladwell's biography and for the group's candor and discussion. Special welcome to our new members/guests: Chris and Joan!
Our next book for discussion is Major Pettigrew's Last Stand: A Novel by Helen Simonson. We will meet on Wednesday, February 9, 2011, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at MarthaMerrell's/Cuddles. Would anyone like to present the author's biography or lead the discussion?
Reading group guides for this book are available at:
http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780812981223&view=rg
and
http://www.litlovers.com/guide_major_pettigrews_last.html
May you enjoy this delightful 2:21 minute video book review by Carole Beu.
There is also a video with the author. (spoiler alert)
Book Review For Major Pettigrew's Last Stand
Amazon Best Books of the Month, March 2010: In her witty and wise debut novel, newcomer Helen Simonson introduces the unforgettable character of the widower Major Ernest Pettigrew. The Major epitomizes the Englishman with the "stiff upper lip," who clings to traditional values and has tried (in vain) to pass these along to his yuppie son, Roger. The story centers around Pettigrew's fight to keep his greedy relatives (including his son) from selling a valuable family heirloom--a pair of hunting rifles that symbolizes much of what he stands for, or at least what he thinks he does. The embattled hero discovers an unexpected ally and source of consolation in his neighbor, the Pakistani shopkeeper Jasmina Ali. On the surface, Pettigrew and Ali's backgrounds and life experiences couldn't be more different, but they discover that they have the most important things in common. This wry, yet optimistic comedy of manners with a romantic twist will appeal to grown-up readers of both sexes. Kudos to Helen Simonson, who distinguishes herself with Major Pettigrew's Last Stand as a writer with the narrative range, stylistic chops, and poise of a veteran. --Lauren Nemroff
About the Author
Helen Simonson was born in England and spent her teenage years in a small village in East Sussex. A graduate of the London School of Economics and former travel advertising executive, she has lived in America for the last two decades. A longtime resident of Brooklyn, she now lives with her husband and two sons in the Washington, D.C., area. This is her first novel.
