Book Club Review: The Lotus Eaters by Tatjana Soli

Ok, I'm going to start this with a confession, get it off my chest and be done with it... I DID NOT FINISH THE BOOK (insert lightning strike).  There, I said it.  I totally would have picked this book, it seemed like something I would enjoy, but halfway through when I was CHOOSING to unload the dishwasher rather than read ONE MORE WORD, I bailed.  Cannot put my finger on what it was I disliked so much... her writing style made me a little crazy, I didn't really connect with any of the characters, the subject matter was depressing at a time I didn't feel like being depressed... I don't know, but this one definitely was not for me.  Fortunately for you, most of my book club differed with my opinion (not the first or the last time)... so my recommendation would be for you to decide for yourself. 

Regardless, it was yet another fun-filled evening with my gals, The Lit Wits (THANK YOU Lauren for our new name!)... The Lotus Eaters is set in the Vietnam War, and we were treated to some awesome food from a local Vietnamese noodle house.  

Look at us, thinking we are so savvy and chic, chopsticks and everything... and yes, they have figured me out (LESLI, watch out... she's going to BLOG you!).   WhatEVAH... I think they secretly dig their newfound celebrity status.  She posed, didn't she?

Apparently we have a new member... meet MS. BELL.  Put eight smart, opinionated, strong loud women around a table, add food and wine and a HOT topic and what do you get?  THE VIEW on steroids... enter, MS. BELL.  Ring the bell and IN THEORY you get the floor... that's how it is supposed to work anyway.  But considering she wasn't doing her job very well, I think Ms.Bell is still on probationary status... 

Of course, it wouldn't be book club without Jana's notes.  Seriously, this is what happens when a corporate woman becomes a stay-at-home mom... JUST SAYIN'... but how much DO we love Jana?!?

For dessert and to celebrate the lovely Teri's birthday... Snickers Pie and Red Velvet Cupcakes.  I'm sure you had no idea these were Vietnamese delicacies... really... would I lie?

And finally... Jana (yes, the same Jana of the Type A note taking... she's complex) brought party favors (I won't explain the significance so as not to be a spoiler, but she had to do some serious sweet talking at the local pharmacy to snag 8 empty pill bottles... I'm thinking with the 4 year old tagging along she didn't look much like a drug dealer) and sparklers again.  I'm not really sure why we keep ending the night by lighting stuff on fire, but hey, I'm not going to argue... 

Ready for The Lit Wit's next selection?  It's a "chickaliscious" read (yep, one member who will remain anonymous  birthday girl  nearly stroked out at this description... she likes SERIOUS literature people!) perfect to accompany you while lounging by a body of water with a drink sporting a little pink umbrella. 

Until next month, Book Clubbers...