Here’s a great reading list published by the Guardian. It’s broken down by genre. The Fantasy and Science Fiction list is especially good. I almost always disagree with some selections on these lists. Why did that put that book on the list? And why is this book missing? But I’m also drawn to the act of list making, and I’m always glad that there are some publications out there ballsy enough to hazard the list.
We met @ Jaron’s place on Friday, October 16th. I was a bit fashionably late, but strangely early at the same time! We snagged some Wyld beers and cranked up the firepit in his back yard to quell the nippy evening. Next, Joe rolled in around 9-ish and started into his elk hunting story when Greg showed up bringing a 4-pack of (naturally, I can’t remember) Belgians. They were 12oz white bottles I believe, two different types. And sometime before 10 Mr. Gary Green made a surprise appearance (somebody had to tell jokes around the campfire!). While Greg didn’t ride his Ducati that evening, he did talk about the thrill of dropping from 6th gear 200mph down to a first gear hairpin riding it on a track. We weren’t quite sure about whether that would be fun or crazy stupid.
Jare had made some tasty curry chicken in the crockpot all day and he was the only one who read the entire book (in his youth). He re-read bits of it this time around. Gary and I both read up to 8 o’clock. We all thought it was interesting and a bit juvenile. I liked how old it was which lent to the fairytaledness of it all. (See the chapter about the grey goose, the sausage, and the cock–really!)
Joe got into town the evening before from his elk hunt where he bagged one and gutted it himself in the field–what a REAL man! Heck, he could probably hold his own against Sarah Palin! I’m just looking forward to the elk steaks. He was ready with not three but about twenty offerings–so many he had to take notes! Of course, I don’t remember all of those either. I think the vote was put to us in the end of the one we picked, a fictional account of warring tribes in Africa, and a 50′s account of race in the south “Black Like Me”. I think the “Hedonism Handbook” was in there too. Probably worth a second look…
Jare and I finished the evening by splitting two games of darts in his garage listening to his fine (ancient) sound system.
The next meeting was picked to be Friday November 13th (Oooo!) at the Man Cove. I reserve the right to bump that to Thursday the 12th because I might not be in town Friday night. I’ll know a week in advance.
I think it’s fair to say that we at Beers and a Book support this brewer in his fight against Monster Energy drink. Who the hell drinks Monster Energy drink anyway?
Here’s the link to Boycott Monster Energy Drink. There’s also a Facebook page called Vermonters and Craft Beer Drinkers against Monster. How about a little slacktivism people. When was the last time you could combine your love of beer with a good cause. Now we can tell our wives that drinking beer has a larger social purpose.
O’ Captain, my Captain, when and where is the Book Club’s next meeting?
Yes, it is time to get you heathen together. Let’s plan on meeting this coming Friday, 10/16/09, at my house. If you haven’t read The Wonder Clock yet, you cannot use not having enough time as as excuse!
I have a small house, so we will meet in the backyard around the BBQ and firepit, but dress warm anyway. There will be basketball in the driveway, darts in the garage, and books by the fire. Bring your usual assortment of food and drink. If the weather turns too cold and/or rainy, we can move the venue to the Man Cove at Derick’s.
Directions: from 39th South, turn South on Olympic Way (about 3250 East), straight thru two dips in the road, then take a left eastbound on Majestic. Either of the next two lefts will put you on a looping street. My house is north facing with a split rail fence and a red door.
Sorry about the short notice, but come if you can!
Famous and influential as a preeminent illustrator, Howard Pyle was also a gifted writer beloved by millions–young and old–for his endearing and enchanting fairy tales. The Wonder Clock is a delightful, magical collection of whimsical stories: twenty-four stories for twenty-four hours. And each a timeless masterpiece. Peopled with jolly kings and queens, lovely princesses and evil witches, sly foxes and mischievous ravens, ogres and giants, dashing princes and nasty dragons, these are old fashioned fairly tales in the best and most beautiful sense that can be enjoyed by readers of any age. This edition also includes Pyle’s dazzling illustrations.
For the second straight month we have a bylaw foul! The next meeting will be at Jaron’s house with Derick’s Man Cove as a back up. Our big foul is that we didn’t chose the date. Sept 18 or 19 was suggested but we are all waiting on Michael to organize himself. Sept 24-26 is out of the running since Derick, Joe, Michael, and I are off to Denver for GABF, the great american beer festival. If we don’t meet before that, we may meet the following weekend. TBD……
Ok, so we now know we are way too technoligically deficient. Why have a website if we don’t use it? (but enough of the bitching).
Another fine overnighter was had by all at the Zembruski Cabin. It seems that our choices of beer and food keep getting better, but maybe not so on our choice of books (based on the lack of zeal expressed for Freakanomics). The heart burn was kicked off by some tasty buffalo wings, thanks to me, and complimented with some kick ass beef chili provided by our host. Greg delighted us all again with some fresh homemade salsa made from his garden. The beer was plentiful again with many styles to choose from. We had bock and Belgian spice, stout and double chocolate stout, cherry chocolate ale, and key lime IPA. Those damn fruity brewers!
The activities included discussing the book, creating tracers in the meadow again, and various musical whims. Can you believe we have an accordian now? Dualing guitars by Michael and Greg gave visions of Deliverance…
Since this recap is a week late, I’m sure I’ve forgotten many things about that night, but I didn’t forget that I had a good time and so did all of you bastards.
Recap of last book club meeting Date: Friday, July 17th. Venue: Big Cottonwood Canyon, Paul’s cabin. Eats: Rare roast; garlic elk burgers; tiramisu; misc. chips; olives; Gary’s vat o’margaritas (alas neglected); beer; beer; beer; (I’m sure other things I can’t remember). Bedtime: 3:30am-ish. Activities: Eating; excuses for not reading the book; book excerpt; drinking many samples of 4 kegs of homebrew; playing musical instruments (some better than others); Dogfish Head sampling–Fort, Black&Blue, Chateau Jiahu; playing glow-in-the-dark frisbees in a meadow. Choice moment: Joe puking off deck. Breakfast: coffee, scrambled eggs, blueberry pancakes, bacon, paprika potatoes. Mid-morning activities: throwing rocks at soccer ball stuck 40 feet high in tree; hike to Donut Falls. Next meeting: book–Freakanomics; date–Friday August 21st; venue–???–BYLAW FOUL! (We all pressed for Paul’s cabin again.)
Ok, it’s probably my turn to ‘spearhead’ the review of our most recent book club meeting, so here goes….
We had another fine evening of dining, drinking, discussion, and debauchery. Don was a most hospitable host providing some of the best eats for a book club in recent memory. Both the squid and the ox tail soup were fabulous. Of course, now we expect more from Don in the future than just a bag o’ chips! I also liked the backyard venue our summer season allows us to enjoy.
A potential new member, Greg, also graced us with some fine brewed libations. All his beers were consumed with great relish and we will expect him to keep up the good work (provided we didn’t scare him and he shows up a second time!).
Now for the book. In a shocking turn of events, many members who usually finish the book did not and others decided to get their ‘read’ on. I think we all enjoyed ‘The Moviegoer’ to varying degrees. Since I was on the less positive side, I will refrain from trying to review the book any more, as last night’s discussion was sufficient. I will actually finish the book, I promise.
Next month’s meeting will be held on Friday, July 17th, at Paul’s Cabin in Big Cottonwood Canyon. Come prepared to spend the night! The book chosen from Derick’s suggestions was ‘The Acid House’ by Irvine Welsh (289 pgs).
I have already reserved a copy at the City Library as the County Library system does not have this book on their shelves.
I dare you all to comment! (I can count on Derick).
