April 2018 - Meeting at Ann S. House

Book Discussed:  The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane

On a rainy Sunday morning Stephanie, Judy, MaryJo, and Ann made the annual trip south to Trader Joe’s and then to join Lori and I for the meeting.  We also invited Bev, one of the original members, to discuss The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane.  

Lori led the discussion.  While the story provided insight into the world of tea growing and the lives of the Akha people in rural China, the main issues are mother/daughter relationships and the difficulty of breaking with customs.  Li-Yan cannot kill her child so leaves her at an orphanage with an ancient tea cake.  Although the girl (Haley) is adopted into a privileged California family, she feels a need to find her birth family.  Li-Yan continually longs for the lost child.  We discussed female relationships, adoption, and family traditions.  We think everyone thoroughly enjoyed this book but Marilyn’s opinion is required before it can be listed as one of those enjoyed by 100% of the club (Ann F did wish for that more perfect happy ending).

On the author’s web site Lori found a company offering Pu-erh tea tasting kits including a tea cake as left with Haley and we purchased it for the meeting.  And Judy found Pu-erh tea on line (KissMe organics in tea bags!) and we enjoyed that too.  There were tea leaves and tea cups and tea pots and good food, wine, good friends and good discussion. 

The book chosen for June’s meeting from Joy’s suggestions is LaRose by Louise Erdrich.

Next Meeting:            May 27, 2018

Place:                          Claire’s Condo – Bretton Woods

Time:                          Claire?

Book for discussion: The Last Days of Dog Town by Anita Diamant (Judy’s suggestion)

There are two bottles of Red Wine left to bring for May Meeting.

Judy will host the June 24 Meeting.

Dates for members to make a book suggestion are made according to alphabetical listing by first name.  Attached is the current list showing the date book suggestions to be submitted and also date that book will be discussed.   Let me know if I didn’t get it right.

CELIA – You graciously offered your home for our meeting in July or August.  MaryJo will be happy to swap dates with you if you would like to submit your suggestions at our next meeting (May 27) for discussion July 29.