December 2, 2023: The Girl with All the Gifts (Caitlin’s Pick)

Discussion: Caitlin- Enjoyed the book. Easy to read except for when there was science talk. Wasn’t as riveting as I expected. A confusing writing style. Would recommend. Might read another by author. 3.75/5 Jocelyn- This is the best zombie book I’ve read. Still not sure how believable the twist is but loved the end. Zombies for the win, first time I’ve heard of it. Loved the vocab! 4.5/5 Ali- I liked the vocab, lots of good words. Writing style was a bit choppy. Took a bit to get into it. Ending was surprising, but great. Already recommended. Already reading the next book. 4/5 Julie- Love zombie books, but felt the author lost the plot. Felt like the book was contradicting all the time. Hated the end. Would not recommend- too weird. Would not read another by author. 3/5 Favorite Character: Caitlin- Melanie and Gallagher Jocelyn- Melanie Ali- Parks Julie- Justineau Balance $$$- $92.33 Book pick- The Chain by Adrian McKinty 368pgs Christmas Club!! @ Jocelyn’s December 30th 12:00 Next club date possibly Jan 27th Ali White Elephant Party on December 16th Announcements: Caitlin- Having Surgery on 12/12 Jocelyn- Cypress and Zoe broke up. Ali- Got a new tattoo. Julie- Chris got a job. House is finalized!

October 21, 2023: The Dictionary of Lost Words (Ali’s Book)

Discussion: Ali- I enjoyed the book. Had avoided reading because of the cover. Really liked the words, made me want to read a thesaurus. A little long winded, could have been shorter. Would recommend. Would read another by author. 3.5/5 Caitlin- The book was dull, but I didn’t hate it. Liked the writing style. No excitement in the story. Just not for me. Some words I liked. Thought the ending was dull, like the whole book. Would recommend maybe. Maybe would read another by author. 3/5 Jocelyn- I wanted to love this book, but just couldn’t. Historical fiction is my favorite, but it was just too slow. A slow beginning, good middle and then a rushed slow ending. The book had a Jane Austin feel. Would not recommend. Would not read another by author. 2.8/5 Julie- Boring! Rather sad too. Expected better. The book was terrible. Nothing happened. CUNT was the best part of the book. Wished it was about women’s suffrage. Would not recommend. Would not read another by author. 2/5 Favorite Character: Ali- Mable and Gareth Caitlin- Mable and Dittie Jocelyn- Da and Mable Julie- Lizzie Balance $$$- Paying out for anniversary…? Book pick The Girl with All the Gifts by M.R. Carey 460pgs Next club at Caitlin’s December 2nd 12:00 Lunch: Anniversary shenanigans!

June 24, 2023 Survivor Song (Ali’s Pick)

Discussion: Ali- This was a blind date book. Liked the different take on a virus that already exists. Rocky chapter changes, but fast entertaining read. Didn’t like the end. Would recommend. Would not read another by this author. 3.5/5 Caitlin- Liked how the book jumped right in but hated the writing style. Really unrealistic. Didn’t like the end. Would not recommend. Would not read another by author. 2.5/5 Julie- Perfect vacation read. Fast paced and simple so kept my attention. Could have been longer. Needed more back story. Would recommend. Would not read another by author. 3.5/5 Jocelyn- Fast read but hated writing style. Some parts so run on and lots of repeating. Felt like a book about a different strain of COVID. Surprised it was written before the pandemic. Would not recommend. Would not read another by author. 2.5/5 Favorite Characters: Ali- Luis Caitlin- Josh and Luis Julie- Luis and Josh Jocelyn- Luis and Natalie Balance $$$- $368.16. All paid. Book pick is Shadow Divers by Robert Kurson 348pgs Next club August 6th. Hopefully at the river! Lunch: Pizza/ Salmon Scramble/ Grove Bowls and Bloody Mary’s Announcements: Ali- Got a new tattoo. Have lost 20lbs. Caitlin- Going on my honeymoon. Julie- Ayla is now 6. Becoming a HOA treasurer. Jocelyn- Mike got a new car.

June 2, 2023 Lessons in Chemistry (Julie’s Pick)

Discussion: Julie- I Liked it. Cute easy beach read. Enjoyed the feminist message for the time. Great job with character development. Ending was a bit confusing. Would recommend. 3.5/5 Jocelyn- I loved the book. At first, I thought it was going to be depressing, but turned out to be quite funny. Liked the writing style. Would recommend. 4/5 Caitlin- Surprised how much I enjoyed it. Tactically hilarious. Kept me engaged the whole time. Already have recommended. 4/5 Ali- DID NOT FINISH (for club but did finish the book overall) Favorite Characters: Julie- 6:30, Harriot and Walter Jocelyn- 6:30 and Mad Caitlin- 6:30 and Elizabeth Balance $$$- $328.17. Everyone paid up. Book pick is Survivor Song by Paul Tremblay 335pgs Next club June 24th at Ali’s House 12:00 Dinner: Chicken tacos by Julie Announcements: Possible float on the 10th or 11th…..

April 29, 2023 The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo (Jocelyn’s Pick)

Discussion: Jocelyn- Definitely a cleansing read after our last book. Better then the authors other books, but still felt run on with lots of repeating. Started good and lost luster as it went. Predictable ending. Might recommend. 3/5 Julie- It was just okay. Easy beach read. Annoyed by both main characters. The big secret dragged too long. A far-fetched tale, but entertaining. Would not recommend. 2.5/5 Ali- I’m prouf I finished. It flowed so it made it easier to read. Just didn’t really care about this story. Would not recommend. 3/5 Caitlin (from afar)- Enjoyed it in the beginning but it progressively became cheesy. Turning to only focus on one love story that kept repeating itself. The secret wasn’t big enough for all the buildup. ?/5 Favorite Characters: Jocelyn- Henry Cameron and Robert Julie- Henry and James Ali- Henry Caitlin- Henry $$$ Balance- ?? I think everyone paid… Book pick is Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus 400pgs Next club is June 3rd at the River 😊 Lunch: Bagel Sandwiches/ Salad and Cape Codders Announcements: Check out Fab Fun Fit Box Kickback Shop has website. (Holly’s shop) Julie is going to have a housewarming party this summer.

April 3, 2023 Geek Love (Caitlin’s Pick)

Discussion: Caitlin- This book was WTF. Had potential. Expected more drug abuse for child creations. The authors writing style sucked. Thought she was on drugs while writing. End was rushed, but still too drawn out. Would not recommend. 2/5 Jocelyn- WTF!! This is in the top 5 strangest books I’ve ever read. The whole story was disturbing and sad. Not terribly written I guess, but a terrible way to escape. Under 400pgs but felt like 600pgs. Would never recommend. 2/5 Ali- WTF. Such jerky writing, just sloppy writing style. I hated this book. Flowed like mud on a jagged rock. Torture to read. Could have been good if it was 100% different. Would never recommend- will purposely talk shit about it. 1/5 Julie- Didn’t read (by choice) Favorite Character: Caitlin- The cats Jocelyn- None Ali- None $$$ Balance- $248.13 All paid except Caitlin, bday girl. Book pick is The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Tayler Jenkins Reed 400pgs Next club is April 29th at Jocelyn’s House 11:30. Bring your own goods. Announcements: Caitlin- Bday Escape Room 4/15. Getting married in a month. Jocelyn- Cypress 20th birthday coming up. Ali- Losing lbs., shedding that weight. Julie- Ayla needs glasses.

March 4, 2023 Sea of Tranquility (Ali’s Pick)

Discussion: Ali- Didn’t really know what this book was about, turned out to be a total surprise. I liked it, thought it was good. Got mind fucked by the time travel. Ending was a surprise. Already have recommended. 4.5/5 Caitlin- Did not like this book! So hard to focus on it. No characters stood out to me. I was just confused and bored. Did love the mud reference. Would never recommend. 2/5 Julie- Ditto, didn’t like it! Couldn’t focus. Overall, the entire book was a mind fuck. I thought we were going to be on a boat. Just couldn’t visualize. Good idea but fell short. Could be a good miniseries though. Would never recommend. 2/5 Jocelyn- I really enjoyed this book! Kept me on my toes. I often had to read back to make sure I was getting it. I loved how it all came together at the end. Totally unexpected. Would recommend. 4/5 Favorite Characters: Ali- Gaspery and Vincent Caitlin- Gaspery Julie- Vincent Jocelyn- Gaspery Jaques Robert $$$ Balance- $218.11 All paid up. Book pick is Geek Love by Kathrine Dunne 368pgs Next club is April 3rd at Caitlin’s House 9:30. Bring your own breakfast. Lunch: Ruben Sandwich (proven Jewish)/ Turkey Sandwich/ Turkey Taco Stuffed Bell Pepper/ Chips + Dips/ Cumquats (not a winner)/ Vodka Punch Announcements: Ali gifted us all blind date books. So fun! Thanks Ali 😊 Once a year each host needs to plan a meal for club. Caitlin’s birthday celebration will by April 15th. Ali-Working my dream job. Justin’s communication has improved. Happy for the moment. Caitlin- So stressed! Work life is insane. Waking up worrying about the wedding. Julie- Nothing to announce Jocelyn- We said goodbye to our sweet Saber (Bagooki) RIP. Ravens witch’s mole is gone.

February 5, 2023 The Lost Apothecary (Julie’s Pick)

Discussion: Julie- Really glad I switched to this book. I liked it but took a little while to get into it. Liked the old story much better. Writing was a little inconsistent. Liked both endings. Would recommend. 3.5/5 Caitlin- Liked the book. Could have been more exciting. Struggled to get into it and didn’t love the end. Got too repetitive. Would not recommend. 3/5 Ali- Spent the first half of the book trying to pronounce the title. Took a minute to get into it. Loved the old story but hated present day story. All in all, a good read. Would recommend to certain 3/5 Jocelyn- I enjoyed this read. Easy ans fast paced. Loved the short chapters and character switches. Would be a great vacation/beach read. Would recommend. 3.5/5 Favorite Characters: Julie- Eliza Caitlin- Nella Ali- Gaynor Jocelyn- Eliza $$$ Balance- ??? Everyone paid except Ali. Happy Birthday Ali!! Book pick is Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel 300pgs Next club is March 4th at Ali’s House 11:00. Bring your own food. Next book pick is Caitlin. Brunch: Salads/ Sandwiches/ Chips + Dips/ Lady Clarences Cordial Cocktail Announcements: Julie- First club back in my house. Caitlin- Daniel lived through his bachelor trip. Ali- New tattoo. Interviewing for jobs. Jocelyn- Sotero got his own place. -Second Boot Barn trip is 2/25 -Bring dresses to Ali’s for trying on.

January 7, 2023 Crooked Branch (Jocelyn’s Pick)

Discussion: Jocelyn- Overall I enjoyed the story. A quick easy read. Felt like it could have been 600pgs. Would have like to hear more about Ginny’s life. Just felt like the story needed more. Would recommend. 3.5/5 Julie- A heartbreaking depressing book. Made me curious about my people. Only wanted to read Ginny’s story. Liked it, but surprised cause I thought I wouldn’t. Would recommend. 3/5 Ali- Thought the book was going to be supernatural, but no. Got me discouraged. Remined me of the Dustbowl. Good book overall…surprisingly. Wish there was more of the historical story. Would recommend 3.5/5 Caitlin- Enjoyed the start. Only liked the historical part of the story. Hated the ending, too feel good. Would recommend to certain people. 3/5 Favorite Character: Jocelyn- Roisin and Sean Julie- Ginny Ali- Maire and Ginny Caitlin- Ginny and Sean (would fuck Sean) $$$ Balance- ??? Paid later by Venmo Book pick is The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner 335pgs Next club is at Julie’s House 11:00. Bring your own stuff Next book pick will be Ali’s Brunch: Chips + Dip/ Cider tastings Announcements: Jocelyn-Working 12-hour shifts. Living the no power life but feel the light within. Julie- I’m HOME!!!!! Ali- Unemployed, possibly getting “married” Caitlin- Flooded from L.A. and now have alien ringworm.

December 3, 2022 Crooked River (Caitlin’s Pick)

Discussion: Caitlin- The book was readable. Kept me entertained, but not amazing. Main character was annoying. Liked the end. Would recommend. 3.5ish/5 Jocelyn- Overall I enjoyed the book. Could be a vacation read. A little predictable, great vocabulary though. Might recommend. 3.5/5 Julie- So many P names. Kept me guessing. Crazy ending. Kept me interested and distracted from the world. Would recommend. 4/5 Ali- Liked the book. Usually like these kinds of books and characters. While reading I liked/disliked/liked, all came together at the end. Would recommend. 4/5 Favorite Characters: Caitlin- Constance Jocelyn- Constance Julie- Constance Ali- Cold Moon and Constance $$$ Balance- ??? Book pick is Crooked Branch by Jeanine Cummins 408pgs Next club is January 7th at Jocelyn’s House 12:00. Bring your own goods. Next book pick is Julie’s. Brunch: Bagels/ Egg Sandwiches/ Chips + Dip/ Mulled Cider/ Rum Balls Announcements: Caitlin- Going to Idaho and L.A. for Christmas. Jocelyn- Sotero got laid off, but he is shining like a diamond. Julie- More house bullshit but moving Dec.19th. Feeling the love. Ayla is doing great in school. Ali- Removed Tia’s car from my yard. Going through a midlife realignment.

October 10, 2022 The Hacienda (Julie’s Pick)

Discussion: Julie- Hard to get into at first but liked it. Hard to read at night. Beautifully written with great descriptions. Already have recommended. 3.75/5 Caitlin- Not into it at first, but once I got into it, I was really into it. Enjoyed all the freaky parts. Good descriptions. Would recommend. 4/5 Ali- Finished on the last day. Well written and great descriptions, but too long sometimes. Scared me. Would recommend.3.5/5 Jocelyn- I judged this book by it’s cover and description. I was pleasantly surprised. Loved that the author put more of an exorcist twist to this story. Would recommend. 3.5/5 Favorite Character: Julie- The House Caitlin- The House Ali-Paloma Jocelyn-Dona Catalina and Paloma $$$ Balance: $440, everyone paid. Book pick is Life and Death by Stephanie Myer 401pgs Next club is October 30th at Ali’s House 2:00. Bring your own food or eat party leftovers. Next book pick is Caitlin Lunch: Snacks and Margaritas Announcements: Club Anniversary will be celebrated October 21st at The Winchester Mystery House- Unhinged at 6:30 November birthdays will be celebrated November 12th- Kayaking

October 30, 2022 Life and Death (Ali’s Pick)

Discussion: Ali- Sad this was not the book I meant to pick. Didn’t like the gender reversal. I want to write her a letter. Would not recommend. 2/5 Jocelyn- I absolutely hated this book the entire time! I should think this book would ruin her career. Just plain stupid, hurt me to read. Would never recommend. 0/5 Caitlin- Enjoyed the beginning and end but hated everything else. Wanted more action. Would not recommend. 2.5/5 Julie- I had high hopes, thought it would be great. The dialog was so horrible. She completely failed at gender reversal. Would never recommend. 1.5/5 Favorite Characters: Ali- None Jocelyn- None Caitlin- Archie Julie- None $$$ Balance: ??? Book pick is Crooked River by Preston Douglas & Lincoln Child 400pgs Next club is December 3rd at Caitlin’s House 11:00. Bring your own food. Next book pick is Jocelyn, club possibly the 7th or 8th. Lunch: Redwood Sandwiches, Golden Ciders, IPA’s and June Shine Announcements: Ali- Pumpkin party was awesome! Jocelyn- Got new tattoo. Hosting Thanksgiving. Caitlin- Going to San Diego for work next week. I’m too busy!! Julie- Packing to move home.