Hey Stacked ladies!
I think that every meeting thusfar has clarified the dozens of aspects of the various books that were a little bit cloudy or incomplete. That being said, no book was more confusing for me to tie together than Garcia Girls. I really enjoyed the book taken as a series of short, self-contained vignettes, but when attempting to tie all of the tales and episodes of the book together and sort out an overall theme or meaning, I was at a loss. I really just couldn't marry the situations together.
So, once again, I think our discussion really came to the rescue. I was able to list elements of the book that didn't make sense to me and get really great feedback about something I had missed or not picked up on. Talking it out really helped me create a better timeline of events and picture of the Garcia family.
I still think there are aspects of the book that I will struggle with no matter what such as Alvarez' use of language and some weird sexual events, but all in all I think it was the easiest book for the group to relate to so far. It seemed, more than any other book, like this one reminded all of us of something that happened during our childhood or of a relationship we have with a family member.
Anyway, on to Norman Mailer. I myself have never read a Norman Mailer book, but am excited to undertake the endeavor after how many things I have read about him. An American Dream is supposed to be filled with all the makings of a great novel including alcoholism, murder, sex, and the urban underworld. Can't wait to start!
Just a quick logistics update: our next meeting would have been the 3rd (first Thursday of July), which will sort of be a Friday because everyone has the next day off. I moved the meeting to Tuesday the 1st tentatively. Please let me know if that day doesn't work. Can't wait to discuss!
