On Monday, November 4 th , 12 of us came together to discuss Ernest Hemingway’s, A Moveable Feast  While enjoying cakes from Bij Robert and other treats, our conversation touched on the book’s journal-like structure, which—unlike a traditional story—offers Hemingway’s personal reflections on his life in 1920’s Paris. We noted how this format brings out the theme of shifting perspectives, as Hemingway revisits past moments with new insights, a reminder of how time can change the way we interpret our own experiences.

Orlando by Virginia Woolf is a classic which was sold as a bestseller during her own historical time. However, it appears to be difficult reading for a modern common reader who does not know well her writing style or the philosophical origins of her ideas. The extremely rich language of Woolf requires a slow reading, but not a very close one, because the narrative is scattered and mixed with visual and bodily sensations.

We kicked off our Book Club night in style, with the author, Lisa See, joining us remotely to discuss her latest novel, Lady Tan’s Circle of Women. Lisa kindly answered our questions and gave us fascinating behind-the-scenes insights into her writing process.

This wasn’t our first conversation with Lisa. Back in March 2022, we had the opportunity to talk with her about The Island of Sea Women.

It was again a full house to discuss Circe by Madeline Miller! This book, published in 2018 and widely acclaimed, is a retelling of Greek mythology from the perspective of the witch Circe. The novel beautifully chronicles Circe’s journey of self-discovery and her encounters with famous figures from Greek myths like the Minotaur, Medea, Daedalus, and Odysseus.

The story is old, but Miller’s approach is fresh and engaging.