The Aviator's Wife

     Another winner on the favorite's list!  The Aviator's Wife is a wonderfully written story in the voice of Anne Morrow Lindbergh the wife of Lucky Lindy, Charles Lindbergh.  This novel takes the reader into the private lives of Charles and Anne.  It is interesting and uncomfortable and allows the reader to have their curiosities fulfilled about what this couple was like without the paparazzi.  Anne's character is relatable to all wives and mother's but shows the strength and loyalty of one who is married to a successfully public figure.  You will not be disappointed with this one!

The club ladies met this October at Cactus in Bellevue Square.  This was a yummy mexican fusion place in the old Z tejas spot.  The tacos of all kinds were delicious and although we didn't get to eat our usual family style we did admire each other's dish presentation.  Cocktails, mexican, books, and good conversation.  Just what a good group of ladies need!

The next book on our list is a n oldie that everyone has had on their lists for years but never cracked it open.  Roots by Alex Haley.  This selection will be stretched over 2 months since the holidays are on their way and the book is a bit larger than the others.  The dinner club will be near the end of the month and we may skip our meet up in December but double up in January.

Happy reading! Cheers!

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet

     Our Sept book selection was Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet.  This has got to be one of the Eastside Ladies top favorites.  Set in Seattle during WWII, this is about a Chinese boy and a Japanese girl and their secret friendship during a time when anyone looking "oriental" was just lumped into the "enemy" category.  A quieter and blemished part of Seattle history is portrayed within this beautiful story of friendship.  This novel definitely gives you the sweet with the bitter and brings you a feeling of nostalgia even if you weren't born to experience it.  You don't have to be from Seattle to love this touching story.
     This club night we met for Dim Sum.  It seemed appropriate to have either Chinese or Japanese food and one our our ladies showed us this wonderful gem of a restaurant.  In Gilman Village in Issaquah is Macky's.  Oh Macky's how I love you!  If you love dim sum or have thought about trying it out, please, please, please go here!  It's tucked away behind the other eateries and used to be a sweet shop before Macky's took over. We ladies love to eat family style and this was perfect!  The owner picked out several dishes and everything was delicious! I personally recommend the little dumplings with the soup inside.  These are Heavenly!

Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power

     Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power by Jon Meacham is a biography that really taps in to Thomas Jefferson as a person.  It highlights his insecurities and relationships and shines a light on Thomas Jefferson as a scholar who is discussed by politics and yet can pull himself away from the rights he feels the new America deserves.  Although several of us didn't get to the end it is highly recommended.  If you feel like testing out the biographical waters, this is a good one to try.  Don't let the size fool you.  Jon Meacham takes his research and citations seriously and a quarter of what you see is a collection of that.

I'm pretty sure I was out of town for this book cub dinner but I'm sure it was tasty!

Odd Mom Out

The first summer read this year was Odd Mom Out by Jane Porter.  A fun, easy read especially if you live in the Seattle area and especially if you now Bellevue.  This book is about a single mom who moves from New York to Bellevue, WA with her daughter and how they manage the dynamics of a city and school district of high powered, elite high society.  Does individualism really get accepted in this environment?
I have to admit that I'm a slacker and for the life of me can't remember where we met for dinner!  Did I miss this one?? That's what summer will do to you I guess!

The next book is a little heavier:  The Art of Power.