An oldie but a goodie, this book was one that the Ladies of the club had always wanted to read but just never got around to it. It's a lengthy book and we broke it down into 2 months work of reading. Perfect for our limited time together over the holidays.
Half of the group was able to finish and the others are still working on it. It's a definite "must read" on the list of all time reads in my opinion.For those unfamiliar with this novel, the premise is that Alex Haley wanted to capture his family history in a narrative way. Many oral stories had been passed down and the large book was a cumulation of all those he knew.
The story is multigenerational and is a common one for the "everyman" African American in the United States. It tells the beginnings of a deep family history and exposes a very painful, raw and shameful part of American History as well.
Our discussion on this book, as with many, were woven around moral values and the comparison of modern day ideals with that of those from past societal norms. We discussed the horrendous nature of the way black people were treated and viewed and how that could have been acceptable but also reflected on various situations around the world from then until now that still linger and continue to occur.
The Eastside Ladies absolutely recommend adding this to your collection of reads for the year!
We had been playing with the idea of branching out across the bridge and leaving the Eastside suburbia for Seattle so we settled on KingFish Cafe. A soulful restaurant that blends good southern food with a spirit of creole. The restaurant is just as exciting and comfortable as the food and you truly feel like you've left the west coast once you step through the door. Whether comfort means shrimp and grits, Sunday potpie or spicy gumbo, notice the lovely crab leg on the side, KingFish Cafe should be a must go for any foodie in the Seattle area. It's all in the details from the mint julep cocktail down to the heavenly slice of red velvet cake with homemade whipped cream that was easily shared by the group!
