The Three Weissmanns of Westport

Dear Hardcovers and Hangovers,

The Three Weissmanns of Westport by Cathleen Schine is our next selection by Sara.  This book has been compared to a modern day adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic, Sense and Sensibility.  We will get to know Betty and her two daughters, Miranda and Annie.  The three women struggle to find themselves as they deal with life altering events.

For some discussion questions follow this link and for Schine's blog follow this link. 

Looking forward to our next meeting.
Jenn

Meeting Notes - April

Dear Hardcovers and Hangovers,

My apologies for the delay in posting!  A HUGE thank you to Allison for hosting our last meeting; it was a fantastic evening.  We were treated to individual smoked turkey pot pies and all I can say is they were AWESOME!  Recipe please!!!!

I think Ellen did a great job recapping the evening; hum maybe the blogging torch has been passed!?  Anyway, I have to agree it was a lively evening.  I believe Susan said it was one of the best discussed book club meetings we have ever had. 

I think The Barn Dance evoked a lot of emotions and questions in all of us.  Some of us struggled with the topic, some with the author’s authenticity, and some with the written work itself (or a combination of).  When presented with a book that raises so many questions it allows for great conversation; and that truly happened for us. 

James Twyman’s work is fiction, however, he starts his book by saying it is true but can’t be proven.  Dealing with topics like the afterlife, ghosts, paranormal activity etc. are hard to prove and promote plenty of discussion.  That night many of us shared personal experiences that leads credence to the possibility.  The Barn Dance does allow for us to open our minds to the possibility of the afterlife or in this case a parallel universe. 

Some of us struggled with the work itself and not so much the topic.  I for one had a hard time with this book; it was poorly written, flat, stilted, with underdeveloped characters.  I never connected to Linda and James; never felt their strong bond or love for one another.  As Allison said she never really thought about that aspect of the book, rather her connection was with the theme. 

Whether Tywan crossed over into a parallel dimension or had a lucid dream, he has provided readers with the hope that our loved ones are close; that our love continues. 

We will be switching gears next month as we move to Sara’s to discuss The Three Weissmanns of Westport by Cathleen Schine. 

Until then, happy reading!
Jenn