One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey

We went straight to the loony bin for this one.  We mixed in another classic this year with One flew over the Cuckoo's nest.  The host planned a movie night for the meeting so we could watch after we read.  Great book and message that would be perfect for a book club discussion.  We spent most of the time visiting, eating and watching movie but would still recommend this title!  One member made a huge bottle of "cough syrup" with a Firefly Book Club label.  The ingredients that were listed in the book for cough syrup were attached to the back of the bottle.  She found the bottle at a local hardward store.  It was perfect to go with the "meds" we had rationed out for each ward.  The meds were labeled like the wards in the book.  We had the Acute and the Chronic.  Don't worry medication time only consisted of tic tacs and altoids.  The medication containers were little ketchup things from a fast food place.  If you read this one with your group this is a perfect treat. 

We wore "greens" to match the patients in the book.  Scrubs were easily found at the thrift store.  A favorite spot for collecting book club wardrobes.  You could also have a nurse Ratchet or Candy the hooker.  We had the hooker but no nurse.  The majority of us were mental patients.  We are all moms and I think feel a little crazy most of the time. 

The host Emily picked a local nursing/rehab center to take donations.  They were gladly accepting books and magazines for patients and visitors.  Such an easy way to help the community.  We always have lots of extra books to share!  Call around if you want to help.  You will be surprised the places that would welcome similar donations. 

Breaking Silence by Linda Castillo

Breaking Silence is a quick easy read.  A bit of a mystery and great Amish theme.  The setting of the book was in Ohio which is the home state of the Firefly Book Club ladies.  It was fun to read about the local newspaper The Columbus Dispatch in the pick of the month.  We had a great time dressing, baking and crafting like the Amish.  The member that lived on the most farm like setting hosted this one.  We had wonderful goodie bags that were perfect with the theme.  The host made hand towels with initials of members sewn on that were wrapped around Amish friendship bread.  We also got a starter for future loaves.  We also had homemade wine with special Firefly book club labels, clothespin holders and stamped hand towel. 

Jenny the host picked the charity this month.  We donated canned goods to the local food pantry.  Here is a link http://www.cwhumanservices.org/Pantry.html  Check out your local pantry for the most needed items if you are interested in serving your community. 

Lone Wolf by Jodi Picoult

Jodi Picoult is one of my favorite authors.  I was excited to finally discuss one of her books in a group meeting.  We switched it up this month and went out to dinner.  Not a lot of outfit or food choices in this one so it worked out perfectly.  The member that took charge and made reservations also decorated the table and brought dessert.  Dessert was amazing and such a treat.  Mason jars full of cupcakes!  Yum!

  Ok, back to the book.  Everyone enjoyed the book but this was the first of her books I didn't get super passionate about.  She covers some big issues and this missed the mark for me.  A great book but didn't get major discussion going at the table.  We made special Firefly bleach shirts for each member since we didn't have an outfit theme.  I need a theme if you can't tell already. 

Allison wanted to donate items to the Faith Mission of Ohio.  We hand delivered them to the men shelter after dinner.  Here is a link if you want to help!  http://www.faithmissionofohio.org/wishlist.php  This is a link to the wishlist items.  There are lots of other ways to give back on the site if hand delivering goods is not your thing. 

The Great Gatsby by F.Scott Fitzgerald

                        
We traveled right back to the roaring 20's for this one. Oh, what a time we had at this meeting. Plenty of hidden booze, good records and fun flapper costumes. This was by far one of my favorite book clubs. We had plenty of appetizers for snacking. Some of us researched recipes from the time period to stay true to the book. Katie ordered everyone flasks to wear tucked in garters. Perfect for a book during the time of Prohibition. If you want to go all out at your meeting stick with something from this time period. The book was not a favorite read for all but enjoyable for some.

 

 Katie picked the charity of the month for our year of giving back. We sealed up leftovers to pass on to the homeless in the Central Ohio area. If you are interested you have to check out this site! http://www.celestialmission.org/  It is pretty amazing and looking for amazing people to join. It is so easy and a few of us continued to contribute long after this meeting.