What Brentwood ladies are reading this summer…Brentwood Pulp Fiction

A dream come true, the chance to be in a room of fellow readers and meet five outstanding authors. The Literacy Council’s 7th annual “Author Author” event held at the Brentwood Country Club provided just the back drop for my perfect afternoon out in the Bubble. For a reading “geek” like myself this would equate to SEC media day meeting the coaches of the football teams (don’t get me started; we are now a house divided by two shades of orange but one solid blue.)

I thought it would be fun to talk to a few book club members and authors to find out what they are reading and what new books are headed our way.

The first table I stumbled upon happened to have some friends of mine so I had to stop and chat with Bill and Martha Wolfe. The sign on the table said “EBPC” so I assumed this was an acronym for some juicy name for their club. No, not even close. It means “East Brentwood Presbyterian Church.”

Seems this table of lovely Presbyterian ladies allowed Bill to be a plus one so he could be with his bride.

On to the next table; this was the group for me -- “Happy Endings.” My mind immediately shifted to fields of flowers and music. “Someday my prince will come” was the scene I created in my head.

Wrong again! Seems rarely any of the books this group reads ends up with happy endings. Group leader Mary Lou Montague shared that the group has read quite an extensive list of books together, however summer makes her want to read what we like to call “beach” books.

Coming up this fall the group will be reading “Mrs. Kimble” by Jennifer Haigh.

Speaking with Lisa Patton, author of “Whistlin Dixie in a Nor’easter” she shared that she was adopted by the Happy Endings group.

Did you know Lisa has a new book coming out soon?  The new book “Yankee Doodle Dixie” is due out this fall. Put it on the list for sure. I’m checking the mail daily for a note from the group extending me an invitation to join them for their next meeting. Adopt me, pick me. Am I being too subtle? Hint, hint.

Morningside reading club is a group special to my heart as my children and I have participated in a few of their literacy events. These older adults have such stories to share.

Seeing dear Judy I quickly approached her and said “Hello, do you remember me? My son Bud and I came to visit you and you shared your life story with him for a book?” Without missing a beat her eyes twinkling Judy looked me in the eye and smiled, “The hell with you honey where is your son?”

Now that’s a Cougar for you. Boys of summer must be on her list for sure.

The In the Bubble book club (just made that up) will be reading a book written by my new BFF. None other than one of my favorite authors Patti Callahan Henry. Her new book “Coming up for Air” is due out in August and we have big plans for dinner and cocktails so if you want to be invited over, keep those invitations to all the parties and fun things in the bubble rolling in for me to write about. That’s not too much to ask is it? 

Of the 10 groups who were at the event, here is a short list of what the clubs are reading right now: Shanghai Girls, The Post Mistress, The Ninth Wife, Major Pettigrews last Stand, How to think like Leonardo Da Vinci, Nineteen Minutes, The Book Thief, The Help and Katherine.

Looking for additional voices of fellow readers in the bubble I turned to the social media Facebook and here is what I came up with to name just a few: Christine Doeg, who is studying at Belmont for a degree in Literature, shared these titles for you all to munch on; Ann Patchett “State of Wonder while in Italy”, “Bel Campu” by Patchett, “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” and highly advises a yearly reading of classics “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “Pride and Prejudice.”

Rebecca Trauscht shared two books, “Atlas Shrugged” is her current read and loved “Water for Elephants.” Did not see the movie however heard that it was pretty good.

Beth Brown is reading a book on the freshman reading list for Tulane entitled “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Skloot. One question Beth, are you reading for Anna or reading with Anna? Just saying…

News flash: Jodi has left the bubble! Since I’m writing this sitting at Sullivan Island where many of my favorite southern authors write about, you know there is sweet tea in my hand and a good book at my side. 

Till next Thursday!  Wait, you don’t have to go that long! PLEASE read my blog with a message about literacy that could change lives.

Jodi Rall is a special events coordinator and publicist who lives with her husband, four children, two dogs and various other pets in Brentwood. She has been known to play tennis. Contact her at jodi@brentwoodhomepage.com. Follow her "Jodi in the Bubble" blog by Clicking here.