February Meeting Notes

Dear Hardcovers and Hangovers,

What a wonderful evening thanks to Charli.  We were treated to an array of Chinese delicacies and everything was just fantastic!  For once we were all in attendance and even got a photo to prove it (to be posted at a later date)! 

Our book for discussion was the Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford.  Charli started the evening by delving into the father and son relationships; between Henry and his father and between Henry and his son.  We touched upon how Henry was made to speak English in the home despite the fact neither of his parents could understand him.  Amy pointed out how his parents didn’t know America, or adopt it themselves.  We loved how Henry translated for his father during the business deal!  How Henry was made to wear his ‘I’m Chinese’ button; which did proved to be a double edge sword.  We discussed how Henry’s father forced the fact that he was American but was contradictory in the fact that he wanted Henry to go to school in China.  Ellen felt this was the father’s way of keeping Henry from Keiko.  Other felt that his father was proud of his homeland and wanted Henry to experience his heritage.  Both Ellen and Amy discussed how Henry took on strength after meeting Keiko.  Gaining confidence from his relationship with her Henry was able to fight back from his tormentors.  On the topic of father and son relations Marrie wished for more when it came to Henry and Marty’s relationship.  We discussed how Ethel fell in love with Henry during the trips to the post office throughout those three years that Henry sought letters from Keiko.  We loved the crusty, cranky cafeteria lady, who in the end proved to be a valuable ally.  She reminded us of the baker in the Susan’s book, Those Who Save Us.  And everyone just loved Sheldon and Henry’s relationship.  Two different souls brought together with a passion for jazz music and blossomed into a lifelong friendship!  The ending proved to move fast and tie up the loose ends in a ‘Disney’ kind of way; however, overall this book was a feel good historical romance. 

We look forward to heading to Maine next time to discuss The Barn Dance by James Twyman. 

Happy Reading!
Jenn