At our last meeting in June, we decided to add a new book to our reading list and read it this summer.  The Red Tent, by Anita Diamant was published 15 years ago in 1997, but it seems to have made an impression on everyone who has read it.  The story is told in the voice of Dinah, daughter of the Biblical Jacob. Dinah is mentioned only briefly in the Bible, but this book imagines what life may have been like for women in the ancient world.

Due to scheduling conflicts, we will skip our July meeting, and come together again at the end of August (tba).  In the meantime, in the interest of diversity, I’m considering adding a few new additions to the book list. When you have time, have a look at these titles, and we can discuss whether to add them to our fall list:

This thriller deals with the concept of self and memory.

Below Stairs inspired the Downton Abbey series. We spent more time talking about Downton Abbey than Fifty Shades of Grey after all.

A lawyer must decide between justice and loyalty when his son is accused of murder.

And, lastly because it’s summer, and everyone loves sangria, here is my now not-so-secret recipe.

• 1 bottle full-bodied red wine, preferably cheap and Spanish
• 1/2 cup brandy
• 1/2 cup peach schnapps, or Grand Marnier
• 1/2 cup granulated or fruit sugar
• Cut up fruit such as orange, lemon, lime, strawberries, peaches – whatever is in season and looks pretty.

Mix all ingredients and chill for at least a couple of hours. Just before serving, top up with a can of a clear, carbonated soda such as 7up, Pellegrino, or plain soda water.

Enjoy your summer!

“Electricity is actually made up of extremely tiny particles called electrons, that you cannot see with the naked eye unless you have been drinking.”
― Dave Barry