The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz

 

On March 2nd, we met at Kathy's home to discuss her book,

"The Plot" by Jean Hanff Korelitz. We had a few members

who were unable to attend but we welcomed one new member,

Molly Donovon who added a lot to our group and discussion.

Kathy led a good discussion about the book which is about a

writer and teacher Jacob Finch Bonner who steals a plot from

a student who has died. The stolen plot results in a blockbuster book

which has both Oprah's and Stephen Spielberg's attention and huge

revenue and fame for the author.

The author begins to get threatening emails from an anonymous

source accusing him of plagiarism and theft. So it becomes a

mystery as to who is the accuser. Many members had the perpetrator

figured out but some had no clue. There is a major twist at the end.

We had a good discussion on what comprises plagiarism and  how it

has occurred throughout history. We also discussed the relationships

between mothers and daughters and what would lead a mother to

kill a daughter.

Kathy and Don got pizzas from the Ale Emporium and Kathy

made a wonderful green salad. We were told not to bring anything

and we obeyed.

Sarah chose a book called "One Night Two Souls Went Walking"

by Ellen Cooney which is about a hospital Chaplain. 

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Sold on a Monday

 

In February We met at Donna's home to discuss her book "Sold On A Monday"

written by Kristina Mc Morris. We had a perfect attendance except for Madeleine

who was quarantining before her upcoming surgery.

The book was set in the depression era and the story is about a snapshot

taken of two kids by a for sale sign. The reporter is Reed Ellis who gets a big

break for a story about his photo but loses the original copy of the photo. He is forced to

pose 2 other kids by the sign which leads to them consequently being sold

to a dishonest banker. The result is catastrophic for the children and the

mother who was ill and did not really want to lose her family but had little

choice. The author painted a good picture of the depression era. 

Our discussion centered around the moral responsibility of journalists to

be truthful. However, our protagonist along with his love interest made every

effort to right the situation despite the personal career consequences he faced.

This was a novel that was heartfelt and heartbreaking but all ended well.

This novel was inspired by an actual photograph that was published and

stunned the nation.

Donna regaled us with a delicious supper. We had a a choice of 2

soups and a wonderful Waldorf salad at her beautifully set table.      

Kathy chose a book entitled "The Plot" by Jean Hanff Korelitz

for the next read.