The first meeting of the new JVT book club was a smashing success. Six ladies enjoyed stimulating conversation on the back patio of a District 8 villa. Hopefully we didn’t disturb the neighbors with our loud laughing about certain passages in the book. Oh yes, we did discuss the book.

But first we learned a little bit about each other, and I have to admit, I felt a rather intimidated in the presence of so many literary lovers. I have never run a book club before and I generally get around to reading about two books a year. Actually, that is the reason I wanted to get this group going. It’s a great way to push myself to read more, and not just cheesy chicklit, although the group promised we might do one of those when the sweltering heat requires a bit of a break and a more light read.

I think everyone enjoyed the multiple interpretations we had about various passages in the book. The overall consensus is that Garden of Evening Mists by Tan Twan Eng is a rather good read. We considered it a historical fiction and found that the story was shrouded in secrets that unravel close to the end. Perseverance was the key to this book. Several of us were left frustrated by the ending and many found that the book gave us some new knowledge and insights on the world.  I really look forward to hearing the author speak at the upcoming Emirates Litfest. We raised a number of questions last night and it will be fascinating to enter into a dialogue directly with the author.

If you live in JVT, and love to read, or would like to read more, join our club. We are now voting for the next reading. All votes will be counted by Monday 5 March midnight so that those of us without Kindles can source a real paperback.

Next meeting: Tuesday 26 March 2013 at 8:15pm.

Sign up to be in the club to receive details on location.