Calling all "cold weather" lovers, the temperature is 55 degrees and U.S. G.I.R.L.S. are about to turn up the heat with the discussion of Shakira R. Thompson's debut novel, High Noon Justice
Ardee "Dee" welcomed U.S. G.I.R.L.S. and guests into the spacious 2nd floor private dining loft of The Crab Trap in historic Fernandina Beach. Dee had lovely red canisters filled with candies and synthetic confetti decorating the tables in a festive Valentine's theme.
There were several guests in attendance; Karen's friend, Shirley as well as her Mother, Ms. Marilyn, and JayBee's friends, Janice, Vickye, Jackie, and Sharon.
The meeting began with Dee explaining that she asked the author to attend later after we had an opportunity to discuss some of the questions. Dee came out of the gate swinging with questions about Scarlett's reasoning for remaining in a dysfunctional marriage. Karen was quick to interject the power and prestige that is enjoyed with the "status" of being a First Lady. JayBee also reiterated that this power "play" (and in some cases admiration from others) was the reason that Hilary Clinton may have remained in her marriage after "Lewinsky-gate". This also brings about another question: When is power and prestige more valuable than one's own "self-worth?" hummmm.... another question for the Sphinx
Dee broached a really good question about a Mother's love for her son. Celeste and Sharron both discussed how raising sons is much different from daughters. They also discuss the special bonds that Mother's and sons have. From their vantage point, it is not difficult to understand the "protective net" Carson's mother seemed to have over him.
The discussion took a turn when Karen's guest, Shirley was amazed at the scope and depth of the characters in the book, particularly when it came to the antics of First Lady and Bishop Montgomery. We began to discuss real-life pastoral situations in local churches as well as some noteworthy Televangelists.
At " High Noon," (no pun intended) Dee introduced and welcomed author, Shakira Thompson and her mother, author LaVerne Floyd-Mitchell. She asked JayBee to offer up a prayer and the discussion resumed with the character relationship of Travis and George.
We all had a voice when it came to the homosexual relationship "illusion" presented by the author and how it impacted the storyline. We were all anxious to know her original intentions and motivations. Ms. Thompson was not hesitant to give credit where credit is due - making sure we all knew that her writing is of divine intervention and she writes what she hears. We asked the million dollar question: "Is Travis Gay?" Well, according to the author, he is definitely not, but don't forget, we have a 3rd (and possibly final) installment, let's just wait and see what develops.
Once again, (it never fails) there is a "hot" topic - although we had several, I would have to say the hottest of them all was Scarlett's choice for her son's name. While the choice of name was not the controversy, it was the author's rationale. After the dust cleared, it boiled down to a personal affirmation of the author, and we will respect and allow her that privilege - This is the benchmark of good fiction literature that can be discussed and debated with varying points of view. Again, maybe more to come to validate this decision in the upcoming installment(s).
Was High Noon Justice Served? Well, the majority of U.S. G.I.R.L.S. and guests thought so.
Dee closed the meeting by thanking Shakira for attending our meeting and providing invaluable insight into her work. Dee then presented everyone with gourmet cup cakes designed by Kathryn Russell of "Kat Cakes." Some of the cupcakes were adorned with marshmallow replicas of the book and others were Valentine themed. They were not just appealing to the eyes, they were also quite "yummy!!"
Roz also surprised us with her Top Chef, award winning Chocolate Cake with Heath Bar Crunch which was scrumptious!! Thanks Roz for getting up early in the morning and baking such a lovely dessert, that validated your "Top Chef" title!!
Thank you Dee for an amazing meeting in historic Fernandina Beach located on Amelia Island and inviting author, Shakira R. Thompson along for the ride.
