Top Chef finalist, Kenny Gilbert, takes a moment for a photo opportunity with U.S. G.I.R.L.S. and Guests after our book club meeting
Twilla did the "doggone" thing when she scheduled our meeting at "Top Chef" finalist, Kenny Gilbert's newest restaurant, on the picturesque oceanfront of Jacksonville Beach. We all love our April meetings because we are ready to "ditch" our boots, scarves and leather for more colorful spring time attire, and this meeting was no exception as we gathered to discuss "Breakfast at Epiphany's" with authors, Charna Flennoy and Delphine Maiden in attendance
The venue was perfect for our discussion. Twilla reserved a partitioned area where we were not disturbed, nor did we disturb others. Knowing our conversations would be lively, colorful and a little risque (sounds of me clearing my throat) to say the least, this secluded area was an excellent idea.
Twilla began the meeting by graciously welcoming everyone. After the blessing of the meeting and the meal by JayBee, we all perused the menu for our entree selections. There was so much to choose from that we were overwhelmed and many of us needed additional time before placing our orders.
Twilla devised 12 questions which she knew would act as "lead ins" for other topics of discussion. The questions were well-planned, and we spent over an hour discussing the sex, lies,drugs, incest, adultery and other mayhem that surrounded Ceyenne, Lourdes, Venice, Matisse and Carin as they tried to navigate their friendships "back" to the sisterhood they once shared in college.
Roz started our discussion with some "real-talk" that was right out of the pages of the novel. It made us sit up and say to ourselves...."Self; this stuff" happens in "real life" . Although we all felt a little empathy after the sharing of the story, at the same time, it put "fire in our bellies" to encourage our girlfriends to talk and share. Lesson learned: When a marriage is not working...know when to work it out, and know when to let it go.
Matisse's being comfortable within the walls of Odyssey was expounded upon as we discussed her promiscuity as well as her "back story". JayBee was quick to interject that she felt the story line featuring Matisse and her biological father could have had the same impact by writing in a step-father, uncle, possibly a family friend or some other male figure. Author Delphine Maiden's response was that they wanted to come from a place of reality, and factual events. The intent was not to shock the reader, but to expose the rawness and truth of sexual deviants. Delphine also mentioned that she actually knew of someone who experienced this situation, and she wanted to let her readership know that this really does occur.
Valerie noted her enjoyment of both the story line and the characters, and stated how difficult it was for her to put the book down because "it had her on the edge of her seat." Roz noted her appreciation of Lourdes' "go get it" attitude with regards to Liam and knowing what she wanted . Kim felt the book could have been told in half the number of pages and felt there was a lot of dialogue that was not necessary and Celeste "went in" on some areas that she felt were not needed for the story line. Once again, the opinions were diverse and appropriate, thereby making the discussion interesting to say the least.
Author Charna Flennoy relayed how each character and their back stories were relevant to the women they developed into and the ultimate message that they were trying to convey.
She also expressed how appreciative she was for our candor and forthrightness. Charna told us a little bit about "Chronicle 2" which will be entitled "Odyssey". This title evoked Ooooooos and Ahhhhhhs, as we could only image what this book would entail.
As we were wrapping up the discussion and enjoying dessert, we thanked and applauded Twilla for a wonderful meeting. JayBee then presented
Ka Saundra with a gift for being the 1st member (this is her 2nd time) to write an Amazon review. JayBee also reinforced how important it is for us (Good, Bad or Indifferent) to write our reviews. She asked that members take an additional step and "copy and paste" their amazon reviews onto Goodreads.com. The authors were then presented with our customary chocolate-filled signature mug and calendar.
Then a HUGE SURPRISE that was
unbeknownst to JayBee and Celeste: U.S. G.I.R.L.S. each contributed funds to cover the enrollment of a Camp Scuba student! Also, Celeste and Sharron joined forces for the sponsorship of yet another child!! WOW, you could feel the love in the venue as both Celeste and Celestial were overcome with emotion.
As we were preparing to leave we wanted to take a moment for Twilla to thank Chef Kenny and to have a photo opportunity with him.
We are so grateful to Twilla for taking us down the literary road, to have "Breakfast at Epiphany"s" where we met five colorful ladies with five colorful personalities, problems and purposes. We all learned something today that we shall never forget. Valerie summed it up with the words from one of my favorite short poems made famous by an unknown author:
Final Take-away: When evaluating our friendships, sometimes we have to pause for the cause; look at the woman in the mirror and ask some tough questions.