U.S. G.I.R.L.S.. hostess, Sharron really gave life to Jayne Allen's book, "Black Girls Must Die Exhausted" when she turned the private dining space of Brio Tuscan Grille into a "courtroom" for literary exchange.
Sharron began our debate (uhhhh, meeting) with a blessing by Dianne; after which
we selected our entrees from a menu that Sharron had specially designed for our meeting. We had selections from farm to table and land to sea to satisfy any palette.
Sharron began the questions with the cover art and our thoughts. Almost everyone liked the cover and were very complimentary. With guns blazing the questions surrounding Tabitha (Tabby), her antics, love life, friends, parents and "Granny Tab" commenced.
Everyone in attendance had an issue with Tabby's "over the top" reaction to the police officer and the traffic stop. Was there a hidden meaning that will be revealed later? Kim and Val were very vocal with regards to her fear of law enforcement. Celeste co-signed with mentioning that she was in her hometown and there should not have been a fear factor, particularly since she was a news reporter. JayBee tagged in with the possibility of some revelation in the next installments that may have "roots" in an episode that she may have been involved in that resulted in a form of PTSD.
Sharron really developed thought-provoking questions that allowed us to look within
ourselves as well. She broached the question regarding our individual life "check off" lists - 1. if we had one and 2; if we accomplished everything on our list? Several members and guests indicated that they did not have a list in their 30's. JayBee, however did and indicated that she had accomplished her items,but in her late 40's made an addendum to that list and has added goals for continuous accomplishments and milestones.
Karen was very vocal with regards to couples who have the propensity to over exaggerate affection in public. She indicated that more times than not, this is a "cover" for a dysfunctional relationship. No one was fooled by the birthday party or presentation of the Mercedes as a gift. We all suspected that Alexis"s marriage was riddled with deception.
When author, Jayne Allen Skyped in, we were quite ready to fire off our questions. She began with telling us about her background of being a graduate of Harvard Law. This tidbit shed some light on why she elected to use a pseudonym when "penning" her book.
She also elaborated on the "trilogy" aspect and how she is looking forward to completing the other 2 installments.
After our discussion, Dee announced that she selected "The Color of Water" by James McBride for our October selection. She also told us about a book that a local Educator wrote and she had a copy with her. She may be attending our October meeting as a guest to tell us more.
Member Dianne read an excerpt from a newly released book that she co-authored with several other Pastor Wives entitled, "Common Ground". We are so proud of our member for this accomplishment and plan on supporting this endeavor.
Guest, Author Nikesha Williams, author of "Four Women" and several other books also
spoke about her book and current ventures. It was intriguing to listen to this 33 year old (today) renaissance woman with her life ahead of her-filled with dreams, goals and ambitions.
As I told her last week when she announced on Social Media that she was leaving her current job as a News Producer for a local television station to pursue her dreams...."Girl, Go Get Your Blessing!!"
After her conversation, we sang "Happy Birthday" (Stevie Wonder style) and presented Nikesha with an U.S. G.I.R.L.S. T-Shirt and Tea/Coffee Cup!!
Once we were ready to end our meeting, Sharron handed out parting gift bags to all the members and guests filled with Peterbrooke's chocolate covered pretzels and popcorn. What a sweet treat for later to munch on while relishing in the after-glow of our fantastic meeting.
Thank you, Sharron for taking us to a new frontier. To quote a member, it was good to deviate from our reading norm and to branch out into the world of sex, lies, deceit, alcoholism and did I say, Sex? (tee hee)! We had a blast!!
