Keeper of Keys

We were awakened early for our 9 AM meeting discussion of "Keeper of Keys" by Bernice McFadden - our book club selection selected by Ka Saundra.

I must admit, this reader was slightly apprehensive about reading a 46 page Novella and having sufficient content to construct a book club discussion. I am happy to report that not only were my reservations unjustified, they were HIGHLY unjustified.

Ka Saundra began the conversation by delving right into the discussion of Kai receiving a less than favorable medical diagnosis/prognosis. This discussion morphed into individual experiences for members, relatives and acquaintances.

Was it the 60s, 70s, 80, or 90s was a table top debate of the era of "Free Love" in America. Kim and Roz had much feedback surrounding this discussion. Kai's promiscuous behavior was compared and contrasted with the timeline of the book. Was her diagnosis of AIDS collateral damage from the casualness of the times or was she simply irresponsible during the "Safe Sex" movement that followed the AIDS epidemic?

"Death by Sword or Swallow..." This is a line from one of Shakespeare's works. I believe it sums up one of Ka Saundra's questions eloquently. Why would Kai consider death by being hit by a locomotive vs. any other methodology? Finality of course. We all agreed that being hit by 20,000 tons or steel is a sure fire method of killing oneself as opposed to committing an act that would merely wound or render a paraplegic or vegetative state. Also, she was still in a cloud from her medical news and was surely not thinking clearly, thus rendering a decision to proceed to retrieve her child.

When we reached the question regarding the origins of our names, EVERYONE had a comment. Some had to do with lineage, holidays and even birth certificate errors. We also went on to names with ethic meanings and spellings and how this impacts hiring in corporate America. Racism comes in all forms, shapes and sizes - all of the elements that shape private and corporate America. It will take "US", collectively to make a difference in the corporations/industries where we work, to "chip" away at the elements that may "stagnate" the growth of our peers of color. We can affirm that one such name has made it to the pinnacle - Can everyone say, "Kamala" ?

Kai's colorful cousins and their newfound wealth were a delightful diversion in the book that gave it some levity. We all wondered the amount of Kai's lottery winnings and how she disseminated it between her relatives.

There were many stories regarding the delivery of the news of a love one's passing and how it impacts the receiver. Jackie and Ka Saundra both shared memorable emotional stories.

Although Journey was an ever present character, his mere presence in the story was very mystical. Many members had their own interpretation of Journey...could he have been a figment of Kia's imagination or even a ghost was Val's assessment? Twilla, quickly replied "He was the Carpenter"!! Literature is so subjective and that is what we love about reading!

We ALL thanked Ka Saundra for a wonderful meeting and even more importantly, the personalized U.S. G.I.R.L.S. masks that she mailed to us. Did someone say "Photo Op?"

Thank you, Ka Saundra for giving us "Keeper of Keys!!" We loved the "Journey" !! Now, Y'all know I had to add at least one "pun" (Tee Hee).