This Christmas will be, a very special Christmas for me..., and so the song goes!! Yes, Karen brought out all the Christmas cheer and decked the halls of "Down Under" restaurant for the discussion of Tara Stringfellow's debut novel, "Memphis". Adorning the table were Poinsettias, festive placemats, and gift packs made up of plaid throws and reindeer antlers for everyone
Karen selected the perfect venue; it was so nice to be on the waterfront in 80-degree weather celebrating Christmas on the picturesque Intracoastal just west of Amelia Island.
Karen had 20 questions for us to discuss and on the reverse side of our question list was a developed "list of characters. Now, only Karen would know that there were over 41 characters! That was amazing, in that we met 41 individuals in less than 300 pages of "Memphis". The million-dollar question that Karen broached which had everyone "scratching their heads" was (drum roll please) ..."How could Miriam allow her girls to move into a home, occupied by her daughter's assailant, and deem it "Okay"? There were responses that ranged from the urgent need for shelter and the complacency of the assault due to the age of the victim. Regardless, we all agreed that it was inconceivable for those of us who have children, nieces or nephews.
Another question that was on everyone's mind was the alternating time periods, spanning 70 years, and the time degression on dream sequences once we were reading in a stated time period. It was a lot to absorb and retain, but it kept us on our toes!!
The relationship between Joan and her father differed greatly between the relationship between her sister and father. We all had an opinion - Could it be that Joan was older when they left, therefore she understood more about the abuse her mother suffered? Could it be more difficult for Joan to forgive her father? This led to Karen's hybrid question: Can a relationship move forward without forgiveness? Celeste brought up the quote that has been around for a long time but has recently been revived in text by Christine Larkin: "When someone wrongs you, you don't forgive them for them, you forgive them for you" This quote is so appropriate for several characters in this book. While simple in a text context, it can be deemed difficult, particularly for "wrongs" committed against and to children. Joan was struggling with many issues, and it is never too late for counseling and treatment.
We were disappointed that the author did not "Zoom" in at the predetermined time, however Ms. Stringfellow did send us an Instagram message with an apology that her Publicist neglected to add our event to her calendar.
After it was all said and done, we all agreed that Tara Stringellow could write and write well!! Her prose were very lyrical and visual. We could actually see the events unfolding from the pages of the book.
We interacted with a Christmas game where we had to go around the room and name a Christmas song until the last woman standing, Dee won!!
Cassie Crosby, the Community Engagement Director with Micah's Place, Domestic Violence
Center arrived at 1:00 to tell us about the agency and pick up our donations. The residency statistics she provided for Nassau County were mind boggling and heart tugging. It reminds us that domestic violence is not exclusive to big cities; it is a small community issue as well.
With the overwhelming support from members and guests, Shannon, Sharon and Celestial, we were concerned that all of the items would not fit in Cassie's vehicle. Luckily, it all fit, with no room to spare. Cassie was determined to make sure she could get this tangible support to the women in need at the Shelter.
Karen, you did it again! You took a controversial piece of literature and turned it into a meeting that everyone was excited to discuss and happy to participate in. Selecting Micah's Place as your meeting initiative to support and inviting Cassie Crosby was heart-warming and reminds us of what our mission statement is all about.
Thank you, Karen for the "Armchair" trip to Memphis with a cast of 41 characters in tow!!
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