Wow!! It was hot, hot and hot...BUT nothing can stop U.S. G.I.R.L.S. from enjoying another reverting book discussion. Today, we are honored to have Bonnie hosting Vanessa Miller’s “Our Love” at one of our favorite venues – Down Under Restaurant on the intracoastal of Fernandina Beach, FL.
Bonnie began by asking Karen to bless our meeting and thanking us all for attending and bringing school supplies to benefit the children residing at the Sulzbacher Center, transitional housing facility.
Bonnie surprised us by beginning the meeting with a game that tested our knowledge of the book. Some of the questions forced us to challenge our ability of recall. When it was all said and done, there was a three-way tie, and awards were awarded to me, Karen and Dee!!
Bonnie got right into the questions beginning with addressing any voids we felt after reading the book. Several members mentioned the back story to some of the characters as well as the abrupt ending of the book. As we delved more into the discussion, the topic of Yvonne’s love for her deceased husband; and if it was overshadowing her ability to love again. It was noted that Yvonne’s husband just recently transitioned, and Thomas loss his wife years earlier. Celeste mentioned that she would have liked to have known more about Thomas’ wife, and their relationship.
Karen and I mentioned our disdain for the blatant use of colorism in a “favorable” context. Bonnie explained how she felt the author was trying to give us a descriptive point of view. We went deeper into the scope describing how some authors have a tendency to describe the “lightness” of the hue of a female character's skin tone and not a male. We attributed this to authors “suggesting” that dark-toned men are more attractive and lighter-tone women are more attractive. We have to respect every author’s creative writing license and respectively, Ms. Miller, this was a bit much for me.
Some of the characters “lack of common sense and continuity” were discussed. For example, why would Toya disclose to Mr. Brown that she was aware of Marvel’s deception after reading his Email? Who tells a co-conspirator how they were identified when the conspirator is still walking around free and unidentified by the authorities? Bonnie wanted to know about the title, and what we garnered from it; or basically our interpretation. We all agreed that the title was a reference to all the loves (family, spiritual, human...etc.) highlighted in the book. We discussed the support (or lack thereof) that Yvonne received from her church family. It was here that we wanted to hear from member, Dianne who is also a pastor. Dianne elaborated on the privileges and blessings as well as the challenges of being a female church leader. After hearing Dianne's point of view, we suggested that she too, should write a book. Kim interjected about the drama and scandals that plagued churches every day and how the situations in the book were not uncommon. Dee spoke on church politics and how it crosses lines of denominations. We took a look at a local church, "Titus Harvest Dome", whose Pastor passed away and the discord that ensued.
Bonnie wanted to know if we would read other books by author, Vanessa Miller and it was quickly revealed that Celeste was curious and had already read the remaining two books in this series. Other members were interested in reading some of Ms. Miller's recent releases such as “The Light on Halsey Street” and “What We Found In Hallelujah”.
We reached a stopping point, just in time, as Sulzbacher Center representative,
Alex Leuthold arrived to tell us about the history and initiatives of the Center and to accept our donations. He was overwhelmed, and grateful at the amount and scope of our donations. Yet again, the generosity of our book club rendered an organization speechless. Members who could not attend the meeting, made sure their donations did...this is why we are such a powerful sisterhood. A special "Thank You" to the friends and relatives (locally and as far away as Orlando, FL) of our book club members who contributed. Y'all, U.S. G.I.R.L.S. know how to "Show Up and Show Out" in the name of philanthropy! #UsGirlsGiveBack
Another great meeting on the books!! Thank you, Bonnie, for bringing “The Heat” with drama, love, mystery and thrills with this month’s read. It was truly unexpected.