THIRD THURSDAY BOOK CLUB
will meet at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 21st
The Third Thursday Book Club will meet May 21st at the Hope Ranch home of Berkeley Meigs McCaleb.    

 The book we are reading is Bel Canto by Ann Patchett, first published in 2005. Once again, we are the happy recipients of 10 copies, courtesy of the Santa Barbara Public Library program, 
"Book Club in a Bag." Copies will be handed out to the first 10 people who sign up, effective immediately. Bel Canto is a fascinating and well written story, loosely based on an actual event that took place in Peru in 1996. If you have already read it, this page turner is worth a second read. It is a good book for discussion. 
 

Patchett's novel begins when a group of terrorists invade an embassy birthday party in an unnamed Central American country. The guests and kitchen workers held hostage come from all walks of life and many countries. As the hostage situation extends from hours into days many distinguished guests at the party are revealed as weak and self-serving, whereas several in menial positions are generous and courageous. Even the terrorists display strengths as well as weaknesses. Linking the stories within the story, are the performances of a soprano whose bel canto arias inspire and entertain in the face of mounting fear and violence. In the skilled hands of veteran novelist Ann Patchett, what starts out as a hostage tale seemingly lifted from current headlines, evolved into a touching, uplifting story of love, self-sacrifice, and simple humanity in the face of adversity. 

To sign up, please email Polly or if you do not have email, call her. You will be confirmed and given easy pick-up instructions.