Cheers to November

We are one week into November which means your inbox, mailbox, voicemail, or ________ (insert favorite social media ap) will begin to be filled with invitations for various holiday functions. (Basic assumption: you are somewhat sociable.) These upcoming events give each of us the opportunity to meet new friends, reacquaint ourselves with old friends, and show off a bit quoting various items we have very recently read. In order to be sufficiently prepared for the season, you should begin reading new and interesting material in the imminent (nod to GBC K) future.

I would recommend you tailor your preparatory reading to your audience:

• neighborhood parties deserve odd facts, organic recipes or current events
• family meets warrant a review of your cousins's names and family tree (if your family is as large as mine) and a quick read through of Tennessee Home & Farm and
• work events likely bring out conversations regarding financial markets, sports, television programming and kids. Pre-reads may include various articles on work Christmas party social etiquette and your local paper.

Two print options for new information are The Meaning of Everything: The Story of the Oxford English Dictionary by Simon Winchester and Heavy Words Lightly Thrown: The Reason Behind the Rhyme by Chris Roberts. The first book is explained by its title and is useful for a bookish audience who would appreciate the use of pigeon holes for alphabetization. Heavy Words Lightly Thrown is a history of the nursery rhyme and might be interesting for any guests you encounter named Mary, who well, is a bit contrary. Another alternative, if you are short on time would be a visit to "the home of Schott's miscellanies" where you can explore samples of miscellany including a Tea Grading Nomenclature and other small facts.

Regardless of your reading habits, accept those invitations and enjoy time spent with those you like, love, or who pay you.

Books to Music

Tonight Music City USA lives up to its nickname with concerts by both Willie Nelson and Leonard Cohen. GBC members will be in attendance to each event. The Symphony is performing as well so we may have additional Club representation downtown. We do love our music (and our rhinestones).

To echo GBC Paige's email today, Doris Kearns will be speaking at the Main library this Saturday. The talk was billed as "stimulating" so you may not wish to miss.

November Title

I know that GBC Paige & Wordwoman (Not the Singer) have begun our November selection, Arthur and George by Julian Barnes. I have this title as "Completed" in my spreadsheet thanks to neighbor and newest member GBC-C. I am anticipating another lively discussion and wondering if one our members will arrive in character (à la New Year's Eve 2008).

My next week of reading is dedicated to a soon-to-be-published manuscript authored by someone that many of you have met. Start saving for this "Must Have of 2010". (More details soon.)

First of November

As I type, the sun is setting into golden hues, providing a nice autumnal backdrop for the first day of November. My friends and family are beginning to ask about holiday plans and the next few weeks have the potential to rush by in a blur.

One coping mechanism for the stress of the season: David Sedaris. This week I received a copy of Holidays on Ice from a dear friend, and I am already looking forward to that aptly timed moment where I will escape to the "SantaLand Diaries" for a bit of comic relief.