Book Club - The Kitchen House

If you're looking for a new book to pick up, I've got a recommendation...

"The Kitchen House" by Kathleen Grissom is an incredible read! This novel is set in the early 1800's on a Virginia plantation, where we are immersed into the lives of Lavinia, an orphaned Irish immigrant, and Belle, a slave and the illegitimate daughter of the plantation owner. We are taken on a heart-wrenching journey with these young women and their surrogate families as they face insurmountable tragedy, betrayal, and loss with courage, determination, and sheer grit.

Every member of my book club loved this book! The author gave us "food" for a fantastic discussion about the trials each character faced, and the events that cause people to become who they are.

Speaking of food, here is what I served as the host of this month's gathering...

Hot Ham & Cheese Party Rolls, veggies & hummus, assorted chocolates, and Belle's Molasses Cakes :)

The recipe for this tasty cake can be found in the back of the book; and it was fun to incorporate these cupcakes into my theme for the evening. Of course, what is book club without wine? My favorite bottle to serve is Well Read (although at some point the novelty of this will wear off, I suppose, haha.) I also served a Chardonnay and a Sauvignon Republic (recommendation courtesy of a Trader Joe's staff member.)

And to add a special touch, I dug out and framed an old keepsake shade pull that had been my great grandmother's. I realize that today this would be politically incorrect, but it fit the book's theme, and it's a piece of nostalgia for me. I really have no idea where my great grandmother got this or why she had it, but it reminds me of a very sweet, kind, and special lady (who would never have wanted to offend anyone.)

Have you read "The Kitchen House" or any other good books lately? Our selection for next month will be "The Daughter" by Jane Shemilt. Sounds like it's going to be quite a departure from what we just read! Keeping things interesting...

Julie


Sharing with: In the New House, Share Your Cup, The Charm of Home, Shabby Art Boutique, French Country Cottage, Pieced Pastimes, Interior Frugalista, Between Naps on the Porch, Dwellings the Heart of Your Home,
Cozy Little House, A Stroll Thru Life, The Scoop, The Dedicated House