In an effort to get to know her neighbors on Teasdale Avenue, Susan Haase Carnasiotis started a book club in 2008 appropriately named Teasdale Ladies. “The best thing about it is that over time, true friendships have developed,” Carnasiotis says. “We get to spend time with other women and are not afraid to share our ideas and thoughts about anything. We’ve grown intellectually and emotionally.” Three of the original members recently moved, and Carnasiotis says it’s been a great way to welcome the new women on the street.
The group meets every other month at someone’s house, which she says gives members a chance to actually read the book. “We always start with wine to loosen everybody up,” she laughs. “We have a social hour where we visit, drink and eat, and then we get down to talking about the book.” Although the get-togethers are more simplified now, she says there have been some extravagant meetings throughout the years, many themed to match the novel. “With Water for Elephants, we had carnival-themed food, and when we read Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, people dressed in Asian gear, and we all got fans to match the book.” They have a rotating schedule for hostess duties, and that person also recommends the book and facilitates the discussion.
“I really like to read, and this club makes me read things I normally wouldn’t pick up, which is nice,” Carnasiotis says. “We like it when not every member enjoys the selection, because it gives us more to talk about. Choosing books from various genres and authors really provides a good discussion.”
about the book
Housekeeping is the story of Ruth and her younger sister Lucille, who live in the small town of Fingerbone on a glacial lake, where they survived the tragic deaths of their mom and grandfather. Raised by their grandmother, two comical greataunts, and an eccentric aunt, the book tells of their struggle toward adulthood amid loss and survival.
opinions
» Housekeeping invited us to consider the ways we all search for love and family and a sense of belonging. The twists and turns in the story kept me agonizing for Ruthie. Aside from a captivating story, I found myself lingering over the author’s language, marveling at her unique way of putting words together.
— Kathryn Mitchell Pierce
» Housekeeping has the most beautifully written prose of any novel I’ve ever read. Robinson’s ability to create an inclusive scene is astounding and totally absorbing for the reader. In some ways, this love of the word precluded a plot development that I found frustrating.
— Karen Nelson
favorite
Euphoria, by Lily King
up next
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry, by Gabrielle Zevin
Pictured, front: Judith Pohlman, Jo Durham, Susan Haase Carnasiotis; Back: Kathryn Mitchell Pierce, Georgiana Cameron, Karen Nelson, Fran Fitzgerald, Tonie Fitzgibbon, Jane Eckert
Photo: Bill Barrett
