Many thanks to Barb for leading our discussion of The Women by Kristin Hannah at Bluebird Market.  This piece of historical fiction centers around the remarkable women who served (primarily as nurses) in the Vietnam War. The book features protagonist Frankie McGrath from a well to do family in San Diego and fellow nurses Barb and Ethel who became lifelong friends after serving their country together in Vietnam.  Hannah draws the reader in by focusing on these three characters and their struggles, their love lives, and their return to the states where they had difficulty readjusting in society.  We marveled over the fact that this story took place in our era yet we all seemed to learn a lot about the Vietnam war and how the soldiers were treated upon their return home.  Hannah’s novel was very well received and we all agree that she has become an outstanding writer.  We noted that women have just been accepted in the VA in the last 20-30 years.  Barb also called our attention to the Women’s Vietnam Memorial which was dedicated in Washington D.C. on veteran’s day in 1993.  It is a bronze sculpture depicting three women caring for a fallen soldier.  She also told us about T2T.org, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a program designed to help veterans, firemen, and policemen who have served their country. We think this might be a great organization to donate to this December.  

 

Susan has given us the go-ahead to discuss The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See.  We will meet on Thursday November 21st at Nina’s.  Nina will let us know about lunch at a later time.

 

We were all happy to see Maggie doing well as she recuperates from her bike accident.  Safe travels to Carla, Dee, and Susan!

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We will decide where to donate our monetary gifts this December at the next gathering.  We should have close to $500 to gift.  Building Hope, The Cycle Effect, and Tunnels to Towers have been suggested so far.

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If you a looking for a good comical read, Maggie suggests Sylvia’s Second ACT by Hillary Yablon.

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Happy Birthday to Donna as she celebrates another trip around the sun this Saturday!

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Stay well and enjoy the remainder of Fall!