Book Club Meeting/Lunch in Merced

Hi Gals, hope you're all doing well! What was the consensus about getting together to discuss the books we've read this year? I'm volunteering my house, my mom would love it! I will be driving back from Las Vegas on the 28th, would it be possible to do it on the 29th? Camille, I think you are leaving Sparks and can only do it on the 28th? Let me know everyone's availability. I can probably come back earlier from Vegas if needbe. Is 'need be' one word or two? Merry Christmas in a few days!

Book of Genesis?

I’m not sure if it’s because it was translated from Spanish or because it jumped around so much, but I had a really hard time getting into this book. The names were so similar that I was always a little confused. At least, I was at first.
I read the back of the book and the New York Times review began by saying it was “the first piece of literature since the Book of Genesis that should be required reading for the entire race”. I’m not convinced that’s true, but it made me realize this should be read more as a history than as a novel. There’s really not a plot, and once you accept that, the book goes a lot faster.
But you’ll also have to accept the fact that it contains just as much tragedy as the bible. I guess the reality is that no one is going to be devoid of hardship and trials, but their choices seem to lead to a lot of these tragedies. Amaranta’s bitterness and everyone’s promiscuity and selfishness just seem to perpetuate sadness in their family.
I have a feeling things won’t end well, but maybe the last one hundred pages will surprise me….

The Mansion

So, President Monson, in the Christmas Devotional, mentioned three stories he reads every year. One of them was "The Mansion". I thought that might be a good story for us to read this month. You can even read it online for free.
But, I'm also open to other ideas.