Five members braved one of our few snowy, icy evenings this winter to discuss Ordinary People at Vicki's. Before webegan the book discussion, we shared some possibilites for our next meetings. In March, we will read Left Neglected; April, Defending Jacob, and we are trying something new for the month of May. Each member is to read a biography/autobiography/memoir of her own choice. To begin the meeting, hints will be given by each reader, and the rest of the group will attempt to determine who the reader is describing. Should be fun! Geri will either host the March meeting or set up a date for us to get together at the Alexander House.
Ordinary People was published in 1976 and released as a movie, which won four Academy Awards including Best Picture in 1980. According to Amazon, " The Jarrets are a typical American family. Calvin is a determined, successful provider and Beth an organized, efficient wife. They had two sons, Conrad and Buck, but now they have one. In this memorable novel, Judith Guest takes the reader into their lives to share their misunderstandings, pain...and ultimate healing." The chapters alternate between the stories of Calvin and Conrad. The conflict in Conrad's story is built around how and if he can recover from his suicide attempt. Conrad's conflict is concerned mostly with his relationship with Beth. July Lind's comment on Amazon is worth reflecting on: "One reads this book and comes away realizing that strength and weakness are not always what they appear to be. Sometimes the weaker are the stronger after all."
The book generally received very positive ratings from the club, as members rated it from 7-9. Some had seen the movie and had different opinions about it, however. We all appreciated the character of Dr. Berger. In general, the feeling was that the characters were quite authentic, and they "came alive" quickly. They were all working through pain and grief separately. We felt the depiction of Conrad's depression seemed very realisitic, although the ways of treating depression and the stigma attached to it are not the same as they were in the '70s. There was little, if any, sympathy for Beth, although many of us wanted an explanation for her cold, perfectionist personality.
Vicki had prepared lovely desserts - chocolate macaroon and almond mini-bundt cakes, which were delicious as well as beautiful! She also was generous enough to offer the use of the pans to anyone! Thanks, Vicki!
