Secrets of the City

Here it is!

I’ll be there!

I don’t think I’d be spoiling anything by mentioning that Cooper’s aunt and uncle live in the Twin Cities (or did at the time Helene interned at Skyway News), so it’s not just her connection that makes the book count. (Charles Schulz got his start here but then moved away, and we were going to do that Peanuts book thing for MNRead. Sorta like that.)

But, yay! I finished the book. Enjoyed it thoroughly. A co-worker of mine is also thinking of attending so I hope that’s cool with everyone.

The more the merrier. Well, within reason. I’m expecting about 10 people: Me, you, your pal, CJ, KC, Bixby, Jane, E², my wife, and whoever I forgot. I’ll call the restaurant and warn them.

Also, for next time I’m recommending The Turtle Catcher unless other people have better ideas. Like that baseball book Bix was talking about…

We might also consider reading some Sigurd Olson sometime. His books are in paperback, too, which is nice on the pocketbook! (When I left for Singapore, a couple of BBS friends gave me some Olson books as going-away presents. If nothing else, reading about his travels in far northern Minnesota helped me keep cool — literally — in the tropical heat.)

I still want to read Famous Suicides of the Japanese Empire by David Mura and Peace Like a River by Leif Enger.

Oh, and something by Bill Holm would be right and proper in the coming months.

:bump: to get this into today’s chatter.

I’m super excited for tonight. If anyone needs directions, I’m on it. I grew up just blocks from this place.

I’m feeling under the weather but am still planning to attend.

I looked at the menu and I think I’ll get the Monday special for $9.99. Hoping Kurtis can advise.

I have to try to leave by 7:30, so I’m going to try to get there right at 6:00; sorry to make it a shorter outing.

I can’t attend (car problems!), but this looks good, jane:

Cassava Leaf

Traditional Liberian soup made of nutritional manioc leaves and cooked with beef and or chicken.

I hate reading and I didn’t read that book. I won’t be there. kc! is going to be there, though. She likes to read.

I did advise Jane (soup and fufu) and I don’t think she’ll take my advice ever again.

Too bad you hate reading, CJ, but hope you had a good day off. Maybe Bob could have just tweeted a summary.

cjc is a liar. He just hates doing anything he has to do, like reading for a bookclub.

Don’t blame him.

I think I knew that, KC.

I think I knew that, Rat.

The fufu was wonderful. The soup was good, but the unfamiliar meaty flavors got to me. I’m really glad to have tried it! The plaintains were excellent. Good to see you all!

What is next?

I probably should’ve tried the fufu because my cold isn’t any better. Soup would do me good right now.

I’ll dig up the titles people recommended and put them to a poll, Jane.

PS As promised, here’s one of the best things anyone very wrote:

http://www.craigslist.org/about/best/bos/117118185.html