Book: Heidi by Johanna Spyri, and a version adapted by Lucy CollinsParticipants: My mother (Nana), who read Heidi for the first time, my daughter (Rachel, 8) who read the abridged version, and me, who read the original at least 20 times as a young girl, plus the sequel Heidi Grows Up
Snacks: Gruyere cheese in the little foil triangles, Swiss cheese bread sticks, fresh strawberries, Toblerone bar, tea/hot chocolate in the fancy tea cups
Discussion: We discussed our favorite parts, why everyone liked Heidi, why Peter pushed the wheelchair, Alm Uncle and how people were afraid of him, how the names of the goats were different in the original vs the abridged, which led to seeing what was different between the books, how to get the damp, musty smell out of books that have been in a basement for twenty years (put in the freezer, which led to a discussion of 'freezer books', tm Joey from Friends), how the Toblerone bar is shaped like the Alps and has the letters imprinted in the chunks
Conclusion: We had a great time; Rachel was very grown up and had a good comprehension of the book, and seemed to think seriously before answering any questions. We agreed to have another book club meeting, to discuss A Tale of Despereaux, once Rachel and I finished reading and we give it to Nana.
I hope everyone has read Heidi, because it is a sweet book, that is a classic for a reason.
I have that exact copy. My Grandmother gave it to me when I was little. The snacks sound so good (especially the Toblerone). What a fun discussion that must have been!
ReplyDeleteNow I want to read Heidi again! Thanks for the peek at your book group + the snacks!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a lot of fun! I love Heidi!
ReplyDeletechris - cool, same book! We had a marvelous time.
ReplyDeletebybee - the snacks were a lot of fun.
nicola - it was a lot of fun. I read Heidi so many times when I was young, I was able to discuss it easily.
What a delightful book group you have. I have a lot of relatives living close by and asked if anyone would like to meet for a book group. There were lots of responses, but then I let the ball drop. You've inspired me to get it going. Thanks, Raidergirl3.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like the 3 of you had a special time. I loved Heidi when I read it the first time 6-8 years ago. Desperaux is a good choice, too.
booklogged - I hope your group works out, reader's unite!
ReplyDeleteI just love Despereaux. I bought a copy as soon as I finished reading my library copy, and Rachel loves it so far. Gor!
Sounds like a great book club meeting and perfect choice on the snacks! I re-read Heidi last month and so enjoyed my visit to the Swiss Alps~
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful posting. I love thinking of the three of you doing this, each of you so very lucky! I'm a Heidi fan too, and just re-read it a few years ago.
ReplyDelete