The Girls - October 26th 2009T

The Girls by Lori Lansens

Chosen by: Jessica

Location: Kona Grill in Eden Prairie

So, we haven't met in quite a while. There have been 2 babies born: Ryan had Quinn Caitlynn in May and Kerry had Stella Sarabeth in October. They are both very cute, healthy and happy and Stella came to her first meeting tonight and slept through most of it.

There has also been some great losses in bookclub since our last meeting.

Christina was expecting her second baby this fall, but there were complications beyond anyone's control, and Ezra Allen was born early in May and passed away a few hours later surrounded by his mommy and daddy's love. We can't begin to know what Jamie and Christina have been through this last year. Just know that our sisterhood is always here to listen and support you Christina, we love you.

Just recently, in September, Michelle's mom passed away from a long battle with lung cancer. Ryan and I were lucky enough to meet her on several occasions and she was an amazingly strong, funny and loving woman. Michelle, we love you too. You have been in our thoughts and we are always here.

I think most of us did read the book and liked it. It was a fictional story about twin girls, Ruby and Rose Darlen, who are conjoined at the head. Their birth mother abandoned them, so the nurse that delivered them, childless herself, takes them in and raises them, a blessing in their life. Aunt Lovey they call her. Lovey Darlen, what a name. Stash, her husband, is a Polish immigrant who has a great big heart and loves those girls. I think the author did a great job in developing these characters, because there were times I forgot that it was fiction. There is a situation in the book that a lot of us thought unnecessary and "cheapened" the story a bit. One of the girls get pregnant from an awkward and strange encounter with a local boy. They keep it a secret and give the baby up for adoption, but it haunts them always, esp. Rose, the one who was pregnant. As the book goes on, Rose and Ruby, being the oldest living twins conjoined at the head, decide to write their autobiography and that is how we learn about them individually. Quite clever.

We had a good discussion, good dinner and good company. I think this may be the first time in a LONG time that none of us are pregnant!!