BEYOND THE MEETING: INSPIRED IDEAS FOR BOOK CLUB ADVENTURES

Ruth Workman and the five members of the San Francisco Bay area BBB (Bagel Book Bunch or Buxom Book Broads, etc.) venture beyond discussion to explore their reading selections. Ruth told us about some of her group’s book-related field trips, along with some of the delicious treats they’ve enjoyed along the way. "We try to be as eclectic in our selections as possible," says Workman, "making sure that field trips and food are considered when we choose our readings."

Here are a few examples of the BBB’s field trips, and the foods that complement their reading:

French Women Don’t Get Fat: The Secret of Eating for Pleasure
by Mireille Guiliano (Knopf, 2004)

Destination: Scharfenberger Chocolate Factory in Berkeley for a tour and tasting (the book mentions eating fine chocolate in moderation!)

Delicacy: Leek soup

The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck (1939)

Destination: The John Steinbeck museum and surrounding areas of Salinas and Monterey

Delicacy: All things grape -- grape juice, peanut butter and grape jelly sandwiches, bunches of grapes, etc.

1776 by David McCullough (Simon & Schuster, 2005)

Destination: Local theatre for a performance by the same name

Delicacy: Early American fare

Wild Swans by Jung Chang (Simon & Schuster, 1991)

Destination: A Chinese community in Northern California

Delicacy: A traditional Chinese banquet

Seabiscuit by Laura Hillenbrand (Random House, 2001)

Destination: The Golden Gate Racetrack where the group was honored for the day and led down to the winner's circle for a photo with a leading jockey and horse!

Delicacy: Biscuits with fixings