I Loved My Life

Book: I Liked My Life - Abby Fabiaschi

Members present: Terrie, Cindi, Sharon, Linda, Sylvia

Venue: Sylvia's home. And Tacos! I love tacos :(.

Discussion highlights:

I wasn't there again, which is a record for me. My job is killing me. Not enough time for socialization, tennis, and working out! I will have to give a prize out to the person who makes the most meetings in 2018 to motivate me to push through. Although that's how I got in trouble in the first place.

Thanks to Terrie for sending the pic and the discussion highlights! Here are her comments:

For those who have not read the book - our suggestion is go for it. On a scale of 1-5, we all gave it a 4+

We did discuss the book Christy (and we missed our leader). Cindi brought us some questions. For those who missed think about the different relationships and which do you identify with in your own life? Did Eve and Brady’s relationship change at the same moment? Did you see how Maddie died coming? Did you like how 10 years closed the story? 

This was Abby F. First book and her second will be coming out this winter. Most likely a book club read.

Sue also took the time to type out Maddy's truths, so for those of you who didn't read the book (although I recommend that you do), here are some words of wisdom to ponder:

Make room for who you are by knowing who you’re not. Smile all the time, at everyone, without exception: when you’re happy it will be contagious, and when you’re angry it will drive the person you’re mad at bonkers. Blow-dry before lipstick. Counters before sweeping. Water before dinner. To hell with what everyone thinks about your life, but you should know what you think about it. Don’t’ stay out past one a.m.—nobody is proud of the stories born later than that. Plans contingent on perfection fail. It’s dangerous to fight who you are. The stupidest thing you can do is believe your own bullshit, but you probably will every once in a while. Flowery perfume smells like a cover-up. Don’t have a room your kids can’t play in or a couch your kids can’t sit on; it’s their house too. If you don’t know what to say, say, “I don’t know what to say.” If you mess up, say, “I messed up.” If you need help, say, “I need help.” Never count on any one thing. Don’t confuse wanting to have sex and rent movies with someone for wanting to marry him. Never buy button-fly jeans---they aren’t flattering on anyone ever. Practice love, compassion, and forgiveness. Try not to speak consecutively for more than two minutes; it’s hard to be a good listener longer than that. It’s good to have one friend who still smokes a lot of pot. It’s important to speak up even if no one will stand behind you. A home is something you create. Gatorade and greasy food cure hangovers. The impression you have of someone is most likely the impression they have of you (that’s why I’m so self-conscious around annoying people). Give yourself a break, but not a free pass. Never become a prize, possession, puppet, or toy---it’s no fun hanging on someone’s wall for any substantial amount of time. When someone gives you the creeps, don’t worry about their feelings or apologize, just get the hell away. Constantly earn the hearts of your friends and family, and expect them to earn yours back. Ask questions. Don’t give out answers you don’t have. Think before you speak. Sometimes you’ll lie, but have a person who knows both your truths and the lies you’ve told; pick someone who won’t judge you. Don’t give up on reading before you find a favorite book, and even then, I don’t recommend it. At the end of each day, acknowledge the things you wish you’d done differently so that tomorrow you will. We’re given the gift of life with the consequences of death.

Next book:

Our next book will be Before We Were Yours, by Lisa Wingate. Sylvia or Cindi will be hosting. Very generous of you to do 2 in a row, Sylvia! You may get Best New Member! I love awards. In case you've already read it or finish the book quickly, others mentioned were Winter Garden and Between Friends.

Until February, happy reading!