While food is not the main focus of our book group, it took a starring role last night at Margie‘s. We feasted with our eyes before even taking a bite – lettuce wrapped salad with a belt of red bell pepper, delectable mushroom pies (one traditional pastry crust and one gluten-free crust), cheeses, a variety of interesting crackers, olives and toasted pecans. Flowers on the table. And wine, of course. It was so fine. Even the plates – vintage blue and white with flower patterns. The food, the staging, the props – Oscar worthy!
The book discussion was fantastic too – Personal Librarian, a collaboration between Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray. It was a fictionalized account of Belle da Costa Green’s life, J.P. Morgan’s personal librarian, and a black woman passing as white. Belle curated his collection of rare books and artwork, negotiating and even changing the dance of how such treasures changed hands during the Gilded Age, earning J.P. Morgan’s respect and trust. She dazzled those who traveled in his circles at the time, while fearing exposure moment by moment. A worthwhile read.
And the sweet ending. I should have taken pictures of all of the empty plates. There was a platter of ripe strawberries on the table, intended for scraping up the last schmears of chocolate and whipped cream. The strawberries with the chocolate and cream were delectable and quite elegant, but I wouldn’t have hesitated to lick my plate if I were home alone.
We also finalized our reading selections for the remainder of 2023. The host each month will pick from our list, or if they suggest something else they’re excited about reading together, we’ll read the suggested alternative. So many books to read, and interesting conversations in the offing. It’s going to be a very good year.