Stop by for a taste of traditional Italian style . Since 1985 "We meet every other month on a groups," says Sarah Krasnick of Saturday evening," Michael Kasky says. Franklin, "you don't 'just meet this very Jackie and I hosted the last meeting well-read person but also a historian. She because we discussed Middlesex, which puts themes and characters and experi- was based on the Grosse Pointe boyhood ences in the context of world events." Krasnick wished to share the pleasure neighborhood of author Jeffrey Eugenides. Before our meeting, we took she derived from books in general and the group to Middlesex Street to see the the Franklin Village Library in particu- house described.in the novel." lar. Three years ago, she formed a read- One of the most ing group there. dynamic sessions he _ "I was willing to Above: Denise Levy of Farmington recalls was author have the group meet Hills, Brenda Strausz of Southfield, Ze'ev Chafets' talk any night that Adele Laura Miller of Beverly Hills, Rita with the group about could give us," says Stein of Farmington Hills, Shirlee his book Devils' Krasnick, whose Wyman Harris of Commerce, Lori Night: And Other mother, Valerie Steinlauf of Waterford and Judy True Tales of Detroit. Indenbaum, has Kessler of Farmington Hills meet "It was chilling and praised Robins' work over coffee at Cosi in Farmington fascinating," says for years. Hills, the site of their bimonthly Kasky. "For those of Edie Broida, herself Sunday morning book club, to dis- us who grew up in an admired reading sect Jeffrey Eugenides' 'Middlesex." Detroit, it was very group facilitator who meaningful." moderated Temple Book Beat, an independent Oak Park Israel's adult discussions before she and bookstore owned by Cary Loren and her husband became snowbirds, says, Colleen Kammer, hosts its reading ."Adele treats every reader's comments as group at Gayle's Chocolates in Royal if they have value. She's respectful and interested and is there to help maximize Oak on a monthly basis. "A [Book Beat] staff person is the participants' reading experiences." When Broida is home in Farmington moderator," says Kammer. "Sometimes we've invited community Hills, she facilitates a local book group to which she belongs; she also moderates groups to meet with our members for in-store author visits. Jeffrey Eugenides one in Florida. came to talk about Middlesex. And we "One idea I love for book lists is what also hosted Michael Zadoorian, the I call 'immigrant literature,"' she says. Ferndale author of Second Hand." "There are so, so many excellent fiction and nonfiction books which examine Chocolates are only one possible treat themes of belonging and nationality and served during several youth-adult read- ing groups sponsored by Temple Israel. assimilation." "The girls, boys and their accompany- Feeding The Brain ing parent or adult take turns bringing a Can a book club survive without refresh- snack, leading the discussion and plan- ning an activity," says Rachel Kamin, the ments? Not according to authors Judy temple's director of libraries and media Gelman and Vicky Levy Krupp, whose center. "The treat for Strudel Stories was new paperback, Book Club Cookbook: obvious." Recipes and Food for Thoughtfrom Your Jackie Katz, a Farmington Hills moth- Book Clubs' Favorite Books and Authors er of four, loves joining her younger (Jeremy P. Tarcher; $15.95), gets five stars in several reader polls. daughter Dani and older daughter Rachel, who attend separate age-appro- Most local groups do serve beverages and some refreshments. Others meet priate reading groups four or five times yearly immediately after Hebrew school. during a meal. Jo Coskey of Bloomfield Hills joins "The girls love that they get to choose the titles they're going to read. It's a several acquaintances from Troy's wonderful activity for us to share." Congregation Shir Tikvah one Sunday Fellow Temple Israel member Steve morning a month for breakfast and books at Little Daddy's Parthenon on Weiss of West Bloomfield agrees. "We're a family of readers. It's been a Woodward Avenue near Long Lake great experience to have special time set Road. The couples book group co-founded aside to discuss books with my sons and by Grosse Pointers Michael and Jackie other families at Temple." Kasky usually enjoys a restaurant dinner Temple Israel's Adult Book Discussion then holds its book discussion at a mem- JOIN THE CLUB on page 38 ber's home. of Troy 248-689-8050 3775 Rochester Rd. • Troy 1/2 mile north of Big Beaver Rd (16 Mile) N. of 1-75 r Enjoy a Complimentary Cappuccino or Dessert Enjoy a Complimentary Cappuccino or Dessert With Any Entree Purchased One Person • With Coupon Expires 7-2-04 With Any Entree Purchased One Person • With Coupon Expires 7-2-04 a Banquet Facility Available Open 7 Days: Mon - Thurs 11:00am - 10:30pm Fri. & Sat. 11:00am - 11:00pm Sunday Noon - 9:30pm We honor most credit cards. <2' 856880 Prime Steaks, Chops & Seafood Wednesday, Friday & Saturday Featuring Piano Artist John Cola for your dining enjoyment! (not valid with any other promotions or coupons) Atkins Friendly Entrees Available Where Food is King! 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