So sorry to have missed book club, I was in Nashville for work. I loved The Help and I am sure I would have enjoyed the discussion, thank you Marde for dropping the book off (it has been returned on time to the library). I will also be making Ann's pumpkin cake recipe, sounds yummy. Happy Halloween! Kippy

Pumpkin Cake Recipe

Nice to see you all tonight. Here's the link for the Spiced Pumpkin Cake recipe (and yes Marde, YOU can do layers!!!)

Sarah has a new job!

In case you missed the article in the Star Tribune, Sarah Caruso is the new head of the United Way! She's still reading along with us--said she loved "The Help"! Congratulations Sarah!

(and congratulations to me as I just learned how to imbed a link in a blog!)

Hi Girls, just finished Labor Day by Joyce Maynard, a good read for a rainy day--Hope you are enjoying The Help! Looking forward to seeing all of you next week.
And I am now a blogger too!
Carol

Another recommendation...

Hi girls! Love hearing about some of these new reads (sorry, am not familiar with Lorrie Moore), and have another recommendation for any of you that might be interested. Sorry, it's 926 pages, fiction but reads like a most amazing memoir (the author does have quite a colorful history)-am having a very hard time right now deciding which book to pick up, Shantaram or The Help, as they both qualify for "can't put it down" in my book (don't think I'll ever be able to use the term "page-turner" again, in deference to our fearless blog creator!). Anyway, if you're in the mood for a memorable read some time, pick up Shantaram (by Gregory David Roberts)-if you didn't like "Slumdog" (the movie) or have no interest in India, it might not appeal to you, but if you're like me and have a fascination with such an ancient and huge culture that most of us don't know that much about (yet still don't have a huge desire to visit!), you might love this book like I do! Marde

Added by Ann: Here's the NY Times Review of Shantaram

P.S. Just finished off the last piece of "Jeanine's Apple Pie", wasn't quite as fabulous as hers as I used a purchased crust but still quite delicious and a huge family hit! Thanks again, Jeanine (and Sally for bringing her and letting her make dessert)!

Leslie is joining the blog

Thanks to Ann's coaching I have joined the blog!

Lorrie Moore

Has anyone read anything by Lorrie Moore? She has a new book out "A Gate at the Stairs" that sounds good. I think she's mainly a short story writer. She was on MPR today with Kerri Miller. I'd never heard of her. Try to click here to read review. Otherwise, put Lorrie Moore into search on NYtimes.com and you'll find it.

I am loving the book for this month - The Help. I just finished a book called Still Alice. Very good but sad. Brenda