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Articles by Norma Klingsick
My Three Book Clubs: Some read-alikes if clubs become too routine
For book clubs in July and August, I revisited two books that I had read previously. One of my clubs also discussed a book likely on most readers’ radars by now — “James” by Percival Everett. Another novel was a lighter but interesting read, perfect for summer — “Beyond That, the Sea” by Laura Spence-Ash. Three books, new in August and September, also caught my attention — books that could make great conversations for a book club. This month’s column will focus on those.
My three book clubs: Women are watching in several courageous stories
Women exhibited great courage, determination and loyalty in three of the novels I read for book clubs in January and February.
Stalwart St. Louis book club of 50 years to be featured on 'Today' show
It’s been a “whirlwind of excitement” for a University City book club that has been meeting for 50 years. In July, the Post-Dispatch wrote about the club, whose members all lived on Northmoor Drive at some point in their lives. A few months after the story was published, Teresa Wetzel was contacted by a producer of NBC’s “Today” show. The segment, filmed on Jan. 16 at Joanne Rintoul’s home, will air during the 9 a.m. hour on Thursday.
Stalwart St. Louis book club of 50 years to be featured on 'Today' show
It’s been a “whirlwind of excitement” for a University City book club that has been meeting for 50 years. In July, the Post-Dispatch wrote about the club, whose members all lived on Northmoor Drive at some point in their lives. A few months after the story was published, Teresa Wetzel was contacted by a producer of NBC’s “Today” show. The segment, filmed on Jan. 16 at Joanne Rintoul’s home, will air during the 9 a.m. hour on Thursday.
Looking ahead to 2024 highlights in St. Louis arts, entertainment and dining
In a matter of days it will be time to say goodbye to 2023, and hello to 2024. And just looking ahead to concerts, performances, restaurant openings, exhibitions and more, it’s going to be quite a year. Here are a few things on our radar this year on the St. Louis arts and entertainment scene. | Music Pink’s “Summer Carnival Tour 2024” with Sheryl Crow • Pink’s “Summer Carnival Tour 2024” is one of the most anticipated stadium shows in St. Louis.
My Three Book Clubs: Sister drama, trading shoes, surviving a whale prove immersive
Although my column was on hiatus for a couple of months, I haven’t stopped reading. I’m resuming it now, to run every other month and highlighting my favorite texts (while sometimes omitting books I’ve written about in the past). For this roundup, clubs read a mixture of hot new titles by favorite authors along with a couple of lesser-known writers who deserve more success. Here’s a selection of books my clubs read recently.
U. City book club, going for 50 years, thrives on meaty topics. And rules.
A long-running book club recently invited me to a meeting in University City, giving me insight into some of the "rules" that led them to last for 50 years and, in the process, develop lifelong friendships. “We were a book club before book club was cool,” Teresa Wetzel says. “A lot of it started because we all had little kids, and we wanted to discuss books.” The group first got together in the spring of 1974 with four or so members, including Wetzel.
My Three Book Clubs: These fast-moving novels are perfect summer reads
Rich people with first-world problems, a band’s wild ride to fame in the 1970s, and a young opportunist who takes one ill-advised action after another provided captivating entertainment in three novels perfect for summer. In another novel I read for a book club in June, issues close to the author’s heart were evident in a chilling portrayal of the United States.
Keep cool with our favorite frozen treats
No St. Louis summer is complete without visiting Ted Drewes on a warm evening for frozen custard. But that leaves a lot of other evenings - and afternoons and (we won't judge) mornings - for other frozen treats. From orange sherbet in Edwardsville to paletas in the heart of Cherokee Street, the Go! Magazine team has gathered some of our favorite frozen treats to guide you through these hot, humid dog days of 2022.
Some books' characters need a makeover Original
None of the books I read for January's three book clubs offered a character I could embrace - all of them were a bit self-absorbed. But a can't-miss plot within "The Plot" kept me engaged in at least one of the selections. Two excellent bonus books, one an author's debut and the other from an award-winning writer, lifted my month of reading. By Jean Hanff Korelitz What I thought * When a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity presents itself to Jake Finch Bonner, he jumps on it.
My three book clubs: Reading averaged a book a week in 2021
My three book clubs: Reading averaged a book a week in 2021 Another year, another 30 book club meetings — most of which I attended. I set a goal to read 40 books in 2021 and beat my goal with 52 books. Memorable titles include Amor Towles’ “The Lincoln Highway,” Ashley Audrain’s “The Push,” TJ Klune’s “The House in the Cerulean Sea,” Sue Monk Kidd’s “The Book of Longings” and Anne Tyler’s “The Accidental Tourist,” a classic from 1985 that I had never read.
My three book clubs: Towles' road trip, family dramas provide excellent getaways
My three book clubs: Towles' road trip, family dramas provide excellent getaways Two books last month served up family drama, while a third book I read in November for my book clubs might be the longest I read this year, but it was also one of the best.
My three book clubs: Anxiety over fungus and other things, too
My three book clubs: Anxiety over fungus and other things, too The eye-catching cover of “Mexican Gothic” will make you want to display it on your bookshelf, but parts of the strange story inside may make you gag — and develop an aversion to mushrooms. The creepy gothic novel was among titles I read and discussed last month in my three book clubs.
My three book clubs: Eight unique titles go back in time, challenge characters with hoarding, bugs or even aslyum
My three book clubs: Eight unique titles go back in time, challenge characters with hoarding, bugs or even aslyum Vacation weeks in June took me to the sandy beaches of Hutchinson Island, Florida, and on a spur-of-the-moment camping trip near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park in Michigan.
My three book clubs: Drama thumps comedy as monologues bomb
My three book clubs: Drama thumps comedy as monologues bomb Not every book I read this month was the bomb. In fact, one of them I probably would have booed off the stage. But with book club gatherings feeling more normal, the books were just a small part of the festivities. I am looking forward to a summer of book clubs where we can share food, drinks and closer quarters.
My three book clubs: April brings horrifying conditions and actual horror, Stephen King-style
My three book clubs: April brings horrifying conditions and actual horror, Stephen King-style With nearly all of my book club pals now vaccinated, April was the first time since March 2020 that all three groups met in person. We were all eager for human contact outside our immediate households, so there was a lot of discussion — not necessarily about books. Two book clubs selected Kristin Hannah’s latest bestseller, “The Four Winds,” giving me time to clear some books from my “to read” list.
My three book clubs: Misty Scotland provides setting for two worthy reads
My three book clubs: Misty Scotland provides setting for two worthy reads An enjoyable murder mystery helped balance out a grim novel about alcoholism and poverty in a month where it was warm enough for one of my book clubs to meet in person — my first non-Zoom meeting since October. My third club chose a book but postponed meeting until April, hoping to gather in person. ‘Shuggie Bain’ by Douglas Stuart What I thought • Alcohol abuse. Graphic rape. Child molestation. Emotional and physical abuse.
My three book clubs: Strong women power through tough times
My three book clubs: Strong women power through tough times Books about women who are mostly treated as property made me admire their courage and strength. It also made me grateful I was living in 2021 — even during a pandemic. Here’s what my three book clubs read and discussed in February.
My three book clubs: Murders, magic and some symbolic bees
My three book clubs: Murders, magic and some symbolic bees I’m usually not a fan of detective novels. I have never read anything by Agatha Christie. But a whodunit with unique, puzzling twists by Anthony Horowitz may have changed my mind. His murder mystery and an uplifting book about a magical library were highlights in January. 'Magpie Murders' by Anthony Horowitz What I thought • A novel within a novel. A whodunit within a whodunit.
My three book clubs: 2020 reading goals met - and then some
My three book clubs: 2020 reading goals met — and then some At the start of 2020, before most of us became aware of the coronavirus, I joined a third book club and wondered whether I would have time for all the required reading. But a year of quarantines, shutdowns and sometimes feeling like we had been dropped into a dystopian novel had its upside: more time to read while stuck at home. The only hinderance was when my local library closed for a few weeks. It’s where I usually get my books.
My three book clubs: Feel-good romance balances out heavy reading
My three book clubs: Feel-good romance balances out heavy reading 1 of 4 A vacation goes wrong — very, very, apocalyptically wrong. Children are sadistically beaten and sometimes raped and killed at a Florida reform school. A woman helps a dying friend and reflects on life and mortality. November was a month of books with heavy topics. But a light read found on a list of “15 feel-good books guaranteed to lift your spirits” helped lighten the load.
My three book clubs: A month of humor, horror and history
My three book clubs: A month of humor, horror and history 1 of 2 “Python swallows a wealthy socialite at a charity gala” doesn’t seem that farfetched compared to some real Florida headlines, but a quick internet search reveals that, so far, it hasn’t happened. Carl Hiaasen’s hilarious new political satire, which takes place post-pandemic, and “Pull of the Stars,” set during a long-ago pandemic, highlight a month filled with its own weird news headlines.
My three book clubs: Some of these folks are just the worst
My three book clubs: Some of these folks are just the worst Houses, though inanimate objects, can sometimes take on a life of their own, hold heavy influence and have consequences to characters in stories. In three books I read in September, homes loomed large.
My Three Book Clubs: Self-help bombs while fiction reigns among August picks
My Three Book Clubs: Self-help bombs while fiction reigns among August picks Columnist Norma Klingsick's August book club selections, with a few bonus picks Grandmas who make beer, an autistic man who believes he is a knight, and a seemingly organized wife who loses her cool and attacks her husband with an ax were among the unconventional cast of characters in some of the books I read for my three book clubs in August.
My three book clubs: Characters prove resilient - even when radioactive
My three book clubs: Characters prove resilient — even when radioactive 1 of 5 "The Book of Lost Names" by Kristin Harmel "When Will There Be Good News?" by Kate Atkinson “The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America’s Shining Women” by Kate Moore “Kitchens of the Great Midwest” by J. Ryan Stradal “City of the Lost” by Kelley Armstrong Eva, a young Jewish woman living in World War II France, finds a way to use her drawing talent to save herself, her mother and eventually many children.
My three book clubs: Erotic tales spice up a month of nonstop reading
My three book clubs: Erotic tales spice up a month of nonstop reading June bought an apocalyptic pandemic (no, not COVID-19), a heartbreaking story based on a real-life adoption scandal and steamy sex tales — a good way to unintentionally spice up a book club. And thanks to nice weather, which allowed us to meet on patios and decks, the month brought a bit of normalcy.
My three book clubs: Engaging stories about women on totally different journeys
My three book clubs: Engaging stories about women on totally different journeys "Autopsy of a Boring Wife" by Marie-Renee Lavoie The month of May brought more Zoom meetings and two books about women on very different journeys — one a lighthearted romp of a 48-year-old divorcee finding herself after 25 years of marriage and another a perilous tale of a mother with her 8-year-old son on the run from a drug lord who massacred most of their family.
3 DIY home projects even the least crafty person can do now
3 DIY home projects even the least crafty person can do now 1 of 3 The finished black kettle project. Close up of coat rack with newly painted hardware. Like many of you, we've been working from home. And stuck at home when we aren't working. That's a lot of home time. We've been cooking more, cleaning more and now we're on the hunt for projects. Sure, you could start a garden or organize one more closet. But it's time for house beautification.
Backyard camping: Home sweet, still home
Backyard camping: Home sweet, still home 1 of 5 Jeremy Nottmeier, 12, Seth Nottmeier, 9, and Henry Nottmeier, 7, enjoyed a backyard campout in the family camper — a Jayco Jay Feather Ultra Lite 23F. "Sleeping Bags to S'mores" by Heather Balogh Rochfort and William Rochfort ($15.99) Whether you are abiding by a shelter-in-place order or just don’t feel comfortable leaving home yet, you can still indulge your travel bug itch.
My three book clubs: Zooming through fascinating April mix
Published: 5/22/2020 9:47:50 AM Modified: 5/22/2020 9:47:37 AM A book about presidential assassinations provided comic relief (really!), a true story induced sobering thoughts and a psychological thriller offered escape during a month when virtual book clubs became the new norm. Though not the same as seeing one another in person (bring your own snacks and adult beverage!), Zoom meetings meant much-needed social interaction – and sometimes technical assistance from our teens.
My three book clubs: Zooming through fascinating April mix
A book about presidential assassinations provided comic relief (really!), a true story induced sobering thoughts and a psychological thriller offered escape during a month when virtual book clubs became the new norm. Though not the same as seeing one another in person (bring your own snacks and adult beverage!), Zoom meetings meant much-needed social interaction - and sometimes technical assistance from our teens.
My three book clubs: Zooming through fascinating April mix
A book about presidential assassinations provided comic relief (really!), a true story induced sobering thoughts and a psychological thriller offered escape during a month when virtual book clubs became the new norm. Though not the same as seeing one another in person (bring your own snacks and adult beverage!), Zoom meetings meant much-needed social interaction - and sometimes technical assistance from our teens.
My three book clubs: Zooming through fascinating April mix
My three book clubs: Zooming through fascinating April mix × You have run out of free articles. You can support our newsroom by joining at our lowest rate! Already a subscriber? Log in or Activate your account. Loading&hellp; {{html}} Thanks for being a subscriber. Sorry, your subscription does not include this content. Please call 866-884-2126 to upgrade your subscription. × Keep reading for FREE! Enjoy more articles by signing up or logging in. No credit card required.
My three book clubs: Zooming through fascinating April mix
My three book clubs: Zooming through fascinating April mix × You have run out of free articles. You can support our newsroom by joining at our lowest rate! Already a subscriber? Log in or Activate your account. Loading&hellp; {{html}} Thanks for being a subscriber. Sorry, your subscription does not include this content. Please call 866-839-6397 to upgrade your subscription.
My three book clubs: Zooming through a fascinating April mix
My three book clubs: Zooming through a fascinating April mix 1 of 3 "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson "Assassination Vacation" by Sarah Vowell "I Let You Go" by Clare Mackintosh A book about presidential assassinations provided comic relief (really!), a true story induced sobering thoughts and a psychological thriller offered escape during a month when virtual book clubs became the new norm.
My three book clubs: Zooming through fascinating April mix
My three book clubs: Zooming through fascinating April mix 1 of 3 "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson "Assassination Vacation" by Sarah Vowell "I Let You Go" by Clare Mackintosh A book about presidential assassinations provided comic relief (really!), a true story induced sobering thoughts and a psychological thriller offered escape during a month when virtual book clubs became the new norm.
My three book clubs: As real life turns dystopian, historical novel provides escape
My three book clubs: As real life turns dystopian, historical novel provides escape Norma Klingsick on Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2016 in St. Louis. Photo by Cristina M. Fletes, cfletes@post-dispatch.com Cristina M. Fletes When one of my March book club meetings was moved up, to just a week after our February meeting, I was left with only eight days to read an intimidating 531-page book.
My 3 book clubs in February: swine, wine and 2 touching stories
My 3 book clubs in February: swine, wine and 2 touching stories 1 of 2 Norma Klingsick on Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2016 in St. Louis. Photo by Cristina M. Fletes, cfletes@post-dispatch.com As I wrote last month, I’m trying to keep up with my membership in three (!) book clubs. This month, one club actually didn’t meet, but I still have four titles to report on for February. I enjoyed them all, but maybe the trip to Greece edged out the mean streets of Philadelphia.
My three book clubs: Do I really have time for this?
My three book clubs: Do I really have time for this? 1 of 2 Norma Klingsick on Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2016 in St. Louis. Photo by Cristina M. Fletes, cfletes@post-dispatch.com I’ve always been an avid reader, but I had never been involved in a book club. About two years ago, though, I was invited to join two of them. And recently, I was pulled into a third. I’d already read January’s book — and the group had “wine” in its name (Read Between the Wines) — so I agreed. Yep, I may be crazy.
How do these board games stack up?
How do these board games stack up? The holidays can bring families together in ways that provoke unwanted drama. So, it can be helpful to structure some of that free time. The controlled chaos of family game night can provide a reprieve from boredom, chores and bickering. Whether you're looking for ways to entertain toddlers or teens, here are 12 new games for you to gift and try this holiday season.
Top Pours: The best beer, wine, spirits in St. Louis - decided by readers
Top Pours: The best beer, wine, spirits in St. Louis — decided by readers It’s the kind of friendly argument you can get into at a bar: Who makes the best beer in town? The best booze? The best wine? We put the question to you, our readers. And you responded by the gallon. It’s as if we opened a tap and all of your thoughts and votes spilled out. More than 10,000 votes were cast, based on nominations made by our food and drink experts.
Top Pours awards: The best beer, wine, spirits in St. Louis - as voted on by readers
It’s the kind of friendly argument you can get into at a bar: Who makes the best beer in town? The best booze? The best wine? We put the question to you, our readers. And you responded by the gallon. It’s as if we opened a tap and all of your thoughts and votes spilled out. More than 10,000 votes were cast, based on nominations made by our food and drink experts. From them we have determined this year’s Top Pours in nearly 30 categories, from the trivial to the profound.
8 great wineries in the St. Louis region
If you enjoy wine and gorgeous views, a visit to local wine trails should be on your list of things to do. Here are some of our favorite area wineries (for the purposes of this list, a winery must make its own wine or grow its own grapes). — By Amy Bertrand, Norma Klingsick and Jane Henderson, of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch Blue Sky Vineyard The Tuscan-inspired Blue Sky offers large sitting areas inside and out.
These guided tours aren't just for tourists - learn about food, history, art and more
Alton Hauntings Walking Tour The Alton Hauntings Walking Tour visits the underground tunnel at 325 Third Street in Alton. The house was once a stop on the Underground Railroad. It is now an apartment building.
Top Pours: The best St. Louis-area wine, beer and spirits
Cheers to St. Louis' Top Pours Photo by Hillary Levin, hlevin@post-dispatch.com Hillary Levin If you’re drinking something right now, stop and raise your glass. It’s time to salute the Top Pours in St. Louis. • The food and drink experts at Go! Magazine have been hard at work researching to determine the best offerings from area wineries, breweries and distilleries. Tough job — we know. • We started by selecting the top nominees (between four and six) in 40 categories.
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