I’ve read a handful of good books lately but have decided I am too…social? relational? to finish and just be done with it. We must discuss. I solicited you, my fine internet friends, and a handful of my real life friends, to read The Dutch House with me, so we had a good excuse to drink wine and eat snacks and chat about the book. I asked for book suggestions and now have a full list of great ones to get through this year. Our next one is Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine if you want to join? I’m also squeezing in American Dirt before that so sounds like it’s time to get reading.
I was going to do all nibbles/apps, but I figured it streamlined things for me to do sheet-pan nachos and salad. Sometimes I think apps are more work? People could eat or not. It was by no means a “sit down dinner”, but more of an eat-as-you-wish situation, with a few little desserts.
I gave this book 3 stars out of 5. This bothered some insta people, and I know it was a super well reviewed book, but I was so annoyed and mad at both Andrea and then the mother that I was just frustrated. I know real life and books don’t always have happy resolution, and some may even argue this one did, but I am fiercely loyal to my people and I was so mad at the mom I couldn’t love the book. A saint? Really? Come on. Personal opinion. I do think it was wonderfully written and I really liked reading it from the brothers perspective, there just seemed to be a lot…missing?
That said. I know there is no way for everyone to love every book, and since I told you all to read it as well, I included the questions and what I made for food. If you have any great book club ideas, leave them in the comments. I would love to make this more of a thing, but I want to know how to do it better!
Discussion Questions
Rate it on your 1-5 star scale.
Cyril Conroy. If he was more comfortable with his tenants than the people of his office or house, why the Dutch House?
What explains why Elna Conroy abandoned her children? In what ways might such a profound decision be justified or not? Do you think, as Maeve argues, are men who leave their families often judged less harshly?
What explains the very different responses Maeve and Danny have to their mother’s return?
When Elna returns after Maeve’s heart attack, Danny and Maeve argue about whether or not they should forgive their mother for leaving. Whose argument did you agree with, and why?
The story is told from the perspective of an adult Danny Conroy. Do you think this impacted how the story was told? Do you think it would have been more effective from another character’s perspective?
What did you think of the end of the novel? Did you like May’s decision to buy the Dutch House, or do you wish the family had been able to fully let the house go?
To Host
Ask people to bring a bottle of wine or a snack. It can be a lot of work and gets pricey to host, so have friends pitch in. I’d suggest doing a savory and sweet yourself in case someone bails, and that way you have both represented.
Have a red, white and some non-alcoholic (sparkling and not) beverages to cover your bases. If your book has a themed beverage or cocktail, that would be fun. Maybe you don’t drink, but other people may - so have a few options.
Most best seller books have discussion questions online. I’m sure you can think of a few, but google helps too.
FOOD
SHEET-PAN NACHOS
Made one batch with these mushrooms
lots of pepperjack or goat cheddar
cilantro
guacamole
pico de gallo
pickled onions
(I tried one tray with soft goat cheese (chevre) which was underwhelming and dry for the record. Don’t do it)
MIXED CITRUS + AVOCADO SALAD WITH SK VINAIGRETTE
baby kale
mixed citrus
avocados
spicy pecans
Vinaigrette
SK VINAIGRETTE
There are some story clips in my instagram highlights if you are a more visual person! This works on nearly every salad, can be mixed with shredded chicken, herbs and grapes for a fancy chicken salad, used as a marinade, drizzled over steamed vegetables - so much!
3 Tbsp. finely minced shallot
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
1 tsp. honey
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. dried Italian seasoning or thyme
handful of well chopped parsley
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
You can blitz this all in a blender if you like it to be smoother, or shake everything up in a jar with a lid.
Bon Appetit’s best Chocolate Chip Cookies
Baked at 360’ and I highly suggest chilling the batter! The spread a lot, and I prefer my cookies to have a bit of body.