As I have observed, here are the rules of book club: Eat. Drink. Talk about life, weather and the latest gossip. Eat and drink some more. Talk about the book (a little). Then drink some more.
Does that describe your book club? Do you wish it did? Try these food/drink/book combos to please every member of your book club.
For history buffs who don’t mind mixing truth with fiction: “Top Down: A Novel of the Kennedy Assassination” by James Lehrer. In keeping with the times, combine gourmet French cuisine like boeuf bourguignon and New England favorites like clam chowder. Serve whiskey and martinis a la “Mad Men.” For a particularly Sixties touch, start with an iceberg wedge salad.
For former English majors or “Downton Abbey” fans: “Longbourn” by Jo Baker. Show off your British cooking skills with venison, partridge, white soup or beef ragout. Whip up a baked pudding for dessert. Tea is practically required, but ale and wine are equally acceptable.
When your club wants to be scared: “Let the Old Dreams Die” by John Ajvide Lindqvist. To get into the Swedish frame of mind and brace yourself for the vampires, start off with mulled wine or a malty lager. Those with stronger constitutions can move right on to vodka. Traditional Swedish foods include all kinds of pork and sausage, potatoes, pickled herring, fish, dumplings and pancakes.
If these ideas are too complex, just pick out a celebrity bio, throw together some pasta and crack open a few bottles of wine. Voila!
And remember to follow the rules: eat, drink, talk, and eat and drink some more.