March 17, 2025 - The Center Woman’s Reading Club met March 9 at the First Methodist Church fellowship hall. During the business meeting, President Alease Copelin announced that the theme for books selected for next year’s reports will be Banned Books. She said this theme will provide an interesting look not only at the books but also for the reasons they were banned. Many books that have been banned in the past include well known and very popular books such as Fahrenheit 451, To Kill a Mockingbird, and Gone With The Wind.
Following a long tradition of the club, a bridal shower was given during the meeting for member Hope Jordan to celebrate her upcoming nuptials. She was delighted with the gifts she received and expressed her appreciation to club members for the gifts and the friendships.
Following the business meeting, hostess Bonnie Lucus (right photo) provided a delicious luncheon enjoyed by all. Also serving as program leader, Mrs. Lucus gave a fascinating report on the novel The Whale Bone Theater written by Joanna Quinn. Ms. Quinn grew up in Dorset, England where this novel is set. She also is an author of short stories and teaches creative writing.
The Whalebone Theater is a work of historical fiction and is based on true episodes in England’s history. The story is about three children who grow up there and create adventures for themselves. The protagonist of the novel is Cristabel who along with the help of her siblings and others in her home build the Whalebone Theater using the bones of a whales who was washed ashore. It provided a place for their imaginations to grow.The novel continues through World War II. Cristabel now a headstrong young woman becomes a British secret agent serving in the war. The novel provides great insight into family life and the impact war had not only on the nation of England but also on the families who lived through it.
