2009-07 – The Chrysalids
The Chrysalids – John Wyndham
Host: Robert
Whisky: Grant’s
Rum: n/a
An over-nighter at the acreage. Some of the gang headed out early to begin prepping. Clint and Bauer were in the kitchen while Robert built the fire. Beer flowed until the three litre bottle of Scotch was opened (yeah…you read that right). Dinner was great, as per Clint’s high standards. The dinner call was even better. The bulls of Pamplona have nothing on a charging Clint ringing the dinner bell. Fortunately a new screen door was already en route. Lance had the camera set up, and we all gathered around the fire. Food done, Pat, Clint and I leaned back with cigars while the seven of us weighed in on The Chrysalids. Very well received book. Easy to read, much to discuss, and had topics which easily led into contemporary thought. Robert’s story as to why he chose the book was a highlight as well. Much later, as some retired and others retched, a few sat around the fire with the guitar. Morning was swine and eggs, and watching Pat stretch out on any cool flat surface available. Great, memorable evening. I imagine this will become tradition. Topic conversation about two hours I think…maybe slightly less. Could have been longer, but liquor got in the way.
So…about that screen door…
A good evening except that the food took so long to get right that most of us were two sails into the wind and had finished discussing the book already by the time the session formally “opened.” Mrs Surujbally’s hot wings – aka “Satan’s Crotch” – were well received. Good get-together, with a repeat in the wings in 2010, I hope (pun definitely intended).
Infamous evening for a number of reasons, not the least of which was the devastating blow I levelled on the patio screen door. Independant reports (whiskey fueled….but nonetheless) put the hang time & distance on the screen door’s flight just shy of the average NFL punt. I’d like to thank God, The Juggernaut, and the Kool-Aid Man for their inspiration.
The Chrysalids is a fine read; it’s a nice length and you’ll find that once you get started you’ll want to keep flipping those pages. Despite the lower page count, it is packed with provocative themes and conversation starters…religion, natural selection, mob mentality…all sorts of great subjects we got to bouce around while basking in the glow of a roaring campfire.
Beautiful setting, good folks, great conversation, tasty food, 3 Litre bottle of whisky: what more can you ask?
PS to Curt – you forgot the airplane bottle of Glenlivit. Where’s the review???