January 16 Ellis Avery Featured Speaker!

Betty's List Book Club welcomes Ellis Avery as the tenth in our series of outstanding readers and and speakers. The event starts promptly at 6:30, and we encourage you to come early and get a bite to eat and a glass of wine at Rachel Herbert's wonderful Duboce Park Cafe.

"Saturated with color and detail; [Avery] manages to make nineteenth-century Japan both accessible and exotic, infusing her story with a sense of dignified calm...[A] deeply engrossing, multifaceted work." The Boston Globe

"Ellis Avery studied tea ceremony for several years, so it makes sense that the ritual dominates her first novel." Entertainment Weekly.

"Ellis Avery's book The Teahouse Fire is the most perfect evocation of Japanese Tea Culture to ever arrive on Western Shores. A well-written, gripping story of extreme subtlety." Cynthia Lee Katona, Author of Book Savvy.

Save the date...see you there.
Cynthia K

Huge Thanks to Elana Dykewoman...Great Reading!

A huge thanks to Elana Dykewoman for her terrific reading from her work-in-progress, Risk, and her many other fine books. And thanks to the members of the Betty's List Book Club for the huge turnout. Rachel Herbert and her wonderful staff take such superb care of us!


Dr. Betty Sullivan presides over her famous Door Prizes.


Helping Betty pick the winners.


Elana Dykewoman reads for the Betty's List Book Club.


A toast to Betty's List readers.


Winnie listens intently among the tulips.


Elana's rapt community of listeners.


Lee, Kathy and Ginny watching Elana read.


Elana and Betty's Group readers.


Elana Dykewoman, author of Pale Fire, and Cynthia Lee Katona, Betty's List Book Club Co-chair, and author of Book Savvy.

Stay tuned for information about our January Speaker!

February Calendar

Here's what I know so far about the February Calendar. As soon as the facilitators send me the details of their meetings, I will post them here.

Yikes...looks like we need to start an additional East Bay Group in March, which will meet in wheel chair accessible locations. Let me have your name if you are interested! Write to BookSavvy@aol.com.

Enjoy your reading. Cynthia K


Rebel Readers
Next book is Three Cups of Tea by Mortenson and Relin
February 13 at 6:30 at a Member's House
March Book is The Famished Road by Ben Okri
This group is complete

Tuesday Evening Book Nuts
Next book is The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
February 19 at 6:30 at Duboce Park Cafe
This group welcomes new members...just turn up!

Can't Fail Group
Next book is The Collected Stories of Grace Paley
February 10 at a member's house
March book is Sister Carrie by Theodore Dreiser
April book is Lolita in Tehran
This group is complete

Discovery Group
Next book is Patron Saint of Liars
February 21 meeting at 6:30 at a Members House
This group is complete

Discovery Group 2
Next book is Rise and Shine by Anna Quindlen
February 13 meeting at 6:30 at a Member's House
This group is looking for 1 or 2 more members (contact me at BookSavvy@aol.com if you would like to join)

Book Goddesses
Next Book is Fingersmith by Sarah Waters
February 24 meeting at 4 pm at a member's house

New East Bay Group
This group will meet in wheelchair accessible locations.
First meeting will be in March.
Contact me at BookSavvy@aol.com if you would like to be in this new group.

New SF Group
Contact me at BookSavvy@aol.com if you would like to be part of this group.

December 19 Welcome Speaker Elana Dykewoman!

Betty's List Book Club welcomes Elana Dykewoman as the ninth in our series of outstanding readers and and speakers. The event starts promptly at 6:30, and we encourage you to come early and get a bite to eat and a glass of wine at Rachel Herbert's wonderful Duboce Park Cafe.





Check out Elana’s new and forthcoming work:

“Foreword” and three poems in What I Want From You – Voices of East Bay Lesbian Poets, edited by Linda Zeiser and Trena Machado, Raw Art Press, 2006

“Seeking Welcome,” in Love, Castro Street, edited by Katherine Forrest and Jim Van Buskirk, Alyson, Spring 2007

“Are We Ready to Throw Our Weight Around? – Fat Women and Political Activism,” co-authored with Esther Rothblum, forthcoming in The Fat Studies Reader, edited by Esther Rothblum and Sondra Solovay, University of California Press, fall, 2007

Revisiting our First Blog Notice for New Members

The Betty's List Book Club has grown so large and so quickly, that we have many new members who already don't know how it all started. My original idea was to get together a nice book group of 6 to 10 women to attend myself. But then I hooked up with Betty and Betty's list and my modest idea grew into a book league with seven book groups meeting all over the Bay Area, and a Speaker's Night (every third Wednesday at Rachel Herbert's delightful Duboce Park Cafe). Thank you all for being avid readers, and making this book club your own! Cynthia K.

Here is an excerpt from our original post:



So let’s begin. What do you think of these reasons to read from Book Savvy? What books do you think are essential reading? What do you want in a book club? What else do you want to talk about? Help shape the Betty’s Book Club experience with your ideas and expertise.


Eleven Reasons to Make Reading an Important Part of Your Life:
Reading for Information
Reading to Understand Others
Reading to Know Oneself
Reading for Fun
Reading for Ideas
Reading as Virtual Travel
Reading to Become a Part of Our Culture
Reading for Suspense
Reading for the Love of Beauty
Reading for Glimpses of Perfection
Reading to Develop Thinking, Writing and Conversational Skills

We're still looking for your answers to all those questions, and we want to continue to grow the book club in ways that meet your needs (See the November calendar for a new wheelchair accessible group). And don't forget Book Savvy makes a great Christmas present....Cheers. Have a safe and wonderful holiday season.

November Calendar

Here's what I know so far about the November Calendar. As soon as the facilitators send me the details of their meetings, I will post them here.

The East Bay Group is officially formed.

Yikes...looks like we need to start an additional East Bay Group in March, which will meet in wheel chair accessible locations. Let me have your name if you are interested! Write to BookSavvy@aol.com.

Enjoy your reading. Cynthia K


Rebel Readers
Next book is Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
November 14 at 6:30 at a Member's House
This group is complete

Tuesday Evening Book Nuts
Next book is The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards
November 27 at 6:30 at Duboce Park Cafe
This group welcomes new members

Can't Fail Group
Next book is Of Mice and Men by Steinbeck
October 20 at a member's house
Next books are Bastard Out of Carolina by Dorothy Allison,
and A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
This group is complete

Discovery Group
Next books are Autobiography of a Face by Lucy Grealy,
and Truth and Beauty by Ann Pachett
October 25 at 6:30 at a Members House
This group is complete

East Bay Group
First Book is Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri
November 25 at 4pm at a member's house
This group is already complete

New East Bay Group
This group will meet in wheelchair accessible locations.
First meeting will be in March.
Contact me at BookSavvy@aol.com if you would like to be in this new group.

New SF Group
Contact me at BookSavvy@aol.com if you would like to be part of this group.

November 14 Valerie Miner Featured Speaker

After Eden is an elegant, provocative novel, whose dramatic plot examines issues of home and homelessness in a rural California valley. After Eden tackles a range of contemporary dramas such the devastating fires that threaten the West every year and fraught definitions of community.
Throughout the novel, Miner juxtaposes varying cultural definitions of wilderness and trespassing and home. Characters include Pomo Indians; Euro-American ranchers and vintners; Mexican American migrant laborers.
The story follows Emily from her arrival in the Valley where she plans to relax in her cabin, far away from her “real” life as a city planner in Chicago. The sudden death of her partner causes Emily to examine personal commitments to work, family and home. During this disturbing and restorative period of personal reflection, she also comes to understand in a deeper way the inter-cultural complexities of life in the Valley.
After Eden traces Emily’s story as it moves from loss to renewal for both the individual and the community. A decidedly feminist view of the New West, After Eden weaves lyrical prose with a different look at “family values” and what it really means to be human.

Valerie Miner is the award-winning author of thirteen books. She teaches at Stanford University and travels internationally, giving readings, lectures and workshops. www.valerieminer.com

Join us for another great reading in our monthly speaker's series.
Cynthia K.

It was a great event. Thanks!

October/November Calendar

Here's what I know so far about the October/November Calendar. As soon as the facilitators send me the details of their meetings, I will post them here. The East Bay Group is currently forming. If you would like to be included, contact me at BookSavvy@aol.com.

Yikes...looks like we need to start a new SF group too! Let me have your name if you are interested!

Enjoy your reading. Cynthia K


Rebel Readers
Next book is Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
November 14 at 6:30 at a Member's House
This group is complete

DykeRead
Next book is Wicked by Gregory Maguire
October 16 at 6:30 at Duboce Park Cafe
This group welcomes new members

Can't Fail Group
Next book is Of Mice and Men by Steinbeck
October 20 at a member's house
Next books are Bastard Out of Carolina by Dorothy Allison,
and A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
This group is complete

Discovery Group
Next books are Autobiography of a Face by Lucy Grealy,
and Truth and Beauty by Ann Pachett
October 25 at 6:30 at a Members House
This group is complete

New East Bay Group
Next Book is to be decided at the first meeting
October 27 at 11:00am at a member's house
This group is nearly formed. If you would like to be included,
contact me at BookSavvy@aol.com to add your name to the list.

New SF Group
Contact me at BookSavvy@aol.com if you would like to be part of this group.

October 17, 2007 Kit Kennedy Poetry Night/Open Mic

A Big Welcome to Kit Kennedy who will be featured with a number of other poets at the next Betty's Book List Speaker's Night at Duboce Park Cafe at 6:30pm on Wednesday October 17, 2007. Also, an Open Mic Opportunity.



Kit Kennedy is a walker, reader, poet, cook for her friends, and lover of cheese. Her poems appear in All Things Girl, Arsenic Lobster, Bayou, Bombay Gin, Cezanne's Carrot, Erosha, FriGG, Gay & Lesbian Review, The Hiss Quarterly, Mannequin Envy, Pearl, Poetry Super Highway, Right Hand Pointing, Runes, Saranac Review, Sinister Wisdom, Triplopia, Van Gogh's Ear, and The Wild Goose Poetry Review. She hosts the monthly All Poets Welcome Reading Series at Gallery Cafe in San Francisco.

THERE WILL ALSO BE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR FOLKS TO READ A FAVORITE POEM OR EVEN A POEM OF THEIR OWN. PLEASE BRING SOMETHING WITH YOU TO SHARE IF YOU'D LIKE. OTHERWISE, JUST GET READY TO HEAR SOME REALLY GREAT STUFF.
Cynthia K

Huge Thanks to Jamison Green...Great Q & A!!!

A huge thanks to Jamison Green for his terrific reading from his book Becoming a Visible Man. And thanks to the members of the Betty's List Book Club for the great turnout. Rachel Herbert and her wonderful staff take such superb care of us!


Jamison Green, author of Becoming a Visible Man, speaks to the Betty's List Book Club


Folks listening raptly to Jamison's reading


Georgette and Janis enjoy Jamison's reading


Melissa listens attentively


Jen and Friend during the Q & A period


Jamison answers questions with humor and wisdom


Cynthia Lee Katona, Betty's List Book Club Co-chair, and author Jamison Green

September 19 Speaker. Welcome Jamison Green

Mr. Green is known as an articulate champion for the legal protection, medical access, safety, civil rights and dignity of all trans people, everywhere. He has published several essays and articles, and writes a column for PlanetOut.com. His book, Becoming A Visible Man, published in 2004, is being adopted as a text in numerous universities and colleges. Becoming a Visible Man received the 2004 Sylvia Rivera Award for Best Book in Transgender Studies from the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies (CLAGS) in New York City. It was also a finalist for a 2004 Lambda Literary Award.

Please join us for another exciting evening of literature, laughter, good conversation and good food.
Duboce Park Cafe at 6:30 on September 19, 2007.

September/October Calendar

Here's what I know so far about the September/October Calendar. As soon as the facilitators send me the details of their meetings, I will post them here. I am collecting names for a new East Bay Group. I have seven names already. Contact me at BookSavvy@aol.com if you would like me to put you in touch with one of the group facilitators, or if you would like to start a new group yourself.

Yikes...looks like we need to start a new SF group too! Let me have your name if you are interested!

Enjoy your summer!

Cynthia K.

Rebel Readers
Next book is The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco
October 10 at 6:30 at a Member's House
This group is complete

DykeRead
Next book is Wicked by Gregory Maguire
October 16 at 6:30 at Duboce Park Cafe
This group welcomes new members

Can't Fail Group
Next Book is Picture Palace by Paul Theroux
Next books: Of Mice and Men, Bastard Out of Carolina, and A Christmas Carol
September 29 at 11:00 at Hogs Island Oyster Company
This group is complete

Discovery Group
Next book is Lady and the Unicorn by Tracy Chevalier
Taking a Summer Break in September
October 25 at 6:30 at a Members House
This group is complete

New East Bay Group
I will be collecting names for this new group. I have 7 so far.
Contact me at BookSavvy@aol.com to add your name to the list.
Half of us are meeting after the speaker on the 19th...join us to help plan the first meeting.

October 3, 2007 For your Calendars

If you didn't get to hear Betty's List Book Club's first speaker, the remarkable Renate Stendhal, you're in luck. She will be appearing on October 3rd at the Commonwealth Club. I'm really looking forward to interviewing her about Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas' controversial relationship.
Cynthia K.

COMMONWEALTH CLUB OF CALIFORNIA

LGBT MEMBER LED FORUM

OCTOBER 3

GERTRUDE AND ALICE: THE CENTENNIAL OF A CONTROVERSIAL RELATIONSHIP

Renate Stendhal, Author, Gertrude Stein In Words and Pictures: A Photobiography

Moderator: Cynthia Lee Katona, Professor, Ohlone College; Author, Book Savvy

Alice B. Toklas and Gertrude Stein’s relationship has been considered in turn shocking, a reason for feminist celebration, critique and the object of intense speculation. This talk will explore how the most famous lesbian couple of modern times has stirred the imagination of readers ever since their salon became “one of the best rooms in the finest museum.” (Hemingway)

Location:
595 Market Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
Phone: (415) 597-6700
Time: 5:30 p.m. reception, 6 p.m. program
Cost: $8 members, $15 non-members
Program Organizer: Laurie Wagner
wagner.laurie@gmail.com

Huge Thanks to Ali Liebegot...Great Reading!

A huge thanks to Ali Liebegot for her terrific reading from her new book The Ihop Papers. And thanks to the members of the Betty's List Book Club for the great turnout. Rachel Herbert and her wonderful staff take such superb care of us!


Betty presides over the traditional door prizes with Karen's assistance.


Terry wins a copy of Book Savvy.


Ali reads to much laughter from The Ihop Papers.


Lee, Betty and Chris give Ali their total attention.


More members enjoying the reading.


Ali tells it like it is.


Jennifer, Melissa and Beth enjoy Ali's reading.


Ali Liebegot, author of The Ihop Papers, with Cynthia Lee Katona, Co-chair of the Betty's book club, and author of Book Savvy

August 15 Speaker. Welcome Ali Liebegott!

Michelle Tea, whose spectacular reading in July wowed the Betty's List Book Club, has made it possible for us to have another Sister Spit touring author come read to us in August. Ali Liebegott has been writing stories and poems since she was a teenager, and her work has appeared in numerous journals and anthologies. In 2005 her book-length poem The Beautifully Worthless was published by Suspect Thoughts Press and was recently awarded a Lambda Literary Award. Her novel the IHOP Papers came out in January 2007. Currently she is finishing an illustrated novel called The Crumb People.

Please join us for another exciting evening of literature, laughter, good conversation and good food.
Duboce Park Cafe at 6:30 on August 15, 2007.

Cynthia K.

August Calendar

Here's what I know so far about the August Calendar. As soon as the facilitators send me the details of their meetings, I will post them here. The Discovery Group is accepting members, and I am collecting names for a new East Bay Group. Contact me at BookSavvy@aol.com if you would like me to put you in touch with one of the group facilitators, or if you would like to start a new group yourself.

Enjoy your summer!

Cynthia K.

Rebel Readers
Next book is The Law of Dreams: A Novel by Peter Behrens
August 29 at 6:30 at a Member's House
September Book is The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco
This group is complete

DykeRead
Next book is Angels and Demons by Dan Brown
August 28 at 6:30 at Duboce Park Cafe Please Note...Meeting Cancelled.
September's book is Wicked by Gregory Maguire
Date to be Announced
This group is complete


Can't Fail Group
Next Book is Madame Bovary by Flaubert
August 19 at 11:00 at Member's House
This group is complete

Discovery Group
Next book is Lady and the Unicorn by Tracy Chevalier
Taking a Summer Break in September
October 10 at 6:30 at a Members House
Seeking members

New East Bay Group
I will be collecting names for this new group. I have 4 so far.
Contact me at BookSavvy@aol.com to add your name to the list.

Huge Thanks to Michelle Tea!

A Huge thanks to Michelle Tea for her spirited reading from Rose of No Man's Land...You rock!


Betty Sullivan starts the festivities with the traditional raffle of copies of Book Savvy and gift certificates from Good Vibrations!


Michelle Tea reads from her most excellent novel Rose of No Man's Land.


Rachel Herbert and the crew of Duboce Park Cafe take great care of Book Club members!


Book club members enjoy Michelle's humor and perfect timing.


New member Cathy considers MIchelle's prose.


Book club members watching and listening.


Michelle answers provocative questions with a glint in her eyes.


Book club members enjoying the food at Duboce Park Cafe and listening to Michelle Tea.


Cynthia Lee Katona, Book Club Co-chair, and author of Book Savvy, with speaker Michelle Tea.

Walkabout in the Southwest July 11-16

My last walkabout was so terrific, I've decided to return for a short encore. I will answer all mail at BookSavvy@aol.com on my return.


A huge thanks to those of you who went to the Book Convention and touted Book Savvy. Sales are way up! If you have recently bought a copy, please bring it to the book club on the 18th so I can put a provocative inscription in it ( I learned something about that from Katia Noyes).




Looking forward to seeing you all at the Duboce Park Cafe on July 18 for our terrific speaker Michelle Tea.

Cynthia K.

July Speaker Michelle Tea July 18....Be There!

Michelle Tea is an author, poet and ex-prostitute. She's a prolific young writer who is an unabashed hit in the San Francisco queer literacy community. Originally from Chelsea, MA, Tea co-founded of the original Sister Spit experience, a nationally successful traveling girl-poetry road show. She is known for her live performances, public speaking and published works, including four memoirs, three anthologies and several novels. She's been called the poet laureate of the San Francisco's Mission District, and has been profiled by KQED, afterEllen.com, Curve Magazine and more. She is host and cookie baker for the monthly Radar Reading Series at the San Francisco Public Library.