W3 Book Club - "The Circle"

Article written by Teri E. Popp, Tastemaker in Residence; Hosted by Laura Chin, Tastemaker in Residence = "The Circle" by Dave Eggers

While our book club loves to read everything from classic fiction to chick lit, we do like to occasionally focus on a book extremely topical in nature.  To achieve that goal, our hostess, Laura Chin, chose "The Circle" by Dave Eggers.

Following the meteoric career achievements of Mae Holland, Eggers paints a picture of a technology company that, depending on your point of view, wishes to make all human kind the best it can be, or to control everyone on the planet.  This extremely readable book tackles issues from technology ethics to medical insurance dilemmas.  

For her theme, Laura chose an all circular menu including:

Appetizers:  Brie Cheese and Fig Compote in Round Pastry Rolls; Sliced Rounds of Italian Sausage with Provolone Cheese; Taralli Con Semi Di Finocchio Crackers; Circle Shaped English Cucumber Ups filled with Spice Ahi Tuna, and Round Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Vinegar.

Entrees:  Spinach and Feta Stuffed Circular Flank Steaks with Rosemary; Round Crab Cakes with Sriracha Mayo Dollop; Polenta Rounds Topped with Mushroom Sauce; Carrot Coins in Butter and Dill; Lightly Pickled Round Shaped Watermelon Radish Slices; and Bibb Lettuce and Tarragon Salad with French Vinaigrette.

Dessert:  Raspberry Pudding Circular Bundt Cake served with Pistachio Ice Cream.

Book club participants got into the swing of things and wore either circle shaped accessories or clothes containing round patterns.  The theme was a fun, circular take on the scary potential possibilities of  technology, and it received a round of applause from all of our W3 Book Club participants!!

On a interesting note, this novel is scheduled to debut as a movie starring Emma Watson, Tom, Hanks, John Boyega, and Bill Paxton in April of 2017.