Discussion date: October 13, 2003

What we thought:

We had chosen this book because of the title poem, from which the "Red Hat Society" gets its name. The Red Hatters are devoted to fun and frivolity for the over-50 set, "going for the gusto" together, and sharing enthusiasm for life.

So it was a surprise to most of us to discover that the assorted poems and stories in our book of the month were, by and large, downers -- more depressing than uplifting in their depiction of aging. Although many of the selections were beautifully written, the book as a whole lacked the sense of humor and joie de vivre that we had expected to find in its pages. Still, although most of us would find it hard to recommend the book to a friend, we had to admit that it led us into one of the liveliest discussion sessions we'd ever had.

Marcia sparked us off with her list of "Red Hat resolutions" -- everything from taking more trips and having more adventures, to renewing childhood friendships and cleaning out closets. We especially enjoyed hearing Marcia describe her recent hot-air ballooning adventure, and Elizabeth's recounting of her trip on "Katie" the mule down into the Grand Canyon.

We couldn't really figure out how to rate this book -- we'd have to give it 5 stars for the great talkfest it inspired, but no more than 3 for the actual book.

Below: Karen and Marcia in red and purple.