The reactions to the book were mixed. A few of us loved it and the Paris environment. Others couldn't stand the character and had trouble finishing it. The biggest split seemed to be between people who had suffered through very rough childhoods and had no sympathy for the spoiled little rich girl who toyed with the idea of suicide, and those who felt her isolation was a genuine part of adolescent development and both believable and sympathetic. Some questioned what sort of parents would let a young teen hang out with a strange man.
What we seemed to like best about the book was its messages about art and experience, and how perception changes everything, and you really don't know what impact you have on others until you are told. We suspect it is probably better in the original French, but the audiobook performance was quite good.
Our dinner was quite tasty.
Katie S. made steak a la rose (grilled Japanese steak with rose cut roasted potatoes), entertained as she was by the dog's enjoyment of the other's bottom in the hallway (yes, a bit gross, but the food was delicious).
Dawn made buckwheat soba noodles with dipping sauce, plus brought sake. 
Katie W. brought marinated cucumbers & goyza.
Rachel created some delicious dark chocolate Florentines.
And Barbara brought dark chocolate macaroons!
The church will still be doing it's Lent dinner series, so we will be back at Madeline's house once again!
Contact me if you need directions :)
