ASD Book Club: Horse

If you read our blog, you probably know that Harriet and I are in two book clubs; we read at least two books per month. But we only choose to discuss books that we really loved: Horse by Geraldine Brooks is one of those books. Although the book is historical fiction, there is so much that Brooks based on well researched facts. Most of the characters are either a very accurate depiction of actual individuals who were an integral part of the Horse story or were a compilation based on concrete facts that were determined in her research. Regardless, the specifics of this story will teach you so much about the journey of a very renowned American horse: Lexington

Although I certainly don’t want to give much of the story away, it is interesting to learn about Lexington. The story takes place in three separate timeframes: 1853-1875; 1954-1956 and 2019. Each of these periods tells a specific tale about Lexington. The early period tells of the actual life of Lexington; the second concerns a particular painting that is integral in his life journey and the final period explains how Lexington and his story are completed over 150 years later.

Thomas Scott Portrait of Lexington

Photo from the International Museum of the Horse

Lexington Racehorse, 1878

“Known as one of the greatest racehorses of his day and sire to more winning horses than any other American thoroughbred before or since, Lexington (1850-1875) is a symbol of the town of Lexington, Ky., which names him the “Official Horse of Bluegrass Country.”Originally exhibited in the Osteology Hall at the National Museum of Natural History, Lexington was moved to the National Museum of American History in 1999 to be included in the exhibition “On Time.” His skeleton provided context to the story of the first mass-produced stopwatch that split time into fractions of seconds—allegedly developed to time Lexington’s feats on the racetrack.

In 2010, some 160 years after his birth, a team of conservators and specialists at the National Museum of Natural History prepared to return Lexington’s skeleton to his birthplace.” excerpt from Smithsonian Snapshots

Although Horse is primarily a story about Lexington, Brooks has also included other topics appropriate to the timeframe. Since Lexington lived primarily in the South prior to and during the Civil War, Brooks discusses the issue of slavery in America. And since the story also includes the present day, she incorporates some insight into black existence today in America.

The Charcuterie Board

Each member of the book club takes a turn selecting the book and providing the meal. Since it was Harriet’s month, I wanted to include the wonderful dinner she prepared.

Begin with a Great Wine

Harriet and I love good wine; her selections for book club never disappoint!

Set A Pretty Table

Although this was a small group, Harriet still set a lovely table.

Prepare a Delectable Meal

Perfect for the cold and rainy weather we are experiencing, Harriet made this yummy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup from Allrecipes

Decadent Dessert

The perfect way to end the meal: Crumbl Cookies

So ends our fun book club evening. The dinner was yummy, the discussion lively and most everyone (except for one!) loved the book. We hope you wll read Horse and let us know what you think.

XO

Wendy and Harriet