ALN Monthly Book Club - Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik

Join us for the first book of 2019: Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik! Come for the book discussion, stay for Jim's (temporary) return as host of ALN Nerdy Book Club! Get yourself a warm blanket and sit yourself down in front of a roaring fire for this fantastic tale by the renowned author of Uprooted (one of our previous favorite book club books!)

Summary:

"Miryem is the daughter and granddaughter of moneylenders, but her father’s inability to collect his debts has left his family on the edge of poverty—until Miryem takes matters into her own hands. Hardening her heart, the young woman sets out to claim what is owed and soon gains a reputation for being able to turn silver into gold.

When an ill-advised boast draws the attention of the king of the Staryk—grim fey creatures who seem more ice than flesh—Miryem’s fate, and that of two kingdoms, will be forever altered. Set an impossible challenge by the nameless king, Miryem unwittingly spins a web that draws in a peasant girl, Wanda, and the unhappy daughter of a local lord who plots to wed his child to the dashing young tsar.

But Tsar Mirnatius is not what he seems. And the secret he hides threatens to consume the lands of humans and Staryk alike. Torn between deadly choices, Miryem and her two unlikely allies embark on a desperate quest that will take them to the limits of sacrifice, power, and love.

Channeling the vibrant heart of myth and fairy tale, Spinning Silver weaves a multilayered, magical tapestry that readers will want to return to again and again."

Hope you enjoy this book as much as I did and it will surely lead to a fantastic discovery of fantasy worlds, fairy tales, and the lessons these worlds teach us. Happy reading!!!

For more information on how to find the group at the park: We meet at Presidio Park at the top of the hill, at whatever picnic tables we can grab in the shade, as close to the bathrooms as we can get without it getting smelly. 32°45'26.1"N 117°11'33.4"W

It is highly recommend you bring a folding chair or a blanket to lay on the ground. We usually sit atop pine needles, but some people are able to sit on the picnic tables or in the grass if any is near by.

We hope to see you there!

Upcoming books!

Spinning Silver - Naomi Novik - January
Redshirts - John Scalzi - February
How To Fight Presidents - Daniel O'Brien - February Non-fiction
The Children of Men - P.D. James - March
California Bones - Greg Van Eekhout - April
Red Rising - Pierce Brown - May
The Magicians - Lev Grossman - June
The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August - Claire North - July
Scythe - Neal Shusterman - August