We now begin our discussion of Stewart O'Nan's Last Night at the Lobster, the first entry in the Dining@Large Reader's Group.

My hope is that a few of you will grab the reins and go with this. 

I thought of this book after a comment of mine comparing a new restaurant to Red Lobster was taken as an insult.

Really, what I meant was that  Red Lobster is brilliant in how well it manages the messages it sends to consumers. The new restaurant was also shrewd about its messaging -- only the message was about  style and enjoyment instead of value.

I have friends who shudder at the mention of Red Lobster -- they've never had those cheese biscuits.

The best rule any book club I ever belonged to had was this: the first comment should be a positive one.

Continue reading "The Reading Group discussion thread" »

Posted by Richard Gorelick at 12:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)
Categories: Reading Group
        

So, let's do it. From time to time, anyone who wants to will join in a discussion of novel, memoirs, popular history, or what have you related to food and dining in general and the world of restaurants in particular. First up is Stewart O'Nan's Last Night at the Lobster. The book is widely available in paperback (for as little as ninety-nine cents!) and clocks in at a slim 160 pages.

Let's see, today is October 19. Why don't we give everyone until Thursday, November 4th to find the book and read it. Then, on that day, I'll open up a discussion thread for it. 

I hope you like it as much this book as much as I did. If this goes well, I'll open up the selection process -- but for now, a little benevolent dictatorship seemed warranted. 

Any questions?

Posted by Richard Gorelick at 9:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)
Categories: Reading Group