"Why is a raven like a writing desk?"

At the end of April, our book club met at Alice's Tea Cup to talk about Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. We sat around this creaky wooden table, with mismatched chairs and china. It felt as if at any moment the Mad Hatter would show up to make us move over while wishing us a merry un-birthday.

What I love about our group is that we are all so different and we each bring something unique to the discussion. We can delve into Carroll's psyche and in the same breath quote from our favorite you-tube videos. In Hannah Montana's words, we really do have the best of both worlds. And even if half of us read one book instead of both, or only watched the movie(s), we still always accomplish what we set out to do in the first place: read good books, try new places, eat good food, stimulate our minds and laugh our asses off.

What I learned:
1. Lewis Carroll (the artist) was innovative. Lewis Carroll (the person) was creepy, and definitely a pedophile.
2. Nonsensical literature can be frustrating at times, but also forces you to think outside the box
3. Alice is irritating and foolish in Wonderland, but (in my opinion) redeemed in Looking Glass.
4. It is more rewarding to read classics on your own terms and for your own enjoyment.
5. Contrary to what I believed in high school, introductions are helpful and worth reading.

6. Disney's Alice in Wonderland is still the worst of the Disney movies.
7. Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland was a clever mash-up of elements from both books. I loved that he created (what I imagine is) an "after" for Alice and her friends in Wonderland.
8. My friends are hilarious, eloquent and exceptionally witty.
9. Alice's Tea Cup has annoying reservation policies, but makes up for it with the fluffiest and tastiest scones.

10. I will take more pictures during book club. These images are pathetic!