Best of Blue Suede Book Club
The Blue Suede Book Club Hall of Fame: Our Top 3 Picks
For the past two years, our Blue Suede Book Club has been about more than just finding books we love — it’s been about pushing ourselves as readers, stepping outside our comfort zones, and diving into stories that spark real conversation. Some books we adored, others we debated, but every story challenged us to think about what makes a truly great book. Today, we’re celebrating the ones that rose to the top, three unforgettable reads and three delicious drinks that brought us together in the best ways.
Blue Hawaiian
A favorite of Blue Suede member Kathy Orr, the Blue Hawaiian is a vibrant, tropical cocktail bursting with pineapple, coconut, and a splash of blue curaçao. Though it’s not officially on the menu, the talented Blue Suede staff whipped it up expertly — just one example of their off-menu magic!
Before We Were Yours, by Lisa Wingate
A novel that broke our hearts — and opened our eyes.
If Before We Were Yours taught us anything, it’s that sometimes the hardest stories are the ones that bring us together the most. Lisa Wingate’s novel, inspired by the real-life horrors of the Tennessee Children’s Home Society, struck a chord with every member of our club — and with our mix of reading styles, that doesn’t happen often! The dual timelines — one following the Foss children in 1939 Memphis, the other uncovering long-buried family secrets in the present day — kept us hooked from start to finish. We loved how the pacing between the two storylines gave us room to catch our breath between the heavier, heart-wrenching scenes. The story was heartbreaking, exciting, and so well-crafted that several of us couldn’t resist diving into the real history after we finished. Before We Were Yours sparked some of the richest, most thoughtful conversations we’ve had yet — especially as we reflected on the unimaginable loss of children stolen from loving parents and ripped from their riverboat lives, their futures forever altered by greed and cruelty. It’s a story we won't soon forget.
The Glass Castle, by Jeannette Walls
A story that exposed the raw truths of family — and the strength it takes to survive.
The Glass Castle is a memoir that forced our club to confront some of the most challenging and uncomfortable themes: poverty, sexual assault, food insecurity, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of it all. Jeannette Walls’ portrayal of her childhood, marked by neglect and instability, had us grappling with our emotions from the very first page. What struck us most was her father — a man who was both charming and likeable, yet equally neglectful, selfish, and at times, violent. His brilliance and artistic ambition were undeniable, but his ability to prioritize his own desires over his children’s well-being left us conflicted. His brilliance, tempered by his inability to care for his children, mirrored some of the themes we encountered in Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance. Both books shed light on the generational poverty, mistrust of government, and deep-rooted social issues that affect families in rural America.
In The Glass Castle, we saw the Walls children survive through a mix of art, ingenuity, and sheer willpower, much like Vance’s own reflections on his upbringing in a working-class Appalachian family. Both authors depict families where survival is a constant struggle, and where government systems that are supposed to provide safety and support fail at every turn. While Walls' father’s eccentricities led to some moments of creativity and even art, they also kept the family trapped in cycles of deprivation and instability. This juxtaposition of creativity and chaos forced us to reflect on how systems of support — or lack thereof — can shape the destinies of families.
Irish Coffee
Pat MacGowan’s go-to drink at Blue Suede is the classic Irish Coffee — a smooth, rich blend of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, and a layer of cream. It’s the perfect showcase of Blue Suede’s unique spirit, blending expert cocktail craftsmanship with cozy coffeehouse warmth
Chai Tea Latte
Sue Oltman’s favorite Blue Suede pick, the chai tea latte, is a cozy yet vibrant choice. Packed with warm spices and rich flavor, it’s as exciting as any cocktail on the menu. Perfect for book club nights, it offers a relaxing sip without sacrificing the boldness we love.
Beneath a Scarlet Sky, by Mark Sullivan
A journey through courage, betrayal, and the quiet heroism history almost forgot.
Beneath a Scarlet Sky took our club on a whirlwind journey through one of the most tumultuous periods in history, providing us with both a gripping story of survival and a fresh perspective on World War II. What struck us most was the main character's growth. Pino Lella, initially a naive teenager, evolves into a courageous young man who learns, often the hard way, that the world is far more dangerous and complex than he ever imagined. His transformation was one of the most compelling aspects of the book, and we couldn’t help but admire how his experiences shaped him into someone who had to make impossible choices for survival and loyalty.
The Italian perspective on WWII was another fascinating layer, offering insight into the struggles and complexities faced by those living under Mussolini’s regime and during the war. We were especially intrigued by Pino’s narrow escape from a brutal death in the streets following Mussolini’s beheading. His role in working for the Allied forces, even while navigating the dangers of being in enemy territory, created a tension and urgency that kept us on the edge of our seats. It was a story filled with both harrowing moments and flashes of hope, reminding us that history is often far more complex and human than the headlines suggest.
Not Too Late to Read Along with Blue Suede
While we’re sad to share that Blue Suede is closing its doors, our book club is far from over! We’ll continue to meet on the 4th Saturday of every month, just like always. This month, we’ll gather at the library, and moving forward, we may explore a new off-site location. Stay tuned for updates — and thank you for reading along with Blue Suede Book Club! Browse this collection to explore more books that we’ve read over the years.