Alexandria, VA – Over dinner at Aldo’s Italian Kitchen, the Zebra Book Club gathered for their October meeting to discuss Anna Johnston’s The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife. Longtime member Anna Marie Evans guided the lively conversation, unpacking the novel’s bittersweet themes of grief, second chances, and chosen family.
While members appreciated the poignancy of the premise, others agreed the central identity swap required quite a stretch of credulity. Opinions were especially sharp regarding the book’s frequent “potty humor,” which several readers felt was excessive and leaned into tired stereotypes of the elderly.
The club will next meet Monday, November 30, at 7:00 p.m. at the Cooper Mill Restaurant in Old Town to discuss Janet Evanovich’s The King’s Ransom. Reservations are required but will not open until Friday, November 27. To reserve or stay updated, follow the Zebra Book Club on Facebook, or email [email protected] if you do not have a Facebook account.
