Book Club Luncheon at Shelly’s New York

Photos by Cathy Pinsky, Cathy Pinsky Studio

Executive Moms kicked off 2004 with our first “Speak Your Mind Whether You Read it Or Not” Book Club Luncheon. A great crowd arrived and immediately enjoyed connecting—and reconnecting with one another. Our chosen book was “The Bitch in the House,” whose provocative title only begins to convey the breadth of topics its essayists wrote about with fresh, honest voices, including: sex, motherhood, work and marriage.

We were thrilled to be joined by special guest Cathi Hanauer, author and the book’s editor. Cathi gave a stirring talk about the genesis of the book, followed by a reading that elicited nods and laughs of appreciation from the audience.As guests enjoyed lunch, quotes from the book became excellent discussion-starters for each table.

Individual table discussions were followed by thoughtful, engaging total group discussion, in which the themes of the book provided a platform for a range of personal viewpoints.

Executive Moms’ President Marisa Thalberg worked the room with the microphone while Cathi emceed from the podium….even Marisa’s mother got into the act!… lending a heartfelt perspective.

Many rewards abounded for those who attended, particularly for one lucky guest, Judy Tallerman, who won an Ultimate Oscar Basket, compliments of event sponsor PEOPLE Magazine! Executive Moms President Marisa Thalberg (center) with PEOPLE Magazine’s CeCe Ryan (L) and Mary Gallagher (R)…And as has become our custom, every Executive Mom departed not only feeling stimulated, but rewarded with a great event gift bag.