Book Snails Book Group discussion

February is the month of love. It doesn't matter if you are cynical or romantic. February is inextricably linked with St Valentin(e), the Patron Saint of Lovers. According to the Vatican News Saints' day information page, it was Geoffrey Chaucer we have to thank for this. The real Saint Valentin had little to do with romantic love. He was, like many a Christian martyr, a man on a mission of conversion. Sadly, his conversions were so upsetting that he was beheaded for them.
This year February is also the month of Mardi Gras and Lent. Mardi Gras, translated as Fat Tuesday, is the end of a period of celebration in the Christian calendar that began on a day called Epiphany or Twelfth Night. Though for many who take part in the revelry it has nothing to do with religion, it's just one hell of a good time. It is a day celebrated throughout the world but, arguably, the most famous place to party is in New Orleans.
The first Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans took place in 1837. Krewes build floats that parade through the city culminating in balls that finish at midnight,when Lent begins.
This February also contains a leap day, which has always seemed magical to me. I know that it's just a calculation to keep astronomical and seasonal events in line. I know that it's no more mystical than dividing the year by four or centennial years by 400 and if the answer is a whole number it means it's a leap year. Still, I advocate we cling to the mystery.
It also means Black History month in the USA is almost a whole month. Every four years the shortest month of the year remains the shortest month of the year with an extra day to commemorate, learn about and appreciate the contributions and sacrifices black Americans have made in making America great.

For February read a book or books from one of the categories below:
▪️Read a book where someone gets beheaded
▪️Read a book set in New Orleans
▪️Read a book with "day" in the title or where time is essential to the plot (e.g.Dark Matter, Sleeping Beauties)
▪️Read a book with an African American main character

I love these new challenges of the month! And great introductions too, much fun to read.
I hope someone in the current novel I’m reading (Circe) will be beheaded, so I can check that one! :-D

Pien wrote: "I love these new challenges of the month! And great introductions too, much fun to read.
I hope someone in the current novel I’m reading (Circe) will be beheaded, so I can check that one! :-D"

I really enjoyed Circe. I hope you like it. Though I think it'll fit a January challenge if there's no beheading.

Thanks for your comment, Pien. They're fun to write. I'll get your Member post up soon. I'm doing it all on my phones which is tricky.