📚 You asked. We delivered. We are now offering the Literary Lagniappe Book Club as a morning event AND an evening event! Same book. Same location. Same hostesses. Elevated themed menu. 👇
The only thing better than finding a great book is talking about that book! What’s even better than that? A guided discussion led by a seasoned book reviewer and book club host, with delicious themed food and drink.
Join us July 15th 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm for our first Literary Lagniappe, featuring a 2025 debut novel, THE CORRESPONDENT by Virginia Evans. *
About the book: “Sybil Van Antwerp has throughout her life used letters to make sense of the world and her place in it. Most mornings, Sybil sits down to write letters—to her brother, to her best friend, to the president of the university who will not allow her to audit a class she desperately wants to take, to Joan Didion and Larry McMurtry to tell them what she thinks of their latest books, and to one person to whom she writes often yet never sends the letter.
Sybil expects her world to go on as it always has—a mother, grandmother, wife, divorcee, distinguished lawyer, she has lived a very full life. But when letters from someone in her past force her to examine one of the most painful periods of her life, she realizes that the letter she has been writing over the years needs to be read and that she cannot move forward until she finds it in her heart to offer forgiveness.
Filled with knowledge that only comes from a life fully lived, The Correspondent is a gem of a novel about the power of finding solace in literature and connection with people we might never meet in person. It is about the hubris of youth and the wisdom of old age, and the mistakes and acts of kindness that occur during a lifetime. Sybil Van Antwerp’s life of letters might be “a very small thing,” but she also might be one of the most memorable characters you will ever read.”
Discussion led by Marné Deranger. A lifelong reader, Marné works with authors and publishers, reviewing new releases and helping her followers find ideal books and audiobooks. After reading our July book, she said, “This will be on my “best of” list for the year. I want to press it into your hands. It’s one of those glorious books that is short on pages but long on feelings and stays with you.” Follow her as ReaderByTheWater on Instagram and Facebook.
*This is an affiliate link.
LET US KNOW YOU’LL BE THERE BY CLICKING HERE TODAY — includes complimentary water, tea, and wine, plus 20% off in store shopping on the day of our book club meeting.
INCLUDES THEMED DINNER — small bites of pretzels and brats with honey mustard dipping sauce, ham & cheese sliders, potato salad, and German strawberry streusel cake (like the one Sybil and Theodore enjoyed from their favorite German bakery in the book).
Your Price: $29.95 (just bring your book and your thoughts; we’ll provide everything else).
*Classes & Events Cancellation & No Show Policy
We understand that life happens and plans can change. To ensure the best experience for all guests and to respect the time and preparation required for each class, we kindly ask that you review our cancellation and no-show policy:
🔸 Cancellations
More than 72 hours before class: You may receive 100% credit towards a future class at Natchitoches Picnic Company, or transfer your ticket to another guest.
Less than 72 hours before class: You may receive 50% credit towards a future class at Natchitoches Picnic Company, or transfer your ticket to another guest.
Same-day cancellations are considered a no-show.
🔸 No Shows
If you do not attend your reserved class and have not contacted us in advance, your reservation will be forfeited, and no refund or credit will be issued.
🔸 Minimum Enrollment & Weather Cancellations
We reserve the right to cancel a class if minimum enrollment is not met or in the case of severe weather. In this case, you will receive 100% credit towards a future class at Natchitoches Picnic Company.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Our classes are carefully planned, and your reservation helps us create the best experience possible for all attendees.