Behind the Book Club Box- Counterfeit by Kirstin Chen
I need to be real honest here, I did not think this book was a good fit for a Busy Bees Book Club in a Box at first, I truly couldn't see it. You could have blown me over with a feather when we read this little gem for my personal book club and the gals practically demanded that it be included in the catalog.
I love this scrappy story and especially the strong female lead characters that build their own destinies by any means necessary. I originally didn't think it would be compelling enough for the Busy Bees...boy was I wrong.
Set the Scene
First- we had to seize on the handbag theme! My ever-so-crafty neighbor dreamed up these high-end purses in miniature, scattered a few "diamonds" in for good measure, and voila, our tablescape is coming together in the most luxurious way.
Next- my crafty and clever book clubber created "stamps" to help the book club differentiate between authentic and counterfeit goods. So cute!
Lastly- we added these outrageous price tags to the table scape.
Boom. Clever. Simple. Perfect. Done.
A Case of Counterfeit Truffles
These faux truffles were the talk of the town (well the talk of the book club). My friend and neighbor created these to look like high-end truffles but inside they are delicious cake bites. She sprinkled them with good-grade glitter for a touch of luxury. We're including this recipe in the box, don't sleep on this one!
Themed Cocktail That Packs a Punch.
Next up is a shoutout for my dear friend that brough the Coco Chanel cocktail...this one snuck up on me, it's a beautifully presented cocktail that packs a wallop. Graceful on the outside, high ABV on the inside!
Opening Activity
Bob Barker is in the house with this month's ice breaker activity! Guess the MSRP of these 5 high priced handbags and impress your fellow book clubbers with your fashion sense.
Let the Real Questions Breathe
This is a book about women, money, belonging, and the stories we tell ourselves. Some of the best discussions happen when silence is allowed and answers do not need to be tidy.
Our questions in 3 levels (honey bees, worker bees, and killer bees) kept the conversation lively and interesting.
The Busy Bees Takeaway
A great book club is not about impressing your guests. It is about inviting them into a shared experience that feels thoughtful and human. Counterfeit is a powerful reminder that the most interesting conversations often live in the gray areas.
Set the table. Pour the drinks. Ask one good question. Then let the evening unfold.
That is hosting with heart. 🐝