The Book Trotters met Monday evening at Times Ten Cellar to explore the Middle East as they discussed the August book selection, “The Desert Queen.”

The story follows the fascinating life of Gertrude Bell, who traded her privileged and proper life in Victorian England for one in the Arabian dessert where she rode camels and ran with sheiks.

After World War I, she was almost single-handedly responsible for the founding of modern Iraq.

“The Desert Queen” was the choice of club member Rose Mary Rumbley.  After leading the book discussion, she sent everyone home with a bag of tea and a colorful scarf.

Adding to the pleasure of the Book Trotter’s meetings is the club’s tradition of enjoying food characteristic of the current book selection’s setting.  Pita, hummus, olives and other Middle Eastern favorites were enjoyed during the evening.