Book Club

I love going to book club. Six years ago when we moved here I was struggling to make friends and find my place and then a group of us at my church decided to organize a book club. We were an eclectic group of women in different stages of life and with varying interests but I found a home among these readers.

The very first book we read was I Capture the Castle. It was a different book that I probably wouldn’t have read otherwise, which is exactly what I love about book club. I enjoy being pushed out of my tendency to read historical fiction and even if I don’t like the book, I almost always learn something or at least can appreciate good literature that is of a different style, or even non fiction. It is intellectually stimulating to discuss themes and characters and how the story relates to us. It helps me prioritize something I already love to do but that can easily get pushed to the side.

The good conversation, both about books and then about whatever is on our mind, is fulfilling and energizing. There are never very many of us but I enjoy the intimacy of a small group of caring women, most of whom are much older than I am. I appreciate their listening ears, their experience, their understanding and feeling like one of their peers. Add in a fun treat and it quickly becomes the best night of the month. It is the only activity I participate in that is selfishly for me and me alone. I love it.

These are some of the books that have prompted the best discussions over the years (so not necessarily my favorites).

1. The Help by Kathryn Stockett.  You’ve probably all heard about this book or seen the movie but I will always remember the discussion we had about raising children and nannies or daycare or staying home with them. It was thought-provoking and meaningful and respectful.

2. Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua. This book got everyone riled up and we had a spirited discussion on what it takes to be a good mother and how to bring up good and talented kids.

3. The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman prompted a very philosophical discussion on telling the truth and how to handle difficult circumstances. The characters are put into a tough spot and we had fun debating whether what they did was right or not.

4. The Rent Collector by Cameron Wright had us all discussing how much we love reading and appreciating literacy in our lives. We discussed the lengths people go to in order to improve their lives and the blessings and joys that come from reading.

5. My Story by Elizabeth Smart. I was horrified to read this book and it still haunts me but we had an involved discussion about her bravery and incredible ability to overcome and move on from what happened to her. We shared our horror and fear and talked about whether we agreed with other people’s criticisms of her.

6.  Still Alice by Lisa Genova was a very moving story that got us all talking about what we would do if we were losing our memory. We discussed priorities, the meaning and value of life and how Alzheimer's has affected each one of us in some way.

If you are part of a book club, or even if you just enjoy reading good books, I highly recommend these books as well.

1. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
2. The Distance Between Us by Renya Grande
3. Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford
4. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
5. Elantris by Brandon Sanderson (one of the sci-fi/fantasy ones I liked) and also Warbreaker by the same author
6. The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton
7. The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd
8. Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline
9. Beyond the Blue by Leslie Gould
10. Global Mom by Melissa Bradford

For next month we’re reading The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, which is a fun, quirky mystery taking place in 1950 with a young and likeable protagonist named Flavia trying to figure out who killed the dead man found on her large English estate. Come join us!