Why I Heart Book Clubs
Note: no chocolate was harmed during this photo shoot (because that happened after)
Friends, books, wine, chocolate. What’s not to love about a book club? But for me, being a part of a book club is about more than the snacks or even (gasp!) the words on the page, it’s a way for me to connect with truly wonderful people.
I grew up a painfully shy child, generally preferring the make-believe worlds of Hogwarts or Netherfield Park to reality. But luckily, through my love for books, I found others who shared my passions and reading became a way for me to garner friendships.
That remains true today. I’ve been a part of my book club (hands down, the best EVER) for nearly 7 years. Crazy, right? That’s as long as I’ve known my husband! And the ladies in my book club are all such amazing, intelligent women and I’m honored to call them friends.
Here are 3 other things I love about being in a book club:
Reading books I wouldn’t normally pick up — In my book club, every member picks a book and we randomly select the order in which we read them (by literally drawing from a hat). I absolutely love the challenge and how, more often than not, I’m pleasantly surprised by a new author or genre.
The discussion — Discussing books and trying to dissect an author’s true meaning is so fun, especially when everyone has a different background and perspective to share. My dream is to someday write something open-ended and intriguing enough to spark a scintillating discussion!
Inside information from real readers — For example, I once attended book club while preoccupied with writing a great opening. I felt that the book we’d read was the perfect example of a brilliant first chapter. The MC was compelling, the inciting incident was introduced, essentially everything a writer strives for was there. Turns out, the general consensus was that the first chapter was boring.
Are you in a book club? What are your favorite parts?
What I’m reading: Murder in Mesopotamia by Agatha Christie
What I’m listening to: Air – Talkie Walkie
I’ve tried book clubs before. Honestly, I’m not a big fan. Although I do like reading books I normally wouldn’t pick, I don’t like reading a book I don’t really enjoy– there are too many on my list!
Maybe I’ll try one again, sometime.
Julie, it definitely takes the right group dynamic for a book club to work. I’ve been fortunate to find a great group that wants the same things out of a book club as I do. We’ve gotten in a good groove where everyone selects books they think the entire group will enjoy and, as a result, there haven’t been many duds. Best of luck if you decide to test the book club waters again! 🙂