Book Clubs

After grad school (many moons ago), I found I missed talking about books so much that I convinced my new boss (my now bestie) to read a series with me – and we spent each morning before work discussing them. (Well, complaining about them…because they were awfully written…) Whether for fun or learning, there is something about the shared experience of reading/discussing books that I thoroughly enjoy. Even if that shared experience is one of regret. ¯\(o_o)/¯

Last June, I considered joining a book club at my local bookshop in an effort to both meet new people and talk about books. The book club in question was specifically reading queer authors. I had high hopes – but the first one I attended involved about ninety-seconds of discussing the book and the rest of the hour with those in attendance going off on tangents about their lives (clearly they knew each other outside of this club). I thought I’d give it another chance, and I returned. There was more discussion of the book – but not much. I gave it one more try, and that time, the leader didn’t even show. I decided I was done with this particular club.

During this time, I also opted to join their SciFi/Fantasy book club through the bookshop – and I found what I was looking for: someone that came prepared and spent the entire time on the book. And I’ve been back almost every month since (aside from one week where I had concert tickets). I will say that the leader has chosen some really excellent books – I’ve enjoyed reading all of them. But wowza… this genre with it’s lengthy titles and lack of stand-alone stories is time consuming. 😛 BUT – with the connection to a book club, it’s easier to make reading a priority when there are so many things vying for my attention. (In other words, it allowed me to keep doing this thing I enjoy without the guilt that I “should be” doing something else.)

I’ve since joined a second club of theirs that reads a variety of books, such as WWII historical fiction, memoir, local true crime, and popular fiction. This group is about twelve women who all come prepared with reactions to the books – who even with differing opinions all get along and stay on task (for the most part). It’s been so refreshing getting to share about books again. 🙂 (And it’s not restricted to women – that’s just who shows.)

Are you in a book club? If you aren’t, but are looking for one – check with your local library or local bookshop. If there aren’t any – start one! I promise there are others around you that are looking for the same conversations.

Books I’ve read so far in these clubs (and our upcoming books) in case you’re looking for something to read:

SciFi/Fantasy Club:

• Hail Mary by Andy Weir (Jul)
  A Darker Side of Magic by V.E. Schwab (Aug)
  Red Rising (Sep)
  Dune (Oct)
  Binti by Nnedi Okorafor (Nov)
  Leviathan Awakes by James S. A. Corey (Dec)
  The Witcher: Blood of Elves by Andrzej Sapkowski (Jan)
  The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan (Feb)
  Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erikson (Mar)

Mixed Club:

• The Librarian of Burned Books by Brianna Labuskes (Sep)
  Hello, Transcriber by Hannah Morrissey (Oct)
  Seven Aunts by Staci Lola Drouillard (Nov)
  The Maid (Dec)
  The Maid and The Socialite by Lyndra Drews (Jan)
  Trust by Hernan Diaz (Feb)
  Tailspin by John Armbruster (Mar)
  Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt (Apr)
  West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge (May)