Faded, 2013
I'm considering something new, joining a book club. Have you ever belonged to a book club? Did you like it?
Monday, April 22, 2013
Old & New
I'm considering something new, joining a book club. Have you ever belonged to a book club? Did you like it?
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i've been in several book groups and to be honest they haven't been very satisfying. my favorite is my current "group" which is just me and another close friend. we try to read the same books and then get together to discuss them. a book club of two has been perfect.
ReplyDeleteI belong to a lovely book club. We read a book a month and rotate homes: the hostess gets to pick the next book (a nice prize for cooking dinner). I have belonged to it for about 5 years and it is a solid staple in my life. We are not many (probably 8-10 gals) and we all bring something different to the table and different tastes in books. Over time we have been able to reference books we read in years past, sharing a common "history". Typically we have dinner and light conversation, and then we head to a living room or patio to discuss the book. Last year, for the first time, we had our first annual week-end at a close by lake. I recommend such bonding with fellow book lovers.
ReplyDeleteI happened across your blog, don't know how I found it now, but wanted to say that I enjoyed it tremendously. It kept me away from chores much too long. I have never belonged to a book club. But it sounds like fun. I'll be back to visit. -Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI might have to publish the other picture. you know the one I mean.....:-)
ReplyDeleteBook club, no, I feel I would be too tonguetied.
But I am such a reader I'm always jealous of everyone dashing off to meet with theirs.
Maybe we should have one online?
xo jane
Interesting idea, Jane.
DeleteA book club? Never belonged, but wondered if it wouldn't be nice. I wonder how we'd do it online?
ReplyDeleteMaybe something really low key, a blog post with the book up for discussion and comments... Hmm.
DeleteYears ago I belonged to a book club that was too big to be productive. Nowadays I belong to a film group comprised of seven women who meet monthly. It's fun.
ReplyDeleteYes I did as an expat in Cairo and I enjoyed it enormously.
ReplyDeleteIt opened up a whole new window at Arab literature, history and society so it was very interesting.
Members were from different countries all over the world and it was fascinating and rewarding.
For a short time an all male and all non fiction book club. Most in attendance had not finished or started what ever was to be read and it was an excuse to escape from family responsibility and drink beer in the local pub while 'solving' the problems of the world.
ReplyDeleteEscapism and for some an opporunity to read some intersting books.
Yes... about 15 years ago, then eventually left after about a year. I really enjoyed it at first then found myself not looking forward to reading books others chose. It also got more social and noisy - felt like my head was filled with car horns after meetings. Also, there was a lot of mommy-talk which I wasn't into (and still wouldn't be). I have no plans to join another.
ReplyDeleteyes, and i like it. it´s an english reading group in a small german town and i got there now for almost two years. at first i didn´t speak up, but it´s easier now. i wouldn´t have read a lot of books if they weren´t suggested and i´m always looking forward now what certain readers have to say about certain books - a nice way to get to know people, too, all kinds of them.
ReplyDeletei´d love to hear your experiences!
I always wanted to try a book club but felt too shy. Last summer I started my own and it has been a wonderful experience, although picking a book is at times challenging. We have about 10 people who come, a nice sized group, and the meetings always end with food, sometimes themed around the book. I am so glad that I pushed myself to try something new!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't help smile when I read the first comment. I thought I was the only one who belonged to a two members-book club! But it really works better for me than a larger group. We have a spring, summer, autumn, and winter meeting and take turns hosting the 'meeting' - the dinner has to be inspired by the book, which to be honest causes us just as much pleasure and fun as the reading.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to have a Jane Austen book club one day!
I tried a book club twice but didn't like it. There was always an official 'leader' who guided the conversation and decided what we should discuss and how. It always felt like a really boring lecture to me. And then, when it was time for the others to put in their two cents', there were far too many people trying to impress by out-intellectualising (is that even a word?) one another. Not for me. I'm a fan of the two-member club as well.
ReplyDeleteX E.
I joined a bookclub a couple of years ago that was formed in the late '90s. It is unusual, in that each month one person is the "Sagamore" the one who does the most research on the book (author, background, etc,) and presents and engages the group in discussion. At the same time, another person is the "Epicure" who hosts the club that month and serves dinner. It all rotates around so that during the year, everyone gets the chance at both roles. In November of each year, we get together and choose what we will read the next year---sometimes thematically. (For instance, we will read The Paris Wife and Moveable Feast in tandem.) There's always a lot of politicking, when it comes to choosing books---and I don't always care for what ultimately wins out in the choosing. But I do like the group of women.
ReplyDeleteWith your breadth of compelling reading, and articulate voice, you would make a wonderful bookclub member.
I have never belonged to a book club; I don't think they are as common here. With my schedule, I would have problems in committing to finishing a book to a certain time. However, if I could I think I would love it. I love reading about what other people read and recommend.
ReplyDeletePerhaps an online book club could be a way to start...
i've been in a few book clubs. and i don't like them. i have a friend who says she's too opinionated to be in a book club. i think that applies to me too. i don't like being told what to do. if i want to read a book, i'll pick my own, thank you. and i don't like groups of people. one on one is my speed. if i find a book i have to talk about, i'm sure i'll find someone else who has read it and we can talk about it.
ReplyDeleteYes !
ReplyDeleteMy first book club experience was when we read " Dr. Zhivago ".
I had read the book in High School, but was amazed to find that I hadn`t been really aware of all the subtle nuances of the book, plot, and characters....until I heard all the other participants discussing their thoughts on the book.
It was an Epiphany moment.
Briefly and unsuccessfully part of a book club I've avoided them since. Now I find myself accidentally part of one that isn't even really a book group. Rather, it's a 6 weekly lunch where a book is recommended by someone and it will either be read by the others, or not. Discussion may happen about the book, but often it will be confined to a pair or trio who talk while life goes on around. I'm still not sure book clubs - at least the ones that seem to be around - are my thing. But I love to get recommendations and am fascinated and often surprised to find out what people read and what they love. I'd be interested to see how you get on.
ReplyDeleteThank you for all of your thoughtful responses. So, it seems there are many ways to experience a book club. I was thinking, why not give it a try? If only I wanted to read the May book selection and hadn't read the June selection last summer and not really liked it...
ReplyDeleteI've just found your blog and am enjoying reading it, entertaining and informative. I noticed in the book list The Elegance of a Hedgehog, have you read it? I have and loved it, it's a little different and it certainly stayed with me. Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteLesley www.estestest.me.uk
Hi, Lesley. I am only at the very very beginning of the book, but it seems something I'll like. I have a tendency to let the books pile up and then juggle too many at once. I'll get back to it soon.
Deletei was once in a bookclub with all these amazing, super-smart women who were at least 15 years older than me - it was wonderful 'cos we actually talked about the book...i learned a lot from those people, and they stretched my reading muscle with their choices, too. do it!
ReplyDelete