What book is on your nightstand? I get noticeably nerdy; lately it’s brain science and food sociology. For more variety in my reading and for pleasures to my spirit, I’m part of my neighborhood book club. The second Thursday of each month is reserved and as long as I’m in town, I’m attending. My compatriots are well read, funny, insightful and thoughtful. Truly, I feel lucky to be a part of this group.
I wondered what other book clubs might be like. Kathy Kinard, known to many in connection with the annual Pie Fest put on by the Olympia Bakers Guild, invited me to a club started by her husband and his band of sailors. The group already raced together and drank beer on Thursdays, but one of its members, Ralph Cumberland, recalled that his parents had a regular bridge group, but they never played bridge. It was for the company.
Joel Rett, another member, thought about getting together for a game night and always wanted to be in a book club. The sailors decided to add book club to their calendars. Their first book was Hampton Sides’ Kingdom of Ice, a spellbinding story of heroic sailors who encounter enormous challenges of the Arctic. They continued their water theme for one more book with Robert Glennon’s Unquenchable, about America’s water crisis. Now they move between fiction and non-fiction and also vary the genres to broaden their book choices.
The group (with no specific name) meets about once a month and rotates the meeting place to each other’s homes. It’s on Sunday mornings, which means everyone contributes to a glorious brunch. Each person is supposed to bring two questions and two ideas. But, overall, the group has no rules. They like each other’s company and sharing books offers new avenues of conversation.
Recently the choice was Carol DeMent’s Saving Nary. DeMent, a local writer, agreed to come to the meeting. Having the author on hand to answer questions and shed more light on the writing process brought deeper insights to everyone. DeMent, who has a degree in English and taught it, also lived in Thailand. Her master’s thesis was on refugee resettlement. She based her book on a collection of stories told to her by refugees.
DeMent is part of Puget Sound Writers Guild that includes about 15 or so writers gathering weekly. One person does a reading and then listens to feedback. There’s no defending or explaining; it’s all about getting information. “It provides a barometer,” explained Carol, who found the process essential for making sense of the plot lines, clarifying characters and keeping facts straight. She also mastered the art of creating a catch – continuing experiences for the reader to wonder that’s going to happen next. “It’s fantastic,” she exclaimed, as it provided the support to get her all the way through to publication. “That’s why I finished the book.” The book had been in her head for 20 years.
Kitty Wallace, a retired insurance professional, adores her book club. She loves the annual meeting for picking the next year’s books. It’s her window into “learning more about who people are and where they are coming from.”
Kitty said, “It surprises me where people find the time to read,” as the group has its share of prolific readers. This book club also picks a mix of authors, topics, classics, contemporary and the unique finds that members come upon. “It the world’s best reading list,” Wallace said with certainty. Book clubs are enriched by the education and life experiences of every member. Kitty added that her friendships have deepened and appreciates how much respect there is for all points of view.
I used to think there was no time to read any meaningful books. Then I started to read for a short time before I went to sleep. Over the course of a year, I realized that I turned a lot of pages. Now you might not turn pages, but swipe a screen. There are worlds to discover and joys to uncover – all inside books. Being in a book club expands your personal interests and awakens all sorts of interesting prospects. The Timberland Regional Library is an excellent source of free material, both in print and digital. Listening to books is another way to digest content. If you are looking for a book club, ask around. Reading remains one of life’s greatest pleasures.
Happy Reading.
