I have been in many book clubs over the years and have loved each and every one of them. Each one had it’s own personality and it’s own percentage of time that was spent actually talking about the book. Last month, I joined a book club that is different from all the others. In this book club, we talk about the book nearly 100% of the time. Yes, you read that correctly. Nearly 100% of the time. There is no wine and no whine. Just talk about great books.

I discovered that a librarian who I like very much was starting a new book club. While I have heard good things about the other book clubs at the library, they have existed forever and I was nervous to join an already formed group. This new club seemed like a perfect opportunity.

The group has met twice and the beauty of it is that none of the members know each other. Somehow, every one who came, arrived on their own without a friend or an ally. We have no one to gossip with or trade stories with about our children. No on knows each other’s backstories and somehow we have decided not to share. The women are mostly older than I am but the age gap seems to be fine.

With no shared history among us besides the books we have read, we are left with only thing to talk about- the book.As a result we have had amazing conversations about two great books.

Our June selection, The Lifeboat,was a gripping tale of how survivors of a sunken cruise ship fight for leadership.

 

And our July selection, The Sense of an Ending, is a thought provoking study on memory, reality and perception.

I would highly recommend both books. They were page turners while still providing depth that was just right for a riveting book club discussion.