I’ve been making more of an effort to read more often, either during naptime or once the kids are in bed at night, during the quiet times of day when I really need a few minutes to myself :) After I read Jessica Turner’s The Fringe Hours (which I absolutely loved and highly recommend) I decided it was time to start a book club. Definitely time.
Being a part of a book club is something I’ve been wanting to do for years. My mom is in one and I know she enjoys it so much. I started by inviting the friends I see frequently, then I invited some friends I don’t see very often (but wish I did), and then lastly I suggested for these friends to invite someone they know.
There are about 13 women in the book club, which is perfect because I know not everyone will be able to make our meetings (we’re meeting every 6 weeks to discuss the book), but there are still enough women who can come that book club for sure happen. And honestly, I need this book club. It’s a dedicated bit of time on my calendar just for me. It gives me a personal hobby to focus on in between meetings. Reading enlightens me, calms my mind and gives me a fresh perspective. I host at our apartment on a Saturday morning, and everyone who shows up can drink their coffee while it’s still hot and doesn’t have to cut the food on their plate into sixteen small pieces. Or share ;)
We had our second meeting last weekend; it was so refreshing and hope-filled. For our first book we read Still Alice (a heavy topic for sure, but so well-written and incredibly interesting to read), and our current book is The Husband’s Secret. A close second for book #2 was Dear Mr. Knightley. A book I read a few months ago (and highly recommend (it was so detailed!)) is What Alice Forgot, if you’re looking for one more title to add to your reading list.
I should have known book club was in my future. I mean, I was a very enthusiastic member of The Baby-Sitters Club when I was a tweenie and COULD NOT get enough of the books ;) And every time I visit my parents I’m tempted to bring my entire collection back to Los Angeles.
(Zack, if you’re reading this: that was your warning.)
A bookclub sounds like a great idea! I hope it goes well :)
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I am not in a book club at the moment, but have been in the past and they are so fun!! I did read Still Alice as part of my own personal goal to read more fiction this year and it was an unbelievable book! Have fun with your club, now it makes me want to start one of my own!
do it, do it, DO IT! :)
I am wanting to start a book club but have never been a part of one. When you say you meet every 6 weeks…does that mean you choose a book and have 6 weeks to finish before meeting to discuss? Then a new book is chosen, etc.?
You got it! :) But if someone can’t read it, or doesn’t finish on time — not a problem! My goal for Book Club is to have some girlfriend time, having a book to discuss is kinda secondary :)
Yes!! I started a book club for the same reasons!! (Been meeting for 7 years now!) A time for *just me* that’s so needed and good for me… a quiet introvert, but needs adult time ;-) I’ve only read What Alice Forgot from your list, I’ll have to check those others out! Happy book clubbing!
I took it in a different direction and started a book club with some mommy friends that is also like a bible study. We started with Sarah Mae & Sally Clarkson’s book Desperate, and now we have moved on to Sally Clarkson’s book 10 Gifts of Wisdom.
This was one of the best decisions of my life. I was discouraged and coming out of the fog of postpartum depression. Having an uplifting time with friends was just what I needed!
We meet approx every 2 weeks.
Stacey, you are so inspiring, so proud of you :) and I love Sally’s teachings, she’s soooooo good! :)
Book club sounds super fun and can I just say, YOU look Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhmazing. Go girl, go,go,go. Love you Mom W.,
Oh my goodness, thankssssssss mom! :D this running thing is turning into crazy town for me, I easily do 4.5 miles/day — I know you’re so proud!!!!!
The Husband’s Secret and What Alice Forgot were both so, so good. I wish I could join you for book club! Do you take telecommuters from Pittsburgh?? ;)
I so wish you could join us! Really, truly wish you could ♥!!!!!!!
I’ve thought about joining a book club before, but I’m actually going to do it now, you’ve described something I think I need right now :)
***CONFETTI SHOOTS INTO THE AIR***
yes!