Many years ago, I read a novel titled And Ladies of the Club by Helen Hooven Santmyer. It’s an enormous and sweeping story that begins when two best friends at the turn of the century decide after their graduation to form a book club. The story follows the girls, their families and about as large a cast of characters as I’ve ever seen, over the decades. I love the way the book shows the strength of relationships formed through a common love of reading.
Evolution of the Book Club
Book clubs are a remarkably female phenomenon. When I took a look at the history of book clubs, I found they were started by women (who at the time were essentially excluded from most intellectual groups) to have their own venue for discussing books, cultural events, and new ideas. A gathering among women to talk about things other than soothing a colicky baby? I’d be in, wouldn’t you? And from this humble (and let’s face it) somewhat rebellious beginning, the book club was born.
How Does a Book Club Work?
Book clubs generally operate in a way agreed upon by their members. This means if you join an established book club, the members will fill you in on how they operate. This includes how often they meet, where they meet, the way discussion is handled, and method for choosing a book.
But if you’re interested in starting a new book club, talk to your local library or book store for suggestions on how to make it work. Some libraries even offer book club bags on loan that include enough copies of the book to go around. There are also articles available on line. For example, here’s a nifty checklist from Real Simple magazine.
5 Book Club Benefits
Book clubs are good for you. Here’s how I sum up a few of the benefits:
- Book clubs encourage a habit of reading. With a discussion on the horizon, most people will spend time reading – even if only a chapter a day.
- Book clubs stretch reading muscles. Some books may be outside what you’d normally choose. But guess what! Sometimes you’ll like it anyway. Even if you don’t, you tried something new.
- Book clubs provide intellectual stimulation. Remember our female ancestors who wanted to discuss important things? Here’s your chance.
- Book clubs develop a sense of community/friendship. Many members talk about the support, camaraderie, and just plain fun that happens when spending time with fellow book club members.
- Book clubs give a break from everyday life. In today’s world, we all experience stress and tough times. A book club can be the little breather you need.
Authors and Book Clubs
There are times when a book club invites an author to visit either in person or via Skype during a discussion of that author’s book. This provides an opportunity for reader and author to discuss comments and questions about the story or the publication process.
A week ago, I was lucky enough to get an invitation to visit a book club that planned to discuss (gulp) I am Mrs. Jesse James.
I had no idea what to expect when I drove to Kelly’s (our hostess for the evening) home, but believe me, my palms were damp on the steering wheel. Walking to the front door felt a little bit like anticipating the results of a major test. You know, the one that happens in a dream where the test determines whether or not you graduate?
Well, this is how it went. I’m happy to report the ladies were warm and welcoming. Kelly prepared a most fabulous menu of tacos and nachos, plus a variety of appetizers and side dishes. Delicious!
But even more delicious was listening to these amazing ladies chat and tease and laugh together. (See #4 above) They truly showed me what it means to be part of a book club. I soon realized they weren’t simply members of the club…they were friends.
And by the way, the lively discussion that followed was the whipped cream on this author’s yummy slice of pineapple upside-down cake!
##############################
Pat Wahler is the author of the Best Book Awards Historical Fiction Finalist and the Chanticleer Laramie Award Semi-Finalist novel, I am Mrs. Jesse James. She is also the author of Let Your Heart Be Light: a Celebration of Christmas, and co-author of Midnight the One-Eyed Cat.
6 Responses
Can you believe it? I’ve never belonged to a book club. But I’m happy to report that my neighborhood is in the process of creating one, and I can’t wait. I get into “genre ruts” and binge read same genre/same author, so I know a book club is a great way to push me out of my reading comfort zone.
Glad your book club visit went well. I suspect you’ll be doing a whole lot more of that! 🙂
Lisa, I can’t wait to hear how your book club experience goes! I keep thinking I’d love to join one, but then I look at my “to do” list and wonder, should I? 🙂
Pat–That must be quite a thrill–being surrounded by readers who are there to chat about your book.
Bravo, Pat.
Sioux, it was so much fun! I highly recommend the experience for any author.
I’ve always wanted to join a book club, but I haven’t been able to find one yet that fits into my schedule. But it sounds like so much fun.
And it’s funny that you should mention a Helen Hooven Santmyer book. When I was sorting through my books, I came across another book by that author that I’m really looking forward to reading. It’s called Herbs & Apples.
Hi Angela! I’ve never gotten around to the book club thing either, but I was so impressed by how much the ladies enjoyed each other’s company. Such a cool way to bond – through books!
I haven’t read any other of Santmyer’s work, but I really enjoyed And Ladies of the Club. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, though, as it is lengthy and not filled with action, action, action (which seems to be today’s style). Just good old-fashioned story telling that is totally character driven.