So I have now attended my third book club. We had a few new members, older women who said they had joined because they like to read and they wanted to make new friends, which is perfection! I was highly amused when they were asked what they like to read and one lady said, "well I don't like the sex books" which made me think that she definitely DOES like "the sex books"... alas, her favorite genre is... "historical fiction" (of which there are indeed a LOT of historical fiction romances...Hmmm).
For an introvert like me, I did find that this third time was better, I was more comfortable, and relaxed, so I'm glad I continue to force myself into this social experiment of attending something I'm not totally enamored with. I enjoyed sitting next to someone different than last time and she seemed friendly, and is even reading some books I've wanted to read (!!) so I may actually, make some friends - which is not at all what I expected after my first foray. So YES, it pays to use the library!
I thought the book we read was terrible. I could also see that the person who recommended the book we read - loved it with her whole heart and soul and took every criticism as a blow to her soul, so I wisely... just didn't say anything at all.
This month's leader was determined to be "different" so instead of leading a discussion with questions and answers, she essentially quizzed everyone by saying quotes and asking "who said that" which was... interesting, but also felt a little like we were all in 8th grade and being quizzed by a teacher who wanted to be sure we'd read the assigned reading. So, if I ever get a chance to lead book club, I think I'll avoid that style. On the plus side, there was a lot more participation, which is excellent! So, maybe a hybrid. I do so hope I get to lead book club one day so I can choose an excellent book by a diverse author, and move the club just one click away from the "women's fiction" I have a few books that I think are great for Book club. Authors like Brendan Slocumb or Elif Shafak Both authors tell such compelling tales that are easily discussed in a public forum like a book club. So we shall see.
So Book club. I'm still not 100% sold on it. But I'm learning it's more about getting together than actual book discussion, it seems. I'm sticking with it, though I honestly, don't know if I'm going to for more than a year, we'll see!
Your book club sound so funny. It's interesting that you keep going even though it isn't maybe a great fit. We miss out on things when we insist on things being exactly right!.
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