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!.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, if there was an alternate choice that was convenient, I'd have gone for it, but, I agree. A lot of emphasis is placed on finding "people like me" instead of just interacting with the people right in front of us. I kind of low key love it, even though I make fun of it.
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