So, readers- as you know, I joined my local library book club in January. I had started to feel a little isolated in my community and decided to try it. I had a pretty rough entry into the club (as detailed here) and I wasn't sure if this was going to be for me. There have been some notable crash-outs and a few books that I regretted reading.
Below is how I imagine us all reading away....
Carnegie library in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, None. [Between 1900 and 1905] Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/2007684172
To be honest, I think for the first 6 months I attended, I really felt like an odd duck. I am about- on average- 10 years younger than everyone else, and the leader is a bit of a queen bee type who is a bit controlling. She is definitely "in charge".
But last night, I piled in, having read only 3 chapters of the assigned book. (It was a good one by William Kent Kreuger) and it was...sort of magical. Immediately when I came in, I was greeted by many of the members with big smiles and I FELT SO WELCOME!
I had a discussion with two ladies about how much we had enjoyed the book ( my whole three chapters!), another person told about finishing off Project Hail Mary, and immediately offered to loan it out to me. On the way out, I chatted away with another person, and felt very comfortable overall. Although these are not people I'd call if I had a flat tire, I have to say I did feel a sense of belonging that I had not had before. I felt like I could actually be myself in the group, which is a rare feeling indeed.
So... I guess I'm surprised and pleased to say that my persistence with book club has paid off, 10 months later, with book club being an activity that I really look forward to and enjoy. I'm most excited to nominate 2 books for next year and I am hoping one gets chosen, if not both! I'd recommend a local book club, even if initially you think they aren't reading what you enjoy. It's been such a journey!
Cheers!
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Interesting how that has worked out! Sounds Like a fun group!
ReplyDeleteI learned a valuable lesson about just continuing to "Show up" I think alot of time I worry so much about "having things in common" and indeed most of the time it's having a shared interest and the patience to learn about others. One thing that's amazing about my book club is that even when they don't like or understand something, the members still engage, and wrestle with books and themes. Sure wish we picked more difficult books sometimes though.
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