Today's post is written by my online buddy Shannon. Shannon has the most awesome book club meetings and even though we don't live in the same state one day I will crash her party! Forget wedding crasher, I want to be a literary crasher! I asked Shannon to write a little about herself, her book club, and the books they've read. Check out the pictures from these parties they are so fantastic!! Hope you enjoy!! If you enjoy Shannon's post let her know in the comment section! Maybe we can persuade her to do another one!
About a year and a half ago I had an EPIPHANY. The form of
this epiphany was French, oh so sexy and enrobed in chocolate. I stumbled upon a library e-book by Laura
Florand, the first in her Amour et Chocolat series. Her novel single-handedly,
simultaneously and forcefully pulled me out of a self-induced reading
coma. I had been on auto-pilot, going
through the motions, favoring quantity over quality, reading books people would
lend me without discernment. It left me feeling empty. And honestly, quite
depressed.
Bibliophiles unite!
Oh, the places you’ll go!
Work It
For some members (me!), the book club legitimizes an
obsession with reading. For others, it may be the only night they can take the
time away from hectic schedules to be with friends and talk about something
other than work, school and children. For all, it’s kind of like playing hooky
from life for an evening.
Book clubs are enjoying a renaissance. They are so “in” right now. Book clubs are the new Black.
My book club, however, is not your grandma’s book club.
Reading for me has always been better (and way cheaper) than
seeking professional help. I have always dreamed of being in a book club
overflowing with food, friends, fun and lovely fiction. I did not, however, want an Oprah-style book
club. What Happens at Book Club, Stays at Book Club is not about serious
issues, social commentary or the classics. We are firm believers of “comfort
reads”. Books are therapy. Books can
fill a wide range of emotional needs. It is also comforting to know that at the
end of a long day/week/month, members can gather together and share our love of
books, food, friendship and love.
<<Cue Aha! moment>>
Then I read The Chocolate Thief. Like an addict binging on the
highest quality artisanal chocolate, I immediately read it again. And again.
Slower each time, highlighting passages, savoring the dialogue and, well,
sighing. In my chocolate induced euphoria, I even penned an ode to Laura to
thank her! I won't actually admit how many times I have read it The Chocolate
Thief. For me, it is (really all of her books are) like a favorite movie.
People watch their favorites over and over, don't they? Why should cherished
books be any different?
Hearing vs. Listening
I was simply (and mindlessly) reading words and passages,
not truly being present or involved in the experience/understanding/enjoyment
of the material. Sadly, I don’t even remember half of the names of the books I
read during that time. One single book, however, not only returned me to a more
tactile/emotional/whole body immersing EXPERIENCE, but also renewed my thirst
for lovely fiction. Since then, I have been on a quest to discover and devour
the work of authors who have slightly skewed the traditional RomCom formula
with their uniquely crafted and smart, quirky fiction.
Bibliophiles unite!
Surely I was not alone. I felt compelled to find like-minded
ladies, and I longed to share my literary discoveries with others. The mom
group for my daughter’s class (that I dubbed The Mom Mafia) was my litmus test.
Already gathering for school functions, play dates and birthday parties, the
moms began organizing special “grown-up” field trips and carving out time for
our own book-themed meetings. The rest,
as they say, is book club history.
Oh, the places you’ll go!
During this first year we have refined our palettes with the
finest Parisian chocolates and desserts, conducted highly scientific research
on knitting, tattoos and the art of drinking whiskey, taken field trips to
harvest lavender and to see kilted highlanders play the bagpipes, attended
movie premieres and private cooking classes and have traveled through time to
dystopian society and 18th century Scotland. The book club has also been
extremely blessed to be the recipient of author involvement. The generous
assistance and much appreciated gifts and swag have been an amazing boon to
members.
Work It
I will admit, the book club requires a lot of prep work.
Reading, rereading and researching. Planning meetings with appropriately themed
food, drink and décor. Drafting discussion question and topics as well as
creating games and activities.
Organizing field trips, when applicable. It is a labor of love, however,
and the rewards far outweigh the effort.
For some members (me!), the book club legitimizes an
obsession with reading. For others, it may be the only night they can take the
time away from hectic schedules to be with friends and talk about something
other than work, school and children. For all, it’s kind of like playing hooky
from life for an evening.
You can find me, as well as the individual boards I have
created for each book club selection on Pinterest.
http://www.pinterest.com/shannonoschmieg/
I have an amazing book club, but this makes me want to raise the bar! Challenge accepted!
ReplyDeleteYou have just described one of my book clubs. We meet monthly for the themed food, camaraderie, tears, extreme laughter and a great book discussion or dissection. Our own llife therapy. It brings such pleasure away from daily life, that I have recently joined a smaller local book club. In only two meetings, I know it will be therapy closer to home. Thanks for the great post!
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