I already know your book club is awesome, without ever having been to it.
How do I know?
Well, for one, you’re in it. And you obviously have good taste in books (wink).
For another, any time people gather to discuss books, something special happens. New ideas take shape. Differing opinions begin to make sense. Friendships grow.
Connection happens in a most astonishing, refreshing way when people have a safe place to share their real thoughts, ideas, worries, and dreams.
Among other industrious activities, a few of my wonderful neighbors host a monthly book club. Recently, they read Wren Island and invited the author (the same girl who walks her dog past every day!) to be their special guest.
That evening, Allison’s buzzy brownies were on the menu, along with a delicious butternut squash and apple soup. We also enjoyed mini crab cakes baked in the oven, not fried. (Did you know you can substitute crushed cornflakes for panko crumbs? Might be handy to know, next time you’re cooking for someone who’s avoiding gluten.)
We talked a lot about Wren Island, of course. We questioned why certain characters act the way they do. We guessed at what might happen next.
They asked questions about my writing process, and I answered to the best of my ability. (Much of the process is a mystery, even to me.)
We also talked about our pets, recent travels, and upcoming local festivals. We figured out which one of us held the most library memberships. We held a brief but enlightening conversation about why garbage pickup is sometimes later than usual.
We talked about all that and much more—including a couple of topics that are probably best left unmentioned. (What happens at book club, stays at book club.)
I had so much fun I want to do it again! So here’s what I’m offering.
Beginning this spring, e-book versions of The Wren Island Series will include a Discussion Guide.
I know book clubs don’t always use guides, but one will be there just in case you’d like help to put the wheels in motion.
Here’s where it gets fun.
If your book club meets within a reasonable distance, I’ll try to join you in person!
What’s a “reasonable” distance? If you’re meeting near my beautiful part of the country, easy-peasy. If you’re meeting somewhere I’m traveling to, that could work, too.
And, of course, if your book club is chatting by video, I’d love to connect with you there.
One way or another, let’s connect at your awesome book club!
(This post is adapted from a note I wrote my subscribers in early 2024. If you’d like to be the first to read notes like these, subscribe here.)
[Photo courtesy of Unsplash.]
