Book Club Review

At the outset I admit that I have never taken part in a book club. Although I obviously know how to read, and at certain periods in my life, have considered myself to be a voracious reader, I just haven't and I'm not sure exactly why. This assignment afforded me a great opportunity.

When I considered this assignment I knew that I had no further to look than my local library. Danville Public Library hosts a book club in the Library’s program room on the fourth Thursday of each month, attracting on average nearly twenty readers.  The book club, A Book and a Meal, has met for almost eight years. Begun by a newly hired member of the Adult Department staff, the book club quickly grew from a few of the staff person’s close friends to the nearly two dozen readers who now commonly attend. Members of the library’s book club are quite loyal and several of the original members still attend each month. As this is a public library program, however, it is not a closed group. New members are always sought and welcome. The love of reading is the only requirement. Books for the upcoming discussions are advertised well in advance at the library, on the library’s website and through social media. Books are available for checkout by library patrons at least one month prior to the book club meeting. A six month book discussion calendar is normally printed. Those without a library card are welcome, although the book to be discussed that month would need to be borrowed elsewhere or purchased.

After checking the titles of the books chosen for this calendar year, I must admit that it’s an eclectic mix. Everything from classics to popular titles have been selected for discussion.
According to the book club’s moderator, books are often chosen through recommendations. She admitted that discussions in which many members do not care for a particular book are often more exciting than the discussions of a book that is appreciated and enjoyed by everyone in the book club.

On January 28th I attended the monthly meeting of the ‘Book and a Meal’ book club to discuss The 100-Year Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson. Approximately sixteen book club members took part in the discussion. The atmosphere of the group was very friendly. All of the members of the group that day had attended previously. Most were female and many were retired. Because it was my first time attending, I was introduced to the group by the moderator and made to feel very welcome by the members.

            A ‘Book and a Meal’, by its very name, always includes food. Each month members volunteer to bring main dishes, side dishes, desserts, and beverages based on the book that will be discussed the following month. Because the protagonist of the featured book visited several different countries such as Russia, Germany and Great Britain, foods from those countries were part of the meal.  The aromas emitting from the program room each month are always distracting for those of us working in the library on the day the book club meets and I was pleased to not only join in the discussion of the book, but also eager to sample some of the group’s culinary expertise. I knew I would not be disappointed.

The book club meets from 11:30-1:00 p.m. with the first half of the time period being occupied with the delicious meal and general conversation. After most were finishing their lunch, the moderator turned the discussion to the book at hand with some general inquiries as to our impressions of the book and the main characters.   It was clear that the majority who attended had completed the book, allowing for a satisfying discussion. Most of the questions were open ended, and easily afforded the group opportunities for discussion. At times the moderator interjected comments and observations. Generally she refrained from directly answering questions, instead deferring to other members. She interjected observations at times and subtly steered the group’s discussion when appropriate and helpful.

Most of those who attended joined in the conversation, and were involved in the discussion of the book to some extent, whether by agreement to the points made or by offering further insights and questions.  Although no one stole the spotlight, a few individuals were more actively involved. The moderator effectively ensured that all felt included and deftly turned the conversation when necessary so that all points of view were shared. It was very apparent that she was familiar with all of the members. The atmosphere felt comfortable and inviting of differences of opinion.

After discussing many of the book’s most salient points, the discussion was steered to our thoughts on the disadvantages and pitfalls on nursing home care, as the protagonist of the book had spontaneously ‘climbed out the window’ from a nursing home to embark on his journey. This discussion was more casual and personal attitudes and opinions were offered. I thoroughly enjoyed attending this book club and look forward to joining this group again in the future.