Beyond the Pages: How Book Clubs Spark Connection and Conversation

When I was in elementary school, we had a program called Great Books. I don’t remember details other than we were a small group of students who got together in the library a few times a year to talk about a book that we had all read. While the details are fuzzy now, I do remember how it felt – wonderful! We were all there to share our enjoyment of reading and books.

I had the same feeling when I attended the Wickson Reads Book Club on Wednesday, May 28th. The Wickson Reads club, run by Kristen Gere, reads one book a month, and for May it was The Book of Lost Names by Kristen Harmel, a historical fiction novel about a woman who forged identity documents to help send Jewish children to neutral Switzerland during WW II. This month about 10 women attended, and the nonstop discussion was lively and interesting. What came through most was a passion for books and reading and the connections that we make to our own lives when we read. People felt free to share their feelings about the book, the characters, the author, the topic, and anything else they experienced while reading (or not reading) the book. Simply listening to the group talk about their experiences was fascinating and so enjoyable. Kristen came prepared having done much research on the book and the author, so she was able to offer insightful background information that enhanced the conversations.

The discussion of Harmel’s book allowed members to express a multitude of thoughts, questions, ideas, and emotions on topics and themes from the book such as love, war, family, loss, grief, and the importance of names and identity. This also led to members suggesting other books they have read or want to read and a few movies on the same topic. This is a definite bonus of attending book club!

At the end I asked the participants why they like Wickson Reads Book Club. Responses included that books provide an escape - a place to go. Being in the club provides a sense of responsibility to the group to read the selected books, which are often books they would not have chosen on their own (bonus!). Coming together is a chance to hear others’ perspectives and relish a sense of camaraderie with others who enjoy reading. At times book club even provides a kind of therapy - a chance to get out, have adult conversations, and help each other process the world around us.

This is just one of several book clubs that Wickson offers for adults:

• Wickson Reads meets monthly on the 3rd Wednesday at 6 pm in the library community room and is run by Kristen Gere.

• Brews & Books meets twice monthly – the first Tuesday at 10 am at the Kaffe House and the first Thursday at 7 pm at Gera Tavern. It is run by Jen Harden.

• Books for Lunch meets monthly on the second Tuesday from 12:30 – 2 pm. This is a chance to drop in to the library and talk about whatever you're reading at the moment, and it is run by Beth Emmons.

• Infinite Realms is off for the summer but will meet monthly on the second Tuesday at 6 pm at the library. It is run by Mary Zeller.

All of the book clubs welcome anyone who wants to join, so I encourage you to join the fun!