Books for Lunch, the library’s no-obligation book club, continues to meet on the second Tuesday of every month from 12:30-2:00 pm. We’ve recently welcomed a few new faces to our group, so I wanted to start with a brief overview.
What can you expect when you come to Books for Lunch for the first time? First, the event is very casual. You’re welcome to bring a lunch and eat throughout the discussion, but you don’t have to. Second, members take turns sharing what they’ve been reading; this might include a short summary of the book, whether you enjoyed the book and would recommend it or not, and a few key points that are still resonating with you.
Don’t think you have to read endlessly to join either. While it’s interesting to hear from avid readers, all readers are welcome. This month, for example, I’ve been wrapped up in a new-to-me Netflix series, so I’ve only read one book, After I Do by Taylor Jenkins, which was a nice, light read to end each day. And that’s okay! The group is a great place to come and chat about books regardless of how many you’ve read throughout the month.
Roz read The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams, a novel about what books can do for us and what relationships can come from them. While it wasn’t her usual reading, Roz mentioned that the story was heartfelt and well-done. Roz unreservedly recommended this book, adding that it was “a feel good kind of book that will leave readers feeling happy.”
Beth read The Winners by Fredrik Backman (Beartown, #3). Beth praised the incredible ending, but said that overall, it was a long book that took some encouragement to get through.
Janice read Live Wire: Long-Winded Short Stories by Kelly Ripa. A light, easy, and funny read detailing honest life stories from the beloved daytime talk show host.
Sheila read A World of Curiosities (Chief Inspector Gamache, #18) by Louise Penny. This is the final book in the Chief Inspector Gamache Mystery Series. Sheila loved this book so much that she’s inclined to go back and reread the entire series.
Judy read The Swedish Art of Aging Exuberantly: Life Wisdom from Someone Who Will (Probably) Die Before You by Margareta Magnusson. Part autobiography, part story, and part advice, this fun and easy read is full of humorous chapters touching on everything from “Have a Gin and Tonic with a Friend” to “Don’t Fall Over and Other Practical Tips for Graceful Aging.”
Bill, the group’s avid nonfiction reader, read The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls. He complimented the book, sharing that it was “truly an amazing story that makes you wonder how people with a rough upbringing turn out so good.” It’s the kind of book that makes you appreciate how good you have it. Wonderfully told.
Susan read The Villa by Rachel Hawkins, a wicked gothic suspense novel about a cozy mystery author who’s reeling from a divorce and trying to write her tenth book. The book contains a dual storyline that oscillates between present day and a villa with a complicated history in Italy. Susan thought the book was interesting and she enjoyed it. Bob enjoyed Irene Hannon’s Sandpiper Cove, a romance set in a charming Oregon seaside village involving an ex-con and a police chief. Regina read The Sleep Revolution: Transforming Your Life, One Night at a Time by Arianna Huffington, cofounder of The Huffington Post, who writes from a scientific perspective about the necessity of restoring our relationship with sleep. In our overworked, perpetually stimulated, fast-paced, sleep-deprived world, our need for adequate sleep has never been more important.
Karen had only positive things to say about The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot, a compelling work of nonfiction detailing the story of Henrietta Lacks, her impact on medical science, and important bioethical issues.
Lastly, Sharon raved about The Plot by Jean Korelitz Hanff. A psychologically suspenseful novel about a professor who steals a storyline from one of his deceased students and develops the story, but not without accusations of stealing the story. What about you? What are you reading? We’d love to hear all about it at our next Books for Lunch meeting on Tuesday, March 14, 2023. We hope to see you there!