Bursts of laughter and lively conversation…. Book Club is something I look forward to every third Thursday of each month. We named ourselves REaD Threads and the story of how we decided this name is here.
Simple, relaxed and informal we gather together to enjoy some delicious food and discuss the book of the month. Preparations usually include a list of discussion questions pertaining to the book, maybe some visual props, or plan an easy game.
A few of our more creative members host unique gatherings. For example, one of the books we read was “Devil in the White City” by, Erik Larsen so the hostess shared memorabilia from the World’s Colombian Exposition held in Chicago in 1893. As we discussed the book we dined on some delicious Chicago style pizza and enjoyed a few treats first introduced at the fair such as Cracker Jacks and Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit gum. Another time we had a movie night where we arrived early and talked about “The Book Thief” by, Markus Zusak. Afterward we relaxed in comfortable chairs or stretched out on the floor with a pillow and a warm blanket in the hostess’ home theater room to watch the movie version while we munched on movie type snacks. One of our members was a brand new mom of two newborns and she was soon lulled to (much-needed) sleep by the soothing darkness and gentle musical soundtrack. Another time, one of the members invited the author of one of the books we read to our meeting and she accepted! That meeting was hilarious and is a whole other story in itself!
Every year we select a different month or season of the year to host and February is my month. For the past two weeks, I busied myself gathering discussion questions, planned a quick word game and prepared a menu of appetizers.
On the menu was a delicious Marinated Cheese Tray, artichoke spinach dip, stuffed mushrooms, assorted crackers, bread, nuts and homemade cookies. These are some of my “go to” recipes when I want to prepare something I know will get eaten up.
Even though the weather outside was cold and rainy, it was warm and cozy inside. My book buddies (we have been together for nine years) did not disappoint with their thoughtful insights and unique perspectives. We, however, did our fair share of getting off topic and laughing so much our faces hurt!
By the way, this month’s book is “Before We Were Yours” by Lisa Wingate. A historical fiction based on real events. It was an emotional and riveting read.
Book club cartoon taken from this site. No copyright infringement intended.
We read that book for our book club too. Of course getting off topic is part of the night!! But it was a wonderful read, and very interesting to think about.
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
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Yes, interesting and a bit disturbing what some of those children endured. Thanks for reading the post!
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I loved this book!!! Your book club sounds like so much fun!
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I am blessed to have met such a lovely group of women! Thanks!!
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I don’t belong to a book club but go to a “game night” once a month that includes spouses. The food you can make for women is so much more fun and creative than what we do with the guys included. *dining envy* BTW I loved the Book Thief!
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Game Night would be so much fun! I get what you mean about the food preparation when there are men involved! (Said with love)
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Yes and no condiments or spices. Sometimes I take my own balsamic vinegar or hot sauce!
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Usually I don’t like the movie version of a book I read, but they did a good job with this one if you haven’t seen it yet.
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I saw it and I agree.
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Sounds like so much fun! I’ve never belonged to a book club, but it’s on my bucket list! Ha!
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I hope you belong to one someday and it is as good as mine! Thanks for reading!
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I was so thrilled reading about your book club. I would like to visit if I lived anywhere nearby. We have a university Book Club but it reads only one book in a year( that too, over a period of 4 weeks). I am sure you all had a lot of fun. I felt for the mother who got a little shut eye when you all were enjoying the movie. I think women getting ” me time” is so important to rejuvenate their lives and turn up their souls, not to mention, giving them food for thought to ruminate over until the next meeting.
Susie
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Thanks so much for reading! “Me time” is so important isn’t it? Whether you chose to spend it alone or with others. If you are ever near by, you are more than welcome to visit with us!
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Thank you. I will try my best and pray that some day in the future I can visit all my blog friends from the US.
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What fun! Sounds such lovely times 😀
Blessings,
Jennifer
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Thanks for reading! Have a wonderful day!
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A book club is definitely on my to-do list! Sounds like your club has some very creative hostesses.
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We have such fun! Thanks for reading!
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Your book club sounds like a lot of fun. Our book club also is considering reading “Before We Were Yours”. It sounds like a wonderful book. Our next meeting is on Sunday afternoon. We always have a great time too.
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If you read the book I hope you enjoy it as much as we did. I am so glad you are in a good one too! Thanks for reading.
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This would just be my ideal book club😍
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Thanks! You are welcome anytime!
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Maybe I should move there. OR start a chapter here… 💙
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You are always welcome to visit! Hope you can get involved with one in your area.
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Thank you. Sincerely 💙. I found a sort of a book club within my church. We began with Lysa Terkeurst’s It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way. It’s a fun group that discusses content of each chapter at a time (but not the writing itself – sigh). It is a good start. Still, I really wanted to discuss The Book Thief after finishing it last month but it was off topic. No worries, I’m not done looking.
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I used to be part of a group at my church and we read Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by, Joanna Weaver and discussed it one chapter at a time too. I miss that group and once I retire I hope to rejoin.
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Oh, that sounds like a good one too.
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