When in Doubt, Start a Book Club

My husband sent me an e-mail the other day asking if I would like an eReader. My answer was something to the effect of: "Is that the thing where you can download a whole bunch of stories onto an electronic device? Then absolutely not."

See, reading a book is an experience for me. It involves four of my five senses. The feel of pages fluttering as I thumb through a potential purchase. The scent of age and wisdom if the book is used or the fragrant new print smell of one right off the presses. Hearing the subtle crack of the spine as I open the new adventure. Then, of course, jumping in with both eyes.

This kind of bibliobsession is shared by a very few in today's society. Proof being the eReader and Kindle. Fortunately, I work with a phenomenal set of ladies who share my fascination with the written word. Over a year ago, we decided to start a book club.

Once a month we each prepare a dish and meet at alternating members' homes. The group is appropriately named The Bad Girls Book Club not because we party so hard we need our own WE television series, but because sometimes people come and sometimes they read the book. (Most book clubs I have heard about are very strict in their reading guidelines and don't smile upon people who choose just to show up for the socialization.) However, our group is much more about the camaraderie than reading. And yet, we still manage to love, read, and discuss books.

I guess I am thankful to know such an awesome group of women. No matter if we like or hate a book, we always have a good time and learn a little about each other. Friendship is so valuable. Perhaps that is why I have a difficult wrapping my brain around people who choose to be alone. Regardless of how long our book club manages to stay together, I cherish every minute we spend eating, discussing, heckling, debating, eating...