JO AND THE BOOK CLUB

PHOTO BY RANDY BACON

JO AND THE BOOK CLUB

“My Dear Friends”

I learned at a young age that library cards open your world to new experiences. The first book I remember reading was a biography of David Farragut. I picked it out from a shelf of library books in our first-grade classroom. That first book I read when I was just six years old began a lifelong habit of exploring the world through reading. One can turn off the computers, open a book, and be transported anywhere your heart desires. It can replenish your soul.

After marriage and becoming a mom, I discovered how much I enjoyed reading to my children. Reading aloud is such a pleasant and relaxing time. I think children still enjoy being read to even after they can read by themselves. Later, I enjoyed reading to my grandchildren.

Nineteen years ago, my longtime friend, Sheri, decided to start a book club after hearing from her daughter about the one she participated in. Fortunately for me, I was one of the women she invited to be a member. She chose people she knew from different parts of her life. What we had in common was that we each loved to read. When we started, we had an age range of approximately 48 -75 years. We currently have 7 members: Sheri, Judy, Frances, Ann, Sandra, Jan and myself. We have suffered the loss of our beloved Elaine Crabtree. We have read a total of 228 books. The first book we read was The Red Tent by Anita Diamit. The most recent read was Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan. I love getting to a really good part of a book and knowing how much fun it will be to discuss with my book club friends.

We have met almost every month for all of these years. Throughout that time, we have each been touched by the ups and downs of life. We have stood by each other in times of joy and sorrow. Three of us, myself included, have suffered the loss of a spouse. We have had the joy of the birth of grandchildren. The group had a grandmother shower for me when I became a grandmother for the first time. Two of our members are literacy coaches. Books speak to each of us differently. We have loved many of the books we have read, hated a few, and had mixed opinions on others. The knowledge we have gained is priceless. No matter how we feel about the book we have read we always value and respect each other.

I lost my husband, the love of my life, four years ago. Reading has sustained me through difficult times. Being part of the book club was a constant in my life through hard times. My husband was in a clinical trial in St. Louis. We lived up there for 4 months. I heard from my book club friends and they tried to include me in the discussions. Through fear, grief, anxiety, and the great battle of loneliness, books have been a constant. It is harder for me to read now. Books are the magical vehicle to transport one to new places. Most of us in our book club started out buying our book for the month. Now most of us check them out from the library. We started out meeting in members’ homes and often it involved a meal. Eventually we started meeting at restaurants. When Covid happened, we curtailed getting together for a while. We eventually started meeting outside and finally returned to meeting in a member’s home.

There are myriad ways to spend one’s time. I think reading is one of the few things that you can do by yourself without the need to purchase costly equipment, clothing or any specific items to participate. You only need a book which can be checked out for free at any library. Of course, there are fancy devices or one can download books to your phone or computer. But just holding a book in your hand, taking in the scent, and turning the pages is so pleasant. It has brought me joy throughout my life, made better only by sharing it with my dear friends in the book club.