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Original poster

Book Clubs - are they the new rock&roll?

36 replies

Hathor · 26/06/2007 10:29

People keep on pressing me to join one. Considering it, but not sure I want to! Help me make up my mind. What do you enjoy about being in a book club...? What is yours like?

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suedonim · 26/06/2007 14:57

I've been in various book clubs for many years. Obviously, I enjoy them otherwise I wouldn't still be going.

Main benefits to me are that I've read and enjoyed books I may not have normally considered and I've been introduced to new writers. Also, other people's takes on books are fascinating, someone will pick up on something I hadn't noticed or vice versa. The social aspect is good as well. We've moved around a fair bit and it's good to get to know new folks.

The smaller house issue doesn't apply as no one has to hold a meeting and I can't say I've noticed the knitwear aspect, lol!! We choose books once a year, at a pot luck supper, so everyone gets the chance to share books they've enjoyed. Hth.

MarieCeleste · 26/06/2007 13:08

If you like Jodi Picoult, go to a book club with people who also do. If you don't, go to one with people who don't.

Lilymaid · 26/06/2007 13:07

I'm in two. One is alcohol fuelled and fairly intellectual. The other one is dry (organiser had alcohol problems in past). They are excellent for picking up the local gossip - and they keep you on the social scene for party invites! And I'm a librarian, though not wearing any socks today matching or otherwise!

EffiePerine · 26/06/2007 13:03

missed no. 1 and only question

DID YOU ENJOY IT?

FluffyMummy123 · 26/06/2007 13:03

Message withdrawn

Original poster
Hathor · 26/06/2007 13:03

"Necrophilia and Knitwear" by Enid

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Original poster
Hathor · 26/06/2007 13:02

And: In what way did reading this book push your intellectual boundaries beyond your comfort zone of purple knitwear and yoghurt-covered peanuts?

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EffiePerine · 26/06/2007 13:01

Am liking the librarian woman with the socks.

Don't do it: everyone will pick poncy books about death and relayshunships and they will also be a million pages long and fall apart if you read them in the bath.

FluffyMummy123 · 26/06/2007 12:56

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ChippyMinton · 26/06/2007 12:31

The most common comments about a book are

Ooh wasn't it long?
Wasn't it confusing, i had to keep turning back and re-reading it
Did you finish it?
And from the bonkers woman whose socks match her knitwear - Oh i didn't like the cover, i read the last page and din't like it so i didn't read it (she's a librarian FFS)

MrsCarrot · 26/06/2007 12:30

I used to look forward to the snacks most, what combinations there would be.

Grapes, pistachios and yoghurt covered raisins
or mini pretzels with dried apricots and wotsits?

There were lemon puffs once.

FluffyMummy123 · 26/06/2007 12:27

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ChippyMinton · 26/06/2007 12:25

The day the library reopened after its refurbishment (hideous purple & turquoise colour scheme) they all turned up in knitwear that matched the new chairs. Those fuzzy hand knitted scarves are very popular.

FluffyMummy123 · 26/06/2007 12:22

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ChippyMinton · 26/06/2007 12:21

Mine is run by the local library. SIL and i go and the rest are aged over 65 and have interesting(!) knitwear.
We are going to set up our own breakaway group, with alcohol rather than tea as the lubricant. The trouble is knowing who to invite...

Original poster
Hathor · 26/06/2007 12:15

Um, which planet is it you are on?

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Original poster
Hathor · 26/06/2007 12:14
Grin
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FluffyMummy123 · 26/06/2007 12:13

Message withdrawn

Enid · 26/06/2007 12:13

[gavel]

Original poster
Hathor · 26/06/2007 12:13

Nobody has anything good to say though! Not looking encouraging. Think I will keep well away based on these comments.

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FluffyMummy123 · 26/06/2007 12:12

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Original poster
Hathor · 26/06/2007 12:11

Oh great. Enid and cod have stopped sending cryptic messages and someone else has arrived!

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Original poster
Hathor · 26/06/2007 12:11

Anyone else?

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Anna8888 · 26/06/2007 12:10

In my family we often read the same book and discuss (by telephone). Much better than any book club . And book clubs are generally fiction-oriented, and these days I prefer history/biography/science/economics

saltire · 26/06/2007 12:10

There was a book club on the base where I used to live. I wasn't allowed to join it though because it was " The Officers Wives book club". Us riff raff junior ranks wives weren't allowed to join. Then some bright spark came up with the idea that perhaps it wouldn't be so bad after all if junior ranks wives were allowed to join. Until one Wing Commanders wife said "Well I shan't be lowering my standards and going into one of their houses". So the idea was hit on the head.
Ok rant over.
Hathor I think you are right, book clubs are popular, have taken over from Tupperware parties as a way of socialising I think. if you are keen to join one then do, don't listen to us who don't like them.
Well actually I don't know if I like them or not as I've never actually been to one

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