Books — Can be our Friends

What would life be without books? For many, it would be a very lonely place. Reading has always been a big part of my life. In the past, my bedside table would collect books I intended to read or had read. When the tower threatened to topple, I would pass the books along or donate them to the local library book sale. Technology has changed everything. Books can be read on our Kindles, iPads, computers, and even our phones. My Kindle keeps an inventory of books ready to pull up and read anywhere, anytime. I do miss real books with colorful, clever covers and the constant reminders of book names and authors.

Think about it — books don't talk back or disagree — they tell their story. If you do not like the story or style, you can stop reading it and go on to another. If only conversations were like that. We have all found ourselves in a seemingly endless conversation and longing to escape. Books are easy — you want out, and you just put the offending book down or close the app — no hard feelings. You can't hurry up a boring conversation. Slow book? Jump to the last chapter, end your misery, and start another more promising volume.

Book clubs are thriving. There are girlfriend book clubs, couples book clubs, not-so-serious book clubs, and very serious book clubs. The two independent bookstores on Amelia Island both offer book clubs. My book club has enjoyed 22 years of reading an incredible variety of books, from classics to the latest best sellers. Yes, it is about books, but it is about so much more. We share joys, sorrows, and challenges. We celebrate milestone birthdays and grandchildren and support each other in crisis. We mourn lost members. Some read on Kindles or iPads, and some prefer the old-fashioned way a book feels in your hands. Most agree book clubs push our reading habits and challenge us to read books we might not have chosen if not for the club. Our members bring a variety of backgrounds and life experiences to our discussions. No one wants to miss our monthly book club when we share a meal, a glass of wine or two, have a book discussion (sometimes very short!), and catch up with everyone’s news.

What makes a good book club? Research shows that book club members read books that will provoke good conversation; other criteria include reading challenging and controversial books. It's not all women. Private book clubs are 88% women. Public book clubs, like those hosted by libraries, include more men.

Celebrity book clubs are popular. Oprah's Book Club was introduced in 1996 and has helped launch many emerging authors. Another celebrity, Reese Witherspoon, has developed another popular book club focusing on books with a woman as the story's center, often written by women authors.

The company of books is a joy. Books can be life-changing. So this holiday season, buy yourself a present — a book. You’ll be glad you did.