I've mentioned earlier in this blog that I am a member of a men's book club - which has been one of the highlights of my life over the past two decades. I hesitated to write the previous sentence for fear of alienating readers - only because it casts me as a rather hum-drum individual, one step in the grave due to sheer boredom. Actually, though, for avid readers, the opportunity to discuss books with like-minded individuals at regular intervals over the years can be quite an escape from the frequent grinds that have choke holds on our lives.
Last night was book selection night, when member suggest ideas for books for the coming cycle, which can range 4-7 months depending on how many books are chosen. We go around in a circle describing our choice(s) with a brief description of each title. Then, everyone has 5 votes to cast for the books to be read. All things considered, we usually end up with 4-7 books that have a plurality of votes - and these are chosen for the next 4-7 months.
This is a tough group - suggesting book titles can be stress-provoking, not because your selection might not be chosen. Rather, the stress comes from the idea that your book suggestion might actually be chosen - and then the pressure is on to be a sharp discussion leader while at the same time hoping to God that the majority of members will not think that the booked sucked.
Anyway, back to book selection night last night. Of course, I mentioned to the club a couple of months ago that I have a novel (Birth Offering) coming out in September. I had a suspicion that they may want to read the book for the book club. I swear to God that I did not campaign for this honor... I just know these guys after two decades of book discussions. As expected, it was chosen. In fact, there was no voting. The October meeting was earmarked for the book discussion (October = Halloween = horror novel).
Secretly, I am thrilled. Not so secretly, I'm scared to death. They will be kind... I hope.
PS. Birth Offering - coming in September....
Last night was book selection night, when member suggest ideas for books for the coming cycle, which can range 4-7 months depending on how many books are chosen. We go around in a circle describing our choice(s) with a brief description of each title. Then, everyone has 5 votes to cast for the books to be read. All things considered, we usually end up with 4-7 books that have a plurality of votes - and these are chosen for the next 4-7 months.
This is a tough group - suggesting book titles can be stress-provoking, not because your selection might not be chosen. Rather, the stress comes from the idea that your book suggestion might actually be chosen - and then the pressure is on to be a sharp discussion leader while at the same time hoping to God that the majority of members will not think that the booked sucked.
Anyway, back to book selection night last night. Of course, I mentioned to the club a couple of months ago that I have a novel (Birth Offering) coming out in September. I had a suspicion that they may want to read the book for the book club. I swear to God that I did not campaign for this honor... I just know these guys after two decades of book discussions. As expected, it was chosen. In fact, there was no voting. The October meeting was earmarked for the book discussion (October = Halloween = horror novel).
Secretly, I am thrilled. Not so secretly, I'm scared to death. They will be kind... I hope.
PS. Birth Offering - coming in September....
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