In my professional life I had the joy of discussing literature three times a week with a class of eager and not so eager student readers. I appreciated hearing their different understandings of each writing, but too often was the designated “expert” supposed to tell them “what does it really mean?” No matter how many times I told them literature was not written for college professors but for general readers, they turned to me for the final opinion.
In retirement I have the pleasure of being one reader among others in several iterations of book groups. One group of five women formed after our gym shut down last year. It turns out we enjoy each other even more when we aren’t having to count repetitions! Here we meet once a month for about 90 minutes to talk over a selection made by one of us. We take turns suggesting and choosing the books. It is a time blessedly free of academic language. No “real meanings,” no “hidden symbols.” In fact it usually is a relaxed time to catch up and talk a bit about the books and a lot about our lives.
Once a week I talk to a friend across the country about a chapter of whatever book we have chosen. Again, we take turns picking the reading. We chat for 30 minutes about the reading and about our grown kids. Right now we are half through the tome by Jill Lepore “These Truths,” a history of the United States. Even though my friend majored in American history, it is especially fun to see what each of us never learned in college.
Every couple of months I have the joy of an international book group hosted by a Canadian. This introduces me to a myriad of books that I not only haven’t read but to authors I have never heard of. This humbling experience reminds me that I will never have to run out of good reading. I actually used to be afraid of that when I was younger!
Are any of you in book groups? How do they work for you?
Saved By Words 
I have never been in a boo group, but I am delighted to hear that you get so much from them.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I think you are in a virtual one with the world wide discussions of your writings.
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*book*. Typo, sorry.
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My book group is a more casual affair than most.
Rather than each read the same book we talk about what we personally have read – chosen from a ‘pool of books’ (read that as several boxes that get added to now and again) , that ‘live’ at the house where we meet. We’re free to take as many home as we like each month so it’s a way of having free reading material as well as hearing others opinions on what they liked/disliked about a book. Piques your interest in something you might have passed over while rummaging through the boxes.
All good fun – nothing deep and meaningful – no pressure to get a book read by a certain time – no guilty feelings of letting the side down if you don’t have time to read – just us girls talking about books. But I love it!
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The one hosted by Todd is more like that. We share whatever we are reading. I love the possibility of a shared book box. I will suggest that to my group since we all are avid readers and have books lying all over the place.
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I woul be reluctant to join any book group out of concern that it could be dominated by those that dismiss any views that don’t accord with their own.
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I would never join such a group! Thankfully I don’t have friends like that.
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I love book groups and especially my special two some with the author! Also, we are reading with our adult children and really love the way they teach us!
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Sneaky comment!! LOL
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I joined a book club more than ten years ago and it is still active although discussions are held via Zoom, one book a month.
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How lovely. What are you currently reading? Ours went on Zoom for a year. I much prefer our in person now, especially since the hostess usually bakes something!
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I am really not updated because I seldom join their Zoom.
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It isn’t the same is it?
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Yes, it’s not.
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I never find the time to read as much as I would like. I also find now that if I have actually been reading for a considerable length of time, I feel I should put the book away and do something else. Retirement guilt?
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I am free of guilt around reading. I will try not to acquire this trait since I already have enough guilt around retirement free time!
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This sounds heavenly. My book groups are of course with children, yet one day when I’m not teaching I would like to be part of a book group. There is always something wonderful to read!
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