Books, What's On Your Bookshelf?

Why Join A Book Club?

Retirement Reflections

Book Club/Reading Benefits (according to research)

Book Club Benefits (according to me)

  • A Chance to Discuss Your Recent Reads/Share a Love of Reading
  • Connect Socially
  • Make New Friends
  • Afternoon or Evening Out
  • Expand Your Reading Horizons
  • Gain New Perspectives
  • Help Make Reading a Priority (via a set deadline and group commitment)

If None of the Above has You Convinced:

  • Book Clubs usually include snacks/wine!

Since it was my turn to drop off door-to-door treats for a local book club meeting (via Zoom), I went with this reusable glass jar packaging. Each container included: a package of microwave popcorn, cappuccino mix, herbal tea, chocolate, ginger candy and a small energy bar!

My Most Recent Book Club Reads:

Nomadland, Persuasion, My Mother’s Daughter, The Gift of Rain, Good to a Fault (click on links to see my reviews).

“Why so many recent book club reads?” I hear you asking. I’m currently in three book clubs, and I often read ahead. At the height of the pandemic’s lockdown, I was in five different book clubs (all took place online).

I’ve also recently reread Plunge with one of my book clubs. The author, Liesbet Collaert, joined us (via Zoom) to introduce herself and answer questions. Liesbet’s book and her guest appearance were extremely well-received. It turns out that she is a great writer and a fantastic speaker combined!

Sadly, I forgot to take a photo when Liesbet joined us. The above is a previous photo of that same book club group.

Other Books Recently Read:

Mastering the Art of French Cooking (The 40th Anniversary Edition), Taste, The Writing Diet, Flourishing and Free (click on links to see my reviews).

Although I’m not much of a television/movie watcher, I recently became engrossed in Stanley Tucci’s In Search of Italy and HBO Max’s Julia. Both series influenced my recent reading. I was pleasantly surprised by how easily Julia’s Child’s recipes could be read as a book. The introductions to this anniversary edition provided much history and thought-provoking insight, as did the recipes themselves. If you have a copy on your shelf, I highly recommend giving it a closer look. In the case of Taste, I much preferred the CNN series over the book. (My apologies to Stanley.)

I haven’t (yet) made any recipes from Mastering or Taste, but this reading did inspire me to attempt Julia’s Sole Meunière . Here’s my version of her pan-fried fish. Although it was good, I didn’t quite have the intense reaction to it that Meryl did in Julie and Julia. Perhaps I didn’t use enough butter?!

Travelling Book Updates:

The Little Book of Inner Peace (Copy A) recently landed in Buderim, Australia. It has now officially travelled 14,559 km since leaving Vancouver Island, BC, on February 9, 2022. Over 2,760 of those kilometres (or 28 hours of driving time without traffic) were in Australia alone. More updates to follow.

Speaking of Traveling Books In an early post, I mentioned Book Crossings. On March 11, I left a copy of Julia Cameron’s The Writing Diet on a random table at a Mt. Washington ski lodge. I recently received notice that it was found and commented upon. That made my morning!

What’s been on your bookshelf recently? Are you a member of a book club? If so, what do you believe are its top benefits? Share your post and read others here:

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Published by Retirement Reflections

Prior to retirement, I lived and worked in Beijing China for fourteen years (Middle School Principal/Deputy Director at The Western Academy of Beijing). Leaving international life behind, my husband and I retired to Vancouver Island in June 2015. To document both this transition and our new adventures, ‘Retirement Reflections’ was born. I hope that you enjoy reading these reflections, and will be willing to share your own.

103 thoughts on “Why Join A Book Club?”

  1. Pingback: Reading, Writing and Life #WOYBS – Deb's World

  2. Butter makes everything better! I adore our book club – it’s an absolute highlight for me, not only socially, but also reading the same book at the same time allows you to really dive deeply into the pages…and down rabbit holes.

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    1. Julia Child said the exact same thing! She also said, “As you get older, you shouldn’t waste time drinking bad wine.” Who are we to argue with Julia?
      Reading the same book at the same time truly does provide a brilliant immersion that I don’t believe can be achieved in the same way by reading alone. I tried to do this ‘same book at the same time’ reading thing with Richard once. Unfortunately, that’s the same time that I had a major disagreement with the author over the book’s ending….and Richard never offered to simultaneously read with me again. Funny that!

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  3. This was a great post and would convince anyone to join a bookclub if they weren’t already in one Donna! I am in two bookclubs currently – on a local group of ladies who meet on the 2nd Sunday of the month to discuss our library organised books. I’m also in an online bookclub (with my fellow WOYBS hosts) and love the way we break down of books into sections then discuss as we go – no reading ahead! I love your commitment to providing snacks for your Zoom meetings. It’s great to see the way your Little Book of Peace is winging it’s way around the world – such a brilliant idea! Finally, a great selection of books on offer, you are always so interesting in what you read and why. Truly an inspiring reader. Thanks for being such a keen bookclub member and co-host of this monthly linkup 🙂

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    1. Thank you for your kind words, Debbie. Like you, I love the way that book clubs can help break down books and increase our understanding as well as our enjoyment. Although I am usually a fan of reading in sync, this not reading ahead thing is absolutely killing me for Pride and Prejudice. I want to read more! And I want to watch the full mini-series with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle!! 😀

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      1. Oh you must, must watch that! I remember Darcymania sweeping the country in 1995. I’ve watched it at least 3 times since then and I couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve read the book. However, Emma is my favourite Austen title, though I’ve never been truly satisfied with any of the screen adaptations.

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      2. Thanks for the recommendation, Anabel. Richard did some scouting for me on this and said that we could watch it on BritBox. We don’t have BritBox but they offer a 7-day trial which I will likely take advantage of!

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  5. Some interesting books there! I was given a paperback copy of Mastering the Art of French cooking when I was a teenager, but it sadly fell apart so perhaps time to buy a new copy. I thought the Stanley Tuccci book could have done with better editing.

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    1. I was so disappointed with Taste. I loved, loved, loved Tucci’s ‘Searching for Italy’ so likely my expectations for the book were way too high. I borrowed this from my library and only audio was available so that also added to my disappointment. Due to my humour-bypass, his dry humour often came across as arrogance.

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  6. I’ve always had a dream of being part of a book club and thought for sure I would join one once retired but then…well…Covid happened. I love that your club carried on via Zoom and that you found ways to make it extra special by members providing treats to enjoy with each session. You gave yours the wonderful “Donna flair”, as usual! No doubt it was greatly appreciated.
    Have you read “My Life in France” by Julia Child? I keep forgetting to ask…A marvellous little book.

    Deb

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    1. Hi, Deb – It’s interesting what we think we will do once we retire, and then what we actually do. Before I retired I was positive that I would spend much time working on my ancestry. In reality, I spent about a half of an afternoon and that was it! I also never would have guessed that I would blog. But hiking? I was always very certain and hopeful about that one!
      I haven’t read ‘My Life in France’ but I did recently pick up a second-hand copy of “As Always, Julia: The Letters of Julia Child and Avis DeVoto.” I’ll let you know what I think.

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  7. How I wish I had time to be part of a book club, let alone read books. One day, when life becomes a bit less hectic again… I wonder how many years I’ve been saying this, haha.

    Thank you again for recommending “Plunge” to your book club (and for rereading it), Donna. I had a great time answering questions and wish I could have been at it longer, but I think I chewed through most of your allocated time already!

    One thing I forgot to ask at the end: if readers who enjoyed my book could leave a short review on Amazon… That would be super appreciated. 🙂

    Happy hiking!!

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    1. Hi, LIesbet – Thank you again for speaking with my bookclub. You did an awesome job. Every member thoroughly enjoyed Plunge and greatly appreciated your candidness in answering their questions. I don’t see that group again for a while (hiking has taken over) but I will definitely pass on your message about a review.

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  8. I am always impressed with the amount and diversity you and your bookclub members read and share. My TBR lists grow. Thanks a bunch.

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  10. Hi Donna, Great resources and information. Ah, yes…the snacks and wine.😀 You are always exceptionally thoughtful. Great door-to-door treats. I loved the movie, “Nomadland” I have not read the book, yet. I also loved “Plunge.” Thank you for sharing a fun and interesting post.💕

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    1. Hi, Erica – I highly recommend ‘Nomadland.’ Although the movie was excellent, the book takes a much deeper dive and is not afraid to name names or face the politics head on. I highly recommend it.
      I miss you! Let’s plan a get together soon!

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  12. We have a nature book club, greatly enjoyed by the members, and it has been quite wonderful to do it via Zoom during COVID when we are unable to meet in person and have tea. It is a little different from the standard format inasmuch as each persons reviews a book they have read recently with recommendations, or otherwise. It doesn’t even have to be a book. If you have acquired a new pair of binoculars, for example, and would like to comment on their performance, that is all fair game. Socialization, new knowledge….that’s hard to beat.

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    1. Hi, David – That Book Club (or Show and Tell) sounds absolutely fabulous! You’re right about shared interest, new knowledge and socialization — the longevity research would saw this is a win-win-win!

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  13. The book group I am in also continued on Zoom when lockdown started, and it’s still there. I think it will stay that way actually, because one member has moved away and another, who had already moved away, was able to rejoin which was great. We don’t want to throw them out again!

    My latest read (not book group) was The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton. It’s a historical novel set in 17th century Amsterdam. I enjoyed it, although it’s not for anyone who likes everything to be fully explained and tied up at the end.

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    1. Thanks, Anabel – I love that your book club has remained on Zoom to accommodate members. One of my book clubs meets in-person, another is always Zoom and another depends on the weather and lockdown restrictions. There truly are advantages to both ways.
      BTW – I love books that are open-ended (vs those that are suddenly and glossily tied up in the final pages). Thank you for sharing Burton’s book here.

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  14. Hi Donna, I love your special packages you made up for your book club – a fantastic idea. They would certainly make me consider joining a book club! Your book review for Plunge has me intrigued so I will be looking out for that book. Plus can I come for dinner? Your sole meunière looks delicious 😋

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  15. Hi Donna – I’m fascinated by your involvement in so many book clubs – you’re definitely a more social soul than me (and a more versatile reader!) On a side note, my hubby got new glasses a few months ago and I now call him Stanley because he reminded me of Stanley Tucci (because they both have fabulous wives – not just because they both have no hair and the same glasses!) 😀

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  16. Wonderful post about books, book clubs, and reading. That’s amazing that you’re in so many book clubs! I’ve been in book clubs over the years but haven’t found one that is true to my reading heart. One was all about the food (we met at a restaurant, and everyone talked about their dinner instead of the book we read). Another was in the neighborhood I lived in, and many of the readers seemed to need to outdo each other in how much symbolism/metaphors/similes/political underlinings they found in each book. Plus, the books were not to my taste. And another book club I recommended a book I LOVED and several of the women considered it “women’s fiction” and asked “how did you get through the entire thing??” Whoops. Turned me off completely. ;-0 However, many of my friends are readoholics like you and me, and we talk about and share the books we read all the time. That counts too, right? 🙂 P.S. How wonderful to have Liesbet join your book club when you read her excellent memoir.

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    1. Hi, Pam – I am a firm believer that sharing and discussing books with friends has all of the benefits of a book club (and more). I was once in an ‘outdo each other with our wit and academic knowledge’ kind of book club. When I narrowed down the reading groups that I was in, that was the first one to go!

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  18. I haven’t been in a book club in 30 years. I don’t seem to have the time to read consistently. I used to finish a book in a weekend. Now I fall asleep by page 70.

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      1. Deck is coming along. He’s working tomorrow (Saturday) for the first time ever to move it along. After he decided that we got a big rainstorm and he had to quit early today. Not getting a break here.

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  19. I’m currently reading Bill Bryson’s “The Road to Little Dribbling”. On deck: Byson’s “In A Sunburned Country”. I like his style. Also on the TBR list is “Run, Rose, Run”, Dolly Parton’s collaboration with James Patterson. Dolly Parton’s creativity never ceases to amaze me. Another TBR book – “A Guide To The Good Life (the ancient art of stoic joy)” by William B Irvine. I belonged to one book club in my life. It was kind of like WOYBS – rather than all of us reading the same book, we discussed our current reads. I will sometimes go to review sites to see what others have to say about a book to expand my understanding of a book. I have a cousin who is an avid reader and book club member. “What are you reading?” is always part of our conversations. Three book clubs? WOW!

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    1. Hi, Mona – I am delighted that you are reading and enjoying Bill Bryson’s books. I am a huge fan, but still have not read all of his books. They remain on the top of my TBR list. Thank you for letting me know about Parton’s and Irvine’s books. They both sound like excellent reads. I hope that spring has been treating you well!

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  20. Hi Donna – your reasons for the book club are the best … and friends here have added their touches. I loved the book club I was able to tap into around the Cowichan Valley area … here there’s one I could go back to join … but as it’s 12 miles away (long way here!) … one day perhaps. They do force you to read though … I’m a good buyer of books with a desire to read – yet just look over and they get added to the pile.

    I enjoyed Stanley Tucci’s Italian programmes … I seem to be in the Russian Revolution of 100 years ago at the moment via the Royal Academy here in London – learning lots and ‘giving’ talks … always leading on to something else … refugee wistfulness of home-foods … leading me into learning about central Asia. And so it goes …

    Cheers and looking forward to your posts on your travels – Hilary

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    1. Hi, Hilary – You are a wonderful lifelong learner and a very wise and generous sharer of knowledge. That is one of reasons that I am an avid follower of your blog. I look forward to reading more about your current explorations.

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  21. Book Clubs are a great way to meet new people; usually people with a common interest. You’ve read some great books. Persuasion is my favourite out of all of them. But then I am a huge Jane Austen fan.

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    1. Thanks, Darlene – I am loving our dip into Austen’s works. We started with Persuassion and are now halfway through Pride and Prejudice. I enjoyed Persuassion and am already head over heels with P&P. We are not allowed to read ahead for that bookclub so I am trying to be patient and not cheat! 😀

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  22. Thank you for singing hymns to book clubs. I’m jealous of my reading time and choices — and I’ve discovered a dozen books I’d never have read but for my book club. My book club makes me more generous and risk-tolerant!

    My club is reading “Crying in H-Mart” by Michelle Zauner, lead singer and songwriter for the band Japanese Breakfast. It’s a quick, fun, moving read. I can’t recommend it highly enough.

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    1. Hi, Carol Ann – Thank you so much for stopping by. I’ve heard good things about ‘Crying in H-Mart’ and will check it out further. I love your statement that book club makes you “more generous and risk-tolerant.” I had to think about this – but I do agree that it’s true for me as well!

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  23. I have been in quite a few book clubs over the years: some great, some not so much. Although I love the social aspect most offer, I want the book to be the focus. My current club is made up of like-minded women who love to read and discuss a wide variety of books (snacks and wine are appreciated too). The fact that we all live within a few miles of each other is a bonus. Although we met via Zoom for much of the last two years, we are fortunate that our climate allows us now to meet in person outside. I’m going to check out a few of your book recommendations.

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    1. Thanks, Janis – Your book club sounds like a perfect fit. I am incredibly jealous that you have been able to meet outside for so long now. I swear that I have worn my rain/snow pants every day from last September until yesterday. Our weather has been absolutely insane. I’m glad that you liked the book recommendations. That is one of my favourite things about book club – it pushes me to read more diversely!

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  24. I love your idea for portable treats in reusable bottles. So cute! I think I’m an avid reader but I am no match for you. Interesting note on book clubs. I’ve never joined one but now I’m thinking …

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    1. Hi, Sandy – Thank you for your kind words. Reading is so personal and hard to compare. My husband has been reading the same book (The Third Reich) for over three months now. But it is 1280 pages of fine print text and the subject is very detailed (and soul-destroying).
      I’m glad that you are thinking about book club. My guess is that you might really like it. It is definitely worth giving a try!

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  25. Hi Donna, It’s impressive how many book clubs you are involved with. Great to see Liesbet at one of your book club meetings and that your little book is travelling well. Thank you for sharing your recent reads. I’m going to check out a few of them.

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  26. Our Bookclub has added such a richness to my life Donna – not just through reading and the lively discussions of the Classics we have chosen to study, but the friendship, learning and even baking! It’s the whole package and I recommend Book Clubs to everyone – IRL or online. Thanks for sharing what you’ve been reading and also an update on The Little Book of Peace travels. You always inspire me with your reading selection. Thanks for being a wonderful friend and co-host of What’s On your Bookshelf? Happy reading in May (unless you are too tired after hiking all day!) Enjoy! xx

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    1. Thanks, Sue – I 100% agree about the richness that the right bookclub can add to our lives. As you say, it’s the whole package — centred on friendship!
      Since books, and even my kindle, are too heavy to carry in my backpack, I will likely take a break from reading while I am away. I will also take a break from my regular blogging. But I will try to send out some virtual postcards (hopefully via my blog — wifi willing). Stay tuned! 😀

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  27. I haven’t had as much time to read for pleasure as I would like recently, Donna, but perhaps that will change when I retire next week. Your post has inspired me to add “Join a book club” to my list of things I want to try. I always enjoy the updates on your traveling book.

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  28. I have to admit that over the last few years book clubs have fallen off my radar. I don’t know of any right now, but I imagine as we get back to doing things socially some will start up. They can be fun, if only to eat the snacks. 😁

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  29. Pingback: Books as decor? (May 2022 read) – Eat, Play, Live
  30. Pingback: Do You Love a Book Series? #WhatsOnYourBookshelfChallenge #WOYBC | Reading Ladies
  32. Pingback: What’s on your Bookshelf – May – Travels with Ali

  33. Hi Donna – great post about book clubs. You are a book club pro! I used to be in 3 when my kids were younger (no idea how I even managed that!). Now I’m only in one, although my original club is talking about re-forming. Zoom book clubs are great now that everyone has figured them out! Happy reading 🙂

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  34. Your sole Meunière looks delicious Donna as do all your books! I love that the ‘experience’ of reading books gives a wider perspective on everything about life. I’ve just finished Atwood’s ‘The Testaments’ – a follow on from The Handmaid’s Tale’. Breathtaking. Golly, she’s prolific. I found a Susan Howatch at a charity shop the other day; getting stuck into that right now

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    1. Hi,Susan – Thank you so much for stopping by. I agree that Atwood, as well as many other brilliant authors,have been frightfully accurate in predicting our current reality. It is remarkable how thet do that!

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  35. I like the idea of book clubs, Donna, and you have certainly made the most of the ones you belong to. I enjoy reading on my own but always am open to a good recommendation like yours recently ( A Walk in the Woods). Hope all is well. BTW, I’ve temporarily disabled my Instagram account for a variety of reasons. I look forward to reading/hearing more about your upcoming “camino” trip!

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  37. Pingback: Book Clubs – they come and go and now they’re on Zoom! | Book Club Mom

  39. Donna, you should be an ambassador for book clubs! 😀 Your post has me wanting to sign up for one … or five! Such brilliant reasons to partake and I love the selection of books you’ve read. ‘Nomadland’ has been on my radar for a while and your review is full of insight and depth. It is good when you can enjoy both the book and movie and find different elements within them rewarding and enriching! Wow! The Little Book of Inner Peace is a globe trotter and I wonder if it will make it all the way back to you!?

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  40. I’m behind in reading blogs because I got caught up in a book called Liliac Girls. I always wanted to be part of a book club but the neighborhood women never invited me…Hmm… maybe I should form my own because as you mention there are lots of benefits. Bernie

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      1. Ah thanks Donna! I’ve just suggested to Deb we form our own club! I actually wanted to do an Indigenous reads one to encourage fellow Canadians, myself included, to read and take steps towards truth. Bernie

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  42. Pingback: May’s Challenging Weekend Coffee Share – Marsha Ingrao – Always Write

    1. Hi, Marsha – Thank you so much for joining in. I always love your posts. I am currently on a shirt blogging break and will return in early June. In the meantime, Sue, Jo and Debbie will keep the WOYBS and WOTY linkups going strong and Deb WB will do the same for WOYP. See you again soon!

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  44. Reading is the one thing we enjoy so much more now that we are “reinventing retirement”. Can’t image our new lives without books!

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