Book Club

Tonight I went to my Book Club. I belong to a FABULOUS Book Club. It's made up of a bunch of ladies from my church. But you don't have to be a member of our church to come. In fact our only requirements for membership are that you are a woman over the age of 18. And sometimes we relax the age rule and invite the daughters of some of our members to come. Mostly we do this so they can see how cool we are, but also so we can hear their insights on a particular book that deals with issues young people face. We never relax the rule about being a woman though. Women have such a free and easy intimacy when men aren't around. Men are not allowed, unless it's to retrieve a stray child who has wandered into our meeting to sneak some treats and eavesdrop on the adults. When such a man enters, there is a brief pause in the conversation until his exit when once again the talk flows freely like water. Like a noisy, bubbling brook of nourishing water.

I guess we have one other requirement. You have to suggest one book for the year that you have already read and love with all your heart, or by which you are at least intrigued. Actually, that's the only book you have to read. You don't necessarily have to read the book each month. I mean come on. Most of us have children. We welcome anyone who hasn't read the book and just wants some lively conversation or a night away from the kids. But you must be prepared to be lovingly razzed a little bit for not reading, especially if you chose to watch the movie instead. In fact we have one member who never reads the book. She stands as a token nonreader so that anyone else who hasn't read the book will feel comfortable attending.

The best part about Book Club is the women who come each month. They are wise, sincere, practical, intelligent, spiritual, funny, open and honest. They usually come bearing treats, love and acceptance. In short, they are beautiful women in the truest sense of the word and I am honored to be in a group with them.