About two months ago my cancer support group had our own book club. We read the book "Option B" By Sherly Sandberg, you can find my review of the book here .
The few weeks we spend reading and discussing the story were so much fun. I got a lot out of it and I really enjoyed so many aspects of being in a book club that I wish I was in a continuous one. Which, coming from me, is a lot as I don't really like to socialize or meet new people.
However, ever since finishing the book I've found myself thinking about why a book club would be good to join and why I feel everyone should be apart of a book club. Here are 6 of them:
1. Socialization
Once again, I'm not a huge fan of this and get really anxious, but it actually would be a good thing. You can get out a bit more, spend time with your friends discussing a book. Just having a nice time getting out being around people.
2. Discuss books
I mean, obviously. What I'm getting at is that more often than not after I'm done reading a book, or even in the middle of it, all I want to do is talk about it. No one else is reading the book with me though, so no one understands, which is just frustrating to me. I want to talk about the book!
3. New books
"Option B" was a book I probably never would've heard of or read if it hadn't been for the group. I think that's something really cool. You're able to find and read things you never would've beforehand. I ended up really enjoying "Option B" so I'm glad I got to read it.
4. New friends
I'm don't really have too many friends, nor do I see them too often, so one of the things I kept thinking about was that this would be a good chance to meet new people, make some new friends.
5. Deadlines
I'm awful and committing to reading a certain amount on my own. I read when I feel like it and just go with the flow. During our club though we had to read a certain amount of chapters each week and that was so good for me. I actually made myself read. I love to read, but finding the energy to is hard. I know once I start reading I'll never want to stop, but getting there is the worst. So having that deadline really helped.
6. It's fun
I'm serious. Reading that book and getting to talk about it be together was so much fun.
Books are wonderful. They take you to new places, introduce you to new people, and help you escape for a little while. Getting to talk about books just makes it better. I really do think more people should join book clubs.
Also, if anyone is looking for a new book club member, hit me up. Or we could start our own. I'm up for anything. Seriously though, let's get reading.