Anyone who knows me knows how much I love giving and getting book recommendations. I don’t think a conversation goes by where I’m not letting someone know about a book I think they’d like or whipping out my phone to record a book I definitely have to read.
Our inaugural book was Eight Hundred Grapes. Ironically, none of us live in NYC but with work and commuting schedules, it made sense to all “meet in the middle” in Manhattan for our meeting. We all really enjoyed the book. The four of us were pretty proud of ourselves for finishing it way before our meeting and not waiting until the last minute… none of us could put it down! Honestly, I have to admit that we didn’t do a great job of discussing the book. Next time I’ll be more prepared to lead the group!
But why didn’t we discuss the book?!
Because we were having too much fun in general! Admittedly, I was nervous to introduce my friends to each other. I love them so much and really wanted the group to mesh well. Everyone has a different job; there’s a first grade teacher, a senior associate at a non-profit, and a merchant for an awesome retailer. My dreams came true though– we had a great time! It was funny to see how even though everyone had me in common, there were other similarities. Two girls grew up skiing the same mountain. And two girls lived in the towns next to each other and had more mutual friends than they could count.
Finding friends– outside of work– as an adult can be a challenge. We agreed that it’s not often a situation like this presents itself. I’m so glad I got the group together and truly hope we can stick with it for a long time!
This is also officially something I’d recommend doing!
PS Right before our first meeting, I stumbled on a documentary on Hulu that interviews members of a book club that has been going on for over sixty years! It’s such an interesting look at women, friendships, and sharing a special bond over a lifetime.
PPS We’re skipping December because of travel schedules, but need to pick a book for January. Any recommendations?!
The Time Keeper or Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom!
PLEASE read the Orphan Train! It's the perfect book club book too! There's a whole lot of history, but the topic is super relevant today. Left me in tears! (in a good way)
It's kind of in the teen category, but I loved Saint Anything.
I'd try The Invaders by Karolina Waclawiak… it was stunning. The ending was so perfect.
That is such a fun and cute idea :)!
xx. The Coastal Confidence
http://the-coastalconfidence.com/
Reunion by Hannah Pittard! I couldn't put it down. It's about a dysfunctional family and it's funny, honest and raw.
http://lincolnknots.com/
Hi Carly,
I just read The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen and loved it! It is very Hunger Games meets Harry Potter, and is about an 18 year old girl in post apocalyptic Earth, where they have gone back to Feudal society, and she finds out she is queen. It is just amazing, There is a second out out as well, and the last one comes out in June. I don't usually read a lot of fantasy but this was amazing. Also, Emma Watson bought the rights to it, and is going to produce it, direct it, and star in it.
Sincerely,
Lauren
Love this idea! I have Eight Hundred Grapes on my books to read list, and I am hoping to read it soon!
The Holder of the World is a fascinating read that definitely appeals to history buffs and people interested in classic literature. It's a retelling of The Scarlet Letter, but is set both in 17th century New England and India, and in 20th century Boston. It's an impressively constructed alternate history with more realistic/believable elements of time travel. I highly recommend this book!
a little life. nominated for national book award.
I recently finished Henna house by Nomi Eve. The book was phenomenal. Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid was a quick read for me. It's a good book that will provide a lot to talk about. It's a similar premise to If/Then, the Broadway musical starring Idina Menzel. I'm very fortunate to have found my fantastic book club through MeetUp. Let us know what book you pick for January!
I'm currently reading 'I am Pilgrim" and it's a very interesting thiller! I also recently read "Modern Romance" by Aziz Ansari and I think it would make for some interesting and funny conversations at a book club :p
Laura | Laura Aime Vous
Starting a book club is such a great way to bring different friends circles together! Lately I have really enjoyed any book by Sarah Allen Addison and Dollbaby by Lauren Lane McNeal is also really, then any book by Pamela Keogh is great, but she only writes biographies.
Lauren,
http://www.atouchofsoutherngrace.com/
So nice to have a reason to get together with friends!
I agree! It's hard being a postgrad and not knowing how to find friends. I recently read "Wild" by Cheryl Strayed and LOVED it. Also, her podcast, "Dear Sugar" is amazing.
Me Before You is a great read!
The book I really really love and keep going back to it is, as cliche as it sounds, Eat, Pray, Love.
The topics it goes through is amazing to me, because you always have a moment where you feel kind of lost, at it happens to me. And the fact that she handle the situation the way she did, doing a huge trip to these amazing countries it's really unbelievable to me. Even though I'm not going trough that stage (hope it doesn't happen to me,lol) Infineon it so entertaining and amazing how the story unveils in front of you.
So that is my recommendation in case you haven't read it yet.
Vickelle.com
The Nightingale is the best book I have read in a long time. It's set in WWII era France, and is about the journey of two sisters' time together and apart. Such a great read!
I'm adding Eight Hundred Grapes to my reading list! I loved The Swan House by Elizabeth Musser and The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd, both are must-reads in my book!
Aw man, those videos had me in tears. I started a bookclub in January 2010 and I was the only common friend. Five years later and entering our sixth year, we are going strong, have never missed a month and been through so much together. It is so special x
My two most recent books for book club happen to be two of my favorites! I highly recommend All the Light we Cannot See by Anthony Doerr and A Paris Apartment by Michelle Gable. Happy reading! 🙂
"Room" by Emma Donaghue. It's absolutely fabulous