January meeting

Hey ladies,

I've been thinking about our meetings, and wondering how we can improve the dialogue, and really open up the discussion. When we started this book club, we thought at first we would just leave it open, and not really make it structured; just let the conversation flow where it may. And I still think that's a really great idea; I'm not sure it would really be enjoyable to come with a list of questions that we each have to answer - though Steph might appreciate the school-like setting :).

Side note: I like emoticons because it's sometimes hard to convey emotion through quick blurbs of writing. What I hate about emoticons is I'm not sure where they fit in correlation to the sentence's punctuation. SEE ABOVE. Should that happy face have come after the period? Before? Does the happy face negate the period entirely?? WHO KNOWS.

Back on topic. So here's my (well, other's ideas, I'm just conveying): How about when we read this month's book, we take notes - things that make us think while reading, stuff that sticks out to us, portions that really grab us emotionally. That way we can bring our notes, and really share with everyone what spoke to us in the book. It doesn't have to be formal or long, maybe even just key words to help you remember. I think this will really enrich the conversation and help us get a lot more out of it.

This is just a suggestion, and by no means is it mandatory. If you think that's totally stupid, you can just read and bring your ideas like normal. I know it will help me, because when I read a book, I have so much to say about it, and by the time the meeting rolls around, its easy to forget what I had wanted to say.

So take it or leave it. Either way, I'm sure we'll have another great meeting.

This month's we will be at Chelsey's place on January 23 @ 7pm. Let someone know if you need directions, and maybe someday Steph will update the contact sheet? Kidding, kidding.

Happy reading!

“What a miracle it is that out of these small, flat, rigid squares of paper unfolds world after world after world, worlds that sing to you, comfort and quiet or excite you. Books help us understand who we are and how we are to behave. They show us what community and friendship mean; they show us how to live and die.” — Anne Lamott