If you have to ask, you'll never know. That was one of Louis Armstrong's favorite sayings and it is totally applicable here. Joining a book club is a favorite past time of moms. Despite the fact that’s it’s just another bitch/gab/gossip session under the guise of intelligent chatter, moms truly believe they are bettering themselves if they join a book club. Do romance novels count as serious reading? If Lois, Kathy, Ruth, Jennifer and Mary say so, then by golly, they do!
Top reasons moms join book clubs:
Expanding their minds – seriously. Who doesn’t feel enriched discussing whether Julia Roberts looks her age or guessing whether she went under the knife? Oh yeah, also, discussing whether she really pulled off the depth of emotion Liz experiences in Thailand is important too. Aren’t following? Then you have just broken the first cardinal rule of book clubs – every book club member everywhere must read EPL. (that’s “Eat, Pray, Love” for all you losers!)
Friendship – no book club member would ever feel anything but love toward another member, even if she does try to outdo your last gathering by having red velvet cupcakes made by that cute new bakery downtown. How thoughtful! The main character in this month’s book loved red velvet… the bitch!
Wine – why bother showing up to a meeting if there isn’t wine involved? It allows everyone to loosen up and share what they really feel about this month’s choice (or the fact that they didn’t bother to read it. Snort!)
Networking – need to branch out from the playground set? Joining a book club allows you to meet a whole new group of mommies! Unless of course you’ve been coerced into joining the playground mommy book club. In that case, you won’t meet anyone new; ever.
No kids – nuff said.
It's been three weeks since we arrived in New Orleans and I've already joined a book club. Yes, they already read EPL and the club went on a field trip to see the flick. (I got hungry). I've read one book so far and am looking forward to the next two books. Our particular book club meets at restaurants and cafes which is another bonus reason to join. I get to eat great food and drink lots of wine!
What I'm enjoying most however, is the friendship. I've met a great group of women who are eager to help me network and find a job, want to listen to my opinion on things and are willing to share some personal stuff. Usually that kind of bonding takes years of casual interactions before getting to the level we are at and I'm grateful to have to skip all that time! It helps that I have a very good buddy (Ms Maria) looking out for me who is VERY outgoing and not afraid to talk to anyone. She's sheparding me into the flock. I'm not quite a black sheep but I also do not live in the rest of the club's neighborhood which is almost a mark against me. Should we be able to afford a home in the Point I'll really be a full fledged member.
If you've never been part of a book club, join one. But, make sure it isn't too serious (no books on the history of salt; that takes all the fun out of it) and make sure it involves wine. AND, make sure you get a sitter that night. It's the very best part of the experience.
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