A show of hands, please. How many of you belong to a book club? If your hand is in the air, congratulations; if not, you might want to think about joining or even starting one yourself, because there is more to a book club than just reading.

According to the February, 2019 issue of O Magazine, “groups that read together succeed together.” How you might ask? By the simple act of sharing; sharing a love of reading with other like-minded people, sharing of yourself and your time, and maybe even sharing dessert or a glass of wine (or two).

When people come together for a common purpose, i.e. to read and discuss books, they often gain so much more like new and/or renewed friendships that are anchored within but can also reach beyond the borders of the group. What’s more, these monthly meet-ups offer a safe space to dissect, discuss, and debate selected readings in a way that strengthens rather than frays our connections to one another.

Over the last several years, it has been our good fortune to be invited to numerous book gatherings for an evening of literary fun. Each one has been memorable as we’ve swapped stories and experiences with the incredible people who welcomed us into their circle. Whether it is a large group or a small one, held in someone’s home or a church hall in the winter, spring, summer or fall, we have found that the conversation at these events never runs out, and the laughter is always abundant. It’s a scientific fact that social laughter releases a ton of feel-good hormones (endorphins) in our brains, so giggling with friends at book club also promotes good health and bonding with friends.

We’ve had so much fun visiting with book clubs all over New England and beyond (Skype/Facetime), that we decided to keep the joyful journey going by making 2019 The Year of the Book Club. If you would like to have us (Leigh & Vikki), join your club for a gathering, simply send an email request to browncorlissbooks@gmail.com. Please include your contact information, city/state where your group is located, and three (3) date options.  And don’t forget to read the next post for details about our new contest, How To Be A Winning Book Club.

See you at Book Club!

Leigh & Vikki