I really couldn't use one of those cute reading group images this month. This is how all my reading groups begin these days. The good news is that four of my six groups are now meeting on Zoom, which isn't perfect but is way better than not meeting at all. I am so grateful for this user friendly technology and for the member of each group who manages the invitations and all that.
This month two of my groups are discussing the same book: The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich. It is such a wonderful read about Native American life that I am thrilled to have two chances to discuss it.
Here is the lineup:
The Tiny Book Club and Carol's Group:
One Book At A Time:
I have read and discussed this one in another group a few months ago, but since it is a book that seems to evoke many and various reactions in readers, I am sure it will be interesting to discuss it again.
Bookies Babes:
This is a sequel to Attica Locke's earlier book, Bluebird, Bluebird, which I took the time to read first. The setting is East Texas contemporary times and delves into the precarious life of a Black Texas Ranger. Heaven My Home follows with a later part of his story. Full of the complex tangles of racism, it is a pretty darn appropriate read to accompany the ongoing protests.
Have you read and/or discussed any of these books? If you are a member of a real life reading group, how are you coping? Do you meet on Zoom or discuss through email or text? And what books have you been discussing lately?
I admit my book group disbanded quite a few years ago now .... as members moved away. So I'll likely need to find another -- perhaps thru the library when that opens up. I think Zoom chats would be a great way to hold book discussions. I'm curious about Attica Locke ... and plan to read The Night Watchman. I hope you have great chats!
ReplyDeleteI was blown away by Bluebird, Bluebird. I am about to start Heaven My Home. I had tried an earlier book of hers but never finished it. This time she got to me, big time. Libraries are a good place to find reading groups. My first experience was with a group at my public library, though that one has since disbanded. Another good place is book stores.
DeleteI so miss my book group; we haven't met since February. I loved The Dutch House (audio read by Tom Hanks) and I want to read the new Erdrich book as well.
ReplyDeleteThe Night Watchman is sooo good. I did not want it to end.
DeleteI always wanted to read something by Louise Erdrich since she is one of the favourite authors of one of my American friends whom I admire a lot. Have you read more by her? Is this the best one? Or should I start elsewhere?
ReplyDeleteI have loved every book I've read by Louise Erdrich. I think you could start anywhere. The Birchbark House, The Master Butcher’s Singing Club,
DeleteThe Plague of Doves, The Round House and LaRose and Future Home of the Living God are the ones I have read and most of those I have reviewed here on the blog. Now I need to read her earlier books.
Thanks for that list. I have put the books on my wishlist and will see whether I can't get one from a bookshop the next time I visit one that has English books.
DeleteHappy reading! If you ever wanted to know more about the trials and tribulations of Native Americans, you will find out in her books.
DeleteIt's not that I haven't read anything about that subejct but - as you know - I'm always eager to learn more.
DeleteI need to read more Attica Locke. Her portraits of the societies in small East Texas towns are spot on and well-written.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I am so glad to have found this book great and look forward to reading more of her work.
DeleteIt will be really interesting to see how similar or different the group discussions are of the same book.
ReplyDeleteYes, I love seeing how that develops. I will try to remember to give a recap.
DeletePlease do! The armchair psychologist/sociologist in me loves this kind of stuff!
Delete6 reading groups is a lot! i've heard of Louise Erdrich but never read any of her stuff... maybe sometime...
ReplyDelete6 is a lot. But most of my friends are readers who love to talk about books, so we get together and that is pretty much my entire social life. Now on Zoom!
DeleteSome really good ones lined up! Hey, Zoom isn't meeting in person but at least it's better than nothing. That's how we did my daughter's last few weeks of school and it was rough!
ReplyDeleteIt is better than nothing. At our meeting yesterday we thought Zoom was good because we don't have to wear masks. Ha ha. I can imagine it would be rough with a bunch of kids, though.
DeleteI have not been part of any IRL group to-date. But my neighbor and I are considering starting something up and meet in someone's yard to eat, drink, and discuss books. We'll see if that pans out.
ReplyDeleteYour groups are discussing some great books! I'm amazed you are able to keep up with 6 groups - way to go! Glad you're able to still meetup monthly, even if on Zoom. Like you said - better to meet (online) than not at all.
I am excited to hear about your plan with your neighbor to discuss books. I think readers discussing books is an excellent form of protest against inequalities in our culture and open our minds to the many ways of life that exist around the world. Due to my 6 reading groups I am part of a collective of 30 readers from my city who read, meet and discuss regularly.
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