Nesting: is a blog about the objects and experiences that create a sense of home. Without home, it is difficult to maintain health, find joy, or to be productive during our workdays. Enjoy the Nesting series of blogs as you search for your deep sense of home. –Jana
February has been my month to host book club for several years (having had a summer month previously). Our group has been gathering for nineteen years; largely the same group of us over that time and through moves, births, deaths, marriages, and more. Each monthly host chooses a book, which we all read (mostly) and then discuss over dinner in a home and sometimes at a restaurant.
Book selections range from slice-of-life novels to biographies, historical fiction, and cultural reads. I joined book club to read things I wouldn’t ordinarily read; to stretch my thinking and my language skills. Our group is diligent about actually discussing the book and making certain that each member has an opportunity to speak to/about it.
Book club is so important to feeding my soul (a part of nesting of course) that I calendar the whole year in order to protect our gathering nights. Once a friend noticed that I scheduled Book Club in ink and asked for details. Surprised to learn how long we’d been meeting, she soon discovered why calendared book club nights are protected: fun, great food, good reads, great discussions, idea exchanges, support, and friendships!
February 2019: Lisette’s List by Susan Vreeland was the book I selected. World War II is the back-drop, however the story is really about village life, relationships, art – discovering where it came from; discovering where it went, and about following one’s dreams even when the route takes detours. This book inspired five of our members to gather to make marzipan fruit – so beautiful and delicious – right down to chocolate dipped strawberries. The marzipan hosting member also brought Cezanne-like paper-art objects for collaging after we’d had dinner. Two members went home with collages! Lively conversation, creativity, book discussions, and delicious food made the evening a delightful whole.
If reading feeds your soul, consider joining or establishing a book club. Stretch to read new authors and topics. Support local authors too. Make a book club a part of your nesting experiences.