Hello,

This book club was created in January 2010.

Do you read everything in sight—even the cereal box? Does your desire to travel exceed your vacation budget? Do you like to talk, share your opinion, and hear different viewpoints? If you answered yes to any of the above, then this book club is for you!

We love to connect with local readers who share our enthusiasm for books and ideas.

We democratically choose titles for several months and meet twice a month for discussions. New members are always welcome, and you are not required to attend every discussion. Pick and choose which books you want to read and which discussion groups you come to- the door is always open.  Even if you don’t finish a book, feel free to come to the discussion anyways—as long as you don’t mind a few spoilers.

We choose both fiction and nonfiction titles, but they generally have an international theme, although members are welcome to suggest a book of any genre. So far, we have traveled vicariously from the west coast of Africa to the most remote regions of Afghanistan, from East Asia, to South Asia, to South America. We have also discussed and debated topics that include security issues, human rights, political and economic situations in conflict zones, and religions, faiths and customs around the world.  I particularly enjoy books written by international authors who offer a non-American perspective on global issues.

This book club is effective in promoting personal enrichment, expanding knowledge, and broadening my understanding about a range of global issues. If this interests you - or you are the least bit curious - please join us.

This group is open to both men and women, and we welcome diversity in age, culture, ethnicity, nationality, religion, etc.

We recommend that you research the books we are reading before you dive in to them, particularly if you tend to have certain limits about what you read. This group is for enjoyment, not academic credit. So, you will not receive a failing grade for picking and choosing when to participate

The books and topics we cover can be intense and graphic. They often include adult content and may not always be appropriate for young adults or children. I enjoy reading light fiction--especially at the beach and on a plane--but most of the titles we read are of a more serious genre. The characters we meet are resilient and inspiring. They find joy in the midst of tragedy.

Books are selected through the Meetup polling system. All members are encouraged to recommend a title by contacting me. We maintain a list of recommendations. Periodically, we set up a poll and email the list of book titles and summaries/reviews. Readers rank which books they’d most like to read. Even when books are chosen that you have already read, we hope that you will still come and share your reactions to the story.

We meet at Panera Bread on S. Westnedge, since it is both accessible and affordable.  Meetings occur the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 7pm.  Periodically, we may visit other venues for gatherings or events - but plenty of information will be provided in a Meetup announcement.

We look forward to seeing you at the next discussion group!

Happy reading,

Shari and Willo