I like to read--a lot. I also like to spend time talking with interesting, congenial people about the books I read. And quite often, it is a lot of fun to pursue these conversations with a drink in hand. I'm not saying we should get plastered, but let's relax in a gracious New Orleans setting, knock back a few, and discuss books that matter. Just a note here--it should be fairly obvious but in case not--this group is for the 21 and over set. Sorry kids--your time will come.

Among the books we've read: American Gods, The Movie Goer, The Awakening, The Tragedy of Arthur, Quiet Houses, Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore, Nine Lives,The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox, The Goldfinch, The Sense of a an Ending, The Master and Margarita, Sacre Bleu, Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, The Piano Tuner, The Satanic Verses, East of Eden, Await Your Reply, The Clearing, Pale Fire, To Kill a Mockingbird, Seasons of Ash, Jitterbug Perfume, Snow, Water for Elephants, Babylon Rolling, Midnight in Peking, The White Tiger, The Handmaid's Tale, The Broom of the System, The Help, Of Human Bondage, A Movable Feast, Mercy of Thin Air, Little Bee: A Novel, Cat's Cradle, The World That Made New Orleans, Tenth of December, The Last Madam, Leaving the Atocha Station, To the Lighthouse, A Canticle for Leibowitz, The Ocean at the End of Lane.

PROCEDURE

1. Read a good book (chosen by vote--our tastes are literary but eclectic)

2. Meet up

3. Drink liberally (or not)

4. Talk about it

What else is there to say? We'll meet once a month, usually the last Tuesday. We will be looking for a new location, post-lockdown. When we find, we'll let you know.

I don't care how old you are, your race, gender, religion, or whatever, but I do hope you are willing to read beyond Dan Brown, Stephen King and romance. I hope you're willing to talk intelligently about books too. I've come to enjoy reading as a collaborative process because the discussion enhances my understanding to such a great degree.

WHY?

Because you miss college ... or didn't go to college but like to read good literature and stay up late talking about it ... Because you think language and ideas are important ... Because book clubs should kick ass.