HOOKED on Books

Friends, Fare and Fun Invigorate Book Clubs

BY GARY PARKES

Book clubs are more popular than ever, whether in person with social distance or virtual. There is something cathartic about sharing the love of the written word. For some, it is all about the books. For other groups, it may be about the drink of choice. Some are seriously committed to the discussion, while members of other groups are just happy to have a few hours to themselves. Whatever your reason, book clubs are great for everyone. And yes, men belong to book clubs, too, although in fewer numbers.

Looking for a book club? There are many to choose from in our area.

I am an active member of Reformation Brewery’s Books & Brews book club that meets at 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month in the downtown Woodstock location. (Reformation hopes to start a club in the Canton location, meeting on the first Wednesday of the month starting this month.) Each of us reads different books within a general theme. Each attendee shares about the book(s) they read that month. This means our TBR (to be read) list grows as we learn about other recommended books. Drinking beer is optional; they also sell soft drinks.

Joining the book club meeting under the big tree at Reformation Brewery are, from left: Gary Parkes, Paula Nix, Jill Wilson, Kim Burgett and Kaydee Christopherson.

Downtown Woodstock’s FoxTale Book Shoppe has been a staple in our community since 2007 and offers two book clubs. FoxTalk Book Club meets at 6:30 p.m. the second Thursday of the month. This original group has about 20 active members, who discuss one book that everyone reads.

FoxTale’s newest book club is Hooked on Books, and typically meets at 6:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month. You can find details on the FoxTale clubs at https://foxtalebookshoppe.com/ or on Facebook. Recent selections included “This Tender Land” by William Kent Krueger, and “Trust Me” by Hank Phillippi Ryan. In some cases, the author will join the book club discussion in person or via Zoom!

Where else can you find a book club? Subdivisions, churches, libraries, online or workplaces often have book clubs. There are many online, in all genres, that you can access through social media sites such as Facebook.

Want to start your own? That can be fun, too. Choosing books in varying genres will help to keep your book clubs and discussions fresh and ever-changing. It is most enjoyable when you have different opinions, so I suggest looking for books that may challenge your perspectives. Working with a local independent bookstore or library also can inspire great ideas for meaty books and author connections.

Gary Parkes works in marketing and has been a longtime bibliophile. He lives in Woodstock with his two daughters and can often be found at FoxTale Book Shoppe or Reformation Brewery.