By Kathy Cook Hunter
In novelist Elizabeth Berg’s Home Safe the main character, Helen, muses about book clubs, “Thank heaven for the popularity of book clubs; sometimes [she] thinks they’re the main reason publishers – and authors – are still in business.”
In the Silverton-Mount Angel area there’s no lack of women’s book discussion groups, including Silver Falls Library Book Club, Abiqua Ridge Book Club, Silver Falls Bank Book Club, and a Silverton group. Since summer reading season with more daylight hours and vacation time is just around the corner, which books do they suggest? What else can be learned about the clubs? Their answers have been edited for brevity and clarity.
How did your group originate? How many people attend?
Silver Falls Library, represented by Reference Librarian Spring Quick – In 1998 or 1999 we posted a sign inviting people to come and organize a group. At first we planned to read only the classics, but it evolved to other books, including nonfiction. We used to vote on what to read.
Silver Falls Bank Book Club, represented by Lori Sherwood – Employees of Silver Falls Bank started the group in February 2008. We have eight people that meet the first Thursday of the month. (Note: most are now Citizens Bank employees.)
Silverton Group, represented by Jane Jones – I don’t know how the group started; I was asked to join. We meet about every six weeks, and 10 to 12 women attend.
Abiqua Ridge Book Club, represented by Renee Melton – A few of us in the neighborhood thought it would be a good idea and within days, 10 women were interested. We’re limited to 10; we meet on the first Monday except for July and August.
How do you choose the books to read and discuss?
S.F. Library – Book nominating and voting was too time consuming, so at present we read what a member chooses, books available through the library system, although some people buy their own.
S.F. Bank – Members choose the books in rotation. It must be available in paperback and not currently on the best-sellers list.
Silverton – Members suggest books, perhaps one a member’s already read.
Abiqua Ridge – We each choose three selections, review with the entire group, and within two hours, we have the top 10 for the year.
Where does your group meet, and is it private or open to the public?
S.F. Library – We meet at the library meeting room; the group is open to all, and we publicize our meetings in two newspapers.
S.F. Bank – The discussion leader picks a restaurant in Silverton or Salem for the meeting. The club is for members only.
Silverton – We meet in members’ homes. The group is private.
Abiqua Ridge – We sign up for a given month/book, and the meeting is held at the discussion leader’s home.
Recommend three books your group has discussed.
S.F. Library – The Samurai’s Garden, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and Still Alice.
S.F. Bank – The Art of Racing in the Rain, The Book Thief and Winterdance.
Silverton – Stones for Schools, Cutting for Stone and Open.
Abiqua Ridge – The Help, South of Broad and Tortilla Curtain.
Any outgrowths of the group, such as special friendships or new interests?
S.F. Library – “I certainly have read books I never would have read.” (Anonymous) “You get angles of a book you hadn’t thought of.” (Pauline Middlemiss)
S.F. Bank – “Each of us would say we really enjoy each other and like getting together…it’s a great way to expand your reading list. There are many books none of us would have ever read if it hadn’t been chosen.”
Silverton – “It is always interesting to learn new things and to hear other people’s opinions. And then when you see a member when you’re out and about, there’s a feeling of camaraderie.”
Abiqua Ridge – “Walking partners and neighborhood dinners developed from the group.”
What are some good books for light summer reading?
S.F. Library – The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, The Devil in the White City; all of Elizabeth Berg’s books
S.F. Bank – The Art of Racing in the Rain, Water for Elephants and The Honk and Holler Opening Soon.
Silverton –The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency; any book by Danielle Steel.
Abiqua Ridge – The Book Thief and The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.
What makes a book group worth joining?
“Two things: I have an opportunity to socialize with my neighbors and meet new people, and it introduced me to new authors I never read before.” Carol Anderson of Abiqua Ridge said.
“You’re getting different viewpoints,” Joyce Sloan of Silver Falls Library group said.
Silver Falls Bank Book Club suggests these resources for getting started: the public library, Amazon.com., Costco’s book table, Shelfari.com and fantasticfiction.co.uk. BookMovement.com is also helpful.
