Participating in a Book Club from a Distance

Don’t tell me what to read next; just tell me what you’re reading now.

I’m an avid reader. As a struggling writer, that is to be encouraged and even expected. I have read and reread many great (and some not-so-great) books ever since I learned to read — with a shout out to my parents for instilling the love of the written word at a very early age.

At any given time there are two books on the table near my favorite reading chair, a stack of books in my TBR (to be read) pile and an assortment of reading matter on the Kindle app on my phone and IPad Pro.

I follow a few groups on Facebook devoted to reading and loving books.

What I don’t do, however, is belong to a book club.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I understand the value and appeal of sharing thoughts and experiences with like-minded souls while devouring a new release or a longtime classic. I don’t pretend to know it all and readers, by and large, are filled with differing viewpoints on every topic under the sun. There is much to be gained by a meeting of the minds over a good book and (perhaps) a glass of wine.

But, you won’t see me there.

There’s a reason why my stack of new books is rather large — I don’t know what I want to read next until the day I decide to open up a new book — and I don’t want anyone else tipping the scales in favor of their personal preference.

My interests are diverse, covering most genres and decided upon solely on a whim. I love current events, historical fiction, novels, non-fiction, biographies, autobiographies, memoirs, self-help books — oh, the list is long and mighty.

The idea of following someone’s pre-subscribed reading list takes me back to high school where I followed a syllabus of “must read books,” usually requiring some sort of book report or other mundane activity.

There’s just something in that approach that leaves me a little cold.

I have a few friends who belong to book clubs. I listen with a critical ear as they praise (or complain about) the latest reading selection in their group. Sometimes I choose to jump on the bandwagon if the offering sounds appealing. Other times I simply shrug and take consolation in the fact that I believe I have dodged a bullet of boring monotony — and saved myself several hours of tedious reading in my life that I will never get back.

Also, I have finally, after years of struggle, accepted as truth the idea that I am not required to finish a book that does not draw me in and capture my attention. (Took a while to get there, I must admit)

By the same token, I am married to the idea that my judgement on reading material is sound. As much as I really can acknowledge and appreciate the value of book clubs for some (many?) readers out there, I also know that my time here on earth is limited and the literary options too vast to take them all in.

I can’t sacrifice any more time to someone else’s idea of the next great read.

If you enjoyed this article, perhaps you would like to check out a few of my other thoughts on living and growing in a rich, full, vital life.