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Friday, March 2, 2018

Book Clubs as Nourishment - #SOL18 3/2/18


**I'm so grateful to the #SOL community for welcoming me each and every time I post a slice. Thank you so very much to the team at Two Writing Teachers for coordinating and hosting this slicing community for the entire month of March for the Slice of Life Challenge. You all rock!!**

During this year's challenge, my plan is to reflect on a slice of my life from that day, or the day before, and write about it. No theme to tie my writing together this year, no plans ahead of time.  Just glimpses into slices of my days. Not having a plan is a very uncomfortable place for me, both as a person and a writer, so fingers crossed for the next 30 days!


One of the book clubs in which I am a member met last night, and I couldn't help but be grateful for all the ways this group nourishes me as a person:

Gathering

  • greeted one another
  • caught up on the events of the past month
  • served drinks by this month's hostess
My spirit was nourished as we celebrated our friendships, family stories, connections, travels, and shared experiences.

Dinner

  • gathered again, yet this time around the table set so beautifully
  • delicious food served 
  • drinks continued to flow
  • conversations and sharing continued as well
My body was nourished by the amazing food served, and my spirit continued to be nourished as well through our conversation.

Discussion
  • books came out; people had prepared for this conversation in a variety of ways
  • discussion of the story began, each person enhancing the comment that came before
  • noticing how each of us had similar, and sometimes different, reactions to the plot and the characters
  • connections made between this book and the real world events of today
  • an eagerness around the table in the discussion, sometimes leading to multiple discussions at the same time
My mind was nourished by these smart women who feel passionately about what they read, and aren't afraid to make those feelings public. My soul was nourished as we tackled some complex topics, not always finding answers, but willing to share on these difficult issues.

I am so blessed to be part of two book clubs that nourish me.
Here is our book club from last night.
The book we read that led to great discussion - Beneath a Scarlet Sky.
That handsome gentleman joining us was a "guest speaker" as he spent
some of his younger years living in Italy, and knew the main character from our
book, as well as his family. I would highly recommend this book if you're looking for a great read!



8 comments:

  1. This sounds like a great book, Karen. It's so great being part of a reading/book group. The books, the conversation, the friendship.

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  2. You have been nourished! What fun to be part of two book clubs. I will check this book out.

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  3. I miss being in a book club. Our third and fourth graders are starting book clubs during this week and next. I think the students are also nourished by the experience of a book club too. Talk is so strong. It helps students see perspective and realize that there can be more than one answer.

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  4. I love the way you organized your piece! It was very easy to read and understand your connection to this group. I could feel your excitement! The photo and caption were nice touches!

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  5. I always enjoy having my students do book clubs, but I have never participated in one as an adult. Sounds like a nourishing evening in mind, body, spirit, and reading life!

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  6. I've had several people recommend this title recently. I'm looking for great fiction since many in our book club love nonfiction and bring lots of possibilities for that. We're celebrating our 20th year together this year. Our retreat (when we select our year's slate of reading) and stay up too late and eat too much and laugh just the right amount is in two weeks. You're right, a book club is a wonderful way to be nourished.

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  7. I've been in the same book club for more than twenty years, and like you, our coming together nurtures my body and my spirit. We somehow didn't choose a book last month, so we are all just bringing whatever we are currently reading, as well as a suggestion for a new read. Beneath a Scarlet Sky sounds interesting!

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  8. Looks like a wonderful evening!

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