Ten minutes to write. Less time to read.

The first time Alice invited me to join her book club, I declined. She explained that one didn’t have to read the book to attend the meetings, and that seemed oxymoronic to me.  Why join a book club if you’re not going to read the chosen work?

I don’t know how many times Alice invited me, but she isn’t one to give up easily.  Finally I caved but secretly vowed I would never attend a meeting if I hadn’t read the book. I’d also heard that seeing the movie was the same as reading the book; and, as a purist, I paled at the thought.  Still, it might only have been urban legend.

This all happened almost a decade ago; since then, I’ve concluded that the B4 Book Club is exceptional. (B4 stands for “Books and Broads Beyond Belief.)

You really don’t have to read the book to attend the monthly meeting, but almost everyone does.  Still, there’s no an added pressure if life gets in the way. And since we actually discuss the book, as opposed to pretending to discuss it while really discussing personal problems, it’s always a stimulating morning.

I confess I have attended more than one meeting where I didn’t get to read the book; but after listening to my fellow bibliophiles I’ve gone home, sat down, and opened it after the fact.

We have other rules too.  We meet the first Thursday of every month, no matter what. In January we plan the entire year’s offerings, and someone compiles and sends a synopsis of each book to every member.  Those of us who want to track down library copies have time to do so.

If you recommend a book that is chosen for the coming year, you pick the month and lead the discussion.  You also decide if you want the meeting in your home, the local library, or a café.  You decide if you want to serve treats and coffee or if each person brings their own. There is no set protocol; what works for the leader works for her followers.

But what I like most is that all opinions count. One person who joined after I did told me she was surprised the first time she came and she heard another member say she didn’t like the book. The leader was not offended; rather the discussion was enhanced by the opposing viewpoint.

I’ve heard of book clubs that are really therapy sessions.  I’ve heard of others that require specific types of books.  One club wanted only religiously oriented selections. And I’ve heard of others that don’t do well with dissent. The B4 group is none of these things. In fact, Alice, I’m sorry I took so long to join.