I’m lucky. I belong to two book clubs with amazing, strong, powerful and creative women. Both book clubs are dictatorship systems – meaning, everyone reads what the host wants. It’s a rotating system and so most months, I find myself reading a book that I typically wouldn’t have chosen. In the last two weeks, I’ve read four books from cover to cover. I’m reviewing a few for Elle magazine that will be out in early 2009 (Honolulu, The Piano Teacher and The Missing). If you’re in a book club, when Honolulu comes out in January 2009, I would highly recommend it. It’s a female-centric historical novel with real events woven into a fictional set of characters.
Last night, I started a new book: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. 
Nancy Pearl, the NPR Librarian, recommended it at a Whatcom County Literacy Annual Fundraising Breakfast some of the book club and I attended. They decided to read it. Normally, this isn’t a book I would choose to read but because book club is a dictatorship, I had to read it. I’m glad I did. Technically, it’s young adult fiction. I don’t care what it is – it is one compelling read. I finished the book in one sitting last night. The story line was that engaging. Normally, I don’t go for futuristic “the world as you know it has ended so try to get on board with this new and harsh world” books but this one is definitely an exception. If you have a young adult on your gift list, or maybe just a winsome, wanna-be teenager, this is the book for them. It’s action packed and has some interesting messages about relationships, loyalty, integrity and the rise of reality t.v. shows. Just don’t make the same mistake I did and read it before bed. You’ll find yourself very tired the next day (yawn).
Joanna,
I got really lucky and started asking friends and professionals that I liked and respected if they had book clubs. And then, I nosed my way in. I was in three for a few years but one of them petered out.
I feel really fortunate to have a great group of women to hang out with at least once a month. =)
LeAnn, I have not read Moloka’i. I will definitely put it on my list. I really liked the new one so will probably appreciate Moloka’i as well.
E-Scentual, I’ve read Eat, Pray, Love (as did one of my book clubs) and loved it! It was a great discussion book.
Teresa, Thanks for the hint about the Gregor the Overlander. I have a little niece that might appreciate it. =)
I just now found your site… but I’m only just now finding soap, so that makes up for it. Love the site, but I have a question – how did you find 2 great bookclubs?!
I agree, the comradere of a book club can do wonders for the mind and soul.
Just tell me how you find time to belong to TWO bookclubs on top of running a successful biz, running (period), and have a real life outside of work?? :}
I love kids and YA books, so I’ll be reading the Hunger Games! For those with younger kids (10 to 14), Suzanne Collins writes a terrific series called Gregor the Overlander that my son really enjoyed.
I love book reviews! Thanks for the tip. I read constantly. I’m reading Eat, Pray, Love right now.
Moloka’i was one of my favorite books, so I am thrilled that he has a new one coming out. If you haven’t read Moloka’i yet, do! It’s fabulous.
This looks like a great gift for my teen. Thanks for the recommendation. I’d love for her to read more than she does.