L to R: Mavis Fletcher, Connie Noble, and Joan Stickler. Members not present: Lena Ferguson, Pat Neirnberger, Mary Stamey, and Vadeline Strohm.

The popularity of book clubs worldwide is attributed to the numerous benefits, and the enthusiasm demonstrated by the AAUW branch members and guests that attend Book Talk is no exception! It has the status of perhaps being the longest running interest group of the branch, possibly dating back to its foundation in 1921.   It meets on the second Friday of each month at 10:00 a.m. at the Manhattan Public Library.

Mavis Fletcher, chair of Book Talk, coordinates the monthly meetings, but the format is rather flexible.  “Members talk about whatever books they are reading, therefore there are no deadlines or pressure to get something read.  No single book is read by all.  The group is open to any topic, ranging from fiction to historical and political,” Mavis said.  “Sometimes participants may not have read a book and attend to make themselves aware of what others are reading, or they come for the fun and friendship.  We have lots of laughs . . . and it’s a good, happy group!”

A wide age-range of books are discussed in Book Talk.  Connie Noble commented that “participants talk about books that you may not have otherwise read, proving valuable insight into other authors that are outside one’s list of favorites.” “Harry Potter books are intriguing,” Joan Strickler stated, and Connie added “Rowling’s books have ‘turned on’ many children and young people to reading.”  Connie shared an inspiring, keepsake book of family photographs prepared using Snapfish, illustrating the possibilities today for home publishing.

The types of books discussed in Book Talk changes, depending on the participants’ interests.  For example, Mavis favors political books, such as McCullough’s Truman.  Joan enjoys a wide range of books, such as London: The Novel by Rutherford, which focuses on the city’s pageantry spanning 2,000 years.   Another benefit of the group is hearing good overviews of books to help you decide whether or not you want to read it.

“Curling up with a good book is a great way to escape from the cold winter months!” Connie exclaimed.  Joan added “there is so much enjoyment in losing yourself in a good book and then sharing it with others.  Reading each evening is often so much more rewarding than watching TV, and she has made nightly reading a top priority.”

Book Talk invites you to attend an upcoming monthly meeting and enjoy the friendship and excitement shared by more than 5 million adults in the U.S. that participate in reading groups!  You will gain an appreciation of why Americans are crazy about books . . . and their book clubs!