I love having a book club. A friend asked me to join her well established book club a few years back, and it's been a real treat for a social bookworm like me. The concept is simple. An assorted group of women who enjoys reading gathers regularly to enjoy good food and good conversation. We get together monthly, most of the time with no husbands and no kids (except of course nursing babies who get to go wherever their mamas do.) Our ages span probably 25 to 30 years and we've had nurses, teachers, stay at home moms, college students and more in the mix. The meal is a potluck, and what everyone is bringing is often a surprise. Yes, we have ended up with 6 desserts in one night, but there are worse things that can happen to a person. Last night we had fresh pasta with pesto, green salad, home made bread, berry pie and oatmeal raisin cookies. Oh, and plenty of wine too. We rotate as host, making the entree, choosing the book, and hoping most of the others enjoy it.
Although we do talk about the book of choice, and usually other books almost every meeting, we also just talk smack about all kinds of things, which is really nice to do once in a while, especially with no husbands or kids around. Mamas often have to censor themselves in the presence of their offspring, and it's nice to let loose every now and then. I like seeing the mamas with little ones get a break from their life of service, and I like learning from the wiser women who have seen more of life than I have. I like the debating and sharing, the laughing out loud and supporting each other in hard times. I like staying out late, eating feasts fit for a queen and gabbing into the night. And I like the books too.
A book club might not be everyone's cup of tea, but I think most every mom could benefit from a girl's night out. However you pull it off, even if it's only once every couple of months, it does wonder for the mood and makes me a better mom and wife on my return home.
