A friend of mine and a talented writer in my writers’ group invited me to an upcoming event that she’s hosting, a “Bookish Tea Party,” where her friends will discuss any book they’re currently reading.

I love this!

I have come to accept the fact that I’m not a good fit for traditional book clubs because, I realize, I don’t like being told what to read.

As simple as that.

It reminds me too much of high school and gives me a bad feeling.

High school was not my favorite.

Yes, I know I would probably love the book the leader is asking us to read, but I’ll read it on my own terms at my own pace.

Plus, I read so much on my own, I don’t really need a book club to push me.

I know there are some people who would never crack open a book if it wasn’t for their book club (and maybe not even then) — so for them, book clubs are fabulous.

But for Emily’s gathering, everyone reads what they want, and they’ll have an opportunity to discuss their book with the others.

No stress.

No having to read Cliffs Notes because you didn’t finish the book (do they still have those things?).

Emily has invited people of all ages, including young readers.

What a great opportunity for a writer of children’s books to hear how real kids speak and listen to their opinions about what they like to read.

Another thing I like about this sort of gathering is that it’s just for summer.

I love something with an end date.

Summer is just beginning.

There’s time for you to consider planning something like this for your own group of friends or your children’s friends.

I don’t know how many people Emily has invited, but I’m thinking six people is probably a manageable number.

As for length, an hour and a half to two hours sounds about right.

It gives people a chance to arrive, get acquainted, settle down, and then talk about books.

Maybe hold it during the day, if that’s an option, instead of at night (nighttime events always sound better in the planning stages than in the actual follow through—for me anyway).

Keep the food simple: tea, coffee, store-bought cookies or cake (Sara Lee!).

Easy-peasy.

When everyone’s had their say and gone home, you’ll still have plenty of time left in your day to do other fun summer things.

Thank you, Emily, for the invitation and the great idea.

Until next time,

~ Gail

Countdown: 28 more weeks of 2024

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