Book clubs have this stereotype right? Tons of wine, women circled up drinking and gossiping about their families. We see it in the movies and TV. Maybe some are like that. But an honest to goodness book club is a fantastic outlet for the kid-busy momma.
I love reading. These days I have about -13532 minutes to do so. My “I want to read” pile is HUGE. So I know I need to carve out some time to do what I love, for my sanity sake, and for my kid. I want her to see the joy in reading. I joined a book club led by a friend several years ago. It has been SO helpful in getting my sense of self back.
So here’s how ours works- there are no right or wrong ways, as long as books are involved!
We send in a list of books to the leader- typically three. She compiles them and we meet in September. We get together, and vote. The majority vote is the one we will read for that month. We divide the hostess duties and each month we rotate and go to someone’s house. If someone can’t host, someone else fills in. Hostess duties usually mean providing the tea, a snack, and the guided conversation. Sometimes the books are amazing and we spend hours discussing it. Sometimes we differ. Sometimes we dislike! It is all a good variety. We enjoy trying new books- often ones we would never read. I know for me, I lean heavily towards historical and historical fiction. But I have found new books I never would have picked on my own, and enjoyed them!
The thing with the book club, is that yes, the reading is so good for you. But it’s not always about the book. Sometimes, we don’t finish a book because life. But show up- it’s a great way to have a break, and to talk to grown ups, drink the tea HOT (Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?!) and maybe NOT talk about the kids if you dont want to.
So maybe you are reading this and you just think books are the worst. Ok, maybe not the worst, but you know it’s not your thing, or you don’t know of any book clubs. (PS- if you have or want to start a book club, use the Duluth Moms’ fb page!! Great starting place!!) Join in on those activites that are meaningful to you that aren’t kid related. It’s a monthly breath of fresh air!
I will also say this- if you think you are too busy to read, see what happens if you pick up a book for 5 mins a day. I know I spend 5,000 minutes on facebook. Ugh. I need to change that! I’m going to set my phone down more, and pick up a book from one of those towers growing on my end table. I may do it during nap time, or bedtime, but I think I can find those 5 minutes. I also am going to be better about going to the library. I am NOT excited to bring a toddler to the library, especially with allllllll those little thin pages to rip?! We are the queen about ripping paper. But I need to. For me. And her. To share an activity I love so dearly. Doesn’t mean I have to check any books out for her. She has plenty here! But it’ll be the start of some good trips when she’s older and a little less… destructive. And let’s be honest- I will probably skip story time for a LONG TIME. But I can read her stories at home. And for now, that’s enough. It’s what works for us.
And if you survived and spent the 5 minutes reading this- Thanks! Congrats! You read for 5 minutes! We can do it!
Find a great book, and enjoy!
