At the end of last year, I was asked to join a book club.  I was a little hesitant at first, not knowing if I would have the time and hate to commit to something if I can’t follow through.  Well, reluctantly I said yes and now I cannot imagine not being in this club. This club encourages me to read more and it is an excellent way for me to read books I may not normally choose.   There are a total of 15 women in the book club, many of whom I did not know.  What a great way to meet people who share the love of reading.  A book is always better if you have someone to share it with.  Everyone in this club doesn’t always interpret the book the same way.  For me, differing opinions make the best discussions.    In this club, we read many different genres such as fiction, non-fiction, romance, and classics.  As for me, I am a mystery buff.  I love to curl up by the fire and getting lost in a good mystery.

Since coordinating busy schedules can be the toughest part of starting a book club, the virtual meeting place is becoming more popular.  Online book clubs are definitely growing in number. This way, friends from around the world can join you to discuss the book you are reading.  Another nice thing about the virtual meeting place is no one has to worry about a meeting space, appetizers or cleaning up.  The only challenge is to make sure everyone is approximately at the same spot in the book so no one spoils the ending!

If you are looking for a favorite, here is a list of the top ten best-selling books of all time:

1. Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes
2. A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
3. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
4. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery
5. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
6. And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
7. The Dream of the Red Chamber by Cao Xueqin
8. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
9. She: A History of Adventure by H. Rider Haggard
10. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

A couple of months ago, when I met for my book club, I gave all the members a Penless bookmark.  I personalized each one of them with a short video letting them know how much I enjoy being in the book club with them.  Everyone loved the thought and at the next meeting, most everyone was using the bookmark.  It is not only a personalized and unique gift, but also a practical one.  I have a feeling that many of my book club member will purchase the Penless bookmark and start giving them out. 

A great book should leave you with many experiences, and slightly exhausted at the end.  You live several lives while reading – William Styron