Senior Planet: Aging with Attitude Senior Planet from AARP Main Menu
Search Donate
Online Classes
All Online Classes Fitness & Wellness Clases en español 國語語言活動
In-Person Classes
New York City North Country, NY Montgomery County, MD Denver, Colorado San Antonio, TX
Articles
Resources
Tech Tips Videos 1-to-1 Tech Tutoring How to Use Zoom Save Money on Internet
Get Involved
Weekly Newsletter Become a Supporter Senior Planet Community
Contact Us
Online Classes
All Online Classes Fitness & Wellness Clases en español 國語語言活動
In-Person Classes
New York City North Country, NY Montgomery County, MD Denver, Colorado San Antonio, TX
Articles
All Articles Senior Planet News Advocacy Book Club Healthy Aging Inspiring Stories Life & Culture Open Thread Sex & Relationships Technology Work & Money
Resources
Tech Tips Videos 1-to-1 Tech Tutoring How to Use Zoom Save Money on Internet Contact Us
Get Involved
Weekly Newsletter Become a Supporter Senior Planet Community
Donate Search

Articles

Section Menu
All Senior Planet News Advocacy Book Club Healthy Aging Inspiring Stories Life & Culture Open Thread Sex & Relationships Tech Work & Money
Life & Culture

Get Social – with Book Clubs

By Kathleen Doheny Monday, October 25, 2021 No Comments Share This:

Paula Walters, 73, a retired librarian in Wenatchee, WA, joined her book club six years ago to quench her thirst for reading – but got much more.  One of the members of the club, which includes six women, has become her best friend. “We walk together and go to movies,” says Walters.

Books bring people together 

That’s a recurring theme for those who belong to book clubs. A love of books and a thirst for knowledge draw them in, but often making lifelong friends—even those with opposite views of life—is the unexpected bonus that helps them to keep coming back.

“It’s not enough to stay up late reading a book,” says Davina Morgan-Witts, co-founder of BookBrowse.com, which she calls ”your guide to exceptional books.”  Her site includes free newsletters and a twice-monthly online magazine for members ($39/year) and other features.  “You have to learn something new. And that’s not often [accomplished with] the best sellers.” A book club, among its other draws, will introduce you to books you might never have picked for yourself, she says.

Morgan-Witts, of Saratoga, CA, is an encyclopedia of information about book clubs. Recently, she surveyed more than 8,400 book club members, publishing the results in two reports, “The Inner Lives of Book Clubs” and “Book Clubs in Lockdown,” the latter conducted during the pandemic. What she found:

  • Most book clubs are classified as private (meeting in homes, restaurants or cafes), with only about a quarter public (often meeting in public libraries).
  • Private group meetings generally last for two hours; public, 90 minutes. Most clubs’ members spend at least 40 minutes of that time discussing the book, though there is also often eating, drinking and socializing. She emphasizes, however, that it’s about the books. “The vast majority of people are there to discuss the book.” It is often through that discussion, however, that friendships bloom, she says.
  • Groups average eight to 15 members. Some include retired only members, others women only or men only. The age ranges in some are very broad, in others narrow. Having a facilitator or discussion leader is common. They may pick the book and location—as well as figure out how to stifle over-sharers and encourage the shy to speak up.
  • Pre-pandemic, in-person meetings were typically preferred to virtual. Some clubs are slowly returning to in-person gatherings after being forced to go virtual.

Book Club Members Talk

Malcolm (Mike) Spitalnick, 81, of Sebastian, Florida, a retired sales clerk, joined the Senior Planet book club when he noticed the book he was reading at the time was the one they would be discussing next. He also belongs to the book club of the Democratic Women’s Club of Indian River County. Usually outnumbered by women, he finds that ”we contribute to each other.”  He says he provides a needed male perspective on some subjects, and welcomes the women’s views as well. Both clubs provide him much pleasure, says Spitalnick, who was 76 when he first started his book club habit.

Rebecca Bechhold, 68, is a semi-retired medical oncologist who was in her Cincinnati book club for 20 years before moving to Charleston, SC—and starting a new group, which includes seven members. She also writes a monthly book column for the local paper and her own book blog.  “It exposed me to books I never would have picked,” she says of  her memberships. “It’s also great to be in a group where all are such insightful readers.”

Jack Myers, 81, is a retired surgeon who lives in the Durham, NH area, and has rarely missed his all-men book club gatherings for the past 10 years. It meets every six weeks, he says, and usually six to eight show up. “I enjoy the contact with the other guys,” he says. Like the others, he says the book club choice is but one of many books he reads throughout the month. “We alternate fiction and non fiction, and the discussions are better with the fiction,” he finds. Like others, they shifted to virtual meetings, by Zoom, during the pandemic. They’re eager to return to in person but are holding off. “I don’t think our discussion has suffered too badly being virtual.”

Tips from the Experts

As you search for a book club to join, Morgan-Witts and others suggest:

  • The love of books should be at the top of the list for joining, not socializing or foods served, she says.
  • Ask up front what the club is like and what it expects of members.
  • If it doesn’t feel right, ”leave before you get stuck,” Morgan-Witts says.
  • Know that some clubs’ leader or facilitator may invite you for coffee before a meeting, Walters says—to see if you fit in.

Where to Find Book Clubs

Senior Planet’s book club, launched in March, 2020, meets monthly. It’s free and open to anyone who wants to join the group on Zoom, says Rebecca Altneu of Senior Planet.  Typically, 25 to 45 people join in. The book is chosen by poll. “The poll includes books by authors of color and the choices are a combination of participant suggestions as well as ideas from staff,” including her, she says. Learn more here.

You can also check with your local library, community center, senior center or bookstore. On Meetup, and you’ll likely find many options. You can also find celebrity book clubs, such as Oprah’s and Reese Witherspoon’s.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMMENTS

Leave a ReplyCancel

Senior Planet’s comments are open for all readers/subscribers; we love hearing from you! However, some comments are not welcome here as violations of our Comment Policy. If you would like to express a comment about Senior Planet locations or programs, please contact supporters@seniorplanet.org. Want to continue the conversation? Start your own discussion on this topic on Senior Planet Community.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Become a Supporter

Join us online to gain access to exclusive benefits and opportunities only for Senior Planet Supporters!

Learn More Here!

Sign Up for Newsletters

There’s always a lot going on in the Senior Planet universe. Get our newsletters to make sure you never miss a thing!

Sign Up Now

Join Senior Planet Community

Senior Planet Community is our social media platform designed specifically for older adult users. Engage in thought-provoking discussions, make new friends, and share resources all on a safe and ad-free platform.

Join the Conversation Today

Latest Articles

More Articles

Healthy Aging

Kathy, 73: Strengthening Bones, Muscles, and Mind

After being diagnosed with osteoporosis, Senior Planet Sponsored Athlete Kathy Molloy got serious about fitness and found community.
Activism & Advocacy

Stir-Fry Meals on Wheels

During COVID, one Brooklyn group rallied Chinese restaurants to provide 'Stir Fry Meals on Wheels" to homebound elderly Asian Americans.
Book Club

Senior Planet Book Club: Vote For Our Next Books!

Which books should we read next?
Social Engagement

Get Social – with Music

If you want to meet new people and keep your brain engaged throughout the aging process, listening to or playing music is a great tool.

We’re aging with attitude.
Won’t you join us?

Become a Supporter

Don’t be a stranger!

Sign up for our newsletters →

Follow us on social media:

WHO WE ARE

We’re a distinctive, diverse collection of people aged 60 and older who are busy changing the way we age by embracing opportunities to reshape our lives, connect with and help one another, and change the world for the better —all while learning, growing, and having fun!

ABOUT US

  • Our Purpose
  • Impact Areas
  • Our Team
  • Our Sponsors
  • Press Highlights
  • Contact Us
  • Rules of Conduct

OUR LOCATIONS

  • New York City
  • North Country, NY
  • Montgomery County, MD
  • Denver, Colorado
  • San Antonio, TX

GET INVOLVED

  • Sign Up for Newsletters
  • Become a Supporter
  • Get Involved
  • Ways to Give
  • Donate
  • Feedback

© Copyright 2023 Older Adults Technology Services, Inc. All rights reserved. OATS and Senior Planet are charitable affiliates of AARP: | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy