Seated (left to right): Lisa Gollihar, Lisa Rider, Amy Bowman; standing (left to right): Megan Wiegand, Cheryl Flandrena, Linda Smith, Judy Rosensteel, Patty Cohen, Kitty Waldrop, Deb Derderian, Peggy Stallcup
Deb Derderian, Women Sharing Hope
High-touch is trumping high-tech these days as book clubs make a striking comeback—even with your grandkids! Both Nice News and NBC recently reported that over 30 percent of Millennials and Gen Z have formed book clubs as a way to reconnect with reading and relationships. After COVID-19 and too much tech, many people are longing for real connections and shared interests. A 2023 survey even found that these two groups prefer buying print books over e-books or audiobooks.
Women Sharing Hope, which currently sponsors more than 14 ministries here at Robson Ranch, has several active book clubs, with others just beginning. Many of us grew up holding books, turning paper pages, and even hearing the crack of a new book spine. So, while Kindles are handy, most book club members still love the feel of an old-fashioned book they can write in and highlight. Participants say they enjoy being encouraged to try new authors, explore fresh adventures, and discover new insights. But most of all, it’s the human connection and new friendships that mean the most.
At Linda Smith’s Christian Women’s Book Club, members spoke warmly about the joy of community and the lively discussions of characters, plots, and themes. After reading Sensible Shoes, by Sharon Garlough Brown, which describes the prayerful practice of walking a labyrinth, the group even took an outing to Denton to walk one together.
Book clubs can form around many shared interests—cooking and recipes, hobbies, mysteries and crime, or historical and biographical works. No matter the theme, they offer a wonderful way to connect with others while sharing the joy of reading.
Women Sharing Hope has recently launched a second Christian book club. For more information, contact MaryAnn Bateman at mbateman48@live.com or Linda R. Smith at lrsflute28@gmail.com, and join your grandkids in the fun of reading!