Join the Club!

Book clubs have been around for some time, but they're more popular now than ever before.  Why the interest in a social activity that's been around as long as the book?  If you ask me for my humble opinion (and it's always ever humble), I think that in an era that keeps us increasingly connected to each other electronically, there's still nothing like sitting face-to-face with someone and having a real conversation that doesn't involve electronic gizmos.

The number of people in a book club can vary from an intimate gathering of several people to a large classroom-sized group.  The materials chosen from the group can be very general or more genre-specific, focusing on science-fiction, fantasy, chick-lit, or whatever else.  Book club discussions can be organized informally among friends or more formally by bookstores and libraries.

I'm happy to say that I'm the organizer of our library's book club, and it's one of the roles I really love.  I cherish choosing books, thinking what the attendees and I might find interesting.  And I love it when others have suggestions for future book club reads.  I never read the books in advance, so I'm enjoying the books along with the other members, relishing books are well-written and contain issues that promise a good discussion.

Twitter, Facebook, and Gmail are all very well and convenient, but there's a special current in a room that has real people sharing their thoughts and feelings about something they've read.  Book clubs are more than just about reading a book.  They're about making simple human connections and old-fashioned socializing, things that all too often get left at the wayside of information highways these days.  Sometimes we just need something a bit more personal than a tweet or an e-mail.

If you're looking for a more personal, human connection, check out your local library, bookstore, or community center for book clubs.  Or even make a book club of your own and invite your friends.  You won't regret it!

Ever yours checking out book club reads on the perch.

Being Graphic In the Library

In my last post, I had no fear in addressing the sensitive matter of ad-supported toilet paper used by libraries to save on operating costs.  Well, this time I'm getting graphic.  In the library.  No joke--I'm gonna get downright nitty-gritty, ready to expose everything and I mean EVERYTHING!

Let's talk graphic novels, people.  We're not talking about anything illegal or questionable, just books that are similar to comic books in that they have a storyboard format that conveys the action through illustrations and dialogue.  Some graphic novels are original like Smile, and some like Twilight: The Graphic Novel and Anne Frank: The Anne Frank House Authorized Graphic Biography, have been adapted from popular books.

Graphic novels are great for kids and teens who are looking for something different to read or who don't necessarily enjoy reading.  The illustrations help draw in reluctant readers, allowing them to gain an interest in books and improve their reading abilities.  Kids who once had no desire to go to the library now can't get enough of going.

But just in case you're thinking that graphic novels are intended solely for kids and teens, think again.  A number of graphic novels are created for adults and include everything from superheroes to literary classics.  If you weren't a fan of The Iliad or The Three Musketeers in high school, perhaps you'd like to give their illustrated versions a chance?  You'd be surprised to see how many adult patrons check out all types of graphic novels from the perch.  So, come on in to the library and check out the latest graphic novels for your pleasure and enrichment.

Now honestly, what did you think this post was going to be about when you first started reading it?

Innocently yours from the perch.