There is a strange phenomenon that takes place among a group of bookworms given enough time–the beginning of an unofficial book club. Right now, you might be in denial that you’re even a part of one, but I believe the mere fact that you chose to read a blog with a category titled “For Bookworms” means you are attracted to all kinds of bookishness–including other bibliophiles.
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Trouble Finding a Book Club? You may already be in one!
There are many signs you can start looking for in your daily life that may have previously slipped under the radar. I have recorded them to better highlight my point. Bookworms are everywhere! When they gather, they discuss books and influence each other to read the books they love. That is the beginning, just discussing what you love, why you love it, what you’ve learned. Before you know it, your texting each other questions, polling each other on ships . . . But I’m getting ahead of myself.
You say to me, “NO! I can’t be a member of such a club! We don’t awkwardly meet in someone’s living room with a book forced upon us by a slanted vote. I read what I want to read and enjoy it with my friends.” Well, good for you! That doesn’t make it any less an unofficial book club. I’ll give you just a moment to process that.
Unofficial Book Club
The first sign you should look for may be more reflective than you would like. Yes, my friend, you must take a hard look in the mirror and ask yourself a difficult question. “Do I even say ‘hi’ or ‘hello’ to my friends anymore?” If you answer in the negative, and that in fact you have replaced a common greeting with something like “Did you finish it yet?” so that you can immediatly begin talking books with your friends, you are indeed a member of a book club. It very well may still be an unofficial book club, but it is still a book club.
In fact, at that time of writing this post, we are currently under lockdown due to COVID 19. For my family that means a great deal of extra reading and taking walks. It means a lot of people getting excited about other people hurrying up on their TBR’s so they can discuss it. Funny thing happened today while on a social-distancing walk. I overheard some kids getting exercise yelling back and forth. “You guys have to read this book!” one boy shouted. Bet the next time he sees them out he will be bugging them with whether or not they’ve finished it yet.
Shipping in an unofficial book club
To get into the next part of this, I must make a confession of sorts. I have kids, I’m in my forties, so I’m not the most up-to-date of all bookworms. When I was introduced to shipping, I realized I’d been doing it for-e-ver. I’m serious. I get bored with most stories that don’t have a vital love story going on. I just do. (FYI, for those who don’t have teens and tweens and #bookstagram educating you, “shipping” is a verb meaning “wanting two characters to fall in love and have a relationSHIP.” This definition is my own, but I am fact-checking with my kids, so it must be true.)
What I have discovered in my unofficial book club is that over time you begin to recognize that your BFF has a certain look on her face as she daydreams of the two characters finally getting together. And heaven help us if they don’t or if the author takes too long. There will be a different look and much drama. This part of the book club my husband despises, but I actually find it hilarious. Most of the time.
Are you covering your ears? You might be part of an unofficial book club
Now, by the very nature of our family enjoying books upon books upon books, we add to each other’s TBR piles. And as we get through the books, our members want to discuss. We chat about what we have loved, hated, what we may not have understood. My dear book friends, here is where we all must tread lightly.
You may find yourself cast into the outer darkness where there is wailing and gnashing of teeth if you ruin an important twist or *gasp* the actual ending. Please, please, learn to develop some patience with your unofficial book club members! When one of us takes longer than you’d like, be kind!
The Verdict is: You’re a member
Now, by the very tone of this post, you may think that I don’t advocate book clubs, but that is not the case at all! No, no, let it never be said I feel this way. My purpose in writing all of this is to bring such unofficial book clubs into the light of day. There is no need to hide your participation in these wonderful book clubs. In fact, join more by following me on #bookstagram or FB where we have so much fun talking books. Let’s keep sharing those opinions. Keep cheering on our favorite ships! Watch out lest you spoil the twists and turns cleverly hidden in the plot. Yes my friends, embrace who you are and enjoy your bookish friends in your unofficial book club.
About JacQueline
As the author of The Journey series, a young adult fantasy retelling Rapunzel’s misadventures, JacQueline also wrote Memoirs of a Headcase: Held by the God of Hope, to share hope in the battle against chronic pain and depression. Currently she lives in North Alabama with her karate husband and three book-crazy kids. All opinions expressed on this website come from her own experience. Do not substitute it for professional therapy or medical advice. Any affiliate links used on this website will provide additional income to JacQueline’s family at no additional cost to you.
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Photo credit: Priscilla Du Preez, Hope House Press, and Priscilla Du Preez
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