Resolving to Join a Book Club

Book Buzz is a blog produced in collaboration with neighborhood librarians from Houston Public Library, Harris County Public Library and the Bellaire Library.

As we approach the New Year, many of us start making resolutions for personal improvement. As a librarian, one resolution that I make that I know I will always be able to achieve is to keep reading - exercising my mind, so to speak. However, I do need to expand my resolution to include titles that really will exercise my mind, not just my favorite mysteries or suspense authors that I read for fun. 

At work I am part of a management book club that reads and discusses a variety of business management books on a quarterly basis. These titles have sparked a number of discussions among my colleagues and I can say that I have improved as a manager due to these discussions and reading.

One way readers can expand their reading choices is by joining or starting a book club. There are book clubs for just about every type of reader – contemporary literature, classic literature, chick lit, mystery, non-fiction and many more options. Some book clubs are more socially orientated with the reason to get together is to “discuss” the book with a glass of wine and food. Other book clubs are more academic and there are even online book clubs. You may have to talk to members of several book clubs to determine which will be the best fit for you, and if there is an opening. Even better, start your own book club! Any of the librarians from your favorite local library can help you find information on how to get started.

Book clubs have an extensive reach for reading opportunities of all ages. There are adult groups, student-led groups, mother-daughter groups, father-son groups, parent-child groups and more. Any of these specialized groups will help instill the love of life-long reading, improve vocabulary and reading skills. Parent-child book clubs offer a chance for you and your child a way to share books, experiences and feelings together.

Popular Book Club Selections to consider:

• Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins: A psychological thriller that will forever change the way you look at other people's lives.
• When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi: A profoundly moving, exquisitely observed memoir by a young neurosurgeon faced with a terminal cancer diagnosis who attempts to answer the question: What makes a life worth living?
• Spool of Blue Thread by Anne Tyler: A poignant yet unsentimental story in praise of family in all its emotional complexity.

New titles to consider:

• Hidden Figures: The Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly: Fighting racism, misogyny and low expectations these women excelled in helping NASA get us to the moon.
• The Muralist by B.A. Shapiro: Another thrilling tale from the art world, set right on the brink of World War II.
• The Spy by Paulo Coelho: Coelho brings to life one of history's most enigmatic women: Mata Hari.

Business Titles

• Our Iceberg is Melting by John Kotter
• Engaging Government Employees by Robert J. Lavigna
• Off Balance by Matthew Kelly
• Leading without Power by Max DePree