We have two book groups at the shop - a group that discusses nothing but poetry, and one that has occasionally discussed poetry but usually reads fiction. And it seems social connections such as book groups are every bit as good for you and as important to your well being in later life as exercise. Of course - who would doubt it?
The shop book groups are different from most of the book groups I hear about because the members didn't know each other before joining, and we discuss the books rather than each other. That is a generalisation - not all book groups discuss each other. But we really do spend an hour discussing the books - and, in the poetry group, the discussion lasts an hour and a half and I usually have to bring it to an end so everyone can go off and have their supper or they might go on all evening.
The poetry group has been reading a book from the T S Eliot short list each month. So far we have read
40 Sonnets, Citizen, Loop of Jade and
Waiting for the Past. We have settled into a pattern of reading aloud the poems we would like to discuss for whatever reason - perhaps we didn't understand it, perhaps we simply loved the sound of it or the ideas it explores. And people share their thoughts and readings and somehow you end the evening feeling you have developed a deeper appreciation of the poet and their work.
There is less reading aloud in the other group, and often more difference of opinion which makes for interesting discussions. It is all very enjoyable and now that I know it's also as good as exercise for my general well being I feel even better about the groups!
Do pop in if you would like to join either group...
