A Discussion with Linda: Book Clubs

Let’s talk about book clubs. I recently signed up for a book club at my local library. We got our books and scheduled in the two meetings for Mary E. Pearson’s The Miles Between.

First of all, I was very surprised and happy to find out that most of the readers were teens. It makes me that much happier that our next generation is still obsessed over the written word.

I’ve never been much of a talker. I usually just nod, smile, and murmur words of agreement. Luckily, it was pretty easy to relate and chat with everyone. They grab onto the black sheep like superglue. I realized that here, opinions really matter. We could go in depth or just point out the quirky things we liked. It’s such a welcome atmosphere.

The negative comes from the fact that at times, I felt uncomfortable. I’m a book blogger, although I hadn’t mentioned that to everyone. I know my way around the Young Adult market. I was utterly shocked that even some of the teachers or dedicated teens didn’t catch onto the lingo. Someone said the book was realistic fiction. That term is so foreign to me! Contemporary just rolls off the tongue for me. A teen pointed out that she preferred fantasy like their last read. If anything, that was actually paranormal or urban fantasy. Plus, they weren’t aware of the Pearson’s other book series, one that I haven’t had a chance to read.

Here I am, the most “in the know” person in the group and it’s the strangest feeling. They don’t know that they’re the odd one out! But I could never go back to my ignorant days as a person who didn’t love reading blogs. For this instance, ignorance is not bliss. This experience has been an eye-opener. Let me know if you have your own story to share about book clubs.


The elusive Linda-saurus: 

Mover and shaker by day, book-ninja by night. Only native to Florida. Afraid of small children but has an affinity to the elderly. Beware of her sarcastic humor.