Past the Web page: Statesboro e book membership finds friendship and enjoyable in literature

On August 12, 2025, at Orchid in Statesboro, Georgia, an interesting group of ladies gathered to evaluate ‘The Great Alone’ by Kristin Hannah. The afternoon was about greater than discussing a novel, although. It was about persevering with a convention that began with a easy thought and has grown into one thing far past the pages of any e book.

“In a world increasingly filled with screens and schedules, there’s a quiet revolution happening once a month. Over lunch, laughter, and literature, this book club has become a place of connection, friendship, and discovery,” shared member Lynn Deal Futch.

The membership started modestly when Marsha Deal determined it was time to cease driving at evening. “I thought, why not start a lunch club?” she remembers. “No homes to tidy, no elaborate meals to prepare, just good books, good company, and a rotating schedule of restaurants to keep things fresh.”

What began with Marsha Deal, Cathy Spacher, Armenda Barnes, and Liz Underwood quickly grew to incorporate Lynn Deal Futch, Linda Hube, Autumn Redmond, and Janice Rushing.

“Even though we didn’t all know each other in the beginning,” Marsha says, “it just clicked.”

The group retains issues easy: every month, a special member chooses each the e book and the restaurant, shifting in alphabetical order by first title. That system has stored the conferences recent whereas additionally nudging members to discover new genres.

“I’ve read books I would never have chosen on my own,” Underwood admits. “And I’ve discovered new authors I would never have found otherwise.”

For Lynn, the magic goes past the studying. “We all have different personalities and different things going on in our lives, but we mesh fine,” said Futch. “The meetings are more than just book talk; they are a space to connect, unwind, and explore new perspectives. They’ve allowed us to get to know people we didn’t know before.”

Sometimes the enjoyable takes a inventive flip. When the group learn The Whip by Karen Kondazian, Armenda introduced cowboy hats for everybody. During West With Giraffes, Marsha gave every member a tiny giraffe figurine. Once, they welcomed visitor creator William Rawlings Jr., a resident of Sandersville, identified for his Southern tales who shared insights from his novel The Rutherford Cipher.

The dialogue got here alive as members requested questions on his experiences as a author.

The group agrees that its smaller measurement retains issues significant. “Large groups make it harder to connect,” says Linda Hube. “Here, everyone has a chance to talk.” Janice Rushing provides, “I like that it’s not just answering stock questions; we have real discussion.”

While the books are vital, the friendships matter most. Autumn Redmond places it this fashion: “It’s fun and interesting to hear other people’s perspectives about books and characters. If anyone needs that little push to start reading regularly, I highly recommend joining a book club.”

The recipe for a profitable e book membership? According to Cathy Spacher:

• Gather attention-grabbing individuals who like to learn.
• Alternate who chooses the e book every month.
• Use the library or share copies.
• Let the e book picker select the restaurant.
• Come prepared with thought-provoking questions.
• Enjoy one another’s firm and HAVE FUN!

Dr. Seuss properly stated: “The more you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you’ll go.” This group has confirmed that these “places” could be shared proper across the lunch desk.

Liz Underwood summed it up greatest, “Good company plus good books plus good food equals good times.” 

Grab a couple of mates, a e book, and a desk, mates. Your subsequent Senior Moment chapter awaits!