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Our Book Club

Nightwriters
By Jean Moelter
Before we all go home, let’s talk about our next meeting. I’ve chosen Middlemarch by George Eliot. You know how I love the classics! Some of you don’t adore nineteenth-century literature like I do. But this book is a page-turner, if you give it a chance. It gets going after two hundred pages or so.
I think we can all agree, it’s been a long time since we read a book that was challenging or worthwhile. Sorry, Brenda. Fifty Shades of Grey was fine. I just think our next book should be intellectually stimulating.
Middlemarch has great topics for discussion: daily life in 1830s England, political reform, the effects of the railway on the rural economy. And the author is so interesting. George Eliot lived at a time when women weren’t taken seriously as writers. Seriously, Phoebe? You didn’t know George Eliot was a woman? Where on earth did you go to college? Just kidding.
Anyway, copies of Middlemarch are easy to find. The library has several, and any used bookstore will have a bunch. So, we’re all going to read it, right? No excuses? Hey, no need to get defensive. I know this isn’t a book club where you have to read the book. But if everyone made an effort, think of the wonderful discussions we could have. Most months, it’s impossible to even talk about the book. Either people haven’t read it at all, or they’re halfway through and don’t want anyone to spoil the ending. Which is pretty selfish.
Yes, I know everyone is busy. But when we get together I hear about TV shows you’ve binge-watched and articles you’ve read online. So, you could read one book a month. You just choose to do other things in your free time.
That’s just me. I’m passionate about books. That’s why I joined a book club. But I guess “book club” means different things to different people: a fun night out with the girls, adult conversation, an escape from homework duty. So, of course, you don’t think it matters if you read the book. Or come on time.
At least the host should be on the ball, don’t you think? Last month when I arrived at Stephanie’s house – I was the first one there, as usual – she actually looked surprised to see me. Yes, Stephanie, you did. It was clear you forgot you were hosting book club until you saw me at your door.
Don’t deny it. Your family was still sitting at the table. They hadn’t even finished dinner. And remember what you served us? A store-bought cheesecake that was still frozen. I almost broke a crown!
Wait. Where’s everyone going? Is the meeting over? I suppose it’s getting late. Well, I look forward to seeing you all at my house on the twenty-fifth to discuss Middlemarch by George Eliot. It’ll be great. I promise.

Jean Moelter performs regularly on local stages and has written many plays, articles, and essays. She is a member of SLO NightWriters, the premier writing organization on the Central Coast, for writers of all levels in all genres; find them online at slonightwriters.com.

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