Brandon Twp.- From ‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone? to ‘The Diary of Anne Frank,? to ‘Fried Green Tomatoes? and ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,? the Brandon Book Club reads and discusses a wide variety of books.
The club, created 10 years ago, selects 11 books every August and then reads one per month for the next year, meeting the third Tuesday of every month to discuss the chosen book. They are currently recruiting new members.
‘The books we try to choose are varied,? said Susan Lewicki, a charter member of the group. ‘We read classics, autobiographies, historical and popular fiction. Whatever people come up with that sounds interesting.?
The club alternates between serious and light-hearted fare and past selections have also included ‘The Five People You Meet in Heaven,? ‘Snow Falling on Cedars,? ‘The Giver,? ‘Angela’s Ashes,? and ‘The Scarlet Letter.?
Lewicki, 66, said she has read books in the club that she has loved, such as ‘Wuthering Heights,? and ones she has hated, such as ‘Moo? by Jane Smiley.
‘It was horrible,? she recalled. ‘We all groaned. It’s the worst book we ever came across.?
Still, each person gets something different from a book, often depending on their age and experience, and everyone has something to contribute to the discussion. She invites people of all ages, men and women, to join the group.
Lewicki enjoys the monthly get togethers, and says she has learned a lot? from the books read and the people she discusses them with.
‘I feel like they’re really good friends,? she said. ‘Everyone sees the books from a different perspective.?