Novel Ideas

Novel Ideas

Topic Author: Lauren Whitney

Posted: 4:41 AM Jun 16, 2009

Replies Posted: 22 comments

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Delivering the news is a distinct business. We know how to pronounce Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and whether or not to take an umbrella. Morning news is even more unique because of the hours we keep in order to gather the latest stories by daybreak. Like vampires, we are asleep when the sun shines and working when most of civilization is not. With this backward schedule, it can take a Herculean effort to find time to socialize with other humans, and not just our best friends Tivo and Netflix.

I figured a good way to get out and meet people was to volunteer at non-profits and join a business group. Both have proven to be extraordinary experiences and I’ve made some great friends while helping our community. Coaching youth sports has been another opportunity that I continue to have a blast doing. Truth is, there’s no one like a 10-year-old to keep you in check. And if you’ve read the previous Whitney Report, you know I’m on a tear with knitting classes. I’m thinking about making a ‘Mac cozy’ for my laptop, like those fluffy toilet seat covers in the Midwest.

Of all my pursuits to Get Involved, one has been especially rewarding, and that’s been my book club. Once a month we get together for a few hours to discuss the latest novel, nosh without concern for calories, and to catch up on each other's lives. Yes, there may be few bottles of wine involved. Elizabeth Long, author of Women and the Uses of Reading in Everyday Life, suggests that women utilize book club conversation "as a lens to consider issues in their lives" and "a legitimate way" to get away from the pressures of jobs and family.

Our book club members are all avid readers and I love hearing their literary assessments, especially as it relates to their personal experiences. I've found I enjoy our banter, laughter, and dispensing of opinions as much as I like checking books off of my never-ending reading list. I guess book clubs aren't always so much about books as they are about the people who read them.

Happy reading, happy living.

KKCO firmly believes in freedom of speech for all and we are happy to provide this forum for the community to share opinions and facts. We ask that commenters keep it clean, keep it truthful, stay on topic and be responsible. Comments left here do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of KKCO 11News.

by Corrine Location: GJ on Aug 18, 2009 at 09:11 AM

Karl, I never got to the Kool Aid part of Moby Dick!

by Karl Location: CO on Jul 29, 2009 at 06:38 PM

I think a good novel would be where a bunch of men on a ship are looking for a whale. They look and look, but you know what? They never find him. And you know why they never find him? It doesn't say. The book leaves it up to you, the reader, to decide. Then, at the very end, there's a page you can lick and it tastes like Kool-Aid.

by John Location: GJCO on Jun 30, 2009 at 10:22 AM

Lauren! I saw you at City Market the other day. You are tall.

by Troy Location: Montrose on Jun 30, 2009 at 08:42 AM

I sat through that Sister's Keeper movie with my wife (I am a good husband), and it was awful. GO see the Hangover, its much better and at least you'll laugh.

by Nancy Location: Grand Junction, Colorado on Jun 29, 2009 at 04:52 PM

My book club is really important to me too. I love getting together with my friends to talk about books. You learn more about people this way. We are reading Geraldine March's "The People of the Book." It's really good, you should read it.

by Barbara Location: GJ on Jun 26, 2009 at 08:32 AM

I love book club!! Taking time once a month to chat my girlfriends about the latest good book keeps me going.

by Susan Klimmek Location: GJ on Jun 23, 2009 at 06:14 PM

I loved that book and can't wait to see the movie. I really like Jodi Picoult's books.

by Angel Location: Grand Junction on Jun 22, 2009 at 03:48 PM

Book Club....Reading a book you might not necessarily choose on your own, enjoying the company and ideas if a diverse group of women, and eating some great food! And if we get to escape for a couple of hours and hang with our girlfriends - all the better. I could not agree more that BC's can be a valuable tool in a gal's social life. Thanks for the reminder, LW!

by Lauren Whitney Location: KKCO on Jun 22, 2009 at 08:50 AM

Thanks for reading my blog and for taking the time to leave a comment. It's always interesting to learn what others are thinking about, and to connect with others on a common topic. I love the idea of the 'non-Oprah bookclub.' My club just finished 'My Sister's Keeper' by Jodi Picoult. It was a good, quick read and I want to see the movie version when it comes out this week. The non-book-club-book I'm reading right now is call 'A Forger's Tale' and it's fascinating. It's the story a man who, during WWII, forged several paintings and fooled the art world. I hope that you're all having a great summer and please check back again soon.

by Amy Jo Nelson on Jun 20, 2009 at 06:41 PM

Once you learn to knit, you'll want to crochet. Everyone you know will own an afghan.

by Nancy Location: Denver on Jun 19, 2009 at 08:04 AM

I moved from Junction a few months ago, but I still check out the KKCO website to see what's going on in town, and to read your blog :)

by Jenny Location: Fruita on Jun 18, 2009 at 01:26 PM

I like book clubs for both reading and getting to know about good books but also to meet so many nice people

by Jacob Location: Montrose on Jun 18, 2009 at 10:55 AM

You do a good job.

by Corrine on Jun 17, 2009 at 12:00 PM

Didn't you read the blog - it's to talk about the books we read. Anyone can read on their own. Book clubs open up discussions with others who have the same interests as you. Nothing wrong with that.

by Julie Location: Grand Junction on Jun 17, 2009 at 11:03 AM

You really have a way with words! I have been reading your blog for awhile and thought you should know your sense of humor and wit are appreciated! Keep up the good work.

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