Dr. Felecia T Dunson*Please note this post includes affiliate links.*
I started a book club. I used to be in one a while ago, when I was single and I thought it would be fun. Now I’m not single and I don’t have a lot free time so I hoped it would be a way to see my friends. And also, a way to have something to talk about besides my children. Something to motivate me to read. Something to help expand my horizons and perspectives. An affordable treat and indulgence that encourages me to take time for myself and allows me to disengage. Let me tell you how my Bomb A** Book Club Picks and Reviews are going. (Hint: It’s great!)
A book club for strong female leads and their fellow strong female co-leads.
My goal for the book club is to read books that inherently incorporate diversity of characters, ideas, locations, traditions by way of reading from a diverse breadth of authors and topics. Initially, I was thinking only fiction, but the book club grew beyond that limitation. We’ve had the opportunity to discuss some difficult topics such as immigration, racism, colonialism, child abandonment, adultery, divorce, etc. It’s been a thrill and continues to be an exciting adventure.
Women have interests beyond their jobs and families. Like other peoples jobs and families!
It has grown organically. It continues to grow and morph. We started out with a group of ladies I invited because I want to see them more often. The group has fluctuated in a relaxed and intimate manner allowing continuity and variety that I love. I’ve invited the members to suggest a book and host a meeting when they are able. It’s fun to experience everyone else’s vision of a good book, a good discussion and a good time.
Here are the book club picks and reviews we’ve read so far and my ideas for future books. All future titles are subject to change.
2020 Book Club Selections and Critiques
January: Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Club Comments: It was an interesting book. Learned a lot about Nigeria. Would read another book by this author.
February: An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
Club Comments: Great book! Enjoyed the audio production. Honest portrayal of complexities of relationships across all cultures.
March: This Side of Providence by Rachel M Harper
**Club Comments: Due to the coronavirus outbreak we were not able to meet. This book has not been rated yet.
April: Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
Club Comments: Firth Virtual Book Club meeting coming soon!
May: Recursion by Blake Crouch
Club Comments:
June: Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
July: Three Women by Lisa Taddeo
August: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
September: Educated by Tara Westover/ Dear Committee Members
October: Dead Letters/Silent Patient
November: An Untamed State by Roxane Gay
December: The five people you meet in heaven
Club Comments:
2019 Book Club Picks and Reviews
September: The Leavers by Lisa Ko
Book Club: It was a relevant topic. Easier to connect with her story than his. Started slow.
October: Girl Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis
Book Club: Seems like common sense. She did excite the possibility of pursuing wildest dreams. Curious about her other book.
November: Becoming by Michelle Obama
Club Comments: It was a bit slow until she met Barak. Found her early upbringing interesting and sort of grooming. Lots of insights to what it was like in the spotlight.
December: Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Club Comments: It was an interesting book. Introduced many things about Nigeria.Would read another book by this author.