Book Clubs: The Joy of Connection

Hello, Reader

Since November, I've connected with hundreds of readers at events, through emails and texts, or just in my daily life. Today, I'd like to thank a particularly dedicated group: the many book clubs that chose "The Shopkeeper of Alsace" to read this winter.

Despite snowstorms, a robust flu season, and busy schedules...

I've been able to meet with several of these groups. The most satisfying gathering was, no surprise, with my own book club, which we call "Reading Between the Wines."

These women have been a part of my author journey from the start. They've listened to my complaints and my hopes. Their support and enthusiasm have never wavered. Honestly, our meeting in early January was a "pinch me, I'm dreaming" moment. Of course, Alsatian wine was served!

My husband's book club also read "Shopkeeper,"

I joined their meeting a week later. These men, whom I've known forever, were also familiar with my up-and-down path toward publication.

These guys are an insightful bunch! They asked terrific questions and shared their own family's WWI-WWII stories. One member, whose father had served in France during WWII, brought some old French money! This coin is from the short-lived Vichy regime, the French fascist collaborationist government, which you learned about in "Shopkeeper." Remember mid-way through the novel, when Sarah's husband Melach despairs at how Vichy changed France's longtime motto of "Liberty, Equality, and Brotherhood" to "Work, Family, and Fatherland?" It was a chilling moment to hold this coin in my hand....

In December, I was delighted to attend my neighbor Donna's book club. Instead of meeting in the evening, this group holds a Sunday brunch, serving food related to themes from the book they've just read. Since "Shopkeeper" begins in Poland, members brought dishes associated with Poland and/or Polish Jews, including beets, brisket, potato kugel. Isn't that a cool idea?

I'm scheduled to chat with several other book clubs this spring. Meanwhile, I'll share more in a later post about NH's incredible libraries and the wonderful readers I've met on my ongoing library tour around the state.

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