Write On! An Appreciation Of Book Clubs

By Catherine Marenghi

There’s something about San Miguel that seems to nurture book clubs. At any given moment, dozens of books may be under discussion in homes or cafes, over food or coffee or wine. Book clubs are part of the fabric of San Miguel. On February 24^th, Atención News launched the Atención Book Club at the historic Casa Nigromante. Author Rosaleen Bertolino read from her award-winning book, The Paper Demon and Other Stories. The event drew a substantial and enthusiastic crowd, who came prepared with insightful questions.

Based on an audience survey, with comments ranging from “fabulous writer” to “very stimulating and enjoyable,” Atención will follow the advice of one participant: “Keep doing it!”

Atención Book Club’s second event on March 24 featured acclaimed author Sandra Gulland and her riveting historic fiction The Many Lives and Secret Sorrows of Josephine B, based on Empress Josephine Bonaparte of France. And on April 28^th, Merilyn Simonds, distinguished author of 20 books, will present Walking With Beth: Conversations With My 100-Year-Old Friend.

These free events take place at the Casa Nigromante, Umarán #38, at 3:00 p.m. No signup is required. Each event features a prominent local author who will lead the live discussion. Questions or author suggestions may be directed to atencionbookclub@gmail.com. Books may be purchased at Aurora Books, Tesoros Bookstore, or online retailers.

A Culture of Book Clubs

Atención News is by no means the first to gather together book lovers in San Miguel. There are many longstanding book clubs with a variety of approaches.

“The SMA Men’s Book Group or, as some of our members fondly call us, the SMA Anarchist Men’s Book Group, has been active for almost 15 years,” says member Pascual Hijuelos, a noted artist and San Miguel resident. Of the original 12 members, six remain; the club has 10 current members. The club’s rules are simple: Each member nominates three books they have read. Books with the most votes are selected and scheduled for the year. Everyone is expected to read every book. Monthly meetings start promptly at 6:00 p.m. with cocktails. “Years ago, we would end about 12, but now it’s about 10. The hosting member prepares a sit-down dinner which segues into the book discussion, which does not digress from the book." 

“Our book group’s longevity can be attributed to respect for our fellow members. It has forged a bond we are all proud of and hope to continue for many more years.” Pascual added.

Another local book club, the Wise Women Book Group founded by Hope Frye, a distinguished retired immigration and human rights attorney, is composed entirely of women.

“I've always loved the rich conversations you have when you have multiple viewpoints. Some like the books; some don't. Some see insights that others don’t. Those discussions are so important. Over time, the shared experience makes it richer.”

Hope recalled the group’s discussion around the book James by Percival Everett. The conversation veered toward each member’s experience with civil rights. “We normally don't talk about ourselves, but this was organic. You saw how our different backgrounds informed how we looked at everything. It delved into important and intimate reflection.”

When asked why book clubs seem so prevalent in San Miguel, Hope replied, “For me, it’s an opportunity to have a constructive social interaction with really smart women. We're not just coming together for drinks or a meal, but to share our minds, our experiences.

“You get a different, deeper connection with people. It's not just about reading a book. It starts with an author's experience that you wouldn't normally have access to. And then everyone begins sharing in ways we wouldn't otherwise. In a way, we're all authors of our own lives, bringing our personal memoirs to this discussion. We're also accessing ourselves differently as a result of the book.”

Carole Schor, a member of Wise Women Book Group, is a voracious reader and active in local theater and literary events. She is also a book club veteran, having participated in at least five San Miguel book clubs and several in the U.S. What strikes Carole about these experiences?

“You're a part of the community. You make a commitment to participate. It's not just reading books. It's exploring life through the vehicle of a book. In that sense, the book is the platform for building a community. It’s a vehicle to explore life.”

Catherine Marenghi is author offive books and is an active memberof the San Miguel literary scene. She coordinates the Atención Book Club.