Mindi Rainey is a member of the recently-formed “Houston Divas Book Club” in Houston, TX, which has over 40 members. In this interview, Mindi explains the importance of respecting others’ viewpoints in discussions. She also talks about the group’s volunteer initiatives and how they plan to expand them in the future.

Q: Does your group have a name and/or a theme? How long has your group been in existence?

A: Houston Divas Book Club. We’ve been together for seven months.

Q: How many members do you have? What age are most of your members?

A: We have 42 women and no men. We do have one co-ed meeting per calendar year. Our members are 25 to 35.

Q: How often do you meet? Where do you meet?

A: We meet once per month in various locations.

Q: Do you eat at your meetings? What do you eat?

A: Yes. It depends on the host. (When at a member’s home, the hostess will choose what she wants for the menu.)

Q: Who leads the discussion? Do you use reading group guides?

A: Each meeting is hosted by a different member/host. We have not used reading group guides, but will for the September meeting and moving forward.

Q: What kind of books do you read?

A: ALL! We don't limit ourselves on what we read.

Q: How do you choose your books? Do you choose one new book at each meeting?

A: The host chooses the reading from a list of books comprised of all the members’ favorites. We choose a new book at each meeting.

Q: What were some of the best discussions or favorite books the group read?

A: Honestly, all the books that we have read sparked wonderful discussion and debates. Again, we are truly fortunate to have a group that digs way beyond the surface and we analyze every angle. We share intimate stories and know that it's ok, because though all might not agree, it's a respect factor there before anything else.

Q: How do you keep things fun? We choose to meet outside of the book club.

A: We attend movies, plays, go out to eat and, most importantly, volunteer in the Houston community.

Q: What advice would you give to other reading groups? Come together with the desire to learn, not only teach.

A: We are so fortunate to be from various locations, upbringings, religions, etc. It makes the discussions more interesting. We appreciate those differences!

Q: Do you have any horror stories, amusing anecdotes, or other special tales to tell?

A: Not yet!

Q: Is there anything else unique or noteworthy about your group that you would like to share?

A: To expound on the volunteering, it's important to us. We might even look into starting a book club for high school children in the area.

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