Chanon Collins belongs to “The Bluestocking Society” in Tifton, GA. In this interview, Chanon describes her group’s eclectic reading habits and the book-themed meals they prepare. She also emphasizes the importance of meeting authors and talks about their yearly weekend getaway to a member’s beach house, where the group values spending time lounging in their pajamas, shopping and (of course) discussing books.

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

A: “The Bluestocking Society.” Our first meeting was April 2004.

Q: How many members do you have?

A: Our membership is seven women, ranging in age from thirty-something to, let's just say, the age of a young grandmother.

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

A: We meet once a month on a Thursday night in the home of a member. It is rare for anyone to miss a meeting because we view this time as a respite from our responsibilities and so enjoy each other’s company.

Q: Do you eat at your meetings? What do you eat? Who brings the food?

A: We have our discussion around the table as we enjoy a meal prepared by the hostess. Many times, food, table decor, or other elements are inspired by the book we have read.

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

A: We all contribute to the discussion and don't have a formal leader. We do use reading guides when they are available. Sticky notes are very important, too, as some of us like to use them to mark passages for discussion.

Q: What kind of books do you read?

A: We especially enjoy books with interesting characters and plots, books that challenge us to think. Once in a while, we will read pure fluff for a change of pace. Our archive list contains biographies, classics, nonfiction...in other words, we try to stretch our reading muscles!

Q: How do you choose your books? Do you choose one new book at each meeting, or do you choose the books for a number of meetings ahead of time?

A: Members suggest books, and we also research what other book clubs are reading. Books are selected months in advance and posted on our website.

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

A: The Bark of the Dogwood, Our Lady of the Lost and Found, The History of Love, The Kite Runner, Slow Way Home (with a Michael Morris conference call), The Red Tent, Katzenjammer (with a Jackson Tippett McCrae conference call) and Tobacco Road (which we hated but can't stop referencing).

Q: How do you keep things fun?

A: When we first formed, one member bought blue flip flops for everyone. The assignment for the following meeting was to choose a book that represented who you are and decorate them accordingly. What fun when we shared those stories! We match elements of the book to the menu and/or table décor. For example, when we read In Cold Blood, the hostess had “blood” running down the dining room mirror and red was used in the table setting. She also served everyone a Bloody Mary as they arrived! Each December we choose a book that reflects the season. Sometimes “homework” is assigned for the next book, but it’s always something fun.

Q: What advice would you give to other reading groups?

A: Keep the group small enough so that everyone can be comfortable around the dining room table. Read a variety of genres; even if you don’t care for a book, there is almost always something worthy of discussion. It’s even more interesting if members differ on their opinions; we love to learn from each other. Make sure you have members who make the group a priority and are dependable. Serve great food and the right amount of wine. Make sure the dessert is yummy, too! Contact authors you enjoy; many will gladly join your meeting via conference call, and it is a wonderful experience to gain a writer’s insight.

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

A: We have enjoyed a unique relationship with one of our favorite authors. Members of our group have studied his books, corresponded with him via email and sent him a southern care package (he’s a southern boy living in the north, bless his heart). He has been gracious enough to send signed book jackets and share his thoughts and process with us during a memorable conference call.

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

A: Well, we do have a signature cocktail, the Blue Sock, which we have been known to enjoy upon occasion. Also, each January, we spend a weekend at the family beach house of one member. Shopping is involved, but we do set Saturday night aside for our discussion. Pajamas are the most important attire of the event and as dressy as we get during the retreat. Our webpage (http://bluestockings.home.surfsouth.com) helps us remember our reading list, where we’re meeting, important links and other matters related to our group.

© Copyright 2001-2008, ReadingGroupGuides.com. All rights reserved.

ReadingGroupGuides.com interviews special reading groups around the world, spotlighting a different group each month. We hope that you enjoy reading about their experiences and might find some new ideas to try with your group. If you belong to a group that you think should be spotlighted, click here to answer our interview questions.

Back to top.