Maria Piccirillo is the discussion leader of the “Bookies Book Club,” a 12-member group (soon to be 14) from Warwick, Rhode Island, composed of female co-workers of various ages who use their office meeting room for their monthly talks. In this interview, Maria shares some insights into her club and its meaning for the members, offers advice to other reading groups, and reveals the name of their favorite author.

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

A: Our group is the “Bookies Book Club” and we have been together for over two years.

Q: How many members do you have? How many men, how many women? What age are most of your members?

A: There are 12 members and our number will be growing to 14 in January. So far our members are all women, and we all work for the same corporation: Patient Financial Services at Lifespan. We range from age thirty-something to 75 years young.

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

A: We meet once a month at our office meeting room.

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

A: Many of us do eat our lunches during the meeting.

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

A: I lead the discussion and use reading guides most of the time, but the most important part of these discussions is in fact the members’ view on the book. We all read the same book, but sometimes one member may see something the rest of us have not. I think that can be the most interesting part of the discussion.

Q: What kind of books do you read?

A: We are open to different authors and genres, which is really nice as a club. Our members have often stated that we read books that we would have never thought of reading on our own.

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: I add books to the list and all members are open to adding books to the reading list. This club is about all members and what they bring to the club. Members are always asked to add books to our list. It gives us a chance to read all types of books.

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

A: I must say that they are really all great and we have a lot of fun. The members are really involved in the discussions. Our favorite author I would say is Barbara Delinsky --- her books are always a surprise and a great read. Interesting topics without a doubt.

Q: How do you keep things fun?

A: We have book giveaways and keep our meetings light. We have a lot of fun. We also have Christmas parties and celebrate other important events having to do with our members. We are friends and we respect each other. I must say it’s just a great group of people.

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

A: Keep it light and let it just flow. We can read and have fun --- it can be a great way to get to know each other and spend time together. Keep it social and fun, and remember that every member is important. It’s not about the leader of the club, it’s about the entire club.

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

A: We have no horror stories, and that’s fine with me. We really do laugh a lot.

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

A: We range in ages from early 30s to 75 years young and it’s wonderful! We all work in the same company, and it’s a great way for us to meet and get to know each other. When we meet, it’s about the club.

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