Regardless of how much our paths veer in other directions throughout the year, Christmas is a time for friends to make an effort to get together. It was during our 2007 Christmas dinner in Fort Worth that it was decided we needed something to put on the calendar, an event to get us together on a regular basis throughout the year and at the end of 2007 our book club was born.
Meeting every six weeks, we started off with A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini, went on to Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen and got to 19 Minutes by Jodi Picoult by the spring.
Then we delved into God Grew Tired of Us by John Buldau which is a book about the Lost Boys of the Sudan. They walked for hundreds of miles without the comforts we usually take with us on a trip when we jump into an SUV and pack an ice chest with food and water, and a bag with clothes, shoes and toiletries. John Buldau is a tirelessly enthusiastic man even though he endured hardships we cannot even imagine: friends eaten by crocodiles, insect infestations in his feet, hunger, and all while avoiding sprays of bullets.
Each book has led to many interesting discussions and varying points of view. This year we are kicking off with The Zookeeper's Wife by Diane Ackerman.
Among your goals for this year put friends at the top of the list. We get bogged down with busyness, cleaning, shopping, television. Make them a priority and find a common interest that will get you together once a month, bi-monthly or even quarterly. Whatever you decide, put it on the calendar.
