Last night I went to the library again for the local book club meeting. I hadn't been in awhile, missing the last meeting from the prior book series and the first meeting of this current series, which because of how spread out they are, meant that I hadn't been to one since November. These meetings have served me very well; I get to read books I would rarely pick up otherwise, and I get to fill a need I have for discussion and dailogue over ideas that these books invariably present. Kind of like a small, short class based in literature, but without having to write papers, and more importantly, pay any money. At first it was a little weird, as I am almost always the only male, and by far the youngest in the group. Thankfully, it seems the group was so happy to have a man in the group that I never felt anything but welcomed. It gives me an escape for a couple hours each month (when I stay with it) from the humdrum of my regular home and work routine, and its an escape I truly enjoy.
Anyway, as I hurried out the door after dinner last night to make sure I would make it, it hit me that it had been a long time since I had gone, and I realized how much I missed it. As I walked in, a few exclaimed that they were just talking about me and wondering where I had been the last few times, and how they missed my discussion. As I am the only male, I know that it is easy to remember me, and easier to remember what I said. But, while I always felt welcomed, its always been hard to feel, on my part, like I completely belong to the group, particular when the library have been having these rotating book series for over 20 years, with some of the same people. Last night, I felt I belonged. I knew that I contributed to the group and people valued what I said, just as I look forward to hearing other thoughts and perspectives on the books we read. It was a good night for me in that regard, and I continue to be very grateful for finding this small group in my little small town library.
Already looking forward to the next series starting next month, on Ireland; more nights with great discussion ahead.
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