Several of us have discussed the possibility of a Book Discussion thread in this Forum. Before we decide on any books, I'd like to have us set some ground rules. Let me throw these out & you can let me know what you think.

1) I think the book should be consistent with the 50+ Forum - that is, it should have a message or theme of being supportive; it should be of interest to a diverse group of mature women; and it should function to draw us together - not pull us apart - no politics, no religion, no controversial issues.

2) Would be nice if we could read something that helped to inspire us to continue on our weight loss journeys.

Any ideas? I'll do some searching on the internet & see what I come up with.

Lynn

Sounds like a great idea LYNN -- the part I've highlighted in red is an absolute imperative -- everything else you mention would be the icing on the cake.

Would we want just "deep and thoughtful" books or should we alternate between those and "light and fluffy" as well?

Sounds great to me too. I like the perimeters & will be trying to look around for some good suggestions too. Looking forward to trying to contribute to the list & tackling the thing once it gets rolling.

Count me in, too, Lynn....sounds like a great idea. I like your ideas about material, too. With things finally settling down hereabouts, this will be something interesting & fun to look forward to!

Thanks,

Z

Sounds like a great idea, I definitely would be interested. Michele

Absolutely count me in. Besides bridge I read all the time. Life without a book is endless and empty karen3

I read all the time too. I always have a book (or 2) going and a audio book in the car. So, count me in.

Another question. Fiction only or both fiction & nonfiction?

Oh, never mind. It would have to be fiction in order to discuss the characters & the plot. Looking online now.

I'm wondering if any of you are familiar with Marge Piercy? Her books are awesome. There's one in particular - Gone To Soldiers - that now appears to be out of print, but Amazon has used copies available for under $2.00. I have read, and subsequently re-read this book every couple of years for about ten years now. (And, typically, once I've read something, I'm through with it). Anyway, I'd like to suggest it as a possible book for our discussions. If we go with something else, that's fine with me, too, but consider it highly recommended if anyone is just looking for something to read aside from our book discussions, too. I noticed on Amazon that I've fallen behind - haven't been keeping track, because she's written several more while I wasn't looking. I've read others of hers besides Gone To Soldiers and have thoroughly enjoyed everything I've read by her.

Over and out - hope everyone's doing well, and sure am glad you and yours are all safe, MaryLynn!

Z

I'm getting anxious to start! Someone pick a book fast! Zoe, I'm going to the library to get the book you mentioned. Thanks.

OK - how about we start with Zoe's book? Check back here when you've gotten hold of a copy & we'll make our discussion plans.

Lynn

I am only a quarter of the way through, and I am loving this novel! Michele

Yay! I'm so glad you're enjoying it, Michele! Turns out I couldn't find my old, dog-eared copy, what with moving and all I suppose (who knows what bookshelves it ended up on?) so I had to order another copy through Amazon. I'm hoping it comes quickly!

Z

Picked up my copy today, can't wait to start reading it.