An exciting July— the way I like it

July has been a great month for reading and adventuring! When the weather cooperates, you can find Nikolette and I reading on the porch. Well, I’m reading while she’s exploring the yard or watching birds and squirrels from a cool spot in the shade. 

I participated in my first ever book club meeting. As I’m preparing to retire in a couple of months, I have been keeping my eyes open for any potential book clubs that might suit my interests. You know, a book-related activity that will provide me with social interactions. Ironically, my local independent bookstore, Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Lexington, Kentucky, started hosting the Silent Book Club!

For my first time attending, I think it went pretty well. The group of readers assembled in a cozy section of the bookstore, near a fireplace. —Not that any of us were interested in a fire on a hot July day. 🥵 The attendees were all women, covering a diverse age range. I was a bit disappointed that there wasn’t any structure provided by the booksellers. A fellow attendee was welcoming and informed us that last month, when she attended, the group asked for guidance from the booksellers, who relayed it was entirely self-led. I expected there to be at least introductions and shares about the books people were reading. I guess most of us were introverts, so we were content to start reading our books. 

It felt weird at first, but I soon became content and engaged in my book. I was reading Peter Heller’s novel, Celine. 📖 The book club was scheduled for 90 minutes. During that time, I noticed some people periodically looking around, someone went to the in-store bistro for a drink, another person walked around the store, people got on their phones periodically, and a couple of people nodded off near the end in their large, comfy chairs. It was hard to tell what others were reading. One woman had a door stopper on her lap that was intriguing, another had a library book, and others were reading on Kindles. It was a joy to see such a variety of reading methods. Some people seemed to be there individually, and some appeared to be in pairs. 

As the time neared its end, people started departing with smiles and waves goodbye. I appreciated that everyone seemed friendly, even though we truly read silently during our time together. I didn’t make any connections with anyone, as I think it will take time and consistent attendance to become comfortable with my fellow readers. The bookstore is a beautiful place, and I enjoyed my time reading. I especially enjoyed bringing my own book and not having to read a particular book. The structure, or lack thereof, of the Silent Book Club was really nice; there was no pressure to socialize and the freedom to read whatever I wanted. The Silent Book Club meets monthly. I know I will return, as I think this activity has great potential.

Before departing the bookstore, I had to browse the wealth of books! Excitedly, I picked up a signed copy of Meg Gardiner’s new book, Shadow Heart. This is the fourth installment in her Unsub series.

I love trees!

I took a break from reading one afternoon, and my husband and I made a spontaneous stop at Old Fort Harrod State Park. This is the home of an amazing Osage Orange tree. It’s the largest tree of its kind in the United States. This beauty is estimated to have been planted in the late 18th century!

Last but not least— my July reads!

I’m really satisfied with my reading progress for the month. I read eight books in total. As you can see in my reviews below, I tend to read a lot of audiobooks. They are the perfect companion when I’m cleaning, driving, walking - you name it! 😅 I’m happy to say I enjoyed every book. I read some favorite authors, two new-to-me authors that I fell in love with, and went down memory lane with an autobiography. I hope you enjoy browsing the books I read. I hope you read some fantastic books too! 

Reaching for my next book,
-Natalie 📚