Book Club Reports
In every issue, KIZA will take you inside the reading rooms of book clubs from across the country. This month, we’re naturally in Albany, Georgia, the home of KIZA BlackLit. It’s called The Book Club, and here’s their story:
The Book Club, Albany GA
BY SANDRA J. WEBB
Organized in 2014, The Book Club is approaching its 10th anniversary with excitement and a commitment to reaching another ten years. In 2014, Big Read Initiative was hosted by Albany State University and the City of Albany. Funded by the National Endowment of the Arts, the initiative is designed to stimulate reading enjoyment. The events sparked 12 members of one of the original reading clusters throughout the city to continue as an organized book club. Over the next few years, the membership grew to the current number of 18.
Meeting quarterly, The Book Club is structured with a convener and alternating moderators. Each member has an opportunity to moderate a book discussion in his or her own style. Discussions last approximately one hour, followed by fellowship and refreshments. Members are both male and female, with the majority being over the age of 60 and retired.
The Book Club has a catalogue of 40 books that includes fiction, non-fiction, historical fiction, and memoirs in the genres of classics, mystery, thriller, suspense, romance and fantasy. Authors are both male and female; African American, White, and Asian American and both renown and first-time authors.
Our most recent read in November read was a thriller, While Justice Sleeps, by Stacey Abrams, the Club’s first by her. A recent read that generated a lot of discussion and accolades for triumph over personal tragedy was a memoir by Winfred Rembert, Chasing Me to My Grave.
We attribute the longevity of The Book Club to the variety of books and authors selected; giving every member an opportunity to moderate a discussion; having time for every member who wishes to contribute to the discussion; choosing book recommendations from all members; keeping members informed of meetings and relevant information and the pace—quarterly, not monthly meetings.