As the Breeze Park book club gathered, the chatter was all about how different this book was from others they had read. This book was more of a devotional book, less of an actual story, and while several of the members had read the author before, they were intrigued by this side of her writing. One Simple Act by Debbie Macomber is a book about gratitude. The members of the book club dove into discussing how they went about reading it and how some of the lessons in the book fit into their wealth of life experiences.
“I’ve read her books before and this one is completely different,” said Mae Thomkins, a Breeze Park resident. “This book is about doing favors for others, how that makes you feel, and how the Lord looks at it. I didn’t realize this author was so devout.”
The Breeze Park book club reads one new book each month. Volunteer Stephanie Semple organizes the club, leads discussion, and selects and provides the books from the local library. They’ve read new releases such as The Zookeeper’s Wife, biographical books like The Trial of Patty Hearst, and one that the group whole heartedly agrees bombed with them – Lincoln in the Bardo.
“I’ve always been a big reader,” added Thomkins, who has been a part of the book club for 14 years. “I always look forward to book club and always enjoy it.”
Semple led the discussion on the book partially using questions from the readers’ guide in the back, partially letting the discussion follow a natural course. There’s a closeness among the group that comes from having these types of discussions. At these regular meetings, they share stories and admissions that there sometimes isn’t space for in everyday conversation.
As the time wrapped up, Semple collected the books and passed out the next one – Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi. She gave a brief summary and pointed out that some of the characters names are very similar so suggested readers make a list of the names to help as they are starting the book.
The book club members continued discussion as they make their way out the door, new books in hand already looking forward to next month’s gathering. This group represents one of many options Breeze Park residents have to explore their interests while living life to the fullest.
To learn more about Breeze Park, including how to set up a tour, visit the Breeze Park web page.