The Smiling Goat Literary Club

Welcome to Monday, dear reader. Tonight will be the first official meeting of The Smiling Goat Literary Club. As is the norm for me, I have to do things a little bit differently. Initially, when I hatched this idea, I thought I wanted a traditional book club. A club where everyone reads the same book, discusses it, enjoys food and drinks, maybe a swag bag, a field trip or two, and a monthly meeting. Well, after asking all my friends to join and being turned down by the majority of them, Janet P. Walker even swindled a cool book club sticker out of me without joining. Yeah, I just called you out, JPW! I rethought the idea of a book club. 

Instead of forcing everyone to read the same book, we are going to choose monthly themes. Everyone will come with a book or two, or more, to exchange (and get their books back, I covet my books and want them returned to me). Each month, we will discuss the theme and how it applies to the books we have read, probably play some nerdy book-themed game (like book bingo, I love me a game of bingo, with prizes, none of this playing for glory nonsense, I like a tangible prize), we will have a themed meal, a themed adult beverage because literary themed alcohol is fun, and socialize. Honestly, it is simply a reason to get together and maybe talk about good books. 

My book club members are varied in age, background, and literary preferences. I know two offhand who really enjoy romance. A few of us enjoy historical fiction and non-fiction. One of my friends is taking a grad class and has an extensive list of young adult fiction to read. I personally enjoy the magical realism genre: think Alice Hoffman, Sarah Addison Allen. Honestly, I just love a good story. The kind of story that sweeps you away into a world you never imagined, maybe it teaches a lesson, maybe it makes you see the world a little differently, but it should always make you think. So, I am greatly looking forward to seeing and hearing about what my friends enjoy reading. I'm also excited to spend an hour or so talking about good books. Mostly, I am just looking forward to seeing some of my favorite people once a month, making a fun meal, exploring drink options, and getting together.  

Hosting is kind of a big deal for me. I hardly ever host anything social. When Jordan was little, I hosted our small group of friends from St. Bernard's. My gatherings were always very kid-oriented. It's been quite a while since I've hosted anything for myself. This is definitely out of my comfort zone, but I am excited for this. I hope it is enjoyable for everyone and not too nerdy. My favorite people, a small, quiet setting, good books, and good food are my idea of a good time. I hope I can pull this off without boring everyone. If they're bored, most of them will let me know. 

So, wish me luck, dear reader. Hopefully, I won't burn dinner. The house is clean, the book table is ready, and the food is well underway in preparation. I have to get into socializing mode and be the hostess with the mostess. On this March Monday, stay safe, be smart, enjoy good company, good food, and good books, and keep washing your hands.