Edwina Tries… A Book Club
Erie Reader Book Club is relaxed, inviting, and fun
I love books and have for as long as I can remember. I love libraries, bookstores, and looking at other people's bookshelves. I cannot resist buying more books, even though my to-be-read list is longer than I could ever finish in a lifetime. So, it's surprising that while I am part of a virtual group that shares what we're reading and I have been to a script-reading group, I have never been a part of a proper book club. That all recently changed when I joined the Erie Reader Book Club at Werner Books for their April meeting.
If you've never made your way to Werner Books and Coffee, what in the world are you waiting for? The place is great. Owned by the super-duo husband-and-wife team Lauren Shoemaker and Kyle Churman (both 40 Under 40 Class of 2023), it is welcoming and cozy, and literally has a book club for everyone. Seriously, check out their website and join one. I chose to get my feet wet with the Reader's April selection: Ready Player One by Ernest Cline.
I recently made peace with listening to more audiobooks, a decision I'd previously shamed myself for, and since doing so, I have majorly increased the number of books I consume. In preparation for the book club, I listened to RP1 read by Wil Wheaton and enjoyed it. Once I finished the book, I watched the Spielberg film. Take it from me… read the book, skip the movie. Although club regular Victoria would disagree.
The book club was really fun; everyone was into it, participating while politely disagreeing and making room for others' opinions. I joined the circle in a choice, comfy seat on the brown leather couch near the front window. There was a coffee table and a rug, giving everything a very homey, living-room feel. The group was led by the Reader's own Erin Phillips and Ally Kutz, as well as Churman. Book club was well attended but not overcrowded, and I was excited to pick up a delicious iced coffee from the on-site cafe.
The Reader's book club, made up of staff, contributors, and the community, is open to anyone interested in attending. May's pick is The Sentence by Louise Erdrich. I cannot wait to head back to Werner Books and see what everyone thinks of this one, especially A.J. and Sara, who were not shy about their dislike of April's selection. Give it a read, then come and grab a coffee, a snack, and a seat next to me. See you there.
The Erie Reader Book Club meets on the last Sunday of the month, 1 p.m., Werner Books and Coffee, 3608 Liberty St.
Edwina is Erie's (self-proclaimed) biggest fan who loves being a tourist in our own town. If you have an idea of something new she should try you can email her at edwina.capozziello@gmail.com
