Centennial’s seasoned group of readers is tackling hot topics together
Neighbors at Holly Creek Life Plan Community in Centennial are tackling key issues of the day thanks to its own, resident-led book club.
“I thought it was amazing how women from such different backgrounds could build a meaningful relationship. The focus and commitment they had was truly impressive. They learned from each other,” shared Holly Creek resident Pat Van Bramer from her seat in this month’s circle of readers.
The book in discussion? “The First Ladies” by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray, a timely read during Black History Month this February and leading into Women’s History Month this March. Conversation revolved around the book’s two main characters – first lady Eleanor Roosevelt and black civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune.
“It changed my opinion of Eleanor Roosevelt for sure,” another reader commented. “I was amazed at what a striking person she was and how she held to her moral compass.”
The group went on to compare how the women interacted with their husbands and children. They discussed the effects of racism and segregation, sharing their own experiences and how the book provided additional insight.
“It disturbs me that a lot of that is still going on,” one participant noted.
Others shared favorite quotes and sequences of the book and debated whether it was too long or accurately depicted the pace of reality.
“It’s definitely an educated group that will definitely share their opinions,” explained the group’s newly selected facilitator Ann Ryan. “There is even a published author who regularly attends.”
For Ryan, stepping into group leadership is a natural fit. As a former fourth grade teacher and avid reader, the book club was the primary group Ann wanted to join when she moved to the community four and a half years ago. Moving right before COVID made it harder to meet neighbors, but the reading group has helped her make connections. “I love reading books and wanted to meet people. I don’t think reading is necessarily a private activity. That is the point of this group. Making people think and hear other viewpoints.”
The club is indebted to the local Koelbel Library for making their group discussions possible by providing loaned kits of 10-20 books for the group so everyone can read the same book simultaneously. The loaned kits often include large print and audio options too. The club’s “book wrangler” Sally Dungan connects with the library to investigate and share the group’s book preferences.
“Our relationship with Koelbel is critical,” explained Van Bramer, who also served as facilitator and “book wrangler” for the group over the last seven years. “We have an ongoing list of books we’re interested in, and when the librarian sees it, she grabs it for us. Last year, we got everything we asked for. Sometimes we get surprised and get it quickly (in a few months).”
“Historical fiction is probably the favorite genre,” she added. “We had a tough read last time called Built from the Fire: The Epic Story of Tulsa’s Greenwood District, America’s Black Wall Street by Victor Luckerson, but it led to a great discussion. We try to mix fiction, mystery and non-fiction.”
Last year, the group read a wide variety of books with favorites including The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton (adventure/science fiction), James by Percival Everett (historical fiction), Remarkably Bright Creatures (magical realism) by Shelby Van Pelt, “about an octopus in captivity who is intelligent and has relationships with people – a fun surprise to all of us.”
The next book the group is pursuing is called “Solito: A Memoir” by Javier Zamora, and once again dives into key current issues of immigration and race, following a 9-year-old boy from El Salvador to rejoin his family in the U.S.
Van Bramer is looking forward to “sitting in a chair and having an opinion” on the book as a participant instead of her previous neutral role as facilitator. “I love to read and so reading and sharing is just a joy. Any group here at Holly Creek is just fun to be a part of, and this is reading, so it’s one of my favorite things.”
Ryan and Van Bramer both look forward to many more discussions with their fellow “bookies,” learning and growing together as they offer insights from diverse backgrounds and decades of experience.
