Autumn Book Club
October has always been a special time at Glen Ivy; as the warmth and gaiety of the summer fades in to cooler temperatures and shorter days, we take a grateful pause and relish the moments that brought joy to the long but somehow too short days of summer. It is in these times of reflection we realize our innate and inseparable connection to one another – pausing to appreciate that it is really time spent with our friends, family and loved ones that imbue our days with joy. These shared moments are precious and often fragile. Every October, Glen Ivy strives to support a cause, not only because doing so is indicative of responsible and ethical business practice, but also as a means of taking a moment to recognize and support the relationships that are shared and nurtured as friends and families choose our grounds on which to create memories, celebrate life, reconnect, and rejuvenate with each other.
It is in this spirit that our Autumn Book Club selection was chosen. Once again, we are reading a book by celebrated author Erica Bauermeister, Joy For Beginners
Happy Reading!
Seraphina Ashe
Director of Guest Experience Programming
Glen Ivy Hot Springs
I’ve got to go get my copy in the spa shop! I am already behind, but it sure sounds like a wonderful book.
I have just begun to read “Joy for Beginners” and I am hooked. I am looking forward to be able to read what my fellow readers were thinking after reading the same chapters that I just finished. I found it very realistic that Kate’s friends insisted on doing a potluck for her victory dinner. Kate had been through so much and I feel true friends wouldnt want to have Kate prepare so much food for everyone. I love potlucks because it brings a sense of community and closeness when everyone comes together where they can share a piece of themselves including their culture with a group of people.
When I read that Kate’s adventure was to go rafting in the Grand Canyon my reaction was “You go girl! I wish I could go with you”. For Kate to go through the intense cancer treatments, doctor visits, the emotional and physical pain while in treatment must have been so hard. Kate deserves this adeventurous trip to celebrate her life and to live life to it’s fullest. Going to the Grand Canyon has always been my dream to visit. I have seen pictures and it looks fabulous.
I completedly related to how Caroline felt when she was struggling to get rid of Jack’s books. Years ago I went through a difficult breakup where I knew I needed to get rid of his clothes, old pictures and concert ticket stubs, and even his cell phone charger was hard to let go. For me I knew that once I threw out all those tangible things away that that relationship was officially over… and at that time I wasn’t ready. But as soon as I invited my closest girlfriend over and “cleansed my house” of my ex’s things I felt FREE AND ALIVE again. I am so thankful that I did get rid of those tangible things that held me down to the horrible past because now I am engaged to a beautiful man that is the love of my life.
I cant wait to keep reading and hear everyone else’s thoughts/feelings of the “Caroline” chapter.
- Michelle
Just like in the book, “School of Essential Ingredients,” I enjoy the lovely, almost lyrical descriptions that the author uses. One portion towards the end of the chapter just really hit a nerve with me when Marion describes love like a wave…”I think love is kind of like those waves out there. You ride one in to the beach, and it’s the most amazing thing you’ve ever felt. But at some point the water goes back out; it has to.” She continues describing some of the reasons people may stay in a relationship: maybe because they are just too busy to do anything or just because it’s become a comfortable friendship. It may seem like you’re just coasting when an event can happen, and “the wave comes back in.” Relationships are a lot of work, and too often, i feel people throw in the towel too soon. She ends this passage with an all too relevant line, “I just think sometimes people forget to wait.” I found this to be a really powerful description of love and relationships.
Dear Glen Ivy book club,
So completely delighted that you have chosen Joy for Beginners as your book! Feel free to pitch questions my way as you go through — although know that I’m unlikely to ever tell you what something “means.” I am a firm believer in the idea that everyone is justified in their own interpretations and the fun in reading with a book club is not in convincing others of your opinion or insights, but in all you learn by seeing how differently we can all interpret the same words. Enjoy!
We’re so happy that you will be following our discussion, Erica! Our readers from last season’s book club enjoyed your writing so much that they requested you again. We so appreciate your support of our book club!
Debbie, you touched on one of my favorite passages in this book. Someone once told me that it is normal for couples to fall in and out of love with each other, and that when you fall out of love with your partner you just need to be patient and wait for the magic moment when you rediscover that love.