Home > The Book Page > Archives > 2007 > December > 19 > Entry
Why don’t men do book clubs?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
We’re going to do three straight entries about book clubs. This is the first, and the next two days will be posts by Patti Ghezzi. Every Sunday, free-lance writer Patti does a nice feature on the print book pages about a local book club, what they’re reading, how they meet, etc. And every Sunday, the club is all female.
Ghezzi says she’s heard of one men’s book club she will feature soon, but that they are extremely rare, and I don’t doubt it. I have a lot of great male friends, smart, interesting guys, but if I ever suggested we form a book club and meet every month to talk about a book we’ve read, they would just laugh out loud, thinking I was pulling some sort of prank to test their reaction.
So for today, two questions:
Are you or have you ever been in a men’s book club? Or a coed club. But one guy and 10 women doesn’t count.
What’s the deal with men and book clubs?
(Pictured: “The Man Show,” Comedy Central)
Permalink | Comments (42) | Categories: Book Clubs
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By Joyce
December 19, 2007 7:56 AM | Link to this
I know of a men’s book club in Savannah that has been going on for at least ten years. True, the men are gay, but they have a great book club which meets with dinner in one of the member’s homes.
The one who organized it is very involved in the upcoming Savannah Book Festival.
Also, I’ve had men join my book club before. They tend to be retired with lots of time to read. They prefer history and memoirs more that fiction. I really don’t see a difference in how men behave in book clubs from the women.
Maybe it is opportunity. Why don’t we offer Father and Son Book Clubs, Single Father Book Clubs, Sports Book Clubs, Senior Men Book Clubs.
Of course, my favorite are just community book clubs where men and women can interact. You really learn so much by how the other sex interprets the same book.
By Tim
December 19, 2007 8:07 AM | Link to this
Simple. We’re not asked.
Also, more and more book clubs are being marketed as a women’s thing.
By Bookie
December 19, 2007 8:33 AM | Link to this
A few theories - the men I know who read a lot would probably not want to discuss the meaning of those books with another person - they read for themselves and really don’t care what others have to say about it. Men have a different idea of socializing - gathering for tea or wine in someone’s home in the evening really won’t cut it. I, for one, would rather spend that time reading a book than going to a book club and talking about it. All that said, I have heard about a father and son book club somewhere in Decatur - perhaps one of the independent bookstores there would know about it. And I have been involved in a few spirited book conversations with some guys over a pitcher of beer at my favorite tavern - maybe that’s our version of a “book club”.
By Jeff
December 19, 2007 8:37 AM | Link to this
Well, THIS man doesn’t really have time for anything other than an online club. 200 mile round trip to work every day, plus the normal strains of being a newlywed and trying to start a family. Add to that the fact that my new year’s resolution is going to be to get down to my HS/early college weight (which means dropping 50 lbs MINIMUM!) - which means FAR more time devoted to actually working out -… any club I joined in the ‘real’ world would basically have to meet Sat morning!
And I THINK that is fairly typical. While I really haven’t been around ‘real’ world book clubs, most that I have seen advertised seem to be geared mostly to stay at home moms and/ or retired people - in other words, people who don’t do a 9-5. (I’m not ABOUT to say that stay at home moms don’t work!!)
Now, if you had a “men’s” club that actually met at a time I could attend, I would be interested. Even if it didn’t read stuff I would typically be interested in, I would still more than likely participate. (As evidenced by our own attempt here. The Road is NOT a book I would have picked up otherwise!)
By scubber
December 19, 2007 8:52 AM | Link to this
Gentlemen, we have for many years been seemingly bested by females who read books for pleasure and devote time each month to read as a group. The book club evenings of candlelight, boxed wine and fancy cheeses affords us some freedom to pursue other manly quests, like speed drinking, bizarre porn searching, or sports watching. However, there is a void within each of us that cannot be filled by such honorable pursuits. And perhaps therein lies the truth that we are educated persons and as such do seek intellectual stimulation. But not 300 pages worth. And most certainly not $15 worth every month.
I am inviting you to a group of like-minded men, who seek the comfort of knowledge but without all of the expense of time or money. I am proposing a periodicals club. That’s right! 100-pages or less and only the good stuff to read will be assigned. Here’s the sweet part of this association, no requirement to purchase anything other than drinks when we meet monthly. You can buy the periodical if you want to, but I would only expect you to fulfill each monthly suggested reading off the rack at your local bookstore.
We are an invitation only organization who meet the first Wednesday of each month at a local bar to discuss an assigned periodical by a member chosen by elimination draw. That member is responsible for assigning the next meeting location and, of course, the periodical.
We are always looking for new member and perhaps one day we will get a sponsor bar to make us some offer to roost in their seats each month. Submit your name and email addy and I will send you the deets on the next meet. I believe we voted on the Foxy Lady Lounge on Moreland Avenue next month, starting at 7PM - January 9th, 2007.
By Mark
December 19, 2007 8:54 AM | Link to this
I have a book club for young men that meets every Sunday morning. There are usually 13-16 there.
Oh, we’re not talking about studying that book?
By Atlanta Pearl Girl
December 19, 2007 8:56 AM | Link to this
I’ve had one guy say he’s interested…but he’s such a rascal we wouldn’t actually talk about the book at hand…..
I belong to two book clubs….. it’s very stimulating conversation and a great way to meet new friends. Plus…the best added factor is that you read things you would not normally choose on your own.
Just finished ‘Balzac & the Little Chinese Seamstress’…. very good!
By ron
December 19, 2007 8:57 AM | Link to this
By Jeff
December 19, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this
Mark:
Good point. I think THAT is one book club that most Native Southern Men belong to. (Though attendance may be sporadic!)
By PTCMomma
December 19, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this
My book club is not a bunch of stay at home mom’s eating bon-bons. All of our members are either public school teachers or homeschool moms. I know, strange mix, but it just happened that way. We meet in the evening, once a month. Usually at a restaurant as most of us are too busy to cook and clean for company during the week. We would welcome our husbands but they don’t seem to have the need to dissect books. It’s funny though because most of our husbands read the same books we do. Our recent favorite- The Kite Runner.
By Jan
December 19, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this
Mark, I second your point. I’m not a regular early morning Starbucks/ Caribou customer, maybe once a week, different locations but every time I see groups of men studying “that” book. Always groups of men, only early morning.
By BUGGED
December 19, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this
Hate radio and 7 years of Texas politics have made it anathema to be an intellectual or a scholar anymore, especially in this part of the country. The days of Samuel Johnson are over… men of letters have only one now: “W” and no philosophical consideration that can’t be printed on a bumper sticker. Book club? Closest thing we have to that is 680 The Fan or a Neal Boortz signing.
By erin johnston
December 19, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this
I am a member of an intergenerational and co-ed book club. Our youngest member is 40 and our oldest is 80! WE have two fine gentlemen who are a vital part of our 10 year old club. In fact, one of them was a charter member. WE were talking about this very issue last night because I suggested submitting our club for the book club profile in the Sunday AJC!
By Bookie
December 19, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this
We had a great dialogue going here until “Bugged” decided to put his partisan two cents in. Can’t people like you just shut the h*ll up once in a while? This is not a blog about politics - it’s about books. I don’t want to hear your rantings about Bush, Clinton, Obama, Giuliani, Schwarzenegger or any other politician here. If I did, I’d go to a political blog. Let’s stay on track here kids. Take your Ritalin, Bugged, and keep your attention on the subject at hand.
By lovelyliz
December 19, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this
Men don’t read?
That implies that the don’t peruse Playboy for the article.
By Gerald
December 19, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this
I am not in a book club because I sit in 1.5 hour traffic one way M-F; My wife and I barely have time for each other; My daughter is in karate class; My newborn son needs my attention.
I would be open to a online book club.
By Gerald
December 19, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this
I am not in a book club because I sit in 1.5 hour traffic one way M-F; My wife and I barely have time for each other; My daughter is in karate class; My newborn son needs my attention.
I would be open to an online book club.
By BUGGED
December 19, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this
By Bookie: * We had a great dialogue going here until “Bugged” decided to put his partisan two cents in.* Let me guess: the only viewpoint that’s welcome in your world is the one that coincides with your own. I can only imagine what your “book club” is like… in my neighborhood we call it responsive reading. Be careful you don’t scrape your knuckles dragging them on the floor.
By Tray
December 19, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this
I believe most men aren’t in to book clubs because there is better entertainment for us. Take 2 topics for example: Sports and video games. Most men pay attention to at least one, if not both. Women, on the other hand, are not as interested in those venues of entertainment. Before people go all literal on me-MOST women do not enjoy those venues, not all. I know only a small handful of women personally who like sports or video games, while ALL men i know (you can take that literally) are involved in at least one of those. On top of that, even though more women are working nowadays, men are usually still the main suppliers of income and work 50+ hours a week. The few spare hours of free time we have (i spend a lot of time with my son when not working, so when he goes to bed at 8, that’s my time) I usually either spend it with my wife, or, if she’s at work in the evenings, watch a game on TV or play a game on the computer to unwind. While reading books can be fun, most men i know personally find a higher entertainment value from sports or games than from a book.
By Bookie
December 19, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this
Sorry, Bugged, but you’re the one who doesn’t get it. I’m not criticizing your point of view but the fact that you had to stick it where it didn’t belong. If you go back and read my response s-l-o-w-l-y maybe you’ll understand that. Next time, I’ll use single syllable words for you.
By Naughty
December 19, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this
Tray - you know those evenings when you think your wife is working? Well, she’s been at my house and I’ve been booking her with my club.
By BUGGED
December 19, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this
I believe the question was, “Why don’t men do book clubs?” not, “What are you reading this week?” I offered a perfectly valid opinion about why that might be the case. And as far as politics and book discussions not being compatible. Have you looked at the best seller list? I believe you’ll find the names Colbert and Beck at the top and it won’t be long before Coulter is there again.
By Kappy
December 19, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this
Cuz I dunt reed so good.
Me fail English? That’s unpossible!
By Jeff
December 19, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this
Does grad school count?
By BUGGED
December 19, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this
We had a great dialogue going here until these illiterate guys decided to put their two cents in.
By Phil Kloer
December 19, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this
I never cease to be amused/amazed at the range of responses a simple topic can elicit. Y’all crack me up. My only question: Why hasn’t somebody mentioned Michael Vick yet?
By scubber
December 19, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this
Okay Phil, here you go
By Mike
December 19, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this
Women read all those trashy romance books that guys could care less about. They find it entertaining. When I want to be entertained there are a million and 6 better ways now a days to be entertained. When I want to read I only read books that I can learn something from.
By T. Rogers
December 19, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this
Mike made a good point. Men read to be informed, not entertained. I have read between 8 and 10 books this year. All with the exception of one were non-fiction informative works. The lone fiction novel was the worst read of the year for me. Go figure! I would be open to a book club, the reading list has to be one I can get into, though. I think most men avoid book clubs because most men do not do very much reading.
By Jennifer
December 19, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this
I would presume most men work so much to pay bills that, who has time to read? Then there’s kids to give attention to when they are home. That’s true in my husband’s case. He does like Star Wars books, which I have no interest in. He read one Star Wars book in the last few years. Why drag out a perfectly fine story of Star Wars in a long 10 book series? I dislike romance books, but do enjoy biographies, mysteries, and suspense.
By J
December 19, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this
Men can read? No way! Men are too busy working to read? Give me a break. That’s the lamest excuse I’ve ever heard. My husband goes to work, comes home, and then spends the rest of the day on himself while I go to work (making more money than he does), come home, walk dogs, clean, make lunches, make dinner, do laundry, workout, and basically nothing that I enjoy doing but have to because my “busy” husband is too “busy” sitting on his ass watching TV or reading. It’s more like men are too lazy to have a book club because that would involve them having to do something.
By Matt
December 19, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this
T.Rogers: Men don’t do very much reading? Questionable grammar aside, that’s pure bunk. I’ve read over 50 books this year, and every single one of them was for entertainment. And I still have plenty of time for my family, for my work, for anything else that needs attention.
The reason I don’t do book clubs is because I haven’t heard of any in my area. I’ve loved looking at this blog, since I’ve already read one awesome book I wouldn’t have read if not for commenting here. So I’m all for book clubs, just tell me where one is that’s convenient for me
By johnnyP
December 19, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this
How much impact do you suppose Oprah’s influence has had on the propagation of women’s book clubs?
As a founding member of The Periodicals Club, I must say if you are too busy for a book reading assignment with a due date then why not try periodicals? Periodicals rock! The AJC is a periodical. If you have time to read this blog then you have time for periodicals! Whaddya say men?
recent meetings have inclded such fine fare as: American Cowboy, Vice Magazine, Gourmet, National Geographic (South African edition), AP Matters etc.
As you can see, the range of topics and interests is as limitless as the options of periodicals out there on the planet.
Recent meeting locales have included Manuel’s Tavern and The Local
Scubber, I believe the next meeting is set for January 9th at Southern Comfort. 7pm.
Heck, you could even bring a copy of Oprah’s magazine O if that’s your thing… I bet there’s an atricle about the book of the month in there.
By scubber
December 19, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this
Thank you Johnny P, I would have had everyone thinking we had given them the slip. The Foxy Lady is a fine establishment. I am sure. But Southern Comfort is where the heartbeat of Atlanta resides.
Periodicals Rock!
Lay that Truman Capote novella at the bedside, and peruse the bookshelves at Border’s for some tasty tomes of low-impact reading.
Meet us at Southern Comfort next month on January 9th, 2007. We meet on the first Wednesday of each month somewhere in Atlanta. January is actually meeting on the second Wednesday as calling a meeting two days after New Year’s Eve may still be too early for some to venture out of their home again.
By scubber
December 19, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this
Periodicals Club Meeting - 01.09.07 @ 7PM
Southern Comfort Restaurant & Lounge 1383 Cedar Grove Rd Conley, GA 30288 MAP REVIEW
By johnnyP
December 19, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this
I was serious about the Oprah comment. Don’t you think she has done a good thing getting million of viewers interested in reading books despite her chosen media of television?
By johnnyP
December 19, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this
I heard that Mike Vick joined an all men’s book club in federal prison. This month’s title is Old Yeller
By T. Rogers
December 19, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this
Matt,
Call it bunk all you want. There is a reason publishers focus on so-called ‘Chick-Lit’. Also, Americans a whole are reading less and less. Yes you may have read multiple books this year, but that does not translate to the broader population of men. Also, I could care less about grammatical perfection. If it pains you to read it, skip over my post.
By Matt
December 19, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this
T: I’m not disputing the fact that a broad portion of women go through those trashy romance novels. I’m also not disputing the fact that many Americans, men and women, are reading less. I’m just saying that while you may not do a lot of reading, thats not necessarily the case.
And I’m used to reading bad grammar, but the English teacher in me can’t help pointing it out. Nothing was intended by it.
By Todd
December 19, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this
Hey watch it I drive the heartbeat of America.
By Maureen
December 19, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this
@ Erin J. “Two fine gentlemen” may be a bit generous, yes? :)
By Tim
December 20, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this
Last spring as part of an open learning symposium in Owen Sound, a participant said that he wished there were local book clubs with a focus on nonfiction. He would like to read and discuss histories and biographies.