WHAT WE’RE READING / BOOK CLUBS IN GEORGIA

Club name: The Printed Pages

Spokeswoman: Monica Hargrave, Stone Mountain

How often they meet: Every two months

About this club: This all-women club is new. “After discussing with a few friends how important it is to continue keeping our minds active, as well as our love of reading … I presented the idea to start as a small group,” Hargrave said. Members also want to set a good example for their children to continue their love for reading. “I read about other book clubs throughout the metro area, and so I thought, ‘Why not?’ ” Meetings are held in members’ homes. A goal of the club is to support local authors. The group plans to read fiction and nonfiction, including challenging titles. “Although the group is all women, there is no age limit as we bring to the table of discussion a diverse background of opinions,” Hargrave said. “We do not limit ourselves and are open to reading books by authors of different cultures and gender.”

Recently read: “Across 125th Street When the Magic Was Real,” by Jim McFarland, a local author. (The self-published book is available at Gentleman Jim Apparel, 659 Auburn Ave., Atlanta.)

What it’s about: Known as “Gentleman Jim,” McFarland shares his experiences as a tailor in Harlem. In the 1960s, he worked alongside his mentor at an exclusive shop next to the Apollo Theater, making custom clothes for the Isley Brothers, B.B. King, Duke Ellington and Jackie Robinson. “He and the people he met created and molded a magical, mystical place,” Hargrave said.

What members thought: “The members were enlightened about the author’s personal account of what it was like growing up in New York, experiencing the ins and outs of the city streets,” Hargrave said. “Some members were able to connect with the story because either they had family in New York or had visited the area during that time. Many members appreciated being taught what it was really about and how different cultures interacted with one another.”

Next assignment: “From the Heart: Eight Rules to Live By,” by Robin Roberts

Tell us what your club is reading. Contact Patti Ghezzi at pattighezzi@hotmail.com.