What we are reading / Book clubs in Georgia

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Eva Taylor/Roswell

How often they meet: Monthly

About this club: Since getting started in 2002, this club has grown to include more than 30 members, many of whom live in the Horseshoe Bend subdivision. Fifteen to 20 women attend each meeting. Founding members wanted a more structured club, so they designated the last Monday of the month as the meeting date and drew up a list of hostess and guest duties. They meet at members' homes and choose dates to host or select the book during a December holiday party. "We read whatever that member chooses," Taylor says. "We had other ways of selecting books, but this has been the least time-consuming and most successful." Favorite titles include: "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett, "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel, "The Miracle Life of Edgar Mint" by Brady Udall, "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen and "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak. Flops have included: "Holidays on Ice" by David Sedaris, "In Her Shoes" by Jennifer Weiner and "The Last Time They Met" by Anita Shreve. "Our most memorable book club meetings are when we have personal contact with the author," Taylor says. Michael Morris, author of "A Place Called Wiregrass," visited in person. Franz Wisner, author of "Honeymoon with My Brother," participated via conference call. Katherine Howe, author of "The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane," joined in via Skype.

Recently read: "Same Kind of Different as Me" by Ron Hall, Denver Moore and Lynn Vincent

What it's about: Says Taylor: "This nonfiction story is a tale of three lives whose unlikely friendship worked together to change the homeless plight of a city."

What they thought: "Members thought this book was a must-read," Taylor says. "The book exemplifies lives dedicated to making a difference and serving others, and it made us think about our own prejudices and community needs."

Next assignment: "Cutting for Stone" by Abraham Verghese

Patti Ghezzi, for the AJC

Tell us what your club is reading.

Contact Patti Ghezzi at ajcbookclubs@yahoo.com