Book Groups, Warts and All

As I mentioned the other day, economic uncertainty is making people review their spending habits. This is nothing new to me—as a lifelong publishing guy, my life has always been economically uncertain—so I've learned a thing or two about amusing myself without yachts and such.

Which brings us to book clubs, book groups, what have you—people who read a book and then sit around and talk about it. The Times had an article today about how dissension arises sometimes—one person tries to take over, or people just want to drink and gab about their kids, or the books aren't your cup of tea. It's not a bad article, I guess, but it's hardly news. People don't just leave book groups, they leave mechanics and spouses and continents. You're dissatisfied, you fold your tents and go. There are other book groups. But they do offer a chance of stimulating conversation about something besides how the boss is a jerk. Just check bookstores and libraries around. Or start one yourself!

If you absolutely require a life free of annoying people, however, maybe a book group isn't quite the thing. I'm trying to think of how you could live without ever being annoyed by people. A Trappist monastery? Your own island? Build a rocket? The choices aren't good. Anyway, if you want intellectual stimulation and an excuse to interact with people, even if they're imperfect, check out the book club idea.