We’ll bookmark it
I read with delight your July 9 article about book clubs. It is heartening to find people returning to the printed world in this era of technology.
I’d like to add one more book group to the mix. Temple Beth El in Closter’s sisterhood’s book club has been thriving for over 15 years. It was begun by Leah Karpen, then librarian of Old Tappan’s middle school. The titular leaders at this time are Traude Pins and Marilyn London, but in reality, the group of six to 12-plus readers is leaderless. Participants recommend the book choices and assume responsibility for the “talk.” Everyone prepares to contribute, making for lively sessions on every third Monday of the month at 12:30 p.m.
Members’ ages vary from the 30s through the 70s, so presentations have differing perspectives, which heighten the interest.
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There are no limitations on selections. Choices have included books with a Jewish theme like Hella Winston’s “Unchosen,” classics like Jane Austen’s “Sense and Sensibility” and Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird,” and current non-fiction and fiction, like J.R. Moehringer’s “The Tender Bar” and Stieg Larsson’s “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.”
The group meets in the temple and coffee, tea, water, and snacks are provided.
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