Cover to Cover

Cover to Cover, that’s the name of a book club I belong to. We meet once each month over lunch and talk about books. Of course we are great friends and we talk about lots of other stuff beside books, but sharing books gives us a wonderful excuse to get together. Reading with my friends has broadened the scope of my reading.

We don’t all have the same interests, but we include a little something for everyone. We like variety. Each year we like to include a classic, a children’s book, something current, an old favorite…you get the idea. We decide together what books we will read and set up a schedule, a different book each month. We meet in a friend’s home. The lunch is potluck and the conversation flows freely.

In December, when everyone is extra busy, instead of having a book to read, we each bring a Christmas Story to share. Anything goes. It can be a novel, a picture book, a short story. This is a fun tradition. It warms our hearts without overwhelming us.

I’ve been wondering which story I would like to share when we meet later this week. There are a lot to choose from. I am reading The Sprit of Christmas, a brand new book by Jennie Hansen, Betsy Brannon Green, and Michele Ashman Bell. It has 3 short stories, one by each author. I happened to have a delightful visit with Michele at a book signing on Saturday in Seagull Book. After visiting with Michele, I bought this charming book as an early Christmas gift for myself. Perhaps I will share one of these new stories, or Michele’s picture book, A Candle in the Window. This story is a tender one, based on an experience from her Grandmother’s life. You’ll love the story and the pictures are gorgeous.

Do something nice for yourself today. Buy yourself an early Christmas gift, and read it…Cover to Cover.

Linda Garner