Ushering in a Fresh New Chapter for the Year Ahead
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Every December, a unique tradition unfolds in the heart of Madison, Wisconsin. Known as the annual book club cookie exchange, this event brings together book enthusiasts for an evening of surprises, laughter, and the joy of discovery.
The tradition, reminiscent of the Icelandic "Christmas Book Flood" (Jolabokaflod), kicks off with each participant bringing a wrapped book and two dozen cookies. The books are exchanged or picked at random, ensuring an element of fun and mystery. No one chooses based on prior knowledge, but rather participates in a communal exchange where everyone takes home a new book along with a sampling of cookies.
This year, the author picked up two books for the club. One of the books selected is "Martyr!" by Kaveh Akbar, a poignant exploration of grief through the lens of an Iranian-American poet. The other book is "The Extinction of Irena Ray" by Jennifer Croft, a captivating tale about translators lost in a forest.
In addition to these selections, the author also read two impactful books in 2024: "Bee Sting" by Paul Murray, an Irish family epic, and "Aflame" by Pico Iyer. The latter is a profound reflection on the author's experiences during over 100 retreats to a Benedectine Hermitage in Big Sur, California.
An upcoming conversation will feature the author and Pico Iyer discussing "Aflame" and his search for meaning through silence and retreats. This event promises to be insightful and thought-provoking, delving into the themes of silence, retreat, and the pursuit of meaning.
The book club's reading journey for the coming months is already planned. In February, the group will delve into "James," a re-telling of Mark Twain's "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," by Percival Everett. January's selection is "God of the Woods" by Liz Moore, a gripping tale about a mysterious disappearance that took place in 1975.
For those interested in sharing their reading choices, the author's website is available for just that purpose. This is not an advertisement, but an invitation to join a community of readers and discuss the books that have moved, intrigued, or challenged us.
As the author takes her daughters to Bookstore Brunch Day between Christmas and New Year's, the joy of books and the spirit of the holiday season continue to intertwine, making each year's book club cookie exchange a cherished tradition.
[1] This process ensures an element of fun and mystery, as no one chooses based on prior knowledge but rather participates in a communal exchange where everyone takes home a new book along with a sampling of cookies.
1) At the annual book club cookie exchange, not only can one indulge in a variety of food-and-drink offerings, but also join a communal exchange where home-and-garden decorations complement the cozy atmosphere, making it an enjoyable lifestyle experience.
2) Alongside the books selected for the book club, readers might also find recommendations for captivating entertainment, such as movies and documentaries, that align with the themes and styles found in the literary choices.
