Welcoming a Fresh Start in the New Year
In the heart of winter, a book club in Madison, Wisconsin, is bringing a touch of warmth and literary excitement to its members with an annual tradition reminiscent of Iceland's "Christmas Book Flood" (Jólabókaflóðið). This year, the group is diving into "God of the Woods" by Liz Moore for their first read.
The tradition, which originated in Iceland, involves families receiving a catalogue listing new book releases each year. They then choose books to gift each other on Christmas Eve, sharing the joy of reading alongside hot chocolate and cookies. The Madison book club has adapted this tradition by selecting curated or participant-suggested titles annually and combining gift exchanges with themed cookies to enhance the festive experience.
During the exchange, each member picks a book from the catalogue to gift to another club member, often through a random draw or exchange. Simultaneously, they prepare or exchange cookies or baked goods, combining the delight of books with cozy festive treats. The event is designed to make the cold, dark months more pleasant by sharing new reading material and treats.
This year, the first book off the block is "God of the Woods," a gripping tale about a mysterious disappearance that took place in 1975. The book club group makes all the choices for the books, discussions, and hosting duties on the night of the exchange.
In addition to the annual exchange, the book club members often venture out to local independent bookstores such as Mystery to Me and A Room of One's Own in Madison to pick up their selections. Last year, the author was particularly moved by "Bee Sting" by Paul Murray.
The author, who cherishes this holiday tradition, also recommends Molly O'Neill's Pistachio-Lemon Bars for the cookie exchange. In 2024, she was also deeply affected by Pico Iyer's book "Aflame," a conversation about which will be aired in the coming months. Iyer, who has made over 100 retreats to a Benedictine Hermitage in Big Sur, California, over the past 30 years, will discuss his search for meaning through silence and retreats.
The book club's lineup for the rest of the year includes "James," a re-telling of Mark Twain's "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," by Percival Everett in February. The club continues to foster community warmth and literary excitement through its unique tradition, making winter a season to look forward to for book lovers in Madison.
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