What a Novel Idea! – Chestermere’s Novel Book Club

The Novel Book Club is Chestermere Public Library’s discussion group for adult readers. The club meets from 7:00pm to 8:00pm on the 3rd Thursday of the month.

In September, the Novel Book Club read “Joy for Beginners” by Erica Bauermeister. Six friends challenge Kate, who recently overcame a life-threatening illness, to take a risk by going white water rafting with her daughter. Kate agrees, on the condition that she can choose a challenge for each of her friends. The club members discussed how each friend’s challenge helped them to grow, move on or overcome something in their life.

October’s book was “The Language of Flowers” by Vanessa Diffenbaugh. This book follows Victoria, a young woman who grew up in the foster-care system. Victoria struggles to make her way in the world, and connects to people through her talent of choosing flowers for people by their meaning. The club members learned some fascinating meanings of flowers, such as white carnations mean “sweet and lovely,” while yellow carnations mean “disdain!” We will never look at a flower bouquet the same way again!

November’s book was a little different. “A Discovery of Witches” by Deborah Harkness is an epic fantasy in a world where vampires, witches and daemons live among humans without their knowledge. It was not the type of book some of the book club members would normally read, but it’s good to expand your reading horizons. The discussion questions included asking which of the three creatures you would choose to be. Good points were made for witches (flying & magical house cleaning!) and vampires (living through all the different centuries), but no one wanted to be a daemon! This is the first of a trilogy. The second book “Shadow of Night” is available now, while no release date has been set for the third.
For the December 13 meeting (note this meeting is one week early), we will be reading “Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend” by Matthew Dicks. This book was recommended by book club member Michelle, and is narrated by an 8 year old boy’s imaginary friend.
Are you interested in joining the discussion for this book? All that is required is your Library membership. The
book is available for pick up at the Library – you do not have to request it yourself. As this will be our
Christmas club meeting, bring a holiday snack to share (if you can). If you would like to be on our book club email list, please send a request to jzambory@marigold.ab.ca.