The 1991 Book Club has accomplished quite the feat, remaining strong and active for more than 25 years. What started as a group of women who, for the most part, did not know each other, now has become a close group of friends who have seen each other through boyfriends, husbands, divorces, babies and career changes. After moving back from Washington, D.C., original founder Karen Branding formed the group by asking friends from high school, work and family connections.
Lisa Hanly was a founding member dating Branding’s cousin at the time. “I didn’t know anyone else back then, but now these women are my best friends,” she says. “It really turned out to be this amazing network of strong women who are very supportive.” There is a core group of five original members, and Hanly says some are returning now. “We’re a reunion club too!”
The group meets 11 months out of the year, taking a break during the summer. “Usually we’re all so busy in December, we just read a long holiday-themed article,” Hanly says. Otherwise, each member takes a turn hosting, and they meet on Sunday nights for wine and appetizers. “A lot of book clubs are more like wine clubs, but we actually read the book and discuss it,” she says. Hanly explains that three rules were set at the beginning that they try to uphold, although all have been broken at one point or another: The book must be 300 pages or less, must be available in paperback, and must be read before it’s assigned. “A lot of us were young and poor when this started, so we needed paperback,” Hanly jokes. “This last meeting, every single one of us had a tablet!”
about the book
The national bestseller Peace Like a River tells the story of 11-year-old Reuben Land, an asthmatic boy who believes in miracles. Along with his sister and father, he embarks on a cross-country search for his older brother who has been controversially charged with murder. It’s a story of family, love, the kindness of strangers and faith.
opinions
» Peace Like a River is an unusual book. Filled with mystery, miracles and questions, it will keep you reading and wondering what could happen next. — Lisa Hanly
» Another great book club discussion with lots of agreement that Peace Like a River was beautifully written and had strong, compelling characters. Funny, too. But the ending: a bit syrupy. — Karen Branding
former favorite
The Birth Order Book by Dr. Kevin Leman
up next
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
Pictured, seated: Mimi Ricketts, Julia Koelsch, Jane Callahan, Lisa Hanly. Standing: Sue Jolly, Judy Milanovits, Karen Branding, Christina Usher, Marlene Maag. Not pictured: Lou Ann Wilcox, Paula Crews
Photo: Bill Barrett