Honest to Goodness: Book Club In Person!
By Cara Benson
As a writer and writing mentor, I have long been drawn to books as a means of connection with others. So, when longtime member-owner Stephen Winters suggested starting an HWFC book club back in 2020 to foster conversation within our community, I was immediately on board. This was at the end of a wearying year of pandemic lockdown, and we were all feeling a need for more human contact, even if virtually. The club ran online for nearly two years! Then Zoom fatigue set in, and we decided to go on hiatus.
Fast forward to November 2024, and I once again found myself with a strong desire to take part in conversations related to principles I believe in. What better place than HWFC with its mission of cooperation and dedication to people and planet to support this connection? Enter Book Club 2.0!
I’m thrilled that this time around we'll be doing it in-person in the Community Room. The gatherings will take place on the third Thursday of every other month, starting January 17 with Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto by Tricia Hersey. The March 20th book is What If We Get It Right? Visions of Climate Futures by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson. All books in the series will connect to HWFC mission and principles.
We'll have some light refreshments, share ideas, and strengthen our connection to each other and to the co-op itself as a hub for healthy food and community. In challenging times, I believe we need to stay connected more than ever. It's too easy to isolate and to retreat into fear. Joining together with each other in discussion feels to me like the perfect antidote to feeling afraid.
Whether you’ve been able to read the entire book or have an interest in the topic and want to engage in discussion, please join us! Of course it’s encouraged to get your hands on a copy and give it as much time as you can afford. The Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza has the books available for 20% off for those who mention the HWFC book club. They are also readily available online: I suggest BookShop.org as a source that supports independent bookstores. Member Services also has two loaner copies available for Member-Owners. Contact memberservices@honestweight.coop.
I hope you’ll get your hard copy, e-version, or audiobook as I think Rest Is Resistance and What If We Get It Right? are spot on for these times. Either way, see you at the co-op March 20!
Cara Benson is a writer and writing mentor dedicated to the well being of the planet. To learn more about her writing or to find out about working with her visit www.carabensonwriter.com.
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