Poet and avid birdwatcher Hannah Main-Van Der Kamp now lives in the Westview neighbourhood, but lived for years south of the city near Brew Bay in the Qathet Regional District. Main-Van Der Kamp is a member of the Brew Bay Book Club, which just celebrated its 25th anniversary.
“Twenty-five years ago, some neighbors met in Brew Bay to talk about books they were reading or planning to read, and the group continues to meet,” said Main-Van Der Kamp. “Since then, some have moved to town. Some members are new, some have moved on to other pursuits. Some are still members of the original group.”
The 10-member, all-women book club meets once a month from September to June. Over its 25 years, the group has read approximately 250 books, an average of 10 books per year.
“Once a summer we meet to select the titles for the next year,” said Main-Van Der Kamp. “Each member presents and introduces two titles, and by consensus one of them is chosen, with an eye to variety, although historical novels are the most popular.”
Main-Van Der Kamp said the group has selected a wide range of publications over the years, including fiction, local history, psychology, poetry and environmental/ecological topics.
The group of avid readers will enthusiastically devour books with well over 600 pages, said Main-Van Der Kamp.
“Not everyone likes all the books, but there are always good discussions,” she added. “Mark Merlino from the Powell River Public Library was a great help.”
Main-Van Der Kamp has observed that when women read together, a trusting, bonding friendship develops.
“Two hundred and fifty books is a lot of books,” said Main-Van Der Kamp. “All these women say it’s interesting and entertaining, and they’ve learned to trust each other’s recommendations.”
She said the book club encourages people to open their minds to reading books they might not otherwise have chosen.
“Ten members seem to be the best size for group discussions,” said Main-Van Der Kamp. “Sometimes the meetings take place at members’ homes, sometimes in a cafe. They laugh a lot and also become very quiet when someone reads aloud.”
The Peak asked club members which books they liked best, and the answers should come as no surprise to serious readers:
“Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Kimmerer, “The Myth of Normal” by Gabor Maté and “Birds Without Wings” by Louis de Bernieres.
“To keep the discussions fresh, we have brought in new members when places have become available,” said Main-Van Der Kamp. “We welcome different perspectives.”
She offered some advice on starting a book club: “Talk to friends and neighbors who love to read.”
Join Peak’s email list to get the top headlines delivered straight to your inbox Monday through Friday.
