by Connie Brisson

The first novel I can remembering reading was in Grade 5 about a girl living in a Siberian steppe.

A steppe, in case you didn’t know, is a dry level grass-covered treeless land in regions of wide temperature range especially in southeastern Europe and Asia.

Was that description painful or what? So was the book.

Thankfully, I later discovered that books could be magical. Through them I could enter into worlds and gain knowledge I would never be privileged to otherwise. Whatever I want to know, I can learn through someone else - in a book.

So when I was trying to come up with an idea of a fun Mosaic get-together, I thought of a book club. I love to read to books but, because I’m busy, I don’t always make the time to include that in my life. I thought that a book club would be a good way to ensure that I read at least one new book a month to introduce new ideas and information into my mind.

Then, because I also love delicious food and going out for dinner, I thought it would be fun to try out a different restaurant in Edmonton (and area) every month. And so, Mosaic’s Delicious Book Club began in May 2008 and we’ve been reading books and eating great food ever since.

There are TWO things that I really love about the book club. The first is that I have met some really, amazing people (you know who you are ☺) who I would never have met if it hadn’t been for these dinners. They’re like friends now and I look forward to seeing them at each dinner (and miss them when they can’t come).

The second is that I LOVE hearing the things that people loved about the book because there’s always at least one thing in what we’ve read that stands out and can be life transforming.

That’s also why I publish Mosaic. Because I know there will be an article in Mosaic that will have a bit of information, even if it is only one line, that will help someone change their life. That is the power of words and stories.

So when we are going around the table at the book club dinner, sharing what we loved about the book, I am entranced. There are the people who loved what I loved and I love hearing why they loved it.

But then, there are the others… the ones who loved something that I didn’t even notice or remember. Now, those are the ones that I really enjoy hearing about because I get to reevaluate the book and its gifts. It’s like meeting someone for the second time and noticing something admirable about them that you just didn’t see the first time.

Having said all of that, there is a bit of reality to the dinners. We are often in restaurants busy with other people around us and then there is the music. I don’t control either. So there are often dinners where the actual group sharing is minimal and most of the visiting is done with the people directly around you. Then there are other times when it’s easier to talk as a group.

Because reading the book is not a requirement, my intention in creating this monthly get-together was really for you to be able to meet other like minded people and to enjoy an evening out. The book club was not meant to be an intense literary discussion but a fun way to meet new people and see old friends again while talking about the book and many other things.

Also, I would like to invite anyone who has read the chosen book and wants to share what they loved about it, to do so on my website at www.ilovemosaicmagazine.com under ‘Let’s Hear From You.’ That is the perfect forum for your inspired insights where many people can benefit from your opinion.

Our next dinner will be at Numchok Wilai Thai Restaurant, 10623 – 124 Street, on November 11 at 6:00 p.m. We’ll be talking about Eyes of an Angel by Paul Elder (Hampton Roads, 2005). Email me at mosaicmagazine@shaw.ca if you want to join us.

To keep informed about other upcoming book club dinners, Catherine Potter’s monthly astrological updates and more feature articles (about mind, body and spirit topics) that aren’t printed in the magazine, go to www.ilovemosaicmagazine.com and sign up for our bi-monthly ezine that will come to you as an email.

EAT, READ, LOVE! Three things dear to my heart. ☺

Connie