Girls Night Out: The Girly Book Club

As my long time readers know, I was in an accident almost 4 years ago. (How is that even possible!!) I was coming home from an event with my book club when I was hit by a bus. I’ve been through a lot as a result (understatement) and I wasn’t able to get back to the book club. Until now.

The Girly book club

The Girly Book Club first started in London, England when Erin (the creator) moved there as a way to meet new people. Friends back in Toronto started a chapter. Over time participants would move and start up their own chapter. The book club took off from there expanding into 50 different chapters around the world! Check out the Girly Book Club website to find a chapter near you!

The Toronto chapter of the Girly Book Club meets on the last Tuesday of the month. It’s moved locations and had new hosts over the years but at it’s core it remains the same.

Each month a new book is selected for ALL the book clubs to read. Usually in December we mix it up and each club gets to pick, but for the most part it’s the same book. This keeps it consistent and it’s kind of cool to know that there are all these groups of women sitting down, reading and talking about the same book!

The Nightingale

This month’s book was The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. A little slow to get into as the characters and the story is created by once you get passed the first third, it’s almost impossible to put down! A story about two sisters during Nazi occupied France, the Nightingale, is definitely a must read! (No spoilers) What I appreciated the most about this book was how much humanity there was in all of the different characters. While obviously there were one or two out-right “bad guys” for the most part individuals were flawed making the best choices that they could based on the circumstances.

Book Club meetings

For those of you are interested in attending a book club, let me tell you, these meetings are not your “typical” book club. While we often have a set of pre-selected questions, and we for sure discuss the book, the night is really more about getting to know some new people. It’s perfect for anyone who has moved to a new city, loves reading, and wants to meet some likeminded individuals.

Most meetings take place in a restaurant/bar somewhere in the city which is accessible for the guests. There is usually a big crowd of attendees so guests are divided up by table. Just find an empty seat, order a drink and start chatting!

People can come every month or pick and choose which book clubs they want to go to. Haven’t read/finished the book? No problem!! Come anyways. Just let your table know if you don’t want to the ending spoiled. 😉

Since it’s been 4 years since my last meeting, most of the people from that time have moved on. One or two are still around and they have taken over as hosts. It was nice to walk in after all this time and to have Jackie, come over and remember me right away. That’s the thing about these book clubs, no matter how many people attend each meeting over the years, you are still able to make connections.

Charlene xoxo