With Thanksgiving about a week away, it’s not too early to get in the spirit of gratitude.
I can’t help but think about my book club — they’ve had such a positive impact on my life. We call ourselves “The Literary Lushes,” a nod to our love of both literature and a good glass of wine or cocktail. For the past four years, this group has been a cornerstone of my social life, intellectual stimulation, and emotional support.
Lieutenant Detective Kristina Zell of Niagara Falls Police Department invited me to join the book club in 2020. “Tina,” as everyone called her, was an original founder of the book club, which has been around for more than a decade. Sadly, our friend Tina passed away in November 2022. However, her legacy lives on in the group she helped create, and her memory is a cherished part of our gatherings.
Our club, an ensemble of eight, consists of women from diverse professions, including a graphic designer, an anesthesiologist, a small business owner and a former school teacher. Though we come from different walks of life, our love of reading connects us.
Each month, we gather at a different member’s home, where the host picks the book. We don’t limit ourselves to one genre; we have a wide variety, from nonfiction and historical fiction to short stories, novels and even poetry. The wide range of books we choose guarantees lively and engaging discussions, even if we don’t always share the same level of enthusiasm for each one. We dive into every book anyway.
Literary Lushes is about much more than book chatter. We make our meetings a feast for the senses, with themed food and drinks inspired by the book we’re discussing. By creating dishes inspired by the books we read, from the dishes mentioned in the stories to recipes based on the book’s settings or the author’s background, we add a flavorful element to our discussion.
For example, when it was my turn to pick a book earlier this year, I chose “Cutting for Stone” by the brilliant Ethiopian-born Indian-American physician and writer Abraham Verghese. I was inspired to whip up a hearty dish of Atakilt Wat, a medley of cabbage, carrots and potatoes sautéed in Nit’ir Qibe (spiced clarified butter) and seasoned with Berbere, a savory traditional Ethiopian spice blend.
Our most recent meeting took place last Sunday. We discussed a book titled “The Legend of Jack Munroe: Portrait of a Canadian Hero,” authored by Dorothy Farmiloe, who is the mother of our esteemed member, Judy. Members have different preferences when it comes to acquiring and reading books. Some people like buying physical books from local stores, while others prefer downloading audiobooks or borrowing from their local library. I go back and forth between all three options.
Judy generously gave each of us a copy of her mother’s book to read and keep. While the book didn’t delve into many culinary details, Judy, our gracious hostess, prepared a satisfying and delicious bean soup made from beans cultivated on her farm. These personal touches added an extra layer of meaning to our discussion, making it a truly memorable afternoon.
It is no wonder that book club days are anticipated feasts, with everyone bringing their A-game to the table. As a group of talented home cooks, our potlucks are nothing short of gastronomic adventures.
At least once a year, we take our love of literature on the road, meeting at the Wandering Gypsy Brewing Company in Ransomville. These outings are a highlight, blending the cozy charm of our home meetings with the excitement of an afternoon out. But no matter the location, one thing remains constant: our commitment to meaningful discussions about the books we read. We dive deep into themes, characters and narratives, often unearthing insights that hadn’t crossed our minds before. The beauty of our group lies in its diversity of thought, with each member bringing a unique perspective to the table.
It’s also not uncommon for us to take field trips, attending author talks and book signings, further fueling our literary passions. These trips aren’t just for meeting our favorite writers, they’re also a chance for our group to bond. We share laughter, heartaches and dreams. We are confidantes, companions and kindred spirits. Our connection extends beyond mere words. We are a source of support for each other, celebrating triumphs and offering comfort in times of struggle.
For me, my book club is not just about reading — it’s about finding comfort, companionship and a place where I can always count on being understood and valued. They’ve provided me with more than just stimulating conversations and new recipes; they’ve given me a sense of belonging.
In a world where meaningful connections are often fleeting, stumbling upon a community that ignites your passions and offers unwavering support is a gift to be cherished. This Thanksgiving, my heart is filled with gratitude for The Literary Lushes. Cheers!