Special to the Eagle Alden Pines Book Club recently hosted Sanibel Poet Joe Pacheco. Pictured are Nancy Wiseman, Dawn Fundak, Joe Pacheco, Chris Dixon, Phyllis Dowd. Back row: Marjorie Pacheco, Nancy Hagy, Pat Maloy, Vicki Werner, Nancy Dunn, Helen Shanley, Sheilana Massey, Mary Navia, Kathy Chumley, Laura Nelson, Gina Poppell and Katie Bartholomew.

What do Joe Pacheco, Bob Macomber, Roothee Gabay, D. L. Havlin and Marty Ambrose have in common? They’ve all been guest authors at the Alden Pines Book Club over the past three years. The club that was originally comprised of eight ladies first met in September 2006, at the home of its organizer, Nancy Dunn. The multi-generational group has grown to its current membership of 20 women with a wide diversity of backgrounds including educators, published authors, artists, librarians and philosophers, as well as avid gardeners and golfers.

The group, mainly from Pine Island, meets monthly on Friday evenings at members’ homes to discuss the club-selected book for that month. Categories of books include historical fiction, murder mysteries, non-fiction memoirs, biographies, poetry, spirituality, Florida fiction and travelogues. Nancy Dunn says the idea for starting the neighborhood book club was because she wanted to make new friends in the area after moving here from Massachusetts. “Teaching full time left me little opportunity to socialize and since I love to read, the Book Club was a natural melding of both interests. Many of us are so busy we often don’t get to know even our next-door neighbors. The club has been highly successful and I’ve made many wonderful friends.”

Individual reasons for participating in the Book Club include wanting to read different types of books, sharing unique perspectives on each book’s subject matter, meeting new friends and socializing. “I most enjoy gaining insights into my fellow readers’ perspectives on our mutual readings,” said member Chris Dixon. In addition, a favorite evening for many members is when the group hosts a local Florida author. Chris continues, “I love having discussions about local issues as well as having the opportunity to talk ‘live’ with the authors.”

“Through the club,” Pat Maloy said, “we were privileged to meet and get to know the authors. We could talk to these writers. They told us some of the problems of writing and getting published. It made me appreciate the book even more!”

Reading poetry last month was a new genre for the group, and as Nancy Wiseman points out, “Having the author read aloud his poems to us that evening really brought them to life. He reminded us that poetry is music and is best appreciated when the reader can hear it read with passion and feeling.”

Sheilana Massey said, “My love of reading and writing is enhanced with this group. The diversity of genres read and unknown-to-me authors/books have expanded my reading habits.”

Sometimes books lend themselves to themed music and refreshments that the monthly host serves. When the group read, for example, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver, appetizers and desserts included locally-grown fresh fruits and vegetables. Another book, The Prince of Frogtown by Rick Bragg, prompted a buffet of delicious southern-style cooking.

“Those who attend this book club have many talents and experiences that enhance topic discussions,” Sheilana adds. “I really enjoy the camaraderie and getting to know my neighbors beyond our street-side conversations.”

Everyone agrees with Katie Bartholomew when she says she joined the Book Club because, “I missed my gal friends up north and the exchange of ideas. The Book Club is a place where I can find both. The meetings are a wonderful blend of serious conversation and light-hearted fun.”

Or as one member sums it all up, “The books are a springboard to help us get our thoughts rolling but we come back for the people and camaraderie … and Oh, the food too!”