Gradually it became easier, and soon I sought additional books to read, even using my lunch hour to escape back into the story du jour. I'd read in bed. I'd have three books going at once. Some original members have moved on, some new ones have joined, but the core group is steadfast. In nearly eight years I've missed only one meeting.
Attendance is seasonal, and summer meetings are the leanest.
We invited husbands once and quickly discovered our mistake. The men postured and dominated the conversation while the women sat and listened. Rule Number 1 became No Men Allowed. But my husband, after eavesdropping when I later hosted the group, expressed envy, saying men never talk like we do, never broach the subjects we tackle, never open up. He calls it my support group.