Jane moved into the area in 2010, two blocks away from her current home. Initially, she was adopted by her friends in The Preserve, a close-knit community. In 2021, following the passing of her husband, she moved directly into the neighborhood, finding solace and support in her new surroundings. The book club, a cornerstone of this community, was started by Ann Robinson when she moved in. Ann, known for her extensive reading, quickly became the go-to person for book suggestions.

In 2015, Jane took over the leadership of the club, continuing the tradition of sharing stories and fostering connections. In the early days, the club would receive book kits from the public library. The chairman would select a kit, reserve it for the next month, and Jane would go to the library in Hoover to collect the books for the group. This arrangement meant that members didn’t have to buy their books, making it accessible to everyone.

However, two years ago, the library stopped offering this service due to financial constraints, leaving the club without its usual outlet. As a result, members now reserve books individually, often with limited copies available, or they purchase them themselves. Despite this challenge, the club has adapted by sharing books and embracing a wider variety of genres, from light-hearted reads to more serious historical novels.

Book selection is a collaborative process, with members suggesting titles during meetings. For example, the next book on their list, The Women—recommended by Ann Robinson—is about nurses in Vietnam. Last month, they enjoyed I Still Dream About You, a more light-hearted choice. The club plans books three months in advance, allowing members to start reading the next book if they finish early. Meetings often veer into discussions about neighborhood issues or other topics before returning to the books at hand.

One aspect that sets this book club apart is its demographic. Most members are in the same age group—retired or close to retirement—and are available to meet at 3 PM, a time that excludes those with full-time jobs. This shared life stage has created a strong bond among members, who not only attend book club meetings but also participate in other community activities, like the ladies' coffee group and Bible study.

A recent memorable discussion centered around Roe v. Wade, a topic sparked by one of the books they read. Despite differing opinions, the club values the diversity of thought, with liberals and conservatives engaging in lively debates that always end with mutual respect and understanding.

The sense of community in this book club extends beyond the pages of the books they read. Many members attend multiple neighborhood events together, and they even gather once a month for lunch at a local restaurant.

For those considering starting a book club, Jane offers simple advice: gather your closest friends, choose a time that works for everyone, and start reading. You don’t need a library—just the desire to connect over great books and meaningful conversations.