During normal times, a few of us regulars would routinely gather our
favorite Irish pub on Monday afternoons.
We would sit elbow-to-elbow at the bar to trade stories or chat about world
events while quaffing a few pints.
Someone got the bright idea to call it "Book Club."
Instead of telling our wives "I'm going to have a few beers with the
guys," and getting The Look, we would say. "Off to Book Club."
Now, who could scowl at such a noble endeavor?
Ironically, we are all active book readers, so in fact, the conversation
often does turn to books that we've recently read. No in-depth analysis of themes or symbolism;
just a few words to describe how we liked it.
Thumbs up or thumbs down -- end of discussion. Back to the news.
This is one of the routines I have missed most during the lockdown. So we have decided to convene Book Club in
the safety of my back yard, weather permitting.
This is our new normal: Bring
your favorite drink and sit at a safe social distance. Sorry,
I don’t provide chicken wings. The rest room is over there -- behind the shed.
