Time can be a book club enemy

Tips to help you stay in the reading loop

The book club clock is ticking and you have yet to begin your novel. Who would think you, the rabid book lover, would find yourself falling more and more behind? You thought you did everything right from buying the book on time to mentally setting time aside to start reading. Unfortunately, the only thing you see is the dust collecting on your paperback or e-reader. Time is running out book friend, and so is the realization you may not finish your book club read on time.

Many agree it's the busyness of life that could be the culprit and when that happens it can become discouraging as your book club date looms before you. There is a humorous name for it in reading group circles and it's called, 'book shame'. Book shame simply means showing up to book club without finishing the novel or not being able to contribute to the book discussion. Pretty much a bump on the book club sofa.

How do we overcome this walk of book shame? You can try faking it by doing an internet search on the synopsis of the book or even finding a review on Amazon or Goodreads. That might get you through the first moments of discussion but after awhile your book friends will leave you behind and you will, unfortunately go back to being that bump on the sofa again. With no time left, there are ways out there that will either help you finish or at the very least keep you in the discussion loop.  Even though some consider these tips controversial to others they are reading lifesavers.

Book Summaries:  Most novels, especially the classics, have a condensed version of the plot and other goodies that you can purchase on Amazon.com or find at your local library. These are the summaries that aided you or (let's be real), cheated your way through high school. The same will apply to your book club. Skim through one of these or if you dare bring it and break it out with no shame. Examples: The Nightingale Summary, Cliffs Notes, Spark Notes

Audiobooks:  This option is becoming more and more popular within reading groups. Audible books via Amazon.com have been a huge blessing for many book friends.  If you are okay with not being able to mark passages and highlight your favorite parts in a paperback or an e-reader then audiobooks are for you. Anywhere, anytime baby! Start your free trial today

Book movies:  You've heard the ol' saying, "Don't judge a book by it's movie". Years ago we had a book club friend that never seemed to be able to complete the book on time. What this person would finish was the movie of the book. If there was a novel turned into a movie our friend was there. The problem with book to movies is that they are rarely done well. The movie will edit out favorite scenes, characters, quotes and even add completely different scenarios than in the novel.  ​Our friends favorite line, "Was that in the book?" or this friend would even describe a scene from the movie that was not in the book.

In the end, if you are down to the wire and rather watch a book turned into a movie, be aware that not everything you see will be in the novel. Maybe beforehand, ask your book friends if it's okay if you offer up your movie opinions. You never know, they might enjoy a unique perspective which could make an even more great book discussion.

Some of the best books to movies:  To Kill a Mockingbird, The Book Thief, The Help, ​Lord of the Rings, The Princess Bride, to name just a few.

Mobile devices: Yes, the screens are small but many of my friends swear by them. They come in handy when on lunch break, work break and even waiting before an appointment. Easier to carry around than an e-reader and there's no excuse! 

Unfortunately for some, life gets in the way of our reading but don't let time be your enemy.  Not finishing a book or even starting is a rare thing for us. Hopefully, some of these book finishing tips will get you ready for your book club discussion. Say goodbye to book shame!