BOOK CLUB
Beyond the Page 30 Years of reading & friendship
drinks of choice have shifted from tea to wine and often themed appetizers often reflecting the book’s setting or subject. TURNING PAGES The club has always welcomed diverse selections. Fiction, nonfiction, memoirs— even the occasional mystery. Romance, however, rarely makes the cut. With over 360 books behind them, the group has gradually relaxed one of its original rules: no repeating authors. “It became nearly impossible not to revisit a favorite,” Jennifer said. Although they don’t have set “rules” there are certain customs the group follows. For instance, the member who selects the book leads the meeting and has the floor until they’re done presenting. Then, discussion opens up. While the tone is casual, the literary conversations are thoughtful and focused. The group doesn’t rank books, but once a year, they gather for a special dinner to vote on the year’s “Favorite Book” and name an Honorable Mention. One memorable meeting early on changed their discussion process. In year three, Andrea Craig picked West with the Night by Beryl Markham. Andrea’s research revealed the possibility that Markham’s third husband may have ghostwritten the book. “There was no solid evidence,” Kathleen Scotto said, “but it was the first time someone dug into the author’s background.” Since then, meetings typically begin with a short biography of the author—sometimes more fascinating than the book itself. memories that extend beyond the page. When snow prevented author Nomi Eve from visiting Spring Lake to discuss her novel Henna House, the group drove to Pennsylvania instead, holding the meeting in her home. They celebrated their 20th anniversary with a weekend in BETWEEN THE LINES Over the years, the club has made Philadelphia and, during the pandemic, met at the Brielle Library snacking on theme-park treats inspired by Action Park all while 6 feet apart. Through all of life’s milestones including babies, weddings, losses, and grandkids, the book club has been
THE BOOK CLUB’S TOP 12 1. The Red Tent – Anita Diamant 2. House of Sand and Fog – Andre Dubus III 3. Hamnet – Maggie O’Farrell 4. West with the Night – Beryl Markham (5-11 in no specific order) 5. All the Light We Cannot See – Anthony Doerr 6. Cutting for Stone – Abraham Verghese 7. The Book Thief – Markus Zusak 8. Middlesex – Jeffrey Eugenides 9. Map of the World – Jane Hamilton 10. Stones from the River – Ursula Hegi 11. Personal History: A Memoir – Katharine Graham 12. The Devil in the White City – Erik Larson
KATIE SCHRADER
T here’s something magical about a good book. Especially when it’s shared with friends and thirty years of shared stories. For over 30 years, Spring Lake’s long-running book club has remained a constant: a group of friends gathering monthly to discuss books and stay connected through the various stages of life. THE FIRST CHAPTER Formed in 1994, pre-Oprah’s book club, “The Book Club” began as a simple idea between three friends wanting to carve out time for reading amid the chaos of raising young children. “We weren’t concerned with formalities or structure,” said Jennifer Naughton, one of the founding members. “We simply wanted to find like-minded readers who
could commit to reading a book and gathering once a month to discuss it.” The Brown Room at the Spring Lake Community House became their unofficial headquarters, thanks to Pat Barry’s early support. Their first book was Body by Harry Crews. A gritty choice that, in hindsight, revealed the group’s willingness to take on anything. “That first meeting laid the foundation for our willingness to embrace books of any kind,” Jennifer added. “I also think we are unique in that there is no collaborative voting on what we read next. Each member chooses their book for the year, and I believe that broadens the type of books we read.” In the early years, meetings began around 8:00 p.m. after kids were tucked into bed. Now, it’s 6:30 p.m., and the
more than just a book club. In a time where connections can feel fleeting, the women of The Book Club have built something enduring. Through dog-eared novels, meaningful conversations, and a little wine, they’ve created a space that’s about good books and showing up- for the book and for each other.
a constant. “It’s a group of women who may not always socialize outside the club,” Kathleen said, “but we have a connection, a friendship, a caring relationship.” LOOKING AHEAD As the group reflects and celebrates over three decades of reading and friendship, one thing is clear: this is
Photos courtesy of Michael Scotto
16 June 2025
Stroll Spring Lake 17
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