Remember those “Girls Night Meets Book Club” dreams? I do! A couple of years ago, I was so excited to finally launch a book club with my friends. I hosted a fabulous girls’ night, complete with drinks, dinner, and tons of laughter. The idea of adding insightful book discussions to our gatherings seemed like the perfect next step. Everyone was on board!

We chose “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus – it seemed like the perfect blend of historical fiction, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes. I, ever the enthusiastic host, went all out for the anticipated event. My themed menu was inspired by the book’s 1960s setting and Elizabeth Zott’s love of chemistry:

• Appetizer: Deviled Eggs (a classic!) with a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.
• Main Course: “Beaker” Burgers – mini sliders served on brioche buns, representing the scientific element.
• Side Dish: “Periodic Table” Potato Salad – a colorful mix of red potatoes, purple potatoes, and green beans, arranged artfully.
• Dessert: “Erlenmeyer Flask” Fudge Brownies – rich chocolate brownies baked in individual ramekins.
• Cocktail: “The Chemist’s Concoction” – a refreshing gin cocktail with a splash of lime and a sprig of rosemary.

I even bought some fun props – vintage cookbooks, beakers for the cocktails, and a Periodic Table tablecloth. I was picturing cozy discussions, thought-provoking insights, and maybe even some friendly debates about the book’s feminist themes.

The day of the big event arrived, and… well, let’s just say reality had a different plan. Out of the original group, only two friends were able to make it. And while we had a fantastic time, filled with laughter and themed cocktails (always a plus!), neither of my wonderful friends had managed to finish “Lessons in Chemistry.” In fact, I’m not even sure they’d started it!

It was a classic book club conundrum. Life happens. Schedules clash. Reading falls by the wayside. We rescheduled, hoping for better luck, but the book club dream remained elusive. Perhaps the chemistry just wasn’t right…

This experience, while humorous in retrospect, taught me a valuable lesson about the challenges of coordinating a book club, especially in our busy lives. It also made me realize the potential of a different approach: the virtual book club.

We WILL launch the WELLNESS BOOK CLUB! Message or email me to sign up and stay tuned for dates!