Book Club

/ J. F. Riordan

I had a little meeting with a local book club yesterday. They are all old friends, and did more talking than I did, and mostly on topics unrelated, but I’m not in a position to criticize digressions.

I almost always enjoy meetings with my readers, because by definition we have something in common, and people who don’t like my books generally don’t come to hear me speak. There was one notable exception: a book club on Washington Island shortly after my first novel came out.

It was a luncheon meeting, just before Easter, and after a pleasant lunch we all sat down for the meeting. One woman spent the entire discussion rapidly paging through the book to find things she didn’t like. She found many. Another pointed out that the map in the front was inaccurate. Another remarked how unrealistic the book was, since in her thirty years of living on the Island, she had never been invited to sit in the ferry’s pilot house. I wish I had had the nerve to say I could see why. Nor did I point out that my book was a work of fiction, only loosely based on reality. Until then, I hadn’t imagined it would be necessary.

It was an excruciating hour, and I was longing for a stiff drink. As the ladies filed out, I sat, somewhat shell-shocked. One leaned over to whisper as she went out.

“I liked it.”

Afterward, in need of some fresh air, I headed down to the ferry office to pick up a package. As I was leaving, there were some guys down at the dock calling and waving at me. “He’s mad at you for not telling him you were here,” the crewman joked, pointing at the captain. I went over to chat with them, relieved to see some friendly faces. “We’re heading out. Want to come for the ride?”

So we did a little round trip on the ferry, while I sat in the pilot house with the crew, entertaining them with the story of the book club meeting. They were able to identify everyone who was there by my descriptions, laughed about the surliness of the book-paging woman, and told stories of her rudeness. The conversation progressed to some fascinating stories about life on the Island. By the time we returned, I was in a much better mood.

So, I did say I don’t mind digressions. But my actual point is: if you live within a reasonable drive of Milwaukee, and would like to host a book talk, you can contact me here.

But only if you like my books.

48 thoughts on “Book Club”

  5. Oh, how I wish I lived within driving distance. What a joy to be in one of those book clubs. I’m finishing But Still They Sing. It is my favorite.

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  6. Oh my goodness! It’s time to start a book club. We just moved north of the tension line & just south of the state line. Well within a reasonable drive. Talking with my neighbors today. They’ll love your books ♥️ and they’re very nice people.

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  9. Having read all your books, I can laugh at the comments trying to picture some of your fictional characters these people might represent. I laughed even more at your description of the ferry captain and crew naming each person in the meeting who criticized your work.

    I, for one, love every one of the North of the Tension Line series. The characters, the humor, the internal narratives. All of it! I only wish metro Atlanta was a “reasonable” distance from Milwaukee. LOL!

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  10. I loved all of the North of the Tension Line series – partly since my parents used to take us up to the Island and we’d go cherry picking! Hoping that you’ll have another book in this series.

    Marcia Finger, Madison

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  17. First of all, I hope all those Stella’s from that book club are reading this and finally understand you write fiction. Secondly, I propose a nationwide book tour when your new book is released. What I wouldn’t give to attend one. And, of course, Pittsburgh would be on the schedule.😉 A girl can dream. 🤷🏼‍♀️

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  20. I love your books! The characters, the descriptions, the story arcs big and small! I especially love that Fiona occasionally rides in the pilothouse! I consider your novels wonderful literary fiction.

    https://writingnearthelake.org/2022/06/11/book-review-north-of-the-tension-line-book-one-by-j-f-riordan/ https://writingnearthelake.org/2022/07/15/book-review-the-audacity-of-goats-book-two-by-j-f-riordan/ https://writingnearthelake.org/2023/04/28/what-im-reading-this-week-roberts-rules-by-j-f-riordan/

    Thanks for writing the series! By the way, my daughter-in-law loves your books too.

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  21. I’ve enjoyed all of your books (and I’ve read most of them). What always surprises me in situations like this is that people actually have the nerve to say many negative things. I can see maybe pointing out a thing here or there but mostly I would just not go to the talk by the author. Not many people showing up sends a message. Anyway, I’m glad that day improved for you. I hope you never run into Miss Pissy Pants again!

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  22. I discovered you on Twitter. Two huge German shepherds caught my eye (we have two as well). I read your books during a difficult time in my life and I thank you for giving many hours of calm and happiness as I read about Washington Island. passed them on to my sister and she can’t wait for the next book to be available.

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  23. I love your books and was curious how Islanders received them. Too funny. I would be interested in attending a book club meeting. Live near the Illinois/Wisconsin border and work in Milwaukee. Willing to drive. Love the Illinois jabs in the books and GSD insights on the blog.

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  26. Oh my, what a lovely invitation!! Sadly, I don’t have the means to host gatherings such as a luncheon and book club meeting; however, I love your books! I wanted you to know.

    Mary (in Nashotah, near Hartland, WI)

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  27. Thank you for editing all of Charlie’s Morning Shots Newsletters. I suspected you were the force behind those morning endeavors. However, I didn’t want to se

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