Above photo: Authors, R.O. Kwon (left) and TÉA OBREHT featured in a Book Passage virtual talk
Within our new world of distancing and wearing masks, we have found ways to stay connected, not least of which is through the magic of books. Readers and writers unite, now as before, through book clubs and author events, with both offering a special kind of connection while apart. Personal Connections through Book Clubs For Linda Gonzalez, a live coach and writer who lives in Kentfield, her book group took on special meaning in her life at the onset of the shelter order. “I was sheltering in place alone, and my group was a lifeline to a group of women who appreciate the power of literature to support us in difficult times like these. Whether in person or virtual, I look forward each month to both the book and the group to ground me in the importance of diverse voices and the sisterhood of writers and readers.” During better, more “normal” and non-pandemic times, book clubs were a respite from the chaotic ways of life. For that busy mom who’s consumed with child-related activities, or the overachieving professional who is more acquainted with the computer screen than downtime with friends, a book club has long been a great escape. While it’s clear that the in-person intimacy of a book group is key, many book clubs have decided to maintain regular meetings during shelter in place orders, adjusting to a different kind of intimacy via Zoom. San Francisco State University professor, Cathy Rath is a long-time member of a Marin-based book group that exemplifies choosing to adjust to the “new normal.” While she understands the need to compromise meeting platforms and appreciates the technology, overall, she was less sanguine about virtual meetings. “Conducting our meetings this way is absolutely less appealing, how can it not be? ZOOM’s flat screen does not allow us to get cues from people’s faces as we would otherwise as three-dimensional beings.” While Rath is not sure when the group will reconvene physically, she is hoping the group agrees to an outside setting while social distancing. But, for the time being, she appreciates connecting online, limiting though it may be. “I believe continuing the Zoom platform for our book group maintains our connection, keeps us engaged in the books we’ve selected, and gives us a chance to see each other, even if not under ideal circumstances.” Cathy Rath If you have resisted participating in a book club in times past, now is a great time to reconsider, especially if you are sheltering solo. There are many local clubs that are open to new members, and most bookstores and libraries are happy to act as liaison (see info below). Also, with so many groups having gone virtual, some are welcoming potential participants from near and far. For example, most of the Mill Valley Library book clubs have moved to zoom or in the process of doing so. Two in particular, supervised by staffer Natalie McCall, The Jane Austen Club and The Great Escape Book Club, continuously welcome new members. Author Events Online It’s not just book groups that have successfully pivoted to technology during sheltering orders. Author book events have stepped up as well. Several Marin independent bookstores have switched to virtual events, with local, regional and nationally renowned authors being both interviewed, and often acting as moderators. Book Passage has been holding virtual events since early April, garnering audiences of up to 15, 000 worldwide. In June, when they hosted a special panel event in response to the death of George Floyd and rise of the Black Lives Matter protests, the viewership got close to 17,000 as a taped virtual event. Copperfield’s Books and Diesel Books boast similar numbers. Calvin Crosby, executive director of California Independent Booksellers Alliance (CALIBA) applauds how quickly stores adapted to the unfortunate circumstances that hit most of them financially immediately. “It was amazing how quickly independents across the state and nation turned on a dime to embrace technology, first with social media, then pulling their customers to online commerce, and now to virtual events as a way to continue to engage those customers.” Crosby continued to explain how, in doing this, stores who are hurting from a fiscal standpoint at least can stay afloat until stores can reopen and become fully operational. Although most of the stores offer virtual events for free, they sell the discussed books and collect donations online. It also levels the playing field as far as author availability. Book Passage Events Director Karen West, says she’s had a hard time keeping up with requests from publishers and authors who want to participate in their virtual event series. So much so, that nearly every event includes two prominent writers and a staff moderator. Nothing can replace the unique experience of gathering together to hear an author you admire discussing his book and field questions from the audience. Maybe even better are the interactions between a panel of writers with the in-person community. However, technology has allowed authors and readers to continue their connections, despite virtual fatigue. To take advantage of the onslaught of virtual book/author events, you need only to go to your local independent bookstore’s website and check out the offerings. Although free, most expect you to register ahead of time, after which they will send you alerts leading up to the daily or weekly events. Like me, you may want to take it a step further, and check out book events at venues normally out of reach. Always wanted to check out an author who maybe didn’t tour beyond cities such as New York, D.C. and Chicago? Well, here’s your chance (recommendation list below). Book clubs: Copperfield’s Books: Drop-in book clubs Mill Valley Library book clubs (Contact email for questions) Author events: Book Passage Conversations with Authors Diesel Books Point Reyes Books Litquake on Lockdown Busboys and Poets (Washington DC) virtual events Books are Magic bookstore (Brooklyn, NY) virtual events
3 Comments
7/18/2020 07:28:17 am
Virtual connections are a life saver during these times of forced isolation. Truly, you don’t miss your water til your well runs dry. Until the well is rebuilt, replenished, I am grateful for technology.
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Maria
7/18/2020 09:18:16 am
Thank you for writing this and providing such useful links. I've attended a couple of on-line interviews with authors and have been thankful to have them. Being part of a book club with my work colleagues has always been online and we're continuing it even with the zoom fatigue. It's useful to have this type of relevant info to help process how to handle many of our social interactions being interrupted so profoundly.
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Bridget
7/19/2020 03:56:53 pm
Informative article....thank you! Zoom connections have been invaluable for our book club both from the standpoint of the book we're discussing and the continuation of friendships. The virtual author events provide an hour of intellect and opens the floodgates to explore new and favored authors. We often find solutions to life's troubles by keeping the mind active and sharing....in person or virtual!
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