Book Club Aux Deux

I got Clem to read a book! Can you say VICTORY!! Hooray!

I know, I gotta calm down, it’s only a book, but seriously, this is a big deal. Well…for me anyway. He has read many a book before but hasn’t been much of a reader since…think decades.

I can’t fault him because all he does is read and think all day at work but sometimes, I feel that falling into a captivating book is more enjoyable than watching the ol’ boob tube. If you haven’t guessed, I’m a books are way better than the movie person and I didn’t realize that until I was 20 or so years old…isn’t that tragic? Anyway, Clem usually comes home and reads a plethora of things online, but books are never part of the equation.

Clem’s blend

Clem usually reads news articles and things that appear in an app that he uses on his phone, so it’s reading but not really reading if you know what I mean. The things he usually indulges in includes useless facts and tidbits about people, history and whatever else he finds that floats his boat, especially the British Monarchy. Honestly, I enjoy the expanse of topics he shares because I often learn something new and exciting in the process.

I believe he used to read quite a bit as a kid but since we met, married, and had kids, it’s a rarity to actually see him pick up a book of any kind. As for me, I was not into reading in my school age years, but seem to have developed a rather sporadic and voracious appetite as I have become older and wiser. Don’t get me wrong, I love to read, but it seems to happen in spurts in regards to actual books as of late.

I’ve found that I really enjoy books in a series as opposed to stand alone novels and if the story hits it right with me (which happens often), I cannot possibly get enough. It’s bad when this happens…I don’t sleep, clean, cook or engage with my family until I’ve devoured the entire series or book…yeah, it’s bad. If on vacation, well, the same applies and I have a Kindle because I need to pack more than just books. You never know when you might need a change of undies and a toothbrush while away.

Adding a little spice to life

Anyway, as this past year has put a damper on most things, I’ve found that conversation between Clem and I has become a bit sparse and perhaps a little stale. I had thrown myself into a few projects to sort of give myself something new and exciting to discuss but that seems to have fallen by the wayside as of late. So, one night, while watching the newest season of Married at First Sight, one couple decided to do a bible study together and it inspired me to do something that Clem and I have never done…and no, it isn’t bible study.

I decided to look for a book that Clem might find interesting and order 2 copies. Yup, a book club…aux deux. While that may not be thrilling for many, it’s quite exciting for me and when I informed Clem of my plan, he followed suit…such an amazing husband he is.

I didn’t think Clem was going to take to it but surprisingly, he’s ahead of me in the reading already. Yeah, what a suck up! Although I’m only a few pages behind, I have to say, we’re both really enjoying the book. Another VICTORY!

Speedy decisions sometimes have good outcomes

The book I quickly made a decision on is called Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing, and to be truthful, it isn’t the kind of book I’d usually choose for myself. If you knew how quickly I looked up books other couples had read together and how briefly I glanced at a few other recommended reads and finally settled on this bad boy, you’d probably laugh. Even after making this brash decision (made in under 2 minutes), I have to say, I’m happy I did. Wow, hey?

For literally tossing the books into an online cart, grabbing my credit card and hitting the purchase button, it’s already shaping up to be a very intriguing story. I’ve only arrived at the third chapter (because I started reading it last night), but it has already served the intended purpose, Clem and I have something new to talk about. I know, it sounds lame, but for as idle as things have become this past year, it’s been totally worth it.

Merely reading the introduction at the very beginning of this book has blown both of our minds and has conjured up some interesting conversation in regards to the story taking place over 100 years ago. We’ve already discussed how much we’ve advanced in many aspects but acknowledge that expeditions of this kind still pose many challenges to this day. Nature remains a worthy opponent and being so far away from the reaches of humanity when in desperate need, still make these types of adventures dangerous endeavors. As we’ve just been introduced to how it all came to be, I think Clem has really enjoyed the comparison of the monetary cost it would take to do it today.

I’m already thinking ahead…in more ways than one

I thoroughly enjoyed the impromptu discussion we had today and to think, we’ve only just begun. Needless to say, I ordered another book a few minutes ago, it’s one that I’ve already read but am more than willing to re-read and discuss once we finish this one. Talk about a split second decision that actually went right for once…for now.

It’s funny, because Clem is already asking me what page I’ve read up to and if I’m not mistaken, this is beginning to sound a little like a competition. Yeah, that might not be a good thing now that I think about it. I sure hope this doesn’t get as ugly as the other things we’ve managed to find competition in.

It wasn’t until we discovered video games you can play together instead of against one another that we could play at the same time without blood being drawn or insults being cast. Believe me when I say that things can and probably will get really ugly because we cheat…bad. I hope I didn’t just open a can of worms.

After having this thought, I’m sure there will be more than just dialogue to provide entertainment in the following weeks. I think I might go round up the flashlights and remove the batteries, you know, to keep a leg up so he doesn’t get too far ahead of me. I hope it doesn’t come to me gluing the pages of his book together because that would really suck…for him. I guess I asked for a little more spice, and it looks like I’m about to get it…wish me luck!