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Book Clubs and Buckling Down the Crazy

 I joined a Romance Book Club at the end of last year. And then I joined a second one that I learned about at the first one. 

So now, I'm in 2. Two book clubs. 

For me, who has been reading Romance for the last, oh, 20 years, and not having an outlet to really discuss or dissect what I read, these meetings are like opening the flood gates. And I've realized how absolutely nuts I am. 

The experience and depth of knowledge I've gained from reading sooo many books over such a long time, I am beyond crazy when I talk about these books to these two groups that: a) seem to skew young, like 20s and 30s and b) haven't read all that much. 

I was quiet at first, hoping to figure out group dynamics, etc. But then ... books are brought up that I've read years and years ago -- and it jogs my memory and I get so so so excited that I can't contain the glee. 

Like, "oh gosh Lick really is the best rock romance I've read and how absolutely perfect is that drunk-Las-Vegas-wedding-rock-star troupe really killed. Did you read the drummer's book. Gah, perfection." 

And then I have to tell my brain to stop-stop-stop talking I'm getting way to worked up. Geez. I'm definitely the "too much" girl at these meetings. 

Then, later that night, I relive the moment over and over again, because as an introvert I have to replay all social interactions and clinch at ALL the embarrassing things I said. 

And this goes about the same with every meeting I go to. I try to be chill. Until I'm not. 

I'm trying to just let it roll. Like, I midaswell be known as the crazy romance reader that lets a little lose at the meetings. Yes, I'm enthusiastic about this genre and these books and I can't quite keep it all buckled down. Get over it, self. Though, that's easier said than felt. 

At the last meeting, I as referred to as the "on you're the historical romance reader" by another clubber because I've talked at length about how great historical is and, yeah, I guess I'm totally ok with that. It's accurate. It's just harder to feel than say. 

Other than that, I have some beef over some of the books that are chosen -- which I knew would be an issue going in. It's one of the reasons I never joined a mainstream book club. I don't want to read mainstream books. And since starting, reviews have been mixed. I've liked one or two, hated one or two and tolerated one or two. With a few exceptions, I finished them. And came ready to discuss the books to each meeting, though I'm getting better at figuring out what people talk about when dissecting books. The main characters and whether we "liked them" seems to be a popular topic. 

I have a bit more to say about these book clubs but I'll keep this post focused on the crazy persona I'm trying to be OK with portraying. Because I can't control it when we start talking about this genre, especially with other fans, so I just need to accept it. And hope they don't kick me out for being overly enthusiastic. 

Wait ... can that happen? Nah ... right? 

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