20 Years & 150 Books

From Oprah Winfrey to Jenna Bush Hager to Queen Consort Camila Parker Bowles, book clubs in the past decade have become all the rage. But before book clubs grew in popularity one local community was offered the opportunity to come together to read and discuss books of all genres. This group, the Mt. Morris Book Club, recently celebrated twenty years of gathering to share their thoughts and opinions on their monthly reads. In addition to celebrating twenty years in October, they also celebrated an awesome accomplishment of reading 150 books. The number of literary journeys taken by the group is impressive – in twenty years, Oprah’s book club, has read around 98 books.

Chris Jarrell is the current leader of the club, and she has been with the group since the very beginning. The book club had been initially formed and facilitated by former Greene County resident Christine Bernosky. Christine was, at the time, an employee of Community Action Southwest (now Blueprints) and was working as part of a literacy program in the Mt. Morris area. She came up with the idea of starting a book club and secured a small grant. The club was born. The first book recommended to the group was “Spoon River Anthology” by Edger Lee Masters. The initial grant covered the cost of the books, and the rest shall we say is history.

Considering we live in a digital age, it is impressive this group has endured two decades of constant change. The relationship building that has taken place is a wonderful thing. Chris explained that the dynamics of the group has changed some over the years: members have come and gone, and some of the initial members have passed on, but the friendships that developed over reading books has truly lasted. 

There is never any negative debate – even if opinions differ over a read. She described the members as not just friends, but as family. “What happens at book club stays at book club,” Chris jokes. 

From a favorite book of the group, “The Penny” to the children book “Holes”, this group has had some great reads. Each member is afforded the opportunity to suggest books. When asked what book may have been the most difficult read, it was not surprising that a self-help book by Dr. Phil, “Self Matters” was not a popular group read. She stated it wasn’t because the book was of poor content. The group felt the book was a better “self” read then a collective journey.

Besides reading, the group has hosted several local authors to discuss their books,  and a group of children were invited to share their thoughts on the book “Holes”.

Twenty years, 150 books, and many enduring friendships…what an accomplishment. May they continue to collectively share and enjoy their literary journeys.