A good book truly is important

To the editor,

It was good to read the recent editorial, “The importance of a good book.” A lifelong Bronxite, I’ve only lived in Riverdale for eight years. After retiring and reconnecting with a friend from PTA days, I joined a local book club.

I’ve since come to learn that there are quite a few book clubs in the community, several around for many years. There are a variety of means of choosing the monthly selection among the clubs. Our group agrees to have a member choose a book for each gathering and lead the discussion. We meet at a restaurant that happily provides individual checks for each diner.

A great benefit I’ve gained from our group is that I have read books I probably would never have chosen on my own. We mostly read fiction, occasionally historical fiction and, now and again, nonfiction. Due to our diverse backgrounds and tastes, I’ve read books about the Holocaust, trials and tribulations in Ireland, plots from South Asia, the Caribbean, Japan, feminism and more. I’ve met new people and made some new friends.

A good book is important.

LOIS HARR