When Your 4-Year-Old Sits in on Your Book Club

Per Lucy, in a very respectful whisper throughout the 1-hr discussion lastnight. She was fascinated with the concept of this whole book club thing.

“Mama, why is everybody talking and I’m not talking?”

“Is she making up a story?”

“Mama, why did everybody else read the book and I didn’t read the book?”

“Is that water? Why is it just for grown-ups?”

“Wine, wine, wine. What, I’m just saying it!”

“Mama, can I have one of your strawberries?”

“Are the ladies staying overnight?”

“What are their names again?”

“Mama, what does ‘threw me’ mean?” [In reference to me saying that a certain plot twist really threw me]

“It’s been more than five minutes, and I really, REALLY want a piece of cake.”

Kids at book club are not a common occurrence, but a couple of my friends specifically asked if Lucy was going to be there, and one asked if she could come early just so she could make sure and talk with her! Lucy was very quiet and well-behaved, and I have to admit I kind of liked the idea of her witnessing and listening to a group of smart women discussing a book. My book club has been around for 12 years, so who knows, maybe in 15-20 more years Lucy will join too. J