LONGPORT - Man plans, and God laughs.
Members of Longport Public Library's Sandy Pages Book Club were surprised to learn that this Yiddish proverb was the inspiration for its August book pick, If You Want to Make God Laugh by South African-born author Bianca Marais.
The group welcomed Marais to its virtual meeting Aug. 10 for a discussion and Q&A. The group also read her award-winning novel, Hum If You Don't Know the Words in the spring.
Each month, the library's book discussion group Sandy Pages Book Club meets to discuss a book that all participants have all read since the last meeting. Because participants suggest group reads, genres range from historical fiction to romance to mystery. Library staff and participants reach out to the authors to gauge their interest in joining the discussion, allowing for a more in-depth conversation and the opportunity to learn from the author.
Sandy Pages Book Club recently welcomed best-selling historical fiction writer Jennifer Robson, author of The Gown, another favorite book club pick. The group looks forward to meeting virtually with additional authors this year and continuing the tradition in 2021.
Library Board of Trustees member Dolores Wilson regularly attends Sandy Pages Book Club.
I enjoy book club because I read books that I may have completely overlooked and this enables me to diversify my reading list, she said. "The book club also allows me to hear other readers' perspectives and expand my horizons.
In September, the group plans to read and discuss, This Tender Land by William Krueger. In October, it's The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi, and in November, The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett.
Dates and registration information can be found on the library's website, longportpubliclibrary.org. Sandy Pages Book Club is open to everyone who would like to join. Patrons with a Longport Public Library card can request materials through the catalog.
Meetings are currently held virtually, and registration is required. Please call with questions or to register 609-487-7403.
