A book club can have several goals at once, including the social aspect of getting together with others in a relaxed setting and the focused activity of discussing various elements of a particular book that everyone in the group has (mostly) read. A recent survey by BookBrowse of over 5,500 individuals engaged in book clubs across the country reported that survey responders highlighted both the value of discussion focused on the chosen book AND the social nature of the group. In this second session of our yearlong CHWB Book Club, you’ll join Dr. Annette Kelly, an avid reader, and the board president of Neighbors Network, who aims to help you do both!

About this Session’s Featured Book: The Soul of an Octopus by Sy Montgomery

Does the image of an octopus make you shudder? Especially when remembering the scary films and stories of long ago? In our book selection for April, we will meet several octopuses (NOT octopi!) and really get to know Octavia, a Giant Pacific Octopus, through the amazing experiences of naturalist and writer Sy Montgomery, who goes beyond observing to building a real relationship. Consider that an octopus is put together completely differently from a mammal with three hearts, a brain that wraps around its throat, and a covering of slime instead of hair. Its blood is blue because copper, not iron, carries its oxygen; it can weigh as much as a man, stretch as long as a car, yet can pour its baggy, boneless body through an opening the size of an orange. It can taste with its skin. And it’s smart! Meet Octavia and others in the book, and then let’s get together and talk about it on June 16.

Special Note: Participants are asked to purchase the paperback of the featured book prior to the program’s start date. Book clubs work well when participants have read the book, but this is not a requirement. Being open to the opinions and reflections of others is important, as is staying on topic. Other elements of a “good” discussion: making room for everyone who wishes to speak, being attentive when others are speaking, not interrupting, or arguing, and encouraging less talkative members to join in.

Mark Your Calendars and Stay Tuned: The CHWB Book Club will meet on the following dates in 2022: August 18, October 20 and December 15. Book selection details and registration options to come! This program is presented by Dr. Annette Kelly and hosted by the Winter Park Health Foundation.

Cancelling Your Reservation: If you are unable to attend a program, cancelling your reservation gives us an accurate count of how many to expect; for sold-out programs, cancelling your reservation also allows someone on the waitlist to attend in your place. Canceling your reservation for this program is especially important as most of our programs have limited capacities. Cancelling can be done in two easy ways: by calling 407.644.2492 and selecting Option 1, then Option 3 to speak to a representative or by using the online ticket cancellation option in your original confirmation email from Eventbrite.

By participating in this program, you agree to CHWB’s Gracious Space policy.

About the Program Presenter

Annette Kelly currently volunteers as the board president of Neighbors Network, a local non-profit, whose mission is the independence, engagement, and connectedness of older adults in our community. She is also a retired nurse practitioner and nursing professor with experience locally as the former CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association. She was the former assistant professor of Nursing at Florida Southern College. Kelly is an avid reader who has been married 58 years and enjoys spending time with her four children and four grandchildren.