My Perfect Date

I confess that I am a huge nerd. I love learning. And books. (And spreadsheets.) I often frequent my local library, which is only a few blocks from my house. And with the emergence of eReaders, I often have a few books to peruse through my Kindle app.

Although I've never really participated in formal "book clubs," I love discussing books. Just last week I was finishing And the Mountains Echoed and took every opportunity to discuss its merits with friends and complete strangers alike.*

So when I was browsing my library's website looking for what books the book clubs had read in the past, I stumbled upon a perfect group for me.

Book Dating.

Yes, book dating.

It's speed dating, but rather than spend the 3 minutes discussing your love for Polish architecture (I don't really think that's a thing, but it popped into my mind), you bring 2-3 books to discuss with your "dates."

I love that the premise was developed to bring young professionals back to libraries. I fit much better in a library than some trendy club in Adams Morgan.

Of course, I immediately began thinking about the books that I'm reading right now (Steve Jobs' biography and The Paris Wife) and what I would share about them.

And then I got nervous. If someone asked me what my favorite book is, I have no idea what I would answer. I mean if it was based purely on the number of times that I'd reread a book, it would probably be a Harry Potter book.

And although I do love Harry Potter, I worry what that might say about me. I also recognize that I have matured since I first finished the series at age 20. Now I read all kinds of books that intrigue me and my book tastes continue to change. Why do we care about favorites? Why can't we discuss interesting ideas and themes rather than zero in on one favorite book?

So much pressure.

I'm seriously tempted to check out the "book dating" scene. Except November is for 40+. If I remember in December, I just may check it out.

*In case you're wondering, I liked 3/4 of the book. The end was just so-so.