Book Club: Me Before You

I’m speechless and yet compelled to document this moment. I’ve just finished reading Jojo Moyes’ “Me Before You.” Oh, my goodness. I could not put this book down. I had to force myself to take a break to sleep, to feed my children, hug my husband, and remind myself to breath.

“Me Before You” is a beautifully written love story that I never in a million years would have picked up to read if it had not been an assigned reading for my book club.

First, Jojo Moyes, my apologies for not having known about you beforehand and for bluntly sharing that I probably wouldn’t have picked up the book based on the book cover description, but, Jojo, you should know, the first thing I did when I finished reading “Me Before You” was to reread the last three paragraphs several times and then look up your website. I can’t wait to pick up more of your books, and I’m so glad to know that you have an Arthur in your life. I have two that I love dearly! (Love and miss you, too, Granddaddy! #3)

I’m still grappling with all of my emotions and thoughts about “Me Before You” but will be ready to share them with the book club girls, and may I say, THANK GOD FOR BOOK CLUB! I am so thankful for having read this book and so many others that they have recommended to me. 

This dedicated group of women with degrees and professions ranging from poetry, literature, history, and religion to political science, education, marketing, and biology meets monthly for dinner and discussion. Loving one another dearly, there is always polite chatter as dinner is prepared, but it doesn’t take long before one of us cannot contain the itch to start talking about the book. Yes, there is wine involved, but I swear to you, a good hour and a half later, we’re still digging into the depths of our latest literary feat. It’s fabulous!

I am so grateful to these women for the breadth and depth they have added to my life. I think I could speak on behalf of the whole group that we are thankful for each voice that has graced our discussions and each book that has opened our eyes to an experience we wouldn’t have had without it.

With jobs, illnesses, children, death of loved ones and just the exhaustion sometimes of everyday life, we’re not always able to make every gathering, but there is always a pull back to book club…a pull towards living our lives to the fullest by experiencing more through storytelling, imagination, and the full immersion into other times and cultures that continues to draw us back. Also, there is the promise that we will be stretched, empowered, enlightened and connected in more powerful ways to life’s full experience. And then, there is that simple truth, that when two or more are gathered, there is community and strength and comfort that can be counted on when we can, and especially when we can’t, make it to book club.

Thanks for the great read, girls! Jojo, it is beautiful...hard...but beautiful!

With love and light,

LT

Lean In

I’m reading “Lean In: Women, Work, and The Will to Lead” by Sheryl Sandberg, and I can’t get through five or six pages without having to stop, my mind a churn with reflections on my career path and the people and decisions that have made impacts on my journey. I’m fortunate that as I’ve been reading, my husband, Andrew, has been sitting next to me driving us to our spring break destination giving me the opportunity to share my thoughts aloud from time to time.

I’m not sure I was the bossy young girl that Sheryl has described in interviews, although I did get the nickname Skipper when my friends and I were old enough to head to the lake on our own for summertime fun. I didn’t think much of it; I was just making sure our boating activities for the day were organized and that everyone was on board. The older version of me can now reflect on my Skipper days and identify my early drive to get things done and get them done well.

My dad named my dearest friends from high school and college “The Power Women or Power Ladies.” When he first dubbed them this, I thought, that’s nice. Now decades later, I realize how insightful he was to recognize the potential we already displayed at a young age. I’ve continued to add more power women and men to my circle of friends. We’ve fed off of one another’s energy, kindness and support and along with our own initiative, faith and the support of colleagues, mentors and partners have seen our lives propelled forward in positive and powerful ways. I can’t help but see their faces flash before me with a smile as I read Sheryl Sandberg’s recollections.

I also find myself pouring gratitude out for the mentors whose words and actions I have soaked up like a sponge. In stubbornness or fear to admit or own my gifts and talents, it may have taken me some time to step as far as they knew I could, but I have taken great strides, and I’m not done yet.

I’m thankful to be surrounded by “Lean In” kind of people. I appreciate the way that we can encourage one another and how it enables each of us to radiate positive energy outward to make a difference in others lives. I’m thankful that Sheryl Sandberg took the time to compile her words of wisdom. Many of her suggestions are lessons I’ve lived by for years. Similarly, I have struggled with timing and how to strategically make change without guilt or hesitancy. Although my children are only 5 and 7, I’ve already been thinking through the inscription I want to add to the copy of my book to hopefully inspire them to “Lean In.”

I highly recommend that both men and women take the time to read this book. I think you’ll find it insightful and inspiring. I found it reaffirming and a welcome opportunity to reflect on a life that has been challenging, joyful and rewarding. I’m grateful to God everyday for this “jungle gym” in which I’ve had the pleasure to play, learn, grow and love. I hope that you, too, “Lean In.”

With Love and Light,

LT