On Thanksgiving afternoon, my Aunt Marian Elaine Shanahan passed away. To say that she was an influence in my life is an understatement. She was a mentor, a supporter, a shoulder to cry on and much much more. When I was just a little girl, she gave me my first journal and my first set of books--abridged classics that I read over and over until they fell apart. I still have that first journal along with the many others that I've kept over the years.
Reading and writing are two passions of mine that have led into an enriched life and rewarding career, and I can thank my Aunt Marian for that.
She was a big supporter of my children's literature blog,
The Well-Read Child, and formed her own book group, The Well-Read Ladies a few months before her death. Comprised of friends and women from her church, they would often meet to discuss a book they had recently read.
I didn't know about the name of the book club until after her death when I was talking to my Uncle Dave. According to him, he was instructed to make himself scarce especially as the discussion would continue over fuzzy navels for hours and stray into topics that "weren't meant for men's ears."
In honor of my Aunt Marian, I want to start my own online book club called The Well-Read Ladies. I haven't worked out the details yet but I'd like to start after the holiday season and begin with some of the books they discussed.
So, grab your orange juice and peach schnapps or your favorite beverage of choice and join the conversation!
