Book Club.

I’ve been loving it since it began.

February brought us Island of the Blue Dolphins.

I think Scott O’Dell should have put the author’s notes in the front of the novel this time instead of the back.

It wasn’t until after I read the entire book that I realized that the fascinating story was based on true events.

This was the first novel that London, Mosely and I each read separately. London first. Mosely second. Me third.

Surprisingly, London was a big fan. She actually discussed this book on her own, pre-book club. (She reads books and usually responds with – “it wasn’t my favorite”.)

The novel follows the story of Karana, a young girl stranded on her home island after everyone she knows has left the island or died.

Karana is forced to make a brave decision early in the novel. She jumps off a rescue boat leaving the island in order to save her young brother who is accidentally left on the island alone.

When we met at a local ice cream/coffee shop for our book chat, the girls immediately jumped naturally into a conversation concerning what they would do in a similar situation.

“All I could imagine was little Otto waiting on shore by himself,” London shared. “I’d have to go help him.”

“Me too,” Mosely echoed. (I’m so proud of how far this little reader has come.)

Usually we ask questions about the novel. Guided questions from the suggestions in the book 100 Books for Girls to Grow On.

Over our ice creams and hot chocolates and lattes and waters with no lemons we just couldn’t seem to stop talking. About Karana. About bravery. About loneliness. About finding your own limits.

About the novel we’d all read together.  Mothers and daughters.

I don’t think we ever even referred directly to the questions this time.

Island of the Blue Dolphins was clearly a good choice. A book that made you think. That allowed you to put yourself in Karana’s place.

A book made for conversations.

After our snacks we all walked down the street a few blocks to a studio. The table was set and we all had the privilege of creating jewelry together. Necklaces.

Because Karana had a treasured necklace.

And now we all have necklaces as well.

Mothers. Daughters. Book readers. Thinkers. Necklace wearers.

Blessed.

And fully aware of it.

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