Are book clubs too lightweight an activity

Some say yes--nothing to brag about

10/28/2009 12:48 PM

By Bonnie McGrath

7 Comments - Add Your Comment


Recently, I made up a little website to introduce myself to voters; I will be running to be a circuit court judge in February. Included are just a few paragraphs that stress my background, my strengths, my community activities, etc. It’s beige and conservative because the last thing I'd want to look like is a cheap politician.

A few close friends and relatives took a peek and said, “fine.” But a couple of them said, “If I were you, I’d take out the fact that you are a member of two book clubs.”

Both my book clubs are based in the South Loop--one in Printers Row; the other in Dearborn Park. I want voters to know I know how to read a good book and that I work well with neighborhood groups. And that I have a lot of girlfriends. Too lame? I followed their advice since it’s hard for me to be objective--and the last thing I want to look like is a lightweight. Out came the mention of the two book clubs.

But why would being a member of two South Loop book groups make me look like a lightweight? My fellow members are some of my greatest supporters and petition getters. Not to mention accomplished, heavy-hitting, varied-interest, wonderful do-gooders, to boot. They will be there for me as I batten down the hatches for the coming storm. What do you guys think? Is being a member of a book group a silly thing to include when introducing yourself to voters?

My book clubs meet at each member’s home. Or deck. Often our hostess tries to have some food that is reminiscent of the book.

One member of one of the groups always entertains us at Caterina’s on Dearborn--as she did this past Monday night, where I shared the news that my petitions had been filed that morning and that so far all was well. She always orders salad and pizza and desert and she provides the wine, too. And we always fill up leftover containers because she so generously orders so much. We all love it. And we have one of our longest discussions of the year there, at a long table in the extra room at the restaurant.

Our book Monday was My Life in France by Julia Child--and everyone had something to say. About their cooking successes and failures, their time spent in France, their interest in Julia’s personal life--and in my case, poignant memories of my late aunt Dot who was crazy about Julia and her husband Paul Child--who went to any and all book signings when the couple visited Chicago, to the extent they got to know my aunt. I told the group of the many signed Julia cookbooks that I inherited from Dot. And how she took them to bed with her at night, reading them like great detective novels. (By the way, so did Julia take great cookbooks to bed with her, too!)

In December, my two book groups often go to a restaurant to celebrate the holidays. We are making plans now. When we toast, I will be reminded how grateful I am that I am a member of two neighborhood book clubs--even if there isn’t enough gravitas there to mention it to voters--Cook County citizens who have to make up their minds whether to let me rule on cases in the circuit court for the next six years.


7 Comments - Add Your Comment



By Bonnie McGrath from South Loop
Posted: 01/10/2010 0:53 AM

Just to set the record straight, I am proud to say I have been found qualified or recommended by three bar associations: The Women's Bar Association of Illinois, the Asian American Bar Association and the Black Women Lawyers' Association of Greater Chicago. In addition, I am also proud to be endorsed so far by the Independent Voters of Illinois (IVI-IPO), US Rep. Jan Schakowsky, the United Hellenic Voters of America, Personal PAC and the Illinois Committee for Honest Government.


By Charlie Bucket
Posted: 01/09/2010 8:15 AM

No. She wants to be a judge so she can write a book about it or something. If she wanted to actually be a good judge, she would've done something since she was first found NOT QUALIFIED when she ran as a Republican in 1998 to make herself qualified 12 years later when she ran for the third time. Instead, yet again 10 or so bar associations found her NOT QUALIFIED or NOT RECOMMENDED. It's been over a decade since she was first found NOT QUALIFIED and she still is NOT QUALIFIED. Pathetic.


By Jeremy from Kenwood
Posted: 11/03/2009 3:06 PM

Bonnie, enough of your shameless self-promotion. You're looking for a judge gig so you can serve a few years and retire with a fat pension, right. I'm on to you!


By Julia from Ravenswood
Posted: 10/31/2009 8:47 PM

I was in a book club once, then was kicked out for being a smart-ass. That was a good day.


By Anon from S Loop
Posted: 10/29/2009 12:06 PM

Yes, it is too lightweight. And I am surprised the Journal allows you to use your column as free campaign advertising.


By susan fredriksen from formerly south loop (now murphy in the mountains o
Posted: 10/29/2009 10:57 AM

Since I belonged to one of the book clubs in the past, I think it puts you in the heavy weight, "I know how to read and discuss good books" group (because then I can put myself in that category even tho for me it is not true). But...do you need to acknowledge how many times you may not exactly have finished the book...or didn't even start or get the book? (I was in all those categories and know you were in some)! I would put it in but PLEASE don't put in the tap dancing. maybe pilates? (nope)


By Bonnie McGrath from south loop
Posted: 10/28/2009 11:03 PM

another question: does this same principle apply to tap dancing? i could have put the fact that i take a weekly tap dancing class on my website as well. does tap dancing equal book clubs when it comes to gravitas?