Mens Book Club

At a social gathering in the summer of 2009, a group of men from the village decided to start something rather unusual—a men’s book club. Our wives were enjoying their village book club and we wondered why they should be having all the fun. We realized a lot of us liked to read, often on different topics than our wives selected, and agreed we could spend our time more enjoyably by discussing our books over some drinks and snacks. Thus began the Five Parks Men’s Book Club.

Since our first meeting, we’ve read over 100 books. We decide on which books to read by taking suggestions from other members of the club and then “voting” on which ones to read. The books have had a variety of topics from our first book, The Outliers, by Malcolm Gladwell, to The Elephant Whisperer by Lawrence Anthony, our latest read. Although the books have mostly been non-fiction, the club has had a fascinating mix of fiction as well, including books characterized as historical fiction. Topics have ranged from various wartime scenarios to economics, American history, medicine, philosophy, social justice, science fiction, autobiographies, and more. We also have chosen literary classics such as Moby Dick, 1984, To Kill a Mockingbird, For Whom the Bell Tolls, Gulliver’s Travels, and others.

Our meetings have included a visit by a WWII survivor of the USS Indianapolis that went down in shark infested waters, as graphically described In Harm’s Way by Doug Stanton, and by the author of The Storm on Our Shores, regarding the battle with Japanese on the Alaskan island of Attu, the only WWII battle on US soil.

The club meets at the Depot approximately every six weeks on Tuesdays from 7-9pm and is open to anyone residing in Five Parks.

Our format is simple: One man is chosen to lead the discussion (usually the one who suggested the book) and everyone has a chance to comment on the selection. The leader is also responsible for snacks and drinks.

The club has been a wonderful way for men to have meaningful fellowship and be stimulated by the wide variety of books.

Please consult the Five Parks newsletter for dates of future meetings and books that have been selected. You are more than welcome to attend. We are always looking for new members.

If you want to learn more about the club, contact George Mueller at or 303-547-8290.