“Just one more chapter”

By Sheree Hoddinett 

Ten years, more than 100 books and multiple friendships, the Last Friday of the Month Book Club has built a binding legacy of literature, laughter and lasting connections. In recognition of reaching 10 years, members of the group, past and present, came together for a celebratory luncheon on March 15 at The Jetty restaurant, Bongaree. 

As one of the six foundation members, Bev Hogan said the club wouldn’t be where it is now without so many amazing people making it happen.  

“A big thank you goes to Karen Quinn, a foundation and current member who encouraged our small friendship group to form a book club 10 years ago,” Bev said. “Lurlene Woodings, another foundation and current member for her superb organisational skills and Margaret Gadd, also a foundation and current member, our convenor who finds wonderful books for us to read. 

“A very special thank you goes to the Bribie Island Library staff who have been so helpful over the 10 years and sourcing books for us to read.” 

To have reached the 10-year milestone and covered 100 books in that time has given club members the opportunity to put themselves out of their reading comfort zone. 

“It feels a very big achievement that we have read that many books in that time,” Bev said. “These are books of all different genres, it’s not just one genre, we cover a bit of everything, we try to challenge ourselves even if it’s not something we would normally read.”  

Bev, who admires the likes of authors Jane Harper and Kate Morton, admits that while reading a book can be done via an e-reader, there’s nothing better than the real thing. 

“Holding a book in your hands, feeling the paper and turning the pages, plus the smell of a book, it all makes it feel like you’re really reading and getting into the depths of the book,” Bev said.  

“Just one more chapter” and “Between the pages is a lovely place to be” are a couple of quotes these lovely ladies live by. 

“You’re reading a book that you’re enjoying and you can imagine yourself at midnight saying ‘oh, I’m just going to read one more chapter before I put this book down’ and before you know it more time has passed than you realise, that’s always the sign of a good book,” Bev said.  

More than just a club who gathers to discuss what’s happening between the pages, the Last Friday of the Month Book Club is built on strong foundations. 

“We really love our book club, so we make the most of it,” Bev said. “We meet up on the last Friday of the month at Social at the RSL here on the Island to discuss our latest book, but we also have a bit of fun and festivities in between sometimes. We have formed some lovely friendships and it really is a great group. Thank you so much to everyone, past and present for their contributions, fun and friendship.”  

For anyone interested in joining a book club, head along to the local library to find out all the details.