DEAR ABBY: I have been part of a book club for almost 20 years. We began as a group of six teachers who wanted to share our friendship and love of reading. Over the years, members have come and gone, but five of the original group remains. We're now a group of nine.
Our dilemma is that many of the women don't bother to read the monthly selection but still attend the meetings. Granted, the meetings are very social. Everyone brings food to enjoy while we discuss books and anything else going on in our lives. However, the core group finds it annoying when some members don't even attempt to read. It happens month after month.
We have said on many occasions we expect everyone to read. Our discussions are livelier and more interesting when everyone shares her thoughts, but some don't make the effort or threaten to drop out of the book club.
We don't want anyone to drop out. We are all friends. Are we expecting too much because as teachers we regard it as a "homework assignment" not being completed? What can we do? I'd like your opinion so I can share it at the book club. -- PENNSVILLE, N.J., READER
DEAR READER: If certain members of your book club are no longer doing the required reading and regard the gatherings as social affairs, why not make some of the meetings -- say, every other month -- devoted solely to discussing the book you are reading, while the rest will be strictly social? There will be less disappointment for the readers, and you can still meet as friends without anyone being inconvenienced.