They began meeting in 2007. They have books, a sense of humor, dedication to giving and to hospitality, their faith and “dearly loving” their families in common. No one is sure when they began writing down the books they have read together or when they decided upon their clever name.  But they do know that they’ve supported each other through life’s struggles and laughed with each other, too.

Sympathetic though they are, the No Dead Dogs Book Club do laugh a lot.  Just after reading Marley and Me, the group was trying to decide on a name when one member begged that whatever they called themselves they protect their tender hearts by avoiding books where beloved pets die. “Please,” she cried. “No more dead dogs!”  And the name was adopted.

I had the pleasure of meeting with the No Dead Dogs Book Club when they discussed my novel, Solomon’s Puzzle. We met at my sister’s house, but they were the ones who brought the party!  The women arrived with their arms full and their hearts open. Both my sister and I were given flowers- not one bouquet, but several each.  ”I just wanted to do something to thank you,” each one said with a bright smile. This gesture, so extravagant and unexpected, was bliss to both my sister and I.  We love flowers and only hoped we would be able to give back to these women.  We saw immediately that we might never out-do their expressive giving.  They made cookies and other food from the nove from recipes I posted here on this blog!  I couldn’t believe it! So thrilling! And Lisa, one of the book club members, gathered the recipes, printed and copied them for each member.  I was so touched to read the booklet’s title- “Laurie MacBride’s Recipes.” Lisa arrived early and we quickly packed extra cookies in little bags for each woman to take home with her booklet!

Rita and Melissa, wonderful, enthusiastic readers from another book club joined us, and so did my sister’s dear friend, Marianne. After a few minutes it felt as if we’d known each other all our lives.  Questions about my writing process, comments about the characters, exclamations about the mystery filled the room with a lively and continuous chatter.  I loved hearing about their families, their jobs, struggles, artistic endeavors, their dreams and aspirations. Over and over again I was touched to hear their thoughts, touched to realize how very deeply they understood the ideas I meant to communicate, touched to think these astute readers loved my book.

Over the years, the club has read dozens of books.  But as they read together, their friendship grows. They began collecting a bit of money so they could attend plays together and this autumn, Donna DiPaola, suggested that the club reach out to others. They were looking for a way to express their gratefulness for the friendship they enjoyed in the club and the blessings they had found as they walked through sickness and struggle, heartbreak and joy together. And together they bought gifts for several families through Heifer International.  They provided ways for families to enjoy good food and a better livelihood.

Jeanie keeps a record of the club’s reading and activities.  Here is the list of books that the No Dead Dogs Book Club have read since April 2007.

Valley of the Dolls, by Jacqueline Susann

Thanks to the No Dead Dogs Book Club and visiting friends Rita and Melissa for lifting my heart and understanding my book. Courage and resolve poured into my being by your passionate insistence that I write a sequel.  And thanks to my sister and her generous family for opening their home and arms.

One of the greatest blessings that have come to me from the writing of Solomon’s Puzzle, has been to meet groups of women like the No Dead Dogs Book Club. I treasure meeting and connecting with these kindred spirits and feel humbly grateful to know them and to hear that they liked my book. During the next weeks, I’ll be writing about the many other clubs I’ve visited in the last 18 months. You’ll love “meeting” these people as much as I did.