CHAPTER 1: SKYPE SUCCESS!

The Pearl Library's Chapter 1 Book Club's live author's visit was  a huge success and everyone had a fabulous time said Cecelia, the book club's leader.

The Skype visit took place on Thurs. Feb. 13. "It is so exciting to be able to visit live with a best-selling author," said Cecelia speaking of author Becky Aikman.  "Becky lives in New York but called us from Los Angeles where she was for a book signing."

Aikman must have been great, and really down to earth because Cecelia said, "I could hang out with her! Becky was friendly, funny, entertaining and very generous with her time. She updated us on 'The Blossoms' as the five, young widows dubbed themselves. They are still friends.  They keep in contact with one another and get together periodically."

Here's what Saturday Night Widows is about:  Journalist and former Newsday reporter, Aikman lost her husband to cancer when she was in her forties. Sad and lonely she tried a support group. All she felt was more sad, and that was not working for her. She knew she had to get busy reinventing herself.  

Aikman researched what had been written about dealing with loss. Later, she remarried, but the traumatic loss was still present so Aikman found herself putting the valuable research to work.  

By asking around, Aikman was able to form her own group of young widows. Remarried for four years by the group's first meeting, Aikman also had new challenges to tackle. As if grief issues weren't enough, she now had to deal with a "new life, new career,  new husband, new stepdaughter, new home and new dog," as she put it. 

Her mission was to balance a new life with memories from the past.  Not an easy feat, but with five new friends, a lot of laughter and a few tears, Aikman made it work!

A Skype visit takes a book club meeting to another level said Cecelia. "If you or someone you know is in a book club, a Skype visit with an author makes a very unique program," she said. "Many authors, especially new ones, will work with you on speaking to your group."

The Pearl Chapter 1 Book Club meets every 2^nd Thursday from 6:00 – 7:00 P.M.  All are welcome to attend. If you would like to read along with the group, inquire at the Pearl Library for the current month’s selection at 601-932-2562 or on our website at www.cmrls.lib.ms.us.