Swampscott book club offers more than literary chat

SWAMPSCOTT – When Holly Mello left a Boston finance firm job to care for her young son and daughter, she knew she needed to find opportunities on a regular basis to meet and talk with other adults.A notice in the Swampscott Public Library?s newsletter connected Mello with the “lunch brunch book club” – a group of women meeting monthly in the children?s library where literary discussions quickly veer into conversations about life.Mello and fellow group members recently read Leah Hager Cohen?s “No Book But the World,” and the novel?s focus, in part, on family and children sparked discussions at Monday?s meeting about raising kids.Mello and her husband are talking about educational priorities for Thomas, 7, and Audrey, 3, and Alison Kenney said scenes in the book mirror her life. “I?m living this,” she said.Children?s librarian Izzi Abrams and library director Alyce Deveau organized the club two years ago after listening to local mothers talk about juggling parenthood responsibilities while trying to find time to talk to other women.?We said, ?We have to do something for mothers,?” Abrams said.The club meets on the last Monday of the month, with salad and pizza on the menu along with the discussion. Women bring their children to meetings, and a library worker plays with them while mothers discuss books. New members are welcome to attend.Kenney joined the club soon after it formed as a way to get a quick break from working at home.?I like the conversations, and I?m reading more,” she said.Allison Gifford said the club has changed her reading habits, prompting her to read more than a couple of pages at night before falling asleep. “You have to retrain yourself,” she said.During most meetings, three or four children play or work on arts-and-crafts projects in a small room next to the children?s library common area. Mello said Audrey stuck close to her during the first few meetings she attended before enjoying time spent playing a few yards away from her mother.?It?s nice to get out with your child and do something while having her right there,” Mello said.The next book on the club?s reading list is Gabrielle Zevin?s “Storied Life of A.J. Fikry,” which tells the story of an island-bound bookstore owner who becomes a father.Mello said several of the most recent books read by club members contain parenting themes that resonate in her life.?I wish this was around when my children were younger,” added club member Kate Fogg.