Monday, May 21, 2012

One Year Anniversary!

Exactly one year ago I was sitting around with one of my best friends and we got to talking about how fun it would be to create a book club that that combined two things we do all the time... happy hours and books! This is when Books 'n Bars was born.

 

I've always been that nerd that loves talking about books, being around books, and, of course, reading books. I blame my father! ;)


For the longest time I was pretty quiet about my obsession, but in the past few years (pretty much my late twenties) I got over that, and began opening talking about books all-the-time.  Shockingly, I found many people that were close to me, felt the same way I did! Now, I cannot believe that Books 'n Bars is still going strong and has gained so much interest! We all have met some new people and many friends have been introduced and lots and lots of great conversation has been had out of this book club! I could not be happier with the success in this past year!

For May, we read Mindy Kaling's book, Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me and we all loved it! It was laugh-out-loud funny and something I would definitely recommend if you're looking for some light humor that is a fast read!

This book is a collection of essays that Mindy has written about subjects that range from her favorite comedy bits, to rules between best friends. After reading this book I basically want to be her best friend. She would have me laughing all.the.time!



The bar we chose this month was El Bait Shop in downtown Des Moines. Bait Shop is attached to one of my other favorite bars, The High Life Lounge and it's pretty cool because you can order from both bars. Despite having our meeting at Bait Shop (which - has the BEST selection of bottled beers. My favorite is the Sea Dog Raspberry!) I ate my dinner from High Life. I always get the cheeseburger basket. It's a tasty cheeseburger with tator tots for .... $3.75. Yes! You read that right, it's really that cheap! And, it's still good!

But, definitely check out Bait Shop for their great selection of beers. You seriously cannot beat it! 

 





 For the month of June we are reading a book that I have been dying to read. The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein. Most of you know I am a big animal lover and this book is told from the perspective of a dog, and I know I am going to fall in love with it!

We're meeting at Buzzard Billy's (new location on 2nd Avenue downtown for you locals!) on June 29th at 5:30pm. Please feel free to join us if you're in the area!

 Thank you to everyone that has helped make Books 'n Bars successful! It has been a great year! Happy birthday, BnB! :)


10 comments:

Amber said...

I can't believe it's already been a year! I would LOVE to be part of a local book club. I should really try to find one (or maybe start one of my own like you did!)

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

I am so glad this book club has been such a success! I used to have one, but then everyone started to have babies, and we fell apart. :( Luckily I have Emily's book club & Twookclub.

I think you will love The Art of Racing in the Rain. It is an awesome book. I am not a dog person, and I still LOVED it, so I am sure you will as a huge animal lover. It's got some sad parts, but it's such a great book.

Suz said...

I LOVED The Art of Racing in the Rain!

Kyria @ Travel Spot said...

When I was in Iowa, I was always surprised at how cheap the meals were. And the real estate! :)

I loved The Art of Racing in The Rain! I think you are going to enjoy it!

Reads, Rants, Raves and Reviews said...

I would love to join B&B again but we are officially on the move in June! I'll keep reading for good book suggestions though!

Anonymous said...

What a fun idea! I'd love to find a book club near me... or maybe I could start my own.

Jayme Shelby said...

I'd love to go sometime, but I'm lame and can't order from a bar yet! Haha.

Jayme Shelby said...

Oh y'know....next year. :P

Stephany said...

This is so cool! As much as I love #twookclub, I would love to also be a part of a live book club. But the only one I know of is HUGE where you have to get on a waiting list to join the chat! Is that weird? I think it's weird... Ha. I should try to start one up myself but I don't know too many people around me who are as crazy about reading as I am. :)

Kristyn said...

Oh my gosh. I loved this book. It was one of the first books I bought for my Nook. It really was great. I don't want to review though or tell you about it until you read it. It's really great though. I am a new follower of your blog. I do love blogs about books and I really love finding new books to read.