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Book club activism has struck a chord. Last month ReadingGroupGuides.com contributor Debra Linn wrote about how her group was inspired to take action after reading Edwidge Danticat's family memoir Brother, I'm Dying, and they donated money to the Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center. In her post she provided other examples of books that could lead to activism, one of which is Ann Hood's The Knitting Circle.

Here Ann describes her reaction to reading Debra's post, which also compelled her to share in an eloquent, poignant essay the personal circumstances that led her to pursue activism and how reading groups --- and knitting circles --- really can make a difference. To watch a video of Ann talking about The Knitting Circle, click here.


When I read Debra Linn's post about book club activism, I immediately thought of all of the book clubs I have spoken to about my novel, The Knitting Circle, and my new memoir, Comfort: A Journey Through Grief. Book clubs across the country are filled with excited and engaged people who want to reach out to writers, to communities, to other readers. I added a link to my own website, http://www.annhood.us/, after requests for me to speak by phone or to attend book club meetings began pouring in. And what an experience that has been! From New Hampshire to Ohio to Oregon, book club members have shared with me their own thoughts and personal stories about knitting, literature, and grief.

Debra Linn made me take these responses one step further. Book clubs are the perfect place for activism to take root. The members already have a commitment to meeting regularly and to the topics they discuss inspired by the books they read together. Both The Knitting Circle and Comfort explore the healing powers of knitting and of knitting circles. How easy to add knitting for children in need to already cohesive caring book groups. Many of the book groups I have spoken to ask me how they can get involved in their community. Debra Linn proves that activism is as close as your nearest book group.

---Ann Hood