At the Shasta Family YMCA, we believe that wellness encompasses more than just physical health; it includes mental and social well-being as well. One of the most fulfilling ways to nurture mental and social well-being is through our monthly Book Club, which has flourished over the past 15 months.
Our book club is more than a reading group; it’s a community dedicated to exploring new perspectives and sharing ideas. Each month, our members share stories, challenge ideas, enjoy thoughtful conversation, and develop friendships that go beyond the pages of the book.
The Y Book Club is a unique and welcoming community guided by facilitators Leanne and Ruth - two Y members who are both retired educators and met at the Y. They curate most of the book selections from the Shasta County Library’s “Book Club in a Box” program, which provides thought-provoking titles that inspire diverse conversations and broaden horizons.
Several studies highlight the health benefits of reading and engaging in discussion, especially for older adults. A 2022 study found that reading and taking classes help prevent cognitive decline, while intergenerational book clubs enhance social, mental, and even physical well-being. A remarkable 12-year study published in Innovation in Aging found that people who read books regularly live, on average, two years longer than non-readers. Furthermore, the University of Connecticut’s Education Department has shown that book clubs can promote critical thinking by encouraging participants to analyze and question societal structures and norms.
At the Shasta Family YMCA, we are passionate about creating spaces that foster meaningful community connections. The Book Club is one of these special places. The Book Club meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 2 PM in the Y Café. The book of the month is introduced the month prior in the Shasta Family YMCA mid-month member email. Come join us!