Livonia’s Boa Book Club Celebrates 20 Years of Friendship and Literary Exploration

LIVONIA: Celebrating 20 Years of Friendship and Literature with the Boa Book Club

In the heart of Livonia, a remarkable group of women is turning the page on two decades of friendship, laughter, and shared stories. The Boa Book Club, a beautiful tapestry of 14 women, has recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, reflecting on an extraordinary journey filled with over 200 books and countless memories.

From Playgroup to Page Turners

The origins of the club might be a bit foggy with the passing of time, but its founders, including original members Vicky Opie, Patty Martin, and Johanna Lafferty, fondly recall how it all began. “We came together after our neighborhood playgroup was winding down as our kids were headed to kindergarten,” Lafferty reminisced. “We needed something more than just being moms to break the monotony.”

With a desire to engage their minds and have meaningful conversations, the six founding members dove into the world of books with titles like The Red Tent and The Girl With the Pearl Earring. Their first official meeting took place in early 2004, setting the stage for a unique tradition of camaraderie and engagement, beginning with their inaugural book, The Girls’ Guide to Hunting and Fishing.

Confident Women Unleashing Their Inner Boas

At that very first meeting, the group formed their identity, settling on the playful name Boa Book Club. The name reflects the essence of what their meetings are all about: a gathering where they can drop their everyday roles and embrace the confident women they are. “Once a month, we can be ourselves—happy, real women,” Opie explained.

This spirit of freedom allows them to share laughter, tears, and stories, creating a safe space where they can celebrate life’s highs and support each other through the lows. “We’ve seen each other at our highest and lowest moments,” Lafferty added, emphasizing the deep bonds that form over shared literature.

Diverse Interests Spark Lively Discussions

The group’s reading tastes vary vastly, reflecting their rich life experiences. They’ve tackled everything from humorous reads to heartfelt stories, sharing their favorite dishes and even cocktails at each meeting. Their discussions are lively, open, and full of respect, even when their opinions differ.

“We often theme our meetings based on the book,” said Martin, recalling the night they all sported red when discussing The Night Circus. “Sometimes we even indulge in themed snacks that resonate with the stories.” This playful spirit turned up a notch when they read The Sweet Potato Queen’s Book of Love, leading to creative southern-inspired dishes and margaritas as they donned sparkling sunglasses.

Support Through Life’s Changes

Over the years, the Boa Book Club has been a pillar of support during challenging times. When tragedy struck one of their own, the group shifted gears and read Option B by Sheryl Sandberg, proving that their friendship takes precedence over anything else. “If something is going on in someone’s life, that takes precedent,” Lafferty shared, highlighting the club’s strong commitment to one another.

Through crossword puzzles, laughter, and shared sorrows, from aging parents to personal losses, these women have woven a fabric of support that feels unbreakable. Their meetings often extend late into the night as they dive deep into conversation, sharing hugs, tears, and a feeling of belonging.

Celebrating 20 Years Together

Recently, to commemorate their two decades of friendship, the club members gathered at a local bookstore, Flyleaf, each bringing along a favorite book that has touched their hearts over the years. Amidst laughter and joyous reflection, they honored not just their love of reading but the profound friendship that has grown through the pages they’ve turned together.

As they reminisce about their reading journey, including the occasional book that went over like a lead balloon, the Boa Book Club exemplifies what it means to be connected through literature and love. With empty nests and grandchildren on the horizon, these incredible women are ready to embrace whatever next chapter life has in store for them.

Closing Thoughts

As Vicky Opie beautifully encapsulated, “Being able to read a variety of books together and to honestly share how we feel about a book has kept us together.” And with that kind of spirit, it’s clear the Boa Book Club will continue to thrive for years to come, bringing joy, support, and of course, plenty of books into their lives.