May Girlfriendology Book Club: Wildwater Walking Club, by Claire Cook
You’re invited – to the May Girlfriendology online Book Club!
You don’t have to bring a snack, drive any where or even wear make-up. (Heck, you don’t even HAVE to read the book – you can just come join us online and chat!) It’s the perfect excuse to just spend some time with your girlfriends (and meet some new friends) discussing a book – online!
This month we’re discussing: ‘The Wildwater Walking Club,’ by Claire Cook. (Claire is the author of ‘Must Love Dogs‘ too and has a new book, ‘Seven Year Switch,’ coming out in June!) And … (drumroll please!): Claire will join us online! (Right HERE – on this page!)
When? Memorial Day/Monday, May 31st – 7-9pm EST
Where? HERE! (This is the first month you don’t have to be signed into our community. Just come here and leave comments, then refresh to see the new comments!)
For a reminder email, just sign up on our Facebook Page for this event and we’ll send you a Facebook notice the weekend before the Book Club.
Join us HERE on Monday, May 31st 7-9pm EST for the Girlfriendology online Book Club with author Claire Cook!
Here’s our online Book and Gift Store – stop by!
Here’s more info on our Book Club:
- Girlfriendology April Book Club: The Help
- Girlfriendology Book Club Vote – great selection of books recommended by Girlfriendology girlfriends!
- March Girlfriendology Book Club: Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons, by Lorna Landvik
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We’ll get started here soon! (in 20 minutes!) Thanks author CLAIRE COOK http://www.clairecook.com for joining us on this Girlfriendology online Book Club and discussion of ‘The Wildwater Walking Club’!
WELCOME GIRLFRIENDS! Yes, we’re here for tonight’s Girlfriendology online Book Club. Please introduce yourself – who’s here and where you’re from.
I’m Debba (aka: founder of Girlfriendology) & I live in Cincinnati but am Minneapolis to visit my friends.
Hi ~
I’m MaryAnn & I live in Zanesville, Ohio. I’m excited to discuss Claire’s book
I’m Claire! Thanks for inviting me, Debba! And thanks for coming, MaryAnn!!!
Hi MaryAnn!
Here’s a link to this month’s book ‘The Wildwater Walking Club’ by Claire Cook – http://bit.ly/GF-WWCpb
Claire will join us – yeah! http://www.clairecook.com
Hi Claire! I’m so happy you’re here! Just watching you on the Today Show – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cprEmMagHVY
(so fun!)
So happy to be hear, Debba! That Today Show piece was shot almost a year ago today! What a long, fun day!
If you’re just joining us, please share who you are and where you are tonight. (Like where you live – not necessarily what room you’re in!)
Also, if you’d like to share your Book Club beverage of choice, please do. I’m having a little tumbler of Chardonnay!
Also, remember to REFRESH (hit refresh button or F5) to see the new comments.
On to the questions …
Question 1. Claire Cook walked 10,000 steps along with her characters while writing The Wildwater Walking Club. Did this novel inspire you to dust off your pedometer and get out there?
(If you’re just joining us, please share who you are and where you live – thanks!)
Where will your Seven Year Switch book tour take you?
I’d never used a pedometer before writing Wildwater Walking Club. I was actually surprised at how motivating it was!
I’m Terri from Minneapolis–a couple of us are on another part of your site…hope this is the right place this time. LOVED the book.
yes, I loved that Claire wrote how many steps Noreen took each chapter (day). It seemed much easier to start walking by one step at a time.
This book definitely inspired me to get out walking with my girlfriends. I need a better pedometer. I love that Claire walked 10,000 steps per day too while writing this book. CLAIRE – did you lose weight while writing this? Have you continued to wear your pedometer?
Sue – Thanks for asking. Seven Year Switch actually comes out tomorrow, and book tour will take me to MA, NC, SC, CA and MI. The full book tour is up at http://ClaireCook.com. I hope I’ll be coming to your area!
I was actually wondering if pedometers worked. I had one years ago that didn’t–but maybe it was a cheap one?
P.S. Oh, and Iowa! I forgot Iowa!
I’m Noreen (for real! that’s my name!) from Connecticut and I loved this book. And not just because the main character’s name was Noreen! I found it very motivational – going out to get a pedometer!!
Hi Claire, and everyone! This is Kristin from CT…so thrilled to talk about one of my fave books!
Yes, pedometers definitely work! I prefer the simple ones that just count steps. I’ve had good luck with Omron and Sportline. I believe you can go to walking.about.com for pedometer reviews.
CLAIRE – did you lose weight while writing this book?
I love that your name is Noreen! Thank you! I’m so glad you were motivated by Wildwater!
Oh, thank you, Elena! What a nice thing to say!
Hey, Kristin! Thank you for your kind words!
Hey Noreen (for real):-) Have you ever gone by anything other than Noreen? Or wanted to?
Hi Elana, Noreen (!), Kristin & Terri! Thanks for joining us!
MaryAnn – I loved that Claire included the number of steps with the chapters/days too! Claire – so clever!
I really wasn’t focused on that, Debba, and I purposely stayed away from the weight-loss thing in the book. I think it’s all about health and fitness, and not falling into the whole dieting trap. Walking makes you feel good – and that’s the most important thing!
Good question for Noreen – did you ever go by Nora or anything else?
QUESTION 2. How does each of the three main characters—Noreen, Tess and Rosie—change during the course of the novel? What triggers these changes?
I have never gone by anything else but when I was a little girl I desperately wanted a “regular’ name – one that you could get on those cool license plates for your bike!!
I’m sorry I missed that comment, MaryAnn! I’m glad you liked that. When I started the book, I wasn’t sure those chapter headings would work. I thought they might just help me write it and then I’d get rid of them. But they took on a life of their own!
just joined the discussion. Great book
the first thing I loved about them is that they go from strangers to neighbors to friends. I often think about the fact that there are a lot of people in my condo complex that I haven’t even met…
I love how Noreen became her confident, true self through the course of the book. And how she showed her group how she knew what she wanted and was going after it. Loved it!
Oh, thank you, Elena. That means a lot to me. I hope you feel that way about Seven Year Switch, too. I love the idea that even though I’m writing fiction, it can still inspire women in their own lives.
Kristin – I loved that neighbors became BFFs, really. They shared so much during their walks and held each other accountable.
I absolutely love the way you write friendships in your books. Do you draw from your own friendships to create those connections, or do they naturally develop as you work on the characters?
I SO agree about those license plates, Noreen! I wasn’t one too. Claire was a very uncool name when I was growing up, but I love it now.
I loved the way the reached out to others – teacher in New Orleans. They saw the world not just their problems.
So true, Elena, and if you look at walking, or any workout, as a treat, instead of something you HAVE to do, I think it can change your whole life. Those endorphins really make a difference.
I admired the friendship these women developed but also how each of them had to open up to it…all three started out pretty closed or isolated in their own lives in different ways…
Thank you, Judie!
That’s SO true, Kristin. And now you have to start knocking on their doors and inviting them to walk with you!
I too walk alone. I have many girlfriend activities. I enjoy walking alone. I liked the idea of keep track on a map – maybe I’ll start that for my walks.
I always how Claire’s books are character-driven and I always feel like I am getting to know them throughout a book. And, by the way, there were never mugs with Kristin spelled like me, either, so I can relate!
I just posted and lost it (!!) And it’s not the lovely Whispering Angel rose I’m drinking.
I liked the dynamics of a three person friendship. The rotating walk routine, the jealousies that develop along the way when two click more than the third at various times. Rang very true
Thank you, Allie. Everybody, I think that’s Allie Larkin, whose debut novel STAY is just about to come out! Can’t wait to read it!
I haven’t knocked on any doors yet, Claire, but I SHOULD!
Hi Marla. Sounds like a beautiful place to walk!
You totally should, Kristin!
So interesting about walking friendships, Elena. I talked to some women who’d walked together for decades and shared their whole lives, but almost never got together except to walk.
I agree Elena – walking with a neighbor/friend also holds you accountable, makes you get out there and do it. I tend to find excuses when I try to walk alone..
Allie – thanks for joining us! Your new novel STAY looks wonderful! (I’m a sucker for a dog/woman relationship!) Unfortunately we try to stick with paperbacks for this book club but I’m going to recommend it for my neighborhood girlfriends book club.
Everyone check out STAY by Allie Larkin!
Hi Claire! Thank you so much! I absolutely loved WWC. And, while it’s slightly off topic-got a sneak peak of SEVEN YEAR SWITCH, which is absolutely amazing!!! Can’t wait for it to hit the shelves tomorrow!
Speaking of NOREEN – Why do you think Noreen considered going by Nora then back to Noreen? Have you gone through different versions of your name? Was it based on things in your life?
Thanks, Terri! Three is such an interesting number when it comes to friendships, isn’t it? I’m fascinating by those insecurities. And I’m dying to have a glass of wine, btw!
That was fascinatED. I don’t even need wine for typos.
Personally – I’m a Deborah but didn’t want to go by Debbie so switched to my college name – Debba (so I don’t have pre-printed stuff either!)
I thought Noreen and her name change/challenge was a sign she was who SHE wanted to be – not a guy or a job!
I think she considered Nora because she liked Michael, and that was his name for her. Then she realized she didn’t need to impress him, she just needed to invest in herself.
Thanks, Allie! I am so excited and nervous about Seven Year Switch coming out tomorrow! Even though it’s my seventh novel, it always feels like the first somehow. I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
I thought it was all part of her reinvention, trying things on for size…
Kim from Marshfield. Just wanted to say I love your work Claire!
Elena – I’ll take that challenge! I’d love to have a virtual WWC for Girlfriendology girlfriends. I’ll see what I can put on the site where we check in on each other, post our accomplishments/exercises, etc. THANKS for the idea! Debba / Girlfriendology
Exactly. It’s SO not about the guy. I think there’s such power in deciding to be who you really are.
Elena – I don’t get a code thing when I comment. I just keep adding to the ‘post a comment’ area. (So sorry! I wish I knew how to fix it! Anyone else having that problem? I just switched this from the community to the site so everyone wouldn’t have to register. Gotta work the bugs out so hopefully you’ll stay with us!)
I think Noreen was unhappy with where being “noreen” landed her. Attempting Nora was one way to do change things. It didn’t seem to fit though. I loved how annoyed she got at her Mom for pulling off Lo so effortlessly.
I’m having a lot of trouble posting, too. And the “share this site/get the newsletter” boxes are blocking the chat…weird, right?!
Thank you so much, Kim! I hope you can make it to the Scituate Library SEVEN YEAR SWITCH launch party! We’ll have a blast!
Kristin THANK YOU! I don’t feel so out of it now. I’m having all kinds of issues. I haven’t had them in past months, so not sure why today.
Kristin – the share this site/get the newsletter will be gone this week (hopefully tomorrow) Sorry! It doesn’t get in my way because my screen shows it off to the side). SORRY!
QUESTION 3. Noreen takes a buyout from Balancing Act partly because of Michael’s influence. Have you ever let a career decision be influenced by a man you were dating? Kind of dating?
Claire, I LOVED the book club on your facebook page that hung a clothesline with laminated clothes hung on it…with the questions for book club. Are any of those women here today?
I thought it was just me and my prehistoric computer!
(Hey – just noticed that I’m logged into the community. That might make it different for me. If you’re a member of the community, sign in and come back to this page. Maybe that will help those having comment problems. SORRY!)
Speaking of the Clothes Line & protest … I loved how they hung a clothes line in their square and added soap to the fountain!
I tried to log in but the site logs me out when I get to this page, but that’s ok…
QUESTION 4. If you were Rosie, would you have uprooted your family and moved them to the lavender farm to help your father? If not, which of your siblings might have stepped up?
I think the part about Rosie should include a scratch-n-sniff patch of lavender!
Re: the soap in the fountain–I really related to Noreen there. She has been responsible her whole life, and some wild friend convinces her to do something she normally wouldn’t (and then of course SHE is the one who is recognized).
I would definitely move to help a parent. And it would be a new adventure – but then again I don’t have a family to uproot. I am always looking for new adventures
CLAIRE – I wondered, like Marla, if some of your characters are inspired by your girlfriends? If so, do they know who they are? (-:
Oldest child…it would have to be me making the move…definitely!
I agree Debba – I love how Claire put in recipes for the pillow and soak, etc.
I think it would be awesome to HAVE to go to a lavender festival to do research for a book!
btw, my mom has had an illegal clothesline for about 40 years, so she took particular delight in that part of the story!
MaryAnn – I love the recipes for the pillow, etc. too – very clever Claire!
QUESTION 5. Have you ever had to decide whether to tell a teenager’s mother you saw her/him sneaking out/smoking a cigarette/ etc.? Where do you think you should draw the line between doing the right thing and minding your own business?
I’ve been in a couple of situations like that. In one I pointed the mom in the right direction without saying anything outright. In the other I didn’t say a thing. The way Claire wrote it was so true. If Noreen had said something at the time Tess might have been defensive. Tess understood why Noreen didn’t tell..but also was appreciative that she told her eventually…
My girlfriend had to deal with what to do over a neighbor teen’s Facebook update that was very suggestive. She finally talked to the girl about it.
It would be hard to not tell the mom if she was a good friend. It would depend on my relationships with the daughter and with the mother.
QUESTION 6. What do you think the three women’s reaching out to Annalisa, who is essentially a stranger, says about them? About women in general?
I related more to the part where Noreen wanted to be cool and tried to tell the mom to give her daughter a break and let her be with her friends more. It is hard to get involved with giving parenting advice, especially when you don’t have kids yourself.
I thought bringing in Annalisa was an interesting ‘twist’ to the book. Not often are your introduced to a character that doesn’t really join in on the book activity/story. It was a great way to bring them together and give them something to work for together.
MaryAnn – again, I agree with you. I don’t have kids so I really try to not give my opinion on my friends’ kids.
QUESTION 7. Balancing Act sneakers and slogans include: Dream Walker. (You’ll Swear You’re Walking on Clouds.) Step Litely. (Do These Sneakers Make Me Look Thin?) Feng Shuoe. (New Sneakers for a New Age.) If you were creating your dream sneaker, what would you name it and what would its slogan be?
Teaser: We’ll announce the book for the June Book Club after this Book Club – in 45 minutes!
My Answer to 7: I would recommend girlie shoes for Girlfriend Groups – maybe with built-in pedometers! (like Nike has chips inside to record your mileage/rate, etc/)
Don’t be shy girlfriends! (-;
QUESTION 8. Do think clotheslines should be outlawed or encouraged? Why?
I think encouraged – I loved the campaign “Green is the new Black” – also Noreen’s business idea of creating her own clothesline designs – very cool idea
Girlfriends – I apologize for the technical difficulties. I had Book Club in the Girlfriendology community in previous months but didn’t want to make people sign into the community. I thought this would be better but it appears it’s giving others issues about posting. (It isn’t me – I haven’t had a code or delay at all!)
This book made me want to have a clothes line – if nothing else, for sheets and towels. (I have no interest in my neighbors seeing my underwear – or seeing theirs!) I remember how fresh those smell – and that Lavender spray would have made it even better!
MaryAnn – Being a marketer, I loved that Noreen was such a marketer with ‘Green is the new Black’ and her passion for what she did.
p.s. If you’re having ‘technical difficulties,’ can you tell me what you’re getting by sending an email to debba (at) girlfriendology (dot) com. Thanks – and sorry again!
QUESTION 9. If The Wildwater Walking Club is made into a movie, who would you want to play Noreen? Noreen’s mother? Tess? Hannah? Rosie? Rosie’s father? Michael? Rick? Brock? Sherry?
I could see Noreen’s mom as the mom on Castle. (Pretty redhead with an attitude!)
Claire got kicked off the site as spam and cannot get back into the chat….says she feels like she is in a chapter of one of her novels….please advise
I agree – that is what she did for shoes and Claire continued Noreen’s business sense for the neighborhood and even Rosie’s lavender business. She had great marketing ideas
Hi This is Carol from Mass. Just wanted to add that I love this book, too, as well as every other one Claire has written.
I take something away from each book, which is very cool, like I now have a spray bottle of lavender water to use when I want.
Claire’s sis – thanks for being a great sister and letting me know. If you want to tell Claire to DM me on Twitter – I’ll add it to the community? (So she can still see what’s going on here?) I don’t know why she got kicked off. So frustrating!
Carole – I need to get some lavender water. Did you buy or make it? (If you made it – did you use Claire’s recipe?)
If it was made into a movie – I would like to see Julia Roberts as Tess, Sandra Bullock as Rosie and Uma Thurman as Noreen.
Ooh! Girlfriendology! Perfect casting!
I could see DIane Lane in the Noreen role
Noreen has to be pretty but not Julia Roberts beautiful. Someone ‘real’ looking but who isn’t overly ’stunning’ – does that make sense?!
I love this … QUESTION 10. Which parts of the novel made you laugh? Cry?
I laughed over the Laundry protest. Laughed over their real conversations. Loved how the daughters adapted to their parent’s situation.
the Supremes made me laugh… and I was sad to hear about Annalisa’s death
MaryAnn – you should be my girlfriend – we think alike! I forgot how I cried over Annalisa! (I read the book a couple weeks ago then loaned it to a girlfriend to read.)
Hi This is Barbara from South Florida. I loved the clothesline idea. Claire woke up my creativity. Installed a retractable one,painted a flamingo on it, and planted some lavender.
My clothes smell devine!
I agree ~ I think we would get along great!
Barbara – I love how Claire inspired you (and am sure she’d love that too. Unfortunately, we’re having technical difficulties and it won’t let Claire on right now!)
Love too how you painted the retractable clothes line!
I liked how the book was current – where women communicate with technology (texts). Women are social and into social media so I’d expect them all to be on Facebook too.
Great question! QUESTION 11. Which character in The Wildwater Walking Club is most like you? Which one would you most like to hang around with?
Hi Everyone! I’m in Chandler, AZ and LOVED the book.
Hi Brandi! Thanks for joining us!
I kinda feel like Noreen. I’m usually the girlfriend that gathers friends for group events/challenges.
It’s hard to pick a favorite character. I would have to say I identified most with Noreen though.
I also identified with Noreen the most. I liked Rosie, she had great gardening skills and all the lavender hook ups (pillow, wand, water, etc.)
Unfortunately Claire had some technical difficulties but I wanted to share that her new book is coming out (I believe) tomorrow! Check out – Seven Year Switch
http://amzn.to/GF-7yrS
I really loved Noreen.
Last question – what was your favorite part of the Wildwater Walking Club?
I loved the friendship between the three friends!
ANNOUNCING: JUNE Girlfriendology Book Club book – Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert – http://amzn.to/GF-EatPrayLove
Thanks to all the girlfriends who joined us tonight! Especially CLAIRE COOK – fabulous author! And …
Brandi, MaryAnn, Terri, Kristin, Carole, Barbara, Allie, Noreen, Elana, Judie, Sue, Carol, Marla and other girlfriends – THANKS!
Thank you! Claire is one of my favorite authors and it was so wonderful to have the chance to chat with her and with other fans!
Thanks, this was great fun! I think my favorite part of the book was Noreen finding herself and becoming happy with who she was and of course all of the lavendar.
Thanks! It was fun! Completely hooked on Claire’s books!!
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