Susan Gabriel

Like the fabled tree falling in the forest, does a book that’s been written but not read, make a sound? Does it fulfill its mission?

I attended a literal (as opposed to virtual) book group recently that was reading my book, Seeking Sara Summers, as their November selection. It is truly an honor to a have a book club choose to read your book and since it was in my town, I agreed to attend the meeting to answer questions and talk about my writing process. The book was well-received and I had a great time.

It struck me afterwards that I had come full circle with this particular book, which started out as a spark of creativity eight years ago. It is my belief that it is not always enough to simply write a novel or non-fiction book or article or poem. The creative act is not complete until it is put out into the world and received.

A dialogue between writer and reader occurs whenever we decide to read a book. At the outset we step into a world created by the writer. If it is written well, we experience what the characters experience. Scientists have proven that as we imagine something, the body reacts as though the events are actually happening. If this is true, then it is possible that we can benefit and grow every time we step into a really good book.

Yes, books have the power to transform our body chemistry, as well as our lives. So in a world where the power of books and the imagination is undervalued, a good book group plays a vital role in helping the culture and individual evolve. It is indeed a vital counter-revolution and a place where story is valued; a place where the dialogue between a writer and a reader is celebrated. To me, when a deep connection is made between the writer, the story, and the reader, the place we all stand is sacred ground.