Most days, staff members at Case Western Reserve University lead typical schedules in their respective departments. But for a select group of self-described book lovers, a passion for the written word helps break their Wednesday routines.
The members of the aptly named Wednesday Book Lovers club come from all corners of campus and read selections as diverse as their roles. Since the group’s inception in 2017, they’ve read over 75 books, ranging from fiction and non-fiction to poetry, horror stories and other genres.
Members of the club include:
- JC Scharf-Deering, director of the Conflict of Interests Committee in the Office of Research and Technology Management;
- Lisa Palazzo, university chief compliance and privacy officer;
- Rachel Mann, a scientist who works at the Case Transgenic and Targeting Facility of the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center;
- Karyn Newton, an executive aide to the vice president and faculty diversity coordinator of the Office for Inclusion, Diversity, and Equal Opportunity; and
- Cathy Pool, a former CWRU staff member and founding member of the group.
In honor of National Book Lovers Day (Aug. 9), The Daily spoke with Scharf-Deering, Palazzo and Mann to gain a deeper insight into the group’s dynamic.
Read on to discover how their love of literature helped create a lasting bond, which extends beyond campus.
Answers have been edited for clarity and length.
JC Scharf-Deering (CWR ’97)
- When did you join the Wednesday Book Lovers and what compelled you to do so?
I participated with several of the founding members in a Books@Work session (now Reflection Point). We enjoyed reading together and discussing books so we decided to form our own group. I had been connected prior to Books@Work to many of these individuals through my job responsibilities or CWRU community service. I gained a deeper connection through our relationships to the readings and each other and we wanted to continue the conversations.
- What is your favorite book read so far?
Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk by Kathleen Rooney stands out. It is a love letter to New York City over the decades and the character we build through connections to places and people. I am also really glad we read classics including Beloved by Toni Morrison and It Can’t Happen Here by Sinclair Lewis.
- What are some of your favorite memories and traditions within the group?
I enjoy our tradition of reading the CWRU Common Reading book and then attending convocation to hear the author speak. And, I love a good potluck. We have shared some fun, festive lunches together where we’ve shared some favorite family recipes. We have said goodbye to folks who have retired (such as Lois Langell and Carol Tysch), and welcomed back former colleague and founding member Cathy Pool now that we typically meet [on] Zoom.
- What role would you say friendship has played in the group’s dynamic? What is the importance of fostering friendship in the workplace?
We talk about what is happening in our lives at home (and at work) and how this relates to our current book selection.
Feeling connected to people in the workplace—particularly those that I do not work with directly—makes me feel attuned to and part of the larger CWRU community. Even when members leave, we stay connected and have that existing relationship.
Lisa Palazzo (LAW ’94)
- When did you join the Wednesday Book Lovers and what compelled you to do so?
I participated in a [Books@Work] as part of a wellness program group during the spring semester in 2017. Several of the people in my group enjoyed it so much that we wanted to continue meeting regularly to read and discuss books.
- What is your favorite book read so far?
I enjoyed Milkman by Anna Burns because it was an inside perspective of what it was like for a young person to grow up during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. It was the first time I ever really understood how terrorized people on both sides felt just living their ordinary lives. Also, I listened to the audiobook version and the narrator’s accent was very different and interesting!
- What are some of your favorite memories and traditions within the group?
My favorite gathering was probably the most recent holiday one after the restrictions for COVID relaxed. It was the first time we had seen each other in person in a very long time. We all brought our food contributions to a meeting room, and it was nice to have that old sense of normalcy of having a holiday party with your friends.
- What role would you say friendship has played in the group’s dynamic? What is the importance of fostering friendship in the workplace?
Our group has become closer over the years as we’ve opened up to one another as we’ve tackled the sometimes sensitive issues raised in the books we’ve read. We’ve come to know each other well and often, we’ll start our book group by going around the circle, each giving a personal update on what’s been happening in our lives.
I appreciate having had this chance to make this friend group. Not only does it give me the feeling of belonging to something fun and rewarding, but it connects me to a group of people who I think listens to me, knows me, and understands me.
Rachel Mann (MED ’99)
- When did you join the Wednesday Book Lovers and what compelled you to do so?
I’ve been a member since 2017 because I really enjoyed the Books@Work group and wanted it to continue. There was a core group of people who decided to start our own group without a facilitator and we agreed to meet twice a month. We were in person, but now we primarily meet via Zoom with occasional in-person gatherings.
- What is your favorite book read so far?
Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward. It tells the story of a young black child growing up with poor and addict parents. It weaves in some magical realism in a way that reminds me of Toni Morrison, yet the plot is very accessible and draws the reader in.
- What are some of your favorite memories and traditions within the group?
Every August, we read the CWRU Common Reading book and then meet up to attend the author’s talk at Fall Convocation. I think Sarah Vowell was my favorite convocation speaker so far. She wrote Lafayette in the Somewhat United States. I’m not a huge fan of history, so I really appreciated her humor and entertaining style of writing. She’s not just a great writer, but also a wonderful performer. She did a demonstration with a bottle of ketchup on stage that was very comedic.
- What role would you say friendship has played in the group’s dynamic? What is the importance of fostering friendship in the workplace?
We love reading and taking turns picking books. Our tastes aren’t always the same, but our group is supportive of different opinions. It’s a great way to get to know people at CWRU.
Interested in joining the Wednesday Book Lovers? For more information, contact Rachel J. Mann.