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

LIVONIA: Celebrating Two Decades of Friendship and Books at the Boa Book Club

In a cozy corner of LIVONIA, a special gathering is turning the pages of friendship and literature like never before. The Boa Book Club, a vibrant collective of 14 remarkable women, has just celebrated a stunning milestone: 20 years together. And what a journey it has been!

A Book Club Born from Friendship

Picture this: six mothers, all navigating the challenging yet rewarding maze of motherhood, deciding they need more than just playdates and kindergarten drop-offs. That’s how the Boa Book Club started back in early 2004, a little seed planted out of a neighborhood play group that was slowly winding down as children embarked on their educational journeys. Vicky Opie, one of the original members, recalls that time fondly. “We needed something more than being moms and to break up monotonous days,” she said.

With the vision of sparking deep conversations and a sense of community, these women decided to gather once a month, and thus, the Boa Book Club was born!

Books, Laughter, and Life’s Ups and Downs

The club’s name, Boa Book Club, symbolizes confidence and femininity. As Johanna Lafferty puts it, they come together each month like “confident, happy, real women – dropping their boas at the door.” And they’ve been doing just that for twenty years, exploring over 200 books together, navigating through laughter and tears. From books they all embraced to those they simply couldn’t stand, the conversations have been as rich and varied as their individual lives.

These ladies have shared literature and life’s ups and downs, encompassing everything from “absolute friendship,” as Lafferty aptly describes it, to the realities of life’s unpredictable turns. Whether it was a book that tickled their taste buds or a moving story that resonated with their personal struggles, they found comfort and connection in each page turned.

Creativity and Themes Bring Their Reads to Life

But what truly makes the Boa Book Club special isn’t just the books; it’s the creative spirit that permeates each gathering! Hosting a meeting often involves themed food, decorations, and even background music that aligns with the book of the month. They know how to have a good time! Perhaps it was reading “The Night Circus” while all dressed in red, or donning rhinestone-studded sunglasses for “The Sweet Potato Queen’s Book of Love.” These events are filled with laughter, delightful appetizers, and maybe even a bubbly toast or two.

One standout memory involves reading Jenna Jameson’s memoir, garnished with interestingly shaped cookies and candies that sparked some spicy laughs among the group. “Our husbands were excited,” Martin chuckled, recalling how the ladies’ reading choices stirred curiosity beyond just the pages.

Supporting Each Other Through Life’s Challenges

Their journey together hasn’t always been about the fun and games. There was a phase when they read more somber and profound books, reminding them of the resilience and intimacy in their friendship. When one member faced the sudden loss of her husband, the club revered her need and changed their reading choice to “Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy.” The night became less about the book and more about shared love and support, filled with heartfelt talks that stretched well into the early hours.

Growing and Evolving Together

Now, two decades later, these women have experienced life changes—from empty nests to grandparenthood, from menopausal moments to retirement plans. Yet, what remains constant is the magical bond they’ve nurtured. They recognize the importance of being open about life’s challenges while fostering a judgment-free space where everyone can share.

As the club recently met at a beloved local bookstore, they each brought along their favorite book—some old treasures and even a few that were *not so loved*, like “The Red Bird of Christmas.” “A Hallmark movie times a million,” Lafferty joked, her laughter resonating through the room.

Looking Ahead

With friendships solidified over pages filled with laughs, tears, and everything in between, the Boa Book Club isn’t just about reading. It’s a testament to the power of sisterhood—loving each other’s stories and continuously embracing both the familiar and the new. As they dive into the next chapter of their shared lives and literature, there’s no telling what adventures await this inspiring group of women. Their journey is a beautiful reminder that literature, friendship, and genuine care can create a bond that lasts for decades.