The Undertaking: Life Studies from the Dismal Trade by Thomas Lynch.

📚 BHCA Book Club — August Gathering

📅 Date: Friday, July 28

🕕 Time: 6:30–8:30 PM📍

Location: a local mortuary - reserve a free ticket for address

Tickets go on Sale July 24

Schedule:

6:30 - Doors open and social time

6:45 - introductions (esp if there are new faces)

6:50 - Discuss the book

8:00 - choose our book for next month

Hello Book Club friends,

Our August BHCA Book Club selection is The Undertaking: Life Studies from the Dismal Trade by Thomas Lynch is a thoughtful, witty, and deeply human collection of essays by a small-town funeral director and poet. Drawing on decades of caring for families after death, Lynch reflects on mortality, grief, love, and the rituals that help us make sense of life's endings. With compassion and surprising humor, he explores what the work of an undertaker can teach us about how to live well.

This month's meeting will be something truly unique: we'll be gathering at a local mortuary for our discussion, hosted by one of our local funeral directors. It promises to be a fascinating evening exploring this thoughtful and surprisingly life-affirming memoir about mortality, community, and the work of caring for people at the end of life.

Because of the special location, attendance will be by RSVP only. Reserve a free ticket to guarantee yourself a spot.

Whether you finish every page, get halfway through, or simply come for the conversation and snacks, you are warmly welcome. (Book clubs, much like people, work best when they’re a little imperfect.)

We hope to see you there!

Warmly,

BHCA Book Club

The BHCA's monthly book club is a vibrant gathering of book enthusiasts who come together to explore the pages of diverse literary works. Each month, members engage in lively discussions, sharing their insights and interpretations of the chosen book. The club provides a welcoming space for readers to connect, learn, and broaden their perspectives through the power of storytelling. From classic novels to contemporary bestsellers, the book club offers a rich tapestry of reading experiences that inspire and ignite a passion for literature among its members.

We are currently meeting at BHUMC Wesley Hall, 317 Termino Ave - the entrance is on Mira Mar, from 6:30-8:30pm on the fourth Friday of the month.

BHCA Book Club Guidelines

We’re so glad you’re here! To keep our book club welcoming, respectful, and fun for everyone, we ask that all participants follow these simple guidelines:

• Start with connection: The first 15 minutes of each meeting are for casual socializing. Say hello, grab a seat, and catch up with your neighbors. You’re also encouraged to stick around after the discussion ends to continue the conversation and community-building.

  
  

• Let’s be respectful: Every voice matters. Please be mindful not to speak over others, and help create space for everyone to participate. If you notice someone hasn’t spoken, consider inviting them in with a question or pause.

  
  

• One voice at a time: We ask that only one person speaks at a time. Listening actively is just as important as sharing your thoughts.

  
  

• Thoughtful conversation: The moderator will offer a few discussion questions to get us started, but this is a shared space—your insights and questions help make it meaningful for everyone.

  
  

Let’s work together to make book club a space where everyone feels heard, respected, and connected. Thanks for being part of the BHCA community!