Foodie’s Book Club began with a shared love of reading, but it has grown into something much bigger. It is a community of women in different chapters of life coming together, finding connection, and writing a shared story. In the fall of 2022, my friend Ali (Peters) Txlacala and I were planning our very first Books & Booze gathering, hoping to bring together local women who shared a love of books and good conversation. What we didn’t realize was that another small group of women had started their own book club around the same time. When we hosted our first event in December, we invited those women to join us. The connection was immediate, and afterward they invited Ali and me to attend their next book club meeting. That moment brought our two groups together and marked the beginning of what would become Foodie’s Book Club. Looking back, it feels like perfect timing—the kind you read about in books!

My family connection to Hershey runs deep. Both my parents--Lori (Swartz) Keefer and Brian Keefer--were born and raised in Hershey. My mom's great-great grandparents settled in the area and even sold land to Mr. Hershey! My mom's parents, Robert and Helen Swartz, were substitute house parents at Milton S. Hershey School. Growing up I spent a lot of time in Hershey, visiting my grandparents, going to the park and being a part of the community that holds so much family history. My parents and I are Hershey Bears Hockey season ticket holders and love going to all the home games! One of our closest friends are the Peters family--John and Brenda Peters. My mom and Brenda grew up alongside one another on Cedar Avenue and attended Hershey High School together. I am fortunate to be involved in such a warm and welcoming community. 

Today, Foodie’s Book Club brings together women from a wide range of ages, professions, and life experiences, proving that books can be a universal language. We currently have 13 members who attend our monthly meetings regularly. Sometimes we meet at restaurants in the Hershey area, such as The Chocolate Avenue Grille, What If, Babe’s Bar & Grille, and Hidden Still. Other times, a member hosts at her home. We recently read Remarkably Bright Creatures and had a watch party while sitting outside by the fire. Our monthly meetings provide a much-needed reset for each member, in whatever form she needs—whether it is female friendship, a night out on her own, or a nice dinner with a cocktail. We spend the first part of our meetings catching up on life, celebrating the highs, providing comfort through difficult chapters, and navigating everything in between. Once the food and drinks are ordered, we get down to business discussing the book. Each member is given a question to ask to spark discussion. Some of our most memorable discussions have been about The Measure, Bright One, The Correspondent, My Friends, and All the Colors of the Dark.

While our foundation will always be a shared love of reading, Foodie’s Book Club has grown into so much more than monthly book discussions. Over the years, our members have connected through a variety of experiences, including flower picking, paint nights, golf outings, movie nights, author talks and signings, charm parties, and local women’s expos. We’ve also shared meaningful milestones together, from volunteering at the 3.21 For Life World Down Syndrome Day Celebration by creating a reading and sensory room for attendees, to spending an entire weekend away bonding over books and friendship. These shared experiences have strengthened our connections and transformed our book club into a true community.

We recognize how important connection is for women, so we have started hosting larger community events, like our Books & Booze parties. We hope to continue growing our Instagram following and building our book community, so please follow us for must-reads [@foodies_book_club on Instagram]. I have a few ideas for book events that I would love to see happen in the near future for local girls, while also partnering with authors, businesses, and organizations. That means more author events, more indie bookstore trips, and more time together to share our love of reading and each other.