Craig Daily Press

Photo by Hans Hallgren

Jan Rogers reads background history of Helen Hunt Jackson’s life at The Craig Book Club’s meeting Thursday at Downtown Books. The group was reading Jackson’s “Ramona.”

Craig — For more than a quarter century, Veda Wyman has come to The Craig Book Club meetings.

“I’m an avid reader — an omnivorous reader,” she said.

Since the group began in the late 1970s, she’s seen members come and go.

Although the group’s composition has changed, its purpose — to discuss books as a group — has not, Wyman said.

One element keeps her coming back: “The smorgasbord of reading,” she said. “I read things (with the club) that I wouldn’t read otherwise.”

The group’s fare is varied, member Jan Rogers said.

Fiction and nonfiction, classic and modern literature: The Craig Book Club delves into them all.

Every June, club members compile a list of books they want to read. After taking a respite in July and August, the group reconvenes in September and begins hosting monthly meetings.

There are no dues and hardly any rules, group members say.

The group is open to both men and women. The only expense is postage for an annual newsletter containing the year’s reading schedule.

The Craig Book Club isn’t a free ride through literary history, though.

Group members take turns providing refreshments and leading book discussions. This month was Rogers’ turn.

On Thursday, six of the club’s dozen or so members sit around a table temporarily set in Downtown Books, this month’s host site. They listen as Rogers describes the historical background of the book lying before them on the table.

The book: “Ramona,” a 19th century novel by Helen Hunt Jackson. The 300-some-page novel depicts the Native Americans’ plight in westward-expanding America, Rogers said.

Initially, the book’s inconsistencies and antiquated style were “frustrating,” she said.

Wyman held a different opinion.

For her, the book was a welcome change from modern novels she is reading.

“I thought it was refreshing,” Wyman said.

In Rogers’ opinion, the group provides “intellectual stimulation” and “culture” to the community — qualities that “keep us alive and growing.”

“I can’t imagine my life without these things,” she said.

Rogers, an 11-year Craig resident who is retired, began coming to club meetings a year and a half ago. She constructed her post-retirement schedule around the book club’s monthly meetings.

“It’s a wonderful bunch of people,” Rogers said, looking around the table.

Jan Rinker, one of the club’s original members, agrees.

“We have a good time,” she said.

Bridget Manley can be reached at 824-7031, ext. 207 or bmanley@craigdailypress.com