A Massive Achievement
Even though I liked the idea of joining a book group, I had to think long and hard when I was invited to join. The thought of reading about economics didn’t appeal to me. But despite my reservations, I decided to join the group. I am pleased that I did. I now have a better understanding of economics and its role in the climate crisis.
Doughnut Economics was not the easiest of books to read. For sure I would have quit ages ago if Melissa didn’t set up the group the way she did. At our first meeting, she made it clear that there was no expert, that we were all in it together and would learn from each other, that given our class backgrounds (raised poor and working class) we would not have been encouraged to read books like this, that we would face a lot of distress associated with reading.
She was right. There were times when I found the book so difficult that I would take a break for a day or two before going back to read some part of a chapter. This meant that I never finished the chapter before the next group meeting. However, I always felt that the main thing was that I was reading and was able to contribute to the discussion. Also, right from the beginning we were encouraged to pair up with someone in the group to call on for sessions and support, which made a difference to me.
At every meeting each of us would be given time to talk about the chapter. Once we’d all had a turn, we would have the opportunity to add more. Toward the end of the meeting Melissa would encourage us to read the next chapter, reminding us that to get as far as we had was a massive achievement. Then we would close with an appreciation.
Thanks to Melissa and the group, it really was a massive achievement for me not only to remain in the group but to get to the end of it. I dare say that I am looking forward to the next book—after a well-earned break.
Coventry, West Midlands, England
(Present Time 205, October 2021)