The best man

Chapter 5

As Mr. Jenkins finished his heartfelt toast, the warmth in the room transformed into a buzz of excitement. Everyone began taking their seats, the cozy library filled with the sound of chairs scraping against the wooden floor and light chatter. I settled into my chair, glancing around at the familiar faces, all eager to dive into our first book discussion.

Ethan stood at the front of the circle, a spark of enthusiasm in his eyes. "Okay, everyone, now that we've had our toast, let's get to the fun part! We need to decide on our first book to read together this season." His voice was warm and inviting, making it easy for everyone to engage.

He pulled out a small notebook and pen, ready to jot down any suggestions. "I'd love to hear your ideas! Is there a book that resonates with you or one you've always wanted to read?"

A few hands shot up, and discussions about various titles began to flow. As the suggestions bounced around the room, I felt my heart race at the thought of choosing something that could inspire us all.

Then, Ethan paused and turned to me with a curious smile. "Lily, what about you? Is there a book that's been on your mind?"

I thought for a moment, recalling a book that had been suggested to me before. "What about *Life After Life* by Kate Atkinson?" I said, feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness. "It explores the themes of choices, regrets, and the possibilities of different lives we could lead. It might resonate with some of us, especially those of us going through changes or trying to figure out our paths."

Ethan nodded thoughtfully, his interest piqued. "That sounds like a fantastic choice! It deals with the idea of growth and finding one's way through life, which seems relevant, especially with everything we're all experiencing."

A few people chimed in, expressing their enthusiasm for the idea. "I've heard great things about that book!" one woman said, her eyes sparkling with interest. "And it sounds like it could spark some really deep conversations."

Ethan raised a hand to quiet the group. "Now, just to clarify, today won't be the day we dive into the reading. I want everyone to take some time to explore the book on your own. Let it sink in, see how it resonates with you personally. We can come back in two days to share our thoughts and start our discussion."

The group nodded in agreement, and I felt a wave of relief wash over me. It was nice to have time to reflect on the book and consider how it related to my own experiences.

As the conversation flowed, I couldn't shake the feeling that *Life After Life* perfectly mirrored my journey. Just as Ursula navigated her many lives based on the choices she made, I was beginning to confront the choices in my own life, particularly regarding my relationships with Conor and Ethan. The prospect of diving into a story that echoed my struggles gave me a sense of hope as we prepared to delve into a book that resonated so deeply with my own path toward self-discovery.