Karen Saunders on Books, Book Clubs & Belonging

Season 3 Episode 34: Karen Saunders on Books, Book Clubs & Belonging “A book, too, can be a star, a living fire to lighten the darkness, leading out into the expanding universe.” Madeleine L’Engle Welcome to Tea Toast & Trivia. Thank you for listening in. I am your host Rebecca Budd, and I am looking forward to sharing this moment with you. I am delighted and thrilled that my long-time friend, Karen Saunders, has joined me on Tea Toast & Trivia to discuss how book clubs build compassionate communities and encourage life-long learning. Karen called New Brunswick home. That is, until her family decided to settle on the other side of Canada in North Vancouver, British Columbia.  Karen is passionate about literature, languages, and books.  She attended the University of Victoria and graduated in 1979 with a Bachelor of Arts, a double major in English Literature and French Language.  In 1983, Karen obtained a Master of Library Science from McGill University, Montréal, QC.   During all her studies, she married the love her of life, Patrick. Patrick’s medical training and Navy career gave Karen the opportunity to experience the breadth of Canada.  Moving from Montreal to Vancouver, to Halifax, then Victoria and back to Langley, British Columbia, while raising three children and running a successful small business, her life has been full of adventure. At 50, Karen recognized a call to ordained ministry and spent four years in training for the role of a Deacon in the Anglican Church of Canada.  Nine years have passed since her ordination, each year offering her opportunities to participate in ministries involving education, liturgical services, and pastoral care. Karen embraces life with enthusiasm and is open to new possibilities. An avid reader since the age of three, she believes books and book clubs bring people together to learn, to explore and find belonging. So put the kettle on and add to this discussion on Tea Toast & Trivia. A special thank you, Karen, for sharing how book clubs offer friendship and a place of belonging. Thank you for joining Karen and me on “Tea Toast & Trivia. “ This is your invitation to join the conversation. We look forward to your thoughts on reading, books, books clubs, belonging and community. Until next time we meet, dear friends, keep safe and be well.