Today we continue our new series on book clubs in our region.

In the case of “The Red Door Readers,” it’s all about the healing power of books.

Jennie Stockslager of New Lebanon says her own difficult cancer journey has been aided by reading and discussing inspirational and informative books with friends and family.

Stockslager, who has had four recurrences of cancer since her original diagnosis, believes it’s not only the chemotherapy, surgery and radiation that have helped her survive but is convinced that opening her mind to new ways of thinking about cancer has been important as well —both mentally and physically.

She figured others could benefit from a book group as well and took the idea to two area organizations that offer free holistic support to cancer survivors: the Cancer Support Community in Kettering and the Noble Circle Project.

The two groups are now co-sponsoring the monthly, “The Red Door Readers” meetings. Eleven people attended last week’s first session. Stockslager says that the first book discussed —“Dying to Be Me” by Anita Moorjani — received a 4.7 out of five rating from the group.

“The discussion was very enlightening,” she says. “We hope the new club will prove to be an avenue for more people to find ways to thrive beyond their diagnoses.”

* * *

WHO: The Red Door Readers

WHERE/WHEN THEY MEET: At the “Red Door” entrance of the Cancer Support Community, 4801 Hempstead Station, Kettering. Third Tuesday of month, 11:30a.m.-1:30 p.m., Brown Bag. Bring lunch; drinks provided.

WHAT ARE THEY READING: Fiction and non-fiction. Books that enhance personal growth, self-development or spiritual well-being. Books that assist the reader in the ability to “remember our magnificence,” a line from Anita Moorjani’s “Dying to Be Me.”

GROUP HISTORY: The newly-formed club met for the first time on Tuesday, Oct. 16. The group is led by volunteer facilitators, all of whom are members of Noble Circle, a community of women “thriving beyond their cancer diagnoses” (www.noblecircle.org) and/ or The Cancer Support Community (www.cancersupportwesternohio.org)

FORMAT: Members are asked to come prepared for discussion and to bring a “brown bag” to enjoy during the meeting. Group facilitators oversee an informal discussion of the book, asking members to rate the book at the end of the meeting.

QUOTES FROM MEMBERS:

“Enjoyed every minute of it. Such deep sharing, such great discussion!” Zella Cook, New Lebanon

“I am excited to be able to read life-affirming books that I may not otherwise have known about and have the opportunity to discuss with such a magnificent group of women.” Mary Miller, Yellow Springs

UPCOMING SCHEDULE: On Nov. 20, the group will read “Heal Your Life” by Louise Hay. “It was chosen because it made such an impact on the healing journey of the facilitators who had read it prior to the club,” explains Stockslager. “It also lays a basic foundation for a different way of thinking about healing and well being.”

Other books on the schedule include:

Dec. 18: “Embrace, Release, Heal” by Leigh Fortson

Jan. 15: “The Art of Racing in the Rain” by Garth Stein

ADVICE FOR STARTING A BOOK CLUB: Share the vision with like-minded people, establish criteria, set a calendar, and enlist volunteers to facilitate. Prepare by reading the book and critical reviews. Attend meetings with an open mind, an open heart, and a willingness to embrace new ways of thinking.

OPEN TO NEW MEMBERS: Potential members must be enrolled as a member of Cancer Support Community, which involves completing a short registration form. CSC members may be anyone living with a cancer diagnosis or supporting someone with a diagnosis. Membership is free.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.noblecircle.org or www.cancersupportwesternohio.org

Call (937) 223-4117.