Mike Conklin
Over the years I’ve started two book clubs. The first began meeting monthly in members’ homes. The second club, with members scattered about the U.S. and Europe, is a monthly Zoom affair.
The first club became so popular it outgrew its format for a venue. This became obvious to me when, early in our existence, 22 people showed for a discussion in a residence. We needed to put a hold on new members and ween out deadwood.
There would be no new faces the remainder of the year, I ruled in September. No exceptions.
Then, at the end of the year, I would assess attendance. At the same time we’d search for a permanent venue---library, community center, museum, etc,---to accommodate our growing roster.
Not long after my plan was agreed upon, our upcoming book, “Battle of Ink & Ice,” was to be discussed in wife Diane and my home. It is a marvelous book about North Pole exploration and perfect for the book club.
Several days beforehand I got a call from one of our newer members, John Ormsby. Our conversation went like this.
John: Mike, I know you’re trying to hold the line on membership, but I’ve got a friend I think would make a good member.
Me: Gee, I don’t know. We’re pretty crowded.
John: Well, he heard what we’re reading, and it turns out he’s actually been to the North Pole. He’d like to join our group and become a member.
Me: Been to the North Pole. That’s interesting. Who is it?
John: Jim Lovell
Me: (in a New York second): We’ll make room.
Authors signing books may not be all that rare, but when it turns out he’s an Apollo 13 astronaut who’s been to the moon twice, North Pole and, as we learned, the South Pole, it’s special.
My long tenure as a columnist and feature writer at the Chicago Tribune had brought me in direct contact with many high-profile figures. Jimmy Carter, Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan, Rachel Robinson, Gerald Ford, Willie Mays, Hillary Clinton, Eugene McCarthy, Billie Jean King, Pele, Mickey Mantle quickly come to mind.
Nothing tops hosting an Apollo 13 astronaut. I had to get his autograph.