Bonding Beyond the Gym

Tom Schober has been a member of the Y for 35 years. After surviving a heart attack 19 years ago at age 57, he was determined to prioritize his health. He began early morning workouts but found himself easily bored. To pass the time, he’d bring a book to read while on the treadmill or stationary bike.

Noticing others doing the same, he struck up a conversation, and a book club was born. The group started 12 years ago with five men who didn’t know each other well but quickly bonded over their shared love of reading. Though membership has shifted over the years, the club’s enthusiasm for books remains as strong as ever. Over the years, the group has read more than 125 books, exploring historical fiction, WWII narratives, political histories, and thrillers by authors like Stieg Larsson and John Grisham.

The group meets monthly, often gathering at the Lumber Inn, but in the summer, they enjoy discussing books aboard pontoon boats. One memorable side trip took them to the Leopold Cabin along the Wisconsin River after reading a book about conservationist Aldo Leopold.
“I never would have gotten into a book club if we hadn’t happened to see each other at the Y,” Tom says. The club has become a cornerstone of both his social life and his reading journey. And for anyone interested, he says, “You’re welcome to join us”!