Let’s Chat: A novel idea to stomp out loneliness

By Linda Tooth on December 10, 2025.

When I started my book club a few years ago my goal was to bring friends together, share some food and discuss books we have read. Being a very social person with like-minded friends, this type of activity is a win for us, but as I mentioned last week, loneliness is affecting many Canadians and I want to offer this book club called A Novel Idea as a way for people to come together and take part in meaningful conversations about books. Who knows? New and lasting friendships might just happen.

Our book for January is Unsaid by Neil Abramson. Published in 2011, Abramson takes us into the world of a deceased veterinarian who is narrating the story as her husband comes to grips with her death while trying to save a chimpanzee called Cindy.

A few of the themes of this story are the power of communication, animal rights and human-animal bonds. For those who know me, these three things are very important in my life. One would think I chose this book, but I did not and I am thankful to a book club member who did.

I am excited to read this story over the Christmas holidays.

We know that after the Christmas holidays are over, we tend to suffer the January blues. The weather tends to be snowy and cold, and we get into a funk.

One thing we can do to fix that is engage in activities and look for connections.

According to the Strathcona County Library there are five benefits of belonging to a book club. The first is social connections. By being social you will sharpen your memory and cognitive skills and this can lead to increased happiness.

The second benefit is it forces you to read. You can put the stresses of life aside and relax by reading.

Broadening your horizons is the third benefit. We read a variety of genres and you never know what new world you might discover.

Hearing new perspectives with healthy conversations and sharing your love of books round out the fourth and fifth benefits of a book club.

If this book and a chance to get out of your house in January sounds appealing, think about joining us Saturday, Jan. 3 at the Redcliff Public Library from 1:30-4 p.m. The only things required are to have read the book, bring a snack and be ready to have conversations with people who love to read.

After my initial article appeared last week, a woman reached out to me to share her story on loneliness. She is a 65-year-old widow living on her own in Medicine Hat.

While at the mall food court having lunch one day a young boy sat down at the table next to her and initiated a conversation by saying hello and asking how her day was.

They had quite a conversation, and when he left with his mother he wished her well. This boy left the woman feeling “lighter,” she said. She told me that “a friendly hello and smile” are so powerful.

To that young boy and his mom who clearly has done a fantastic job in raising him, thank you for making this woman feel a little lighter as she navigates a world without her husband.

Have a Meowtastic Day and keep reading!

Linda Tooth is a philanthropy and youth support worker, YMCA of Southeastern Alberta