If you’re a regular at the Caughlin Ranch Moxie’s in Reno, you’ll likely stumble across the RGM book club one day. Books and food on the table. Wine, of course. And, for the teetotalers, tea. If you sit nearby, you’ll certainly hear them sharing parenting and relationship advice, often laughing, sometimes crying. Sit long enough, and you might even hear them discuss their monthly book club pick. About a decade ago, the group formed while their kids attended Roy Gomm Elementary. Their nests are slowly emptying as their children—scattered in middle schools, high schools, and colleges—grow independent. Younger parents at the elementary school have surely formed other book clubs, but this group continues to call itself the “Roy Gomm Moms” (RGM) book club. After all, Gomm brought them together. And somehow, as new members replaced founding members, Gomm remains a touchstone. 

At twelve large, the group is the perfect size for discussion while allowing each member a yearly selection. Their de-facto leader is Nigar Kavlicoglu, one of the group’s original members and “the one who brings the discussion questions.” 

Like any self-respecting book club, conversation is generally ten-percent book, ninety-percent life; without Nigar (who also happens to be a globe-trotting mechanical engineer specializing in cryogenic pumps), conversation might be one-percent book, ninety-nine percent life. There are three area educators in the troupe. Marilyn Knuth, “the one who chooses the hardest reads,” teaches fourth grade at Caughlin Ranch Elementary. Also at Caughlin Elementary is Carolyn Raydon, an art teacher who is “the one who picks the beachiest reads.” Kim Allison, “the one who favors thrilling page-turners,” works with students diagnosed with ASD at Huffaker Elementary. 

Another three members are trained counselors. Christine Kaplan, “the one who prefers a paper copy,” specializes in ADHD management and runs her own practice, CKC. Jamie Beidle, “the one who reads the audiobook,” has recently graduated from UNR and is starting her internship in family counseling. And Christina Jackson, “the one who always reads via Kindle,” hopes to one day return to the field. A few other businesswomen make up their ranks. Joelle Jay, “the one who arrives early,” is a sought-after leadership consultant for Fortune 500 companies. Karen Sacherman, once a Peace Corps volunteer and “the one who hasn’t finished the book,” was a massage therapist at her own company in Kirkwood for years. Mirie Linton, “the one who never shows up,” is a busy real estate agent, making a name for herself at LPT Realty. 

To round out the group are two who almost certainly read the book. Lanie Jaffe, a former speech pathologist at WCSD, is “the one who makes everyone laugh.” And Nanda Reddy, a former teacher and writer, forever running late, is “the one who brings up the other books she read that month.” The group’s varied tastes lead them to read widely—from sci-fi to literary fiction, romances to sciencey non-fiction. Often, they disagree on a book’s merit, which makes for lively discussion. But recently, they’ve all agreed on one thing: March’s pick will be A Girl Within A Girl Within A Girl! The novel, by their very own Nanda Reddy, will be published on March 4, 2025 by Zibby Books. Thrilled to have an author in their midst, the group members are among Nanda’s most ardent supporters. 

Close-knit, the members often meet outside of their monthly bookclub. They hike, take in shows, and gather for spontaneous happy hours at local eateries like Whispering Vine and Casa Grande. But in March, they’re planning a bigger trip. To cheer on Nanda during her book tour, the group hopes to take on New York City together! 

If you’d like to support this group’s breakout author, consider hosting Nanda for your own bookclub or attending the book’s launch party in March. For details, visit the author’s website, www.nandareddy.com, where she can be contacted. The novel is currently available for preorder anywhere books are sold and can be requested at the library in person or online via Libby. A common love for books brought the RGM bookclub together, but a common affection for each other has kept them glued. This group lifts each other up during hard times and celebrates each other’s successes wildly. Look in Stroll for this group’s monthly book recommendation, based on a long, shared reading history.