INTEREST GROUPS
May 2026
One Hundred Eight Books and Several Murders: Who lives, who dies, who decides?
Unbookers discuss death, threat of death, violence, and moral crisis
By Diana Oreck
Chuck Webster
April 6, 2026. Fourteen Unbookers met in the Manzano room. The books were surprisingly dark. Rebecca noticed, "Every single one of us, except for Doug and perhaps Bill, is talking about death and dying and killing, whether they be memoir, political, or historical. Our fascination as human beings with killing each other is absolutely scary." She’s right!
Some of the books reviewed are listed here.
Diana reported on The Passengers, John Marrs’ novel about mandatory driverless cars, in which a jury of the public determines who lives and who dies. Diana rarely reads science fiction, but gives it five stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Milagro Beanfield War, by John Nichols, a much-loved New Mexico author who passed in 2023, is about a one-acre field of beans, whose irrigation sets into motion a dramatic cascade of events. Bill gives it five stars for social relevance, but the writing does not seem as good as when he first read it decades ago. Ultimately, he gives it four stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rebecca spoke about Close to Death, by Anthony Horowitz. It’s an easy, engaging murder mystery, a real page-turner. But, reporting last, she can’t help but reflect on why death is such a recurring theme. Calling Doctor Freud!
“The aim of all life is death” — Sigmund Freud
Our next Unbook Club meeting is Monday, May 6, at 10:00 a.m. in the Manzano Room.
Mirehaven Craft Beer Book Swap Happy Hour: Cliffhangers and Hangovers: Where literature met lager
Story and photo by Chuck Webster
Editors Note: Fiction and nonfiction can be found in paper books, digitally on devices, spoken and dramatized in audio. This story is digitally written, and for those who want, it is read by the author. To listen, click the orange button below. Chuck's reading is 3.35 minutes
April 8, 2026. The Mirehaven Craft Beer Interest Group hosted a Book Swap Happy Hour in the Amenity Center’s Manzano Room. Fifty-eight books sought new owners. (That’s 0.00000232 of The Library of Congress. Feel free to check my math!)
Why would the Mirehaven Craft Beer Interest Group host a book swap?
Well, Sam Guevara recently posted to the Craft Beer Interest Group the following answer to that famous riddle:
What do beer and books have in common?
They’re both five letters, both start with B, both boast a proud double vowel, and both are best when well-crafted; they have body, character, and a satisfying finish. They can be light, dark, bitter, sweet, dry, or full-bodied. You can judge them by their cover (you shouldn’t, but you do), savor the opening, linger over the middle, and debate the ending. They’re found in pubs and published, enjoyed in good company, and occasionally taken too far. They’re drafted, redrafted, and sometimes just called a draft. They can be banned, reviewed, rated, and recommended. They’re shelved and cellared. They inspire tastings and readings, pairings and parings. They can be intoxicating, transporting, and liable to leave you a little hazy on details the next morning. They reward patience, improve with age (sometimes), and are often better the second time around. They’re discussed with great authority by people who may or may not know what they’re talking about. They can be crisp or dense, refreshing or heavy, easygoing or challenging. They invite you to take notes. They’re enjoyed solo but thrive in clubs (especially Unbook Clubs). They’re borrowed, traded, and swapped. They’re filtered or unfiltered, edited or unedited, and sometimes just a bit rough around the edges. They can be classics, cult favorites, or guilty pleasures. They build worlds and communities. They can’t be rushed but can be consumed in one sitting. They’re best when shared, worse when flat, and unforgettable when they really hit. They both lead to lines like “just one more,” and both are notoriously hard to put down. They offer cliffhangers and hangovers. They turn strangers into friends and evenings into stories. They can be over the top. They’re measured in volumes. They inspire flights of fancy and flights of refreshment. They have spines and they have head. They can go flat, fall flat, or land perfectly. They’re subject to criticism, over analysis, and enthusiastic rambling. They make excellent gifts and even better conversations. They can be devoured, sipped, skimmed, or savored. They sometimes leave you with a lingering aftertaste or a lasting impression, and at their very best, they remind you why you showed up in the first place.
Creative Journaling
Photos by Natalie Tanenbaum, Story by Paul Tanenbaum, Read by Kim Hafermalz
Editor's note: Journaling uses all creative forms, even audio and video recordings. In that spirit, this story is read and recorded as well as printed. Click the orange button to listen. Listening time 2:00 minutes
April 8, 2026. One of the newest interest groups at Mirehaven is Creative Journaling which meets at the Amenity Center on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 3:15 p.m. Journaling can be educational, mind healing, and fun. On the other hand, journaling can feel overwhelming, demanding and complicated. This interest group can help alleviate some of the challenges while strengthening the process and enjoyment.
Nawassa Hooks is the group's founder, leader, and facilitator. She has been journaling for several years, using available methods. The overall vision for the Creative Journaling group is to learn and share journaling ideas while preserving memories. As Hooks explains “It’s all about putting like-minded people together, brainstorming, providing support to help each other, and having fun.”
For the group’s first formal get together, a meditation and relaxation exercise was led by Cathleen Elle. After feeling more relaxed, each member stated what they were currently doing, and what they wanted to learn. There are many different types and styles of journaling, so there is something for everyone. Bring your desires, ideas, and any journaling materials you may already have. All are welcome.
*Hover over the photos to see who they are.*
Chess Interest Group
Photo and story by Paul Tanenbaum
Chess Interest Group members
Apr 10, 2026. The Mirehaven Chess Interest Group was formed over four years ago by Yixin Zhang. The popularity of this interest group is growing with new members who have a lot of enthusiasm for the game. The cordial group meets in the Cottonwood room every Friday at 1:00 p.m.
There are now approximately 10 regular members, and folks who like to occasionally play are welcome. The club meeting has a mellow vibe that covers the silent desire of its members to win. That’s the thing about chess, all you need to succeed is a keen mind, a willingness to learn, and a competitive spirit.
As a member put it “We have all levels of experience here. Some are very experienced having played regularly since high school; others have started not that long ago, while some just want to play intermittently whenever they feel like playing a few games of chess.” The interest group also plays at the West Mesa Community Center on most Saturdays from 9am to 2pm, and all are welcome to participate.
If chess is your game and you like to play competitively, or if you like to play just for the fun of it, the Mirehaven Chess Interest Group is for you. You can also come by, watch, and learn if you are interested.
The Joy of Reading
Photo by Teresa Lange Reinhard
Book Club at Mirehaven Estates
By Teresa Lange Reinhard
April 20, 2026. Resident Janet Malta organizes and hosts a monthly book club for the Mirehaven Estates community. The club gathers on the third Monday of every month at 5:30 p.m. in the Cottonwood room. These meetings provide residents with a welcoming environment to engage in discussions about selected literary works.
At the most recent gathering, members explored the historical fiction novel The Wind Leaves No Shadow by Ruth Laughlin. The book focuses on the life of Maria Gertrudis Barceló, more commonly known as Doña Tules. Doña Tules was celebrated for owning and managing a fashionable and popular gambling establishment in Santa Fe during the early nineteenth century. As a highly successful businesswoman and professional Monte Card dealer, she gained widespread recognition throughout the Southwest.
For the upcoming May meeting, the club has selected The Last Crossing by Guy Vanderhaeghe. Set in the late nineteenth-century American and Canadian West, the novel is renowned for its vivid depiction of the western frontier, complex characters, and exploration of themes such as revenge, love, and cultural clashes between Europe and the frontier. The Last Crossing has received several honors, including the 2004 “Canada Reads” award and other Canadian literary recognitions.
The book club places a strong emphasis on selecting works that have been recognized with distinguished literary awards. Among the honors considered are the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, Nobel Prize in Literature, Booker Prize, National Book Award, Hugo Award, and Women’s Prize for Fiction. This approach ensures that participants explore notable and acclaimed literature.
Residents interested in participating are encouraged to attend. The club meets on the third Monday at 5:30 p.m. For more details, including upcoming book titles and meeting dates, please visit www.estatesatmirehaven.com.
Showing Art Outside the Community
Story by Cathy Carter, Photos by Tena Jone
April 25, 2026. The Artworks Interest Group today moved out of the community to the Ladera Golf Course to show the work of resident artists and community member. Lupe Garcia organized the show. She said there were sixteen artists, plus two bakers, including a significant number of artists from the Albuquerque community.
Some of the artists talked about why doing the show is important to them. Work from some of the Mirehaven artists are pictured below.
“My name is Michelle D’Amour. I’m an oil painter. This is my second year at Ladera Art Show. The reason I come here is I get to meet new people and see some friends that come by. It’s a wonderful event.”
Garcia said there are a lot of details in setting up the show including “Sending out information to the artists, finding out about their media, setting up the tables.” She added that the show is “always fun.”
Carmen Caswell is a potter who said she had been doing pottery since she was very young but put it down after starting a family. Forty-five years later she has picked it up again and it is her passion.
Christine and Sharon were visiting the show to support their neighbors. They each thought the show was terrific and the work was “fabulous.”
An overview of the show
Michelle D'Amour, oil paintings.
Don Rumley, watercolor paintings
Baking for Mirehaven Gives Back
Carment Caswell, Pottery