Talk about multitasking!  Make your book club a walking book club!  Instead of loading up on treats, you’ll be stimulating your social and mental sides while getting some exercise.  Of course, outdoors would be best, but walking and talking in the mall on nasty days would work too.  With this economy, you won’t be fighting any crowds.  This might also cut down on the person who talks too much – speed up to talk to the two ladies in front and leave her in the dust.  Periodic stops at benches could catch everyone up if the group has splintered.