BABBLING BOOKS

Tigerlily · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 12:58 pm Post subject: Book Groups Thread

For those of us in actual book groups. Post what your group's reading here and swap notes with other group members. Also post any info and tips you come across that might be useful for others in book groups.

Also see the 'book groups info' thread for advice on setting up a group.

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Reading: Miss Smilla's Feeling for Snow by Peter Hoeg
Reading Challenge 2009: 8
2008: 4
2007: 10

Mazzystar · Posted: Sat Sep 08, 2007 11:23 pm Post subject:

First book our Cheltenham based group is reading is 'So many ways to begin' by Jon Mcgregor.

I was pleased to see that this author is also discussing this book at the Cheltenham Literature festival the week after our meeting is held. Will definately try to get our group some tickets.
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My Swap List
Currently reading: Other people's children - Joanna Trollope
Challenge books read: 5

Mazzystar · Posted: Wed Oct 10, 2007 3:55 pm Post subject:

Hello, just a quick update from my book group.

We've now met a few times, once to generally discuss the workings of the group, next to see 'Atonement' at the cinema together (which I loved!), then to discuss Jon McGregor's 'So Many Ways to Begin' and then last night to go to the literature festival to meet Jon McGregor and hear him talk about that book.

Our next books to be read and discussed are:

Suite Francaise - Irene Nemirovsky
Great Apes - Will Self
Fiela's Child - Dalene Matthee
Eleanor Rigby - Douglas Coupland
Spot of Bother - Mark Haddon
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My Swap List
Currently reading: Other people's children - Joanna Trollope
Challenge books read: 5

Tigerlily · Posted: Wed Oct 10, 2007 5:06 pm Post subject:

It's great to hear you're enjoying your new book group Jen. Which literature festival did you go to?
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Reading: Miss Smilla's Feeling for Snow by Peter Hoeg
Reading Challenge 2009: 8
2008: 4
2007: 10

Mazzystar · Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2007 10:22 am Post subject:

It was the Cheltenham Literature Festival x
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My Swap List
Currently reading: Other people's children - Joanna Trollope
Challenge books read: 5

Mazzystar · Posted: Fri Mar 14, 2008 12:01 pm Post subject:

Book Group Update ... it's been a mixed bunch so far.

So Many Ways to Begin – Jon Mcgregor (October)
Suite Francaise – Irene Nemirovsky (November)
A Spot of Bother – Mark Haddon (December)
Eleanor Rigby – Douglas Coupland (January)
Great Apes – Will Self (February)
Feila’s Child – Dalene Matthee (March)

In coming months we are reading:

Mister Pip - Lloyd Jones (April)
A Thousand Splendid Suns - Khaled Hosseini (May)
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My Swap List
Currently reading: Other people's children - Joanna Trollope
Challenge books read: 5

Tigerlily · Posted: Fri Mar 14, 2008 12:57 pm Post subject:

Some interesting choices there Mazzy. Thanks for posting.
_________________
Reading: Miss Smilla's Feeling for Snow by Peter Hoeg
Reading Challenge 2009: 8
2008: 4
2007: 10

annecater · Posted: Fri Mar 14, 2008 1:38 pm Post subject:

A Spot of Bother – Mark Haddon (December) - I really enjoyed this one

Mister Pip - Lloyd Jones (April) - I wasnt so keen on this, but I know I'm in the minority

A Thousand Splendid Suns - Khaled Hosseini (May) - wonderful read, this will go on to become a classic
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Currently reading: The Tent The Bucket and Me by Emma Kennedy and Granny The Pag by Nina Bawden

1001 Challenge Books read in 2009 - 3
1001 Challenge Books read in 2008 - 8
1001 Challenge Books read in 2007 - 13

Tigerlily · Posted: Sat Apr 26, 2008 9:22 pm Post subject:

20% off books for your book group at Borders.

http://www.bordersstores.co.uk/_a...letters/_vouchers/bbg/voucher.htm

Offer expires 30th April 2008. Must buy at least 3 of the same book.

Also, just launched - Borders Book Group. Whether you're already a member of a book group and meet in one of our stores to discuss your chosen title over a cup of coffee, or perhaps just looking for inspiration for your next read, Borders Book Group has something for everyone!

Every month we'll choose a selection of books we think everyone should try and with these titles you'll get the following:

Exclusive discounts on our monthly feature titles.

Borders Book Group offer - if you're buying for your group get your copy free!

Extras such as author interviews, synopses and reading guides.

See other people's reviews of our monthly selection and leave your own review.

http://www.bordersstores.co.uk/borders-book-group/
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Reading: Miss Smilla's Feeling for Snow by Peter Hoeg
Reading Challenge 2009: 8
2008: 4
2007: 10

Tigerlily · Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2008 9:00 am Post subject:

Recommended books for reading groups - to stimulate discussion:

http://www.orionbooks.co.uk/promo...ooks%20for%20Reading%20Groups.htm
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Reading: Miss Smilla's Feeling for Snow by Peter Hoeg
Reading Challenge 2009: 8
2008: 4
2007: 10

annecater · Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2008 10:55 pm Post subject:

I found this article on the Picador Blog - thought it was interesting:

I’ve often pondered the phenomenon of the rise of the reading group. I’m a member of one myself and look forward to my monthly opportunity to mouth off over a large glass of wine hugely.

We all know about the impact of Richard and Judy’s Book Club and ‘the Oprah Effect’. And, as someone who presents books to retailers for a living, I often resort to bleating, as I brandish our latest Next Big Thing: ‘It’s perfect for reading groups! It’s got issues in it!’ But despite all this I still can’t claim to understand exactly why numbers of book groups have exploded so much over the last few years: there are now an estimated 20 million book club members in the USA, a number which has doubled in size in the last eight years.

So I was relieved when Michelle Harrison from the Henley Centre spoke at the Booksellers Association conference last month. Their researchers have identified a sharp cultural shift away from ‘me time’ towards ‘we time.’ In an age where we live further away from our families, work longer hours, and have less old-fashioned human contact than ever before, people are redressing the balance by seeking out more collective experiences. If you’ve been to see Sex and the City over the last couple of weeks you’ll know what I mean – it’s incredible to hear 500 women gasp simultaneously at the sight of Carrie’s made-to-measure wardrobe. (I know, I know – but it is truly beautiful.)

It’s also the case that in a long-tail society that’s overwhelmed with choices we all crave more guidance about what to read. Being in a group that makes decisions together or works through the classics provides just that.

A brilliant initiative in Liverpool called Get into Reading runs reading groups which are explicitly designed to be therapeutic: they boost the self-esteem of their members, reduce social isolation, and, as Blake Morrison wrote in the Guardian earlier this year, are ‘an attempt to see whether reading can alleviate pain or mental distress.’

So when social trends are combined with the feel-good factor of reading and the age-old satisfaction of debate, it’s really not such a surprise that book groups are booming. Meanwhile, I’m going to screw up my courage and admit that I didn’t like Little Women at my next meeting. Pray for me: I may not emerge alive.
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Currently reading: The Tent The Bucket and Me by Emma Kennedy and Granny The Pag by Nina Bawden

1001 Challenge Books read in 2009 - 3
1001 Challenge Books read in 2008 - 8
1001 Challenge Books read in 2007 - 13

Tigerlily · Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2008 11:18 pm Post subject:

That's really interesting Anne. There definitely has been a huge cultural shift over here, mainly since the BBC's Big Read campaign in 2003. Prior to that, no one talked about book groups so it didn't cross my mind to look to join one. It never crossed my mind that reading could be anything but a solitary pursuit, unless you studied Eng Lit. That's why I've studied it at A level so many times - because I wanted to meet likeminded people, discuss books & broaden my reading horizons. I remember thinking if only I didn't have to write the essays

Then came the Big Read and everyone was suddenly talking books. I had a baby, wanted some me time so set up the reading group in Leeds, which has been great. I set up another in Bradford as I had, and still have, so many people interested in joining, but I never attended, just got the ball rolling for them. There are people who get paid to do this in America

My oh's forever telling me off for being involved in things that don't pay, but I love meeting people and getting together to chat about books, and I've met so many lovely people and made some great friends. Bloody hell this is starting to sound like an award ceremony speech. And now I'm getting the opportunity to meet authors in person and put my questions to them online.

Coming up for air now...golly, so much has changed over the last 5 years. Reading has become more of a shared & social pursuit. If I were still at uni, I'd base my dissertation on it

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Reading: Miss Smilla's Feeling for Snow by Peter Hoeg
Reading Challenge 2009: 8
2008: 4
2007: 10

eightlegs · Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2008 7:27 am Post subject:

Sounds like a PhD plan to me Glynis!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You could try Watersontes as a sponsor

Tigerlily · Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2008 11:36 am Post subject:

Blummin eck I could, couldn't I? I know lots of people I could interview. Oh it'd be fab

_________________
Reading: Miss Smilla's Feeling for Snow by Peter Hoeg
Reading Challenge 2009: 8
2008: 4
2007: 10

Karen · Posted: Fri Nov 21, 2008 2:58 pm Post subject:

Not sure if this is the correct place to post this but I am just so excited that I need to tell someone - only tend to see my husband on a day to day basis and telling him is a bit boring! After a year of seeing virtually no-one I went along to a lunch thing and found out about a book club right here on my doorstep. Since we are a very transigent community they have had a sudden dip in numbers so I got invited along to their next meeting in a couple of weeks time. I just need to track down Written on the Body by Jeanette Winterson which is their current book. I have only seen a dramatisation of her book Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit I have not acutally read any of her work but I am expecting it to be a challenging and interesting read.

Karen · Posted: Fri Nov 21, 2008 2:59 pm Post subject:

Not sure if this is the correct place to post this but I am just so excited that I need to tell someone - only tend to see my husband on a day to day basis and telling him is a bit boring! After a year of seeing virtually no-one I went along to a lunch thing and found out about a book club right here on my doorstep. Since we are a very transigent community they have had a sudden dip in numbers so I got invited along to their next meeting in a couple of weeks time. I just need to track down Written on the Body by Jeanette Winterson which is their current book. I have only seen a dramatisation of her book Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit I have not acutally read any of her work but I am expecting it to be a challenging and interesting read.

eightlegs · Posted: Fri Nov 21, 2008 7:32 pm Post subject:

How wonderful Karen, always nice when there is something you are really interested in nearby, and it's not got a waiting list!! (Some book groups have, I believe)

I have read Oranges and Sexing the Cherry by Jeanette Winterson and enjoyed both but also read another that was decidedly strange - and obviously not memorable because I have no idea what it's called. Might be worth putting a speical wanted post with the book name in the title for people who don't get to look in every section, or are you on Read It Swap It, I'm sure you'd find it there (even though Winterson attacked RISI as we are sharing books without her getting any royalties!! Hee, hee, makes me want to swap her books even more.)

Good luck with getting it anyway, and let us know how you get on with the book group.

katey · Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 9:36 am Post subject:

Any more tips for running a reading group? The one I have set up meets for the first time next month.

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Katey
xxx

Books 01.09- 18 (5)
Books 02.09- 12 (4)
Books 03.09- 9 (1)
Books 04.09- 3 (0)
Books 05.09- 3(0)
Books 06.09- 8(1)
Books 07.09- 9(0)
Books 08.09- 10(1)
Books 09.09- 3(1)
Books 10.09- 9(1)

Target for 2009- 100 (15)- 16(2) to go!

Karen · Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 10:02 am Post subject:

Is it a group of people you know Katey or something a bit serious and formal?

I have a friend who goes to quite a serious group and although she likes the variety of books they read, she gets quite cross with them much of the time - they never seem to enjoy their reading and are hyper-critical.

On the other hand I miss my group of friends from Leuchars. We enjoyed a glass of wine and the get together as much as the reading each month. We weren't great friends to start with, we were just thrown together because of our husbands, but we weren't total strangers either.

I think the best advice is to do what feels right and most of all enjoy it. I don't think you need to have serious indepth discussions unless that is what you are looking for, the chatting we do on here with the monthly books is okay too. You won't please everyone all of the time so don't worry if there are some comings and goings before it settles down - I wish I was close to you I would love to come and join in!

I'm sure it will be brilliant and want to know how it all goes so come back and tell all please!

katey · Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 12:30 pm Post subject:

We opened it up to anyone who works in our school, and I think there will be around 8-10 of us going on people who have explicitly shown an interest/told me they have bought the book etc.

I am hoping that it will be the people I expect as I know them all well, but a few of them are a bit reluctant to get involved-eg we asked people for lists of 3 books each as a suggestion of the first read and we only got 3 sheets back!

I was thinking of having a 'Favourite book/least favourite book discussion', and maybe also at some point using some of the questions like Glynis uses in the Dear Reader thread. Then a bit of a discussion about the book-I think people are expecting this to be led, but I don't really want to do too much leading other than did you like it, what didn't you like, favourite character, was it believeable type stuff. Then choosing the next book-I was going to put people's names in a hat, and if their name gets drawn then they suggest a book, but as I said a few people don't seem to be forthcoming in that kind of situation. I think there are only perhaps 3 of us that are big readers and teh rest are coming along for the ride, so it is playing it by ear really.

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Katey
xxx

Books 01.09- 18 (5)
Books 02.09- 12 (4)
Books 03.09- 9 (1)
Books 04.09- 3 (0)
Books 05.09- 3(0)
Books 06.09- 8(1)
Books 07.09- 9(0)
Books 08.09- 10(1)
Books 09.09- 3(1)
Books 10.09- 9(1)

Target for 2009- 100 (15)- 16(2) to go!

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