Wednesday 2 April 2014

A Book Club






























As you may or may not know by now I am a huge reader of books. And I love to own them not borrow them. In the beginning I started of a slow reader, needing extra help and encouragement at home to learn how to read.

But by fifth grade I was a devourer of books. Reading all the books worth reading in our primary school library, and forging a librarian's pet relationship with Mrs West our school librarian in the process. Mrs West set aside all the new books that she knew I would enjoy, letting me read them new before anybody else's little hands were all over them. I'd read them quickly, and then they would be returned to the library for the rest of the school population to trash and doggy ear. Perhaps it's this start to reading that I can blame for my ongoing "need" to read and own a book in new condition over library borrowed.

However, over the last three years there has been a sharp decline in the amount of books that I read. First I was Mum to one, then to two and now this blog. It has left me with very little spare time to read books. But this year I wanted to make a small goal, to be a little more committed to reading, actually making time for it, rather than just waiting for the free time to appear. Which it never does. And that's when my good friend Meegan suggested something I'd been considering doing for sometime myself (but never felt brave enough to do), starting a book club of her own.

I get the sense that this is going to be the kind of book club that I've often wanted to join. I love books. I love a heavy bit of literature. But I don't need any chapter breakdowns, over analysis of plot lines and characters or discussion of symbolism and pulling apart of paragraphs. Hell I don't even know what I am talking about, that was all the way back in pre-tertairy English. And I've left all of that there.

Now I want to read a book and say I either enjoyed it or I didn't and for those reasons to be simple and straightforward. Which is why I think this book club and our monthly meetings are going to be a perfect way for me to have to read a book in a certain space of time. Relaxed. Over a few wines. And look I'm clearly not going to go hungry at these catch ups either, particularly with my tendency to over nibble.

                 

Our book this month is Five Quarters of The Orange by Joanne Harris. Most known for her earlier novel Chocolat, which was later made into a movie. And yes I bought the book despite the library being able to get numerous copies in for all us.

Ever been part of a book club?
Was it a casual drinking wine type affair or all wordy and studious?
Read Five Quarters of The Orange?


23 comments:

  1. I have wondered from time to time about being in a book club, but I don't fancy the whole analysing thing, I had enough of that at school. Your group sounds as though it will be lots of fun though, and far more up my street! xx

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    1. I'd invite you to join but.....

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    2. The journey might just be a little too far!! Just a few miles more than we might like!! xx

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  2. Hi Carla. I am in two book groups! There is the local mum's group and the virtual book group over at Circle of Pines, organised by Laura (http://circleofpinetrees.com/year-books-march/). The local group meets about every 6 weeks and we take turns choosing a book. The last book we read was Wonder by R.J. Palacio. It is children's book but a worthy read for adults, too. Our next book is Cloud Street by Tim Winton. The mum's book group is very much a social affair with nibbles drinks and lots of chatting and of course a chat about the book of the day. The virtual book group is less focused on one title, we all just choose a book and read it and briefly write about it. Join in, it is great fun, I have found so many titles I would not normally read. I haven't read the Joanne Harris book yet but will add it to my wish list. I am with you when it comes to owning books! I have now started buying second hand books, which is still better than borrowing. Happy reading. Cx

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    1. Your local group sounds like my own. We actually had a Tim Winton book chosen for this month (his new one Eyrie), but we weren't able to get any through the library and being knew it was still only in hard cover and expensive, so this was the second option. Love to know what you think of Cloud Street, from memory I struggled to read it and enjoy it xx

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  3. I would love to be part of a book club.

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  4. I'd like a book club. I'm the same with books. I like them new. And cared for, they can last generations if you do.

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    1. I'll use that reason next time my husband complains about the ever growing pile of books!!!

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  5. I've never been in a book club but I've always wanted to. But only if it was like yours, I'm not into all the literary brown-nosing either. It's why I keep any book reviews I do on my blog simple and non-book-snobbery!

    I too am a devourer of books and stopped reading so much when my first daughter as born. But oncce she hit about 9 months I realised how much I loved it and missed it and made a decision to make time for it again. Since then I've read a chapter of a book every night before bed, only missing a few nights here and there. Now that number 2 daughter is here I find it more important that ever to spend that time reading, I look forward to it everyday, it's the one time of the day that I get all to myself, when the house is quiet, and it's just for me.

    New reader here, found you via the #weekendrewind and look forward to reading more. xx

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    1. Thanks Kylie, I should really commit to doing that before bed every night also. Great idea x

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  6. I am a book club drop out.. I joined a great bookclub here, but have struggled to keep up with the readings.. a few key members left town and the meeting time was changed to a night that didn't suit me, so I haven't been for a few months. I do miss it though! Especially the food and wine :)

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    1. I quite enjoy the food and wine too. You're welcome to join ours if the time suits you better though you may have enough on with your study....... x

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  7. I am exactly like you. I like to buy books and add them to my collection. I dream of living in a house where books line the walls. I was in a book club once. Started by my brother. He chose 100 years of solitude as the first book. I was the only one who finished it. After that book nobody wanted to be in a book club anymore :) I hope your club lasts MUCH longer :)

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    1. What? That is such a shame. 100 years of solitude and Gabriella Garcia Marquez are both favourites of mine. You clearly weren't in the right book club for you. I hope our club lasts longer than our first book too!! x

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  8. I haven't been in a book club but I love the idea. I love to read too and try to read every night. I haven't read this one though. I will be interested to hear what it is like.

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  9. Oh Carla, I am so jealous!! I have been wanting to join/start a book club for a very long time. I adore reading, and I have ever since I was a little girl. I also love reading new books, there is something special knowing you are the first person to turn the page.

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  10. Carla, how wonderful, a book club just sounds so very grown up, doesn't it?
    As much as Bell and I both love our local library, I still buy them regularly. You just can't beat the feel of a fresh new book.
    I think your club would be the kind I'd like: food, wine, reading and talking.....enjoy! xx

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  11. I love the idea of book clubs so much, but have yet to successfully turn that into reality. Book clubs have been disappointing so far. The Fibro online bookclub is a good one for me - no pressure and the book choices are good. x

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    1. I've never heard of the fibro online club. I'll have to google and check it out x

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