I got to see Christine tonight at our foreign authors book group. We had a good discussion on The Book Thief and it received pretty much a five-star review from everyone. I wrote a little bit about it here. I find it so hard to write about a book I loved. All I want to say is “read it!” Anyway, I know a lot of the book blog community has already read this book and thank you to all of you who had recommened it. It definitely lived up to my expectations.
Next month we’ll be nominating books for the 2008 reading schedule but I’m going to miss out on that as I’ll be on vacation. This is probably the first time I’ll miss in the 14 years or so that I’ve been attending the group so I’m a bit bummed about that but well, vacation is a good thing too. I’m sure the group will come up with some fantastic reads.
After September we still have some exciting books to look forward to this year, for example, in October we’ll be discussing A Fine Balance, a book which has been sitting on my shelf for way too long.
Of course I couldn’t leave the bookstore without a little something. I really was going to put back World Literature Today on the rack. I even told Christine I was going to do that but I soon found myself at the check out counter instead. Who can resist a new book and/or magazine right?
I just read your thoughts about The Book Thief. I will have to put it on my TBR list.
I am so excited about your vacation. I can live thru you right?
iliana – you can always email some suggestions in advance.
What an accomplishment to have participated for 14 years with the same group. I have to wonder about the books your group has been through in that time and all of the resulting discussions.
Wow, A Fine Balance sounds really interesting – I don’t know how it has stayed under my radar – particularly since the Amazon link says it is an Oprah pick and those are generally plastered everywhere. I’m adding this to my longlist.
I think it would be fun to have a book club only discussing foreign authors. I need to read more books like that. That is something to have been a member for 14 years! Are most of the members the same, or is there a lot of turnover? I think I lasted with my book club locally for less than two years!
I’m so glad to hear that you loved The Book Thief, too. Liesel’s story is quite touching and beautiful–you’re right about that!
Nancy – Oh so glad you are adding it to your TBR list. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed! And, I’m so excited about vacation – counting the days!
jenclair – That’s exactly what I’m going to do. Email them my suggestions. I should put together a list of all the books we’ve read. Some of my favorite books ever were because I discovered them through my group.
Tara – It does sound good doesn’t it. I know he’s also written another book that was quite popular too. I haven’t read anything by him so I’m looking forward to it.
Danielle – That really does make our book group special. And, surprisingly we don’t have very high turnover so some of us have been with the group since it started pretty much.
Kelly – I know this is one book that I’ll be talking about for years! Have you read anything else by him? I’m afraid it wouldn’t live up to this book but I’ll have to try another of his books.
Hey, how many book clubs do you belong to? Just curious. I am envious of the book club galore. SF is a bit strange of a city, it’s fairly well-read but you don’t see people discussing books as much. I guess readers are embracing the readings on their own here. That’s why I like blogs.
I’ve been trying to come up with books I’ll take with the upcoming trips–you know–this can be more difficult of a task than reading them! 🙂 I would bring at least a couple in case one is not really up the alley so that I won’t be left without any reading material when I’m air borne.
last night was a lot of fun and the discussion was great. you are a naughty one, aren’t you but that magazine did look great!
I need to finish the book! and I need to read your review…
Wow, 14 years with the same book group? That’s impressive!
So glad to hear you loved The Book Thief. It was such a great book.
I have A Fine Balance on my TBR shelf, so I’ll be curious to see what you think of that one.
And where are you going for your holiday?
Matt – Just 2. Although at one point I belonged to 4 . I’m crazy like that. I’m really surprised that there aren’t book clubs everywhere in SF. I so know what you mean about packing books for a trip. I am already starting to think about that for my upcoming vacation.
Christine – I’m hopeless aren’t I 🙂
Lesley – That is quite an achievement huh. I love my group. Everyone is so well read and just brings such interesting perspectives to the discussion. I’m going back to Germany for our annual trip to visit my husband’s family. I can’t wait!
I read A Fine Balance years ago (perhaps 1996?) and thought it was brilliant! I still have Family Matters sitting on a shelf. Should get to that…
Just chiming in to say that I also loved A Fine Balance. Simply brilliant.
les in NE & Keri – Glad to hear A Fine Balance gets a thumbs up from you! I’m looking forward to the book.
Hey Buddy!! Guess what???? A Fine Balance is my #1 book of all time!!!! I envy you the experience of reading it for the first time. It is so enthralling and you really come to love the characters! Can’t wait to hear what you think of it.