We discussed Black Diamonds at Wentworth Woodhouse, the setting for this non-fiction book.
After talking about writers’ groups yesterday, today’s Reith Lecture http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00729d9 on radio 4 talked about the civil society and the importance of associations and groups of like-minded folk. Then on Facebook I clicked on this link http://www.hidden-shallows.co.uk/2012/07/09/up-at-the-hospital/ and read about the crazy antics of a readers’ group in Kingston.
The most common comment I hear about belonging to a book group is that it makes people read books they would never have chosen for themselves. Fantastic! It’s far too easy to get stuck in our ways. Like the Kingston group, my lot also spend a fraction of the time discussing the current book, a chunk choosing the next one and the rest solidifying our friendship. We meet roughly every six weeks in a pub and have lunch. It’s a very civilised way to spend an afternoon and a contribution to civil society I’m more than happy to make ;o)
We followed this book with a trip to the cinema to see the film.
From an author’s point of view, it’s been very helpful to discover that we seldom agree on the books we read. Knowing you can never please everyone, frees us from that obligation.
Jul 10, 2012 @ 13:31:28
Had this comment from one of my book group friends, Karen: Love the new blog and the interesting links. I’m not inspired to write a book in a week (I need to be far more ‘retired’ and less busy!) but I am going to get Mike’s copy of ‘Up at the Villa’ to read next, especially if we’re on a free choice month. Just hope nothing befalls our reading group as a result…
See you next Friday.