I've heard from a couple of our stalwart Book Group members that for various reasons they won't be able to take part in the discussion of Old School which we'd planned to have on August 9th. It strikes me that as that is peak holiday time anyway we may be even further reduced in numbers, so I think it would be sensible to postpone that book until 6th. September when we shall hopefully have a better turnout, and then move Kipling's Selected Stories (or whichever collection is most easily come by) to 4th. October.
I hope that doesn't inconvenience anyone, and we'll all be raring to go with Tobias Wolff in a few weeks' time!
Meanwhile, I've got to choose books to take away with me on my short trip this week. I doubt I'll have much reading time as such, and with constraints of space in the luggage, big hardbacks - of which I have many to choose from - are out.
What I think will fit in my bag are Daniel Barenboim's Everything Is Connected: The Power Of Music
"a book for the curious mind that wishes to discover the parallels between music and life and the wisdom that becomes audible to the thinking ear", and David Guterson''s famous Snow Falling on Cedars
which no doubt the rest of the world has read but I have not. It's a whodunnit and a "fiercely intelligent and moving" one at that, so the blurb says.
I've still got a few more hours to make up my mind so we'll see...
Wonderful books and I hope you have a wonderful trip!
Posted by: Becca | 30 July 2008 at 04:27 AM
I'm glad you pushed the discussion dates back. I really want to read the Wolff book and have started Kipling's short stories, but it's slow going. Have a nice trip and enjoy your books.
Posted by: Danielle | 30 July 2008 at 04:33 AM
Dark Puss, as usual since he is not very well-read, has neither read "Snow Falling on Cedars" nor has he heard of the author either.
Posted by: Peter the Flautist | 30 July 2008 at 09:45 AM
Snow Falling on Cedars is a beautifully written book, set in a breathtaking landscape, enjoy it!
Posted by: Rachel | 30 July 2008 at 10:14 AM
I,too, am glad of an extension! Thanks! And have a lovely time on your hols.
I have just started Books do furnish a room, btw, and how I love this series. I will be very sad when it's over and will definitely read again.
Posted by: adele geras | 30 July 2008 at 11:39 AM
Snow Falling on Cedars is a compelling read. Curiously, on first reading, my mind’s eye watched it unfold in black and white, and Nels Gudmundsson bore a striking resemblance to Spencer Tracy! It has that certain quality. On second reading, a couple of years later, it came out in glorious technicolour. It’s a tremendous story, vividly rendered, and very much more than a whodunnit. You’ll love it.
PS: The film isn't a patch on the book.
Posted by: Cath | 30 July 2008 at 01:16 PM
Have read Old School before but will be away on 9th so this suits me very well. Enjoy your break.
Posted by: Anne | 30 July 2008 at 03:41 PM
Oh good! Now I stand a chance of finishing it by the discussion date - all reading now constrained to baby's feeding time!
Happy hols...
Posted by: Equiano | 30 July 2008 at 06:50 PM
September suits me much better too. And thanks for the Barenboim reference. It's definitely going on my Wish List.
Posted by: Barbara MacLeod | 31 July 2008 at 02:34 AM
I too loved Snow Falling on Cedars! I rmrmeber thinking how it was a story of a very selfish mother ruining her sons life...sort of the subplot maybe.
Posted by: lila | 01 August 2008 at 03:53 PM
Can anyone join the Cornflower Book Group? Sorry if not, thanks, Simon
Posted by: Simon | 08 August 2008 at 11:59 PM
Can anyone join the book group? Sorry if not? Many thanks, Simon
Posted by: Simon | 09 August 2008 at 12:00 AM