Our book group is a year old, and we have some exceptionally loyal and diligent members who have read all twelve books so far and even managed to post their comments while on holiday abroad ! - my thanks and congratulations to them for the efforts they have made, and to everyone who has contributed, however infrequently. We've found some cracking reads over the last twelve months and our discussions, despite the limitations of the online format, have really enhanced my appreciation of the books we've read. I'm finding the whole thing very worthwhile (just look at the response to our latest choice) and I hope those who have taken part, whether actively commenting or reading along quietly, feel similarly enriched.
As ever, choosing the next book is not easy and I have been agonising over this, trying to anticipate the response, tossing coins, toying with the idea of a poll, scrutinising lists of suggestions, discarding books because they don't quite 'fit'. But having due regard to the balance of our reading and the availability of the chosen book, I have finally decided and this time I've plumped for Anne Tyler's Pulitzer Prize-winning Breathing Lessons
I've read only one of her books before (Back When We Were Grownups) and it impressed me very much, so I am looking forward to this one which covers the events of a day in the life of the eternally optimistic Maggie Moran. Anne Tyler's scale is small and intricate - she deals with the domestic, the everyday, the mundane even, but she brings to that a keen understanding of her characters and great skill at portraying them and their situations, and she can be very funny.
I hope this will be just the thing for us to settle down with after the Christmas rush and that we can all get hold of a copy in time to talk about the book here on Saturday, 17th. January.
As we enter our second year, a reminder that the group is open to everyone and if you feel like joining us you will be very welcome. Floreant centaureae!
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Good thinking! I love Anne Tyler!
Posted by: Harriet | 15 December 2008 at 01:07 PM
I have mixed views about Anne Tyler as I've liked some but not all of her books. But I haven't read this one!
I do like the new comments section with the ability to comment directly on others' comments - it's like having a 'real' conversation.
Posted by: BooksPlease | 15 December 2008 at 03:05 PM
This looks interesting! I have intended several times to join in, but seem to miss it somehow. :0) I've reserved this one at my library, and hope to join in in January!
Posted by: Charity | 15 December 2008 at 03:57 PM
A small miracle, the library had this one! I've only found one of Ann Tyler's books I haven't liked, so I look forward to this one.
Posted by: GeraniumCat | 16 December 2008 at 02:38 PM
Now I am curious - which one?
I enjoyed Breathing Lessons, there is a film too.
Posted by: Carole | 16 December 2008 at 11:05 PM
I just added it to my Christmas amazon order, so I'm in.
Posted by: natalie | 17 December 2008 at 04:22 PM
The Amateur Marriage - I just couldn't seem to take to it. Yet The Accidental Tourist is high on my list of favourites. If I like Breathing Lessons I'll look for the film.
Posted by: GeraniumCat | 17 December 2008 at 06:16 PM
I love Ann Tyler too, great choice - I may well have this one somewhere. Sorry I missed Tiger in the Smoke, but I was busy preparing for my book launch. I may catch up with the Tiger one day.
Posted by: Susie Vereker | 19 December 2008 at 06:24 PM
Hi, I have just found your blog and this book group and would very much like to join in. I have enjoyed the Ann Tyler books I have read, including The Amateur Marriage but have not read this one. I look forward to it and seeing other people's reactions.
Posted by: bagqueen | 27 December 2008 at 08:37 PM