Browsing the book programmes section of the Radio 4 website I came upon the "Open Book Reading Clinic" which apparently prescribes the right book for your "literary ailment". As someone suggested to me the other day that I could offer an 'agony aunt' service on Cornflower (not too sure about that) perhaps nevertheless we could pool our resources here to help anyone in need of literary guidance?
Joking apart, it could be useful - e.g. if you love a particular writer's work but you've read everything they've written, you may be looking for someone similar, an "if you like that, you'll like this" sort of thing, or if you're tempted to try a writer for the first time and don't want to choose an off-putting 'lesser' book, you could get a steer in the right direction.
I'm always amazed by the wealth of reading experience visitors to this site have and by their willingness to share their knowledge and suggest titles, (look, for instance, at just a couple of comments on yesterday's post) so this may well be something we could do on a regular basis. So anyone for a game of doctors and nurses at the Cornflower Clinic? Bags I the stethoscope!
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I'm not sure how useful or in-depth my literary knowledge might be compared to many of your regular contributors, but if you would like someone who is happy to suggest books outside the "comfort zone" I am ready with my slightly blood-stained scalpel.
Posted by: Dark Puss | 06 February 2009 at 03:20 PM
I think this is a good idea. Although I can usually solve my book reading queries myself, I know from conversations with customers, and some off-blog emails too, that many do have these kind of questions.
I think it is such a good idea that you ought to do it on your other blog too for craft and cooking. I bet lots of people look at your photos and think I would love to be able to do that - how do I start?? I might be ok on the book front but I would love to knit. Perhaps you could have a craft clinic for the needle-nervous. Your readers could recommend good books of basics etc. Just a thought!
Posted by: Juxtabook | 06 February 2009 at 09:31 PM