I've been swithering over next month's Cornflower Book Group book, trying to balance periods, genres, countries, take account of availability and pick something which will prove a popular choice and an enjoyable read. As for a lot of us it is holiday time, we may be going away or perhaps have visitors staying and there may not be much opportunity for focus or sustained concentration, so a "difficult" book might not be right for August.
A few months ago, the overwhelmingly positive response to this post made me want to read I Capture the Castle
So many of you have read it already that you'll probably be able to comment without re-reading, while others, like me, who have long planned to read it might welcome a little gentle prod to pick up this lovely and much-loved book.
If you don't already have it it should be easily obtainable no matter where you are (though if not, The Book Depository will ship worldwide free), and if we slot it in for discussion beginning Saturday, 28th. August, there should be time for anyone who wants to to take it at a fairly leisurely pace. We'll convene this Saturday (24th. July) to talk about The Go-Between, but I hope there will be lots of eager participants for Dodie Smith's 1949 classic next month - all welcome!
My book club read this several years ago. It will be a lovely re-read for me. I had been meaning to read it again, now I have a very good reason to refresh my memory!
Posted by: Julie Fredericksen | 23 July 2010 at 02:19 AM
PS -
I wish I had the edition you show in your post. The cover on my paperback looks like ugly wallpaper.
Posted by: Julie Fredericksen | 23 July 2010 at 02:20 AM
Oh Karen you are in for such a treat, I feel quite envious that you are discovering it for the first time and I love the cover of your edition. I need no excuse to re-read this book, I seem to read it every year now, possibly the only book I ever choose to read more than once.
Posted by: Rebecca | 23 July 2010 at 08:22 AM
I'm looking forward to the Book Group later in the year.
For now, one of the books I'm taking on holiday is - Testament. I missed out on your read earlier in the year. I had just started reading book blogs and yours was one of the first I enjoyed, so thank you for your inspiration. I know I have some catching up to do, but it's never too late to get involved in the blogosphere!
Posted by: Linda | 23 July 2010 at 11:08 AM
A good one to re-read!
Posted by: Audrey | 23 July 2010 at 12:56 PM
I will most definitely be joining in for this one Karen as I have yet to read this and know its a must, must read book. Hoorah!
Posted by: Simon (Savidge Reads) | 23 July 2010 at 01:15 PM
Read it? I can practically recite it! Since I have failed to acquire a copy of this month's book from the library, I shall look forward to embarking on the annual re-read of I Capture the Castle early this year. People might enjoy watching the film as well - although I miss the huge chunks it was necessary to leave out, I think it's very faithful to the spirit of the book. August is a good time to read it, too - it's a summer book, somehow.
Posted by: GeraniumCat | 23 July 2010 at 02:07 PM
I would love to reread this and will pull my copy off my shelf...
Posted by: Danielle | 23 July 2010 at 04:56 PM
I read this after it was mentioned here some weeks ago and will read the work again because the 'book of the month' is an essential part of my calendar now. Second reads are often a good experience anyway. (Some books achieve multiple reads!)
Posted by: Sandy | 23 July 2010 at 05:12 PM
Yippee! I just love it when you pick things sitting in my TBR pile. :) I'm like Simon, I've been wanting to read this for a while and just haven't gotten to it -- this will force me to it.
Posted by: Susan in TX | 23 July 2010 at 07:51 PM
I read Testament a couple of months ago, after your recommendation, and thoroughly enjoyed it. I just read I Capture the Castle for the first time last week. I think it's going to be an annual read for me, too!
Posted by: Penny | 23 July 2010 at 10:35 PM
I'd love to join you for 'I capture the castle'! I read this once, but didn't quite get what all the fuss was about. I hope to enjoy it more this time around.
Posted by: Lyndsey | 24 July 2010 at 12:14 AM
I really must read this book although must shouldn't come into it! I'll be in Canada but hope to be able to send in my thoughts. The enthusiasm in the comments above is a great motivator. I'll order it immediately!
Posted by: Delyn | 25 July 2010 at 09:42 PM
Ooo, maybe time for a re-read...
Posted by: Simon T | 27 July 2010 at 10:43 AM