I have been very remiss, my dear fellow readers, in letting our book group lie for months without a word from me. As I've mentioned before, life has been hectic here over the past little while, and I've had much less time for reading (and indeed keeping up with the two blogs) than I'd like, and what began as a brief pause in group reads seems to have turned into a long break.
I've had a couple of emails from kind souls who say they are missing the group - as indeed am I - so I thought I'd see how people feel about getting going again.
If you haven't heard of the group before, it's a very informal, 'drop in/drop out' type of thing, with a book (which is usually very widely available and easy to get hold of) being read and then discussed via a post and comments here on Cornflower Books on a given day and the ensuing week or two. There is no commitment to join in every time, or to comment at length (or even at all), it's just a matter of as many of us as care to getting together to share and chat about what usually turns out to be a good read. The archive* will give you an idea of the sort of thing we read and how it all works.
Previously we read a book a month, with breaks over the summer or at this time of year, but if we pick it up again I'd propose making it every second month instead (again most likely with breaks) just to take some pressure off. I'd also give us plenty of notice of the next title so that we can fit the book into inevitably full and busy schedules, choosing something now for us to talk about in March, say.
So, what do you think? If you were with us before, would you like to join in again, and if you are new to us, would you like to give it a try? We are an unintimidating bunch, always courteous and respectful of one another's views, keen to revisit books which are perhaps old favourites, or to try something new - always with the aim of taking pleasure in our reading and of finding our shared discussions an enriching aspect of the process.
As I say, you are not commiting yourself to anything by expressing an interest here, but it would be helpful to know that there are sufficient keen participants to make it worth while, so are you game? I hope so!
*You will find there posts which introduce each book before we go off and read it, and ones in which the book is discussed after having been read.
Yes, please! Not that I'm an avid contributor, but I do enjoy it when I manage to join in. I'm sure there are many of us missing it.
Posted by: B R Wombat | 01 January 2015 at 08:21 PM
Thank you, B R!
Posted by: Cornflower | 01 January 2015 at 08:44 PM
It would be lovely to see your book group return. I'm relatively new to reading your blog and looking forward to joining in this time.
Posted by: Nicole D | 01 January 2015 at 08:44 PM
That's great! Thank you so much, Nicole.
Posted by: Cornflower | 01 January 2015 at 08:46 PM
I've not come across the group before but I'm interested. The two month cycle seems more doable than monthly.
Posted by: Bookertalk | 01 January 2015 at 08:52 PM
I'm another in favour. The books you chose were a really interesting group of books. Wishing you a wonderful 2015.
Posted by: Jade | 01 January 2015 at 09:03 PM
Yes!
Posted by: Susie Vereker | 01 January 2015 at 09:05 PM
As you know (because I asked about it) I am interested! Your previous book choices are just my style. I would look forward to whatever is next.
Posted by: Lory @ Emerald City Book Review | 01 January 2015 at 09:21 PM
It does, doesn't it? Despite the best of intentions, an 'extra' book per month can be too much, so a more leisurely pace should suit lots of us.
I hope you'll join us, Bookertalk, and thank you for your interest.
Posted by: Cornflower | 01 January 2015 at 09:26 PM
Thank you, Jade, and all the best to you, too.
Posted by: Cornflower | 01 January 2015 at 09:27 PM
Great, Susie!
Posted by: Cornflower | 01 January 2015 at 09:27 PM
Thanks, Lory.
Posted by: Cornflower | 01 January 2015 at 09:27 PM
I would like to give it a go. It's always nice to read a book chosen by someone else. Wilma
Posted by: Wilma | 01 January 2015 at 09:48 PM
I would be interested. I particularly like the thought of a two month time frame.
Posted by: Cat | 01 January 2015 at 09:49 PM
You'll be most welcome, Wilma.
Posted by: Cornflower | 01 January 2015 at 09:51 PM
I'm glad that appeals. Thank you, Cat.
Posted by: Cornflower | 01 January 2015 at 09:54 PM
I would very much like to join in. Haven't participated in the past but have always enjoyed reading the posts. I really like the idea of a two month time frame too.
Posted by: Bride of the Book God | 01 January 2015 at 09:55 PM
Sounds perfect for me.would love to try .
Posted by: Rhondareads | 01 January 2015 at 10:03 PM
The best type of news for the new year! Our last group read In This House of Brede made a lasting and joyous impression. So very glad that you are considering reinstating the book group. For those who are new to it, and there seem to be quite a number here, it is a unique and delightful experience, facilitated as it is by such a wise, widely read guide
Posted by: Martina | 01 January 2015 at 10:29 PM
Thank goodness dear Cornflower that you have brought up the book group as I have missed it. I have enjoyed being part of this as on several occasions I have read books I wouldn't necessarily have chosen to read or that I knew about. In every case I have enjoyed the choice. I have also missed the reveal and the anticipation of what will we be reading next. I do think every two months is good because sometimes life and other reading commitments can get a bit pressing. I hope we will be reading another book in the Cornflower book group soon and thank you for your thoughtful choices so far.
Posted by: Jill | 01 January 2015 at 10:33 PM
I'm in for this - a book every other month sounds about right, especially with plenty of notice.
Posted by: Spade & Dagger | 01 January 2015 at 10:34 PM
Count me in, as well! A leisurely pace and flexible schedule is always good.
Posted by: Susan in TX | 01 January 2015 at 11:09 PM
Count me in please.
Posted by: Lina | 01 January 2015 at 11:48 PM
I've missed it too, although I rarely managed to keep up with the group! But I was always interested in your choices, even when I was lagging behind.
Posted by: Mary | 02 January 2015 at 12:15 AM
PS Will there still be cake?
Posted by: Mary | 02 January 2015 at 12:17 AM
New Year's greetings from America ~
I have been reading here for just a little while now and so I've already grown quite fond of the types of books covered. But I did not know you previously offered a book group, what fun! Of course I would love to join in. Am pleased about the every other month idea for I do think I'd need that kind of time to present some semblance of keeping up ;>]] Thank you very much.
Christi, in the Pacific Northwest
Posted by: Christi ~ Sweetpea Path | 02 January 2015 at 12:45 AM
Yes, I would like to join in!
Posted by: Ayla | 02 January 2015 at 02:13 AM
Yes, I would join in, too.
I got to read some things I wouldn't have chosen and didn't enjoy them all, and some I already knew, so I think it was a good balance! We need to move out of our comfort uones sometimes!!
Posted by: Swissrose | 02 January 2015 at 07:12 AM
Good!
Posted by: Cornflower | 02 January 2015 at 08:19 AM
You're very kind, Martina.
Posted by: Cornflower | 02 January 2015 at 08:19 AM
Thank you, Jill.
Posted by: Cornflower | 02 January 2015 at 08:21 AM
Now all I have to do is choose a good book!
Posted by: Cornflower | 02 January 2015 at 08:21 AM
Thanks, Susan.
Posted by: Cornflower | 02 January 2015 at 08:22 AM
Excellent, Lina.
Posted by: Cornflower | 02 January 2015 at 08:22 AM
I hope so!
Posted by: Cornflower | 02 January 2015 at 08:22 AM
Welcome, Christi!
Posted by: Cornflower | 02 January 2015 at 08:23 AM
Thanks, Ayla.
Posted by: Cornflower | 02 January 2015 at 08:23 AM
We do!
Posted by: Cornflower | 02 January 2015 at 08:24 AM
That would be nice! I didn't always comment, but I enjoyed looking at what people had to say. Every other month is perfect - not too much pressure on us (or you!) and leaves plenty of time for other reading.
Posted by: Christine Harding | 02 January 2015 at 08:32 AM
I hope so, Christine, and I'm glad to see this level of support. Thank you.
Posted by: Cornflower | 02 January 2015 at 09:03 AM
As a lot of other people have said, the Cornflower Book Club persuaded me to pick up books I might otherwise have not read but ended up greatly enjoying so I would be very happy if you were willing to start it again!
Posted by: LizF | 02 January 2015 at 09:27 AM
Super! Thank you.
Posted by: Cornflower | 02 January 2015 at 09:47 AM
That's good to hear. Thanks, Liz.
Posted by: Cornflower | 02 January 2015 at 09:49 AM
Yes of course I'd like to see it return. I felt slightly towards the last year or so that the variety of books was reducing (compared to some of the early ones we read), but I suspect I may be alone in that view. Always read out of your comfort zone I agree!
I fear I may not be taking part every month as sometimes, despite your very best efforts, the book turns out not to be one I can borrow.
Posted by: Dark Puss | 02 January 2015 at 10:01 AM
My solution to that problem, DP, as I must have mentioned before, is to buy the book if it can't be borrowed, and then once read, donate it to a charity shop - benefits all round! (But of course you must do as you think fit.)
Posted by: Cornflower | 02 January 2015 at 10:22 AM
Sounds a great idea. Hope you manage to launch again.
Every two months is perfect.
Posted by: [email protected] | 02 January 2015 at 10:36 AM
Glad you think so, and many thanks for your comment.
Posted by: Cornflower | 02 January 2015 at 10:49 AM
Happy New Year and hurray for the wonderful news. I've missed the group too, and would love to join in again.
Posted by: michi | 02 January 2015 at 11:24 AM
Happy New Year, Michi, and thank you!
Posted by: Cornflower | 02 January 2015 at 11:34 AM
Wonderful news! I have missed the book group very much although I had only joined in last year for 'In this House of Brede'. Every two months sounds perfect. I am looking forward to your next choices.
Thanks a lot!
Posted by: Ursula | 02 January 2015 at 12:14 PM