I am grateful for all the kind, thoughtful comments on yesterday's post, and I'm interested to see that thus far and in terms of the wider questions the post raised, they are firmly in favour of traditional blogging over other forms of social media. Even when we don't have the time, inclination or sufficient 'original thought' to comment, posts long and short are still appreciated and enjoyed, it seems.
While not moving on just yet - further conversation is welcome, should you feel moved to join in - I thought I'd step sideways within book group territory, take a deliberately quick look through the 68 books* the CBG has read and choose 15 personal favourites, books I'd read again or ones that made me keen to explore their authors' other work. Each title below is linked to our discussion on it, so if the book is new to you or one you want to revisit, you can read a range of views besides mine. They are listed in the order in which we read them, beginning with our very first:
All Passion Spent by Vita Sackville-West
The Mysteries of Glass by Sue Gee
The Tiger in the Smoke by Margery Allingham
A Month in the Country by J.L. Carr
Fifth Business by Robertson Davies
The Tortoise and the Hare by Elizabeth Jenkins
The Nine Tailors by Dorothy L. Sayers
Bel Canto by Ann Patchett
The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim
The Razor's Edge by W. Somerset Maugham
Crusoe's Daughter by Jane Gardam
Tom's Midnight Garden by Philippa Pearce
The Warden by Anthony Trollope
In this House of Brede by Rumer Godden
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
*You'll find all 68 titles listed in the right hand sidebar if you scroll down a bit beyond 'Writers'/'Readers'/'Publishers' etc.
Looking at this list of favorites and the total list of 68 made me realize how many new authors you introduced me to. I really am very grateful to you for both the book group and your blog posts about your current reading.
The Go-Betweens by L.P. Hartley was one of my favorites, and caused me to go on and read more Hartley. There are few pleasures better than finding a new author to explore and enjoy.
Posted by: Susan P, | 12 January 2017 at 04:05 AM
That does it...I have to read All Passion Spent this winter!
Posted by: Cosy Books | 12 January 2017 at 01:19 PM
I'm wondering how many people (including me) you introduced to Sue Gee ... I loved Mysteries of Glass and I've just bought Trio as a present for a friend.
Always loved seeing what you'd choose - and how you'd tie in the cake!
Posted by: Mary | 12 January 2017 at 02:44 PM
I am quite impressed with myself that I have read 9 out 15!
A Month in the Country had a very profound effect on me when I read it shortly after it was published. I think now that a residual memory of that book informed my reading many years later of The Mysteries of Glass which I loved and think should be made into a film.
Posted by: Alice C | 12 January 2017 at 03:45 PM
Indeed!
Posted by: Cornflower | 12 January 2017 at 05:28 PM
Yes, do, Darlene.
Posted by: Cornflower | 12 January 2017 at 05:29 PM
I am just so pleased that after every "you must read Sue Gee" post, lots of people have come back and told me they enjoyed her greatly. We must keep on spreading the word!
Posted by: Cornflower | 12 January 2017 at 05:33 PM
Oh, wouldn't that be good!
Posted by: Cornflower | 12 January 2017 at 05:34 PM
Wow! I am surprised by how many of the list I have read and enjoyed.
Posted by: Anji | 16 January 2017 at 01:53 AM