Our first book group of the year (okay, I admit, our first meeting ever!), went really well. Everyone had enjoyed The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood and it seems to have been a remarkable catalyst. One member has started to read more of the myths in their retold version, another has bought Robert Graves’ The Greek Myths, a third is embarking on Homer’s The Odyssey itself and yet another is reading further Margaret Atwood novels. Now, that’s quite a result from a volume that’s less than 200 pages in length!
Whilst a hard act to follow, I’m confident our next book will be up to the challenge. We’re tackling Parrot and Olivier in America by Peter Carey, twice winner of the Booker Prize and shortlisted for The Man Booker Prize 2010 for this novel.
In deference to the length of the book and other time commitments, the group has decided to allow a little longer than usual before our next meeting but I must remember to allow time to really enjoy the book – otherwise I’m in danger of leaving it until the week before we meet and rushing through just to feel I’ve ‘done my bit’!
As always, comments and feedback from anyone who’s read the book would be most appreciated. It’s feeling a little lonely here but as a complete beginner I’m sure I’ll learn the tips and techniques to attract feedback. Baby steps and patience Karen!
alkitaba 