What I'm Reading

Well I started a book club by accident, but I'm super excited. When I first started working as a Writing Assistant at Stark State, I mentioned a book club idea among a few co-workers. Many were excited and a book was selected (Edith Wharton's Age of Innocence to be exact). But when the first meeting came, everyone cancelled.

Fast forward two years.

Since I finally finished my Master's degree, I have the time to read and to read what I want. I remember my friend Jessica telling me how I should read The Secret Garden. I never read it as a child, nor did I ever see any movie version. When I was skimming for free downloads on my Kindle, (appropriately named Brindle; I tell you what, I'm a genius), I came across the title, downloaded it and dived into the story. I was talking about it at work one day, and a co-worker mentioned she'd like to read it. I told her how I wanted to start a book club, how I tried before without success, and before I knew it I had. There are six of us reading this for December's read, and our discussion meeting is tomorrow.

I've really enjoyed this book, and I'm sad I didn't read it as a child. I think I would have enjoyed it immensely. I now feel deprived.

Has anyone read it, and what are your thoughts on The Secret Garden?

While I was working my practicum at the Akron-Summit County Public Library, one of the other practicum students there told me about this great web site, Good Reads. It's completely free to create a profile, and it's a place where you can log your current reading list, as well as any book you've ever read. Once a member, you can find friends and see what they're reading, rate and review books, take quizzes, document your progress, and so much more.

With one click of the mouse, I was ADDICTED! I spent two whole shifts at work, during my downtime, skimming this site and adding my gigantic list of books. I love it. I also got two of my friends hooked on Good Reads as well.

One of my favorite features on the site is the Book Club option. This feature allows you to join whatever and however many online book clubs through Good Reads. You can find local clubs, too. Well, I have a long list of classics I wish to read but I never know where to start. So one day, while on Good Reads, I did a search for literature and I stumbled across the "Ladies and Literature" book club. The club gives a brief bio on what it's about and lists upcoming books to read, along with a suggested start and finish date. Each club usually has about two book options going at once. For December/January this club suggested Jane Eyre and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. I've already read Bronte's, and the other title was so intriguing, I couldn't wait to pick it up from my library.

I have not been able to put this book down. The story is written through a series of letters from one character to another, and is set right after WWII. I've been captured from the very first page, and it's as if the characters have come alive and are a part of my world. LOVE. It's written beaautifully, and has brought a few tears.

I've been so engrossed in this book that I completely forgot about The Secret Garden, which I need to finish before tomorrow's meeting....

And on that note, I'm going to go. BUT, please read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society; you won't be disappointed.

With Love and God Bless,
Brindi