Blog
Archives - July 2009
Today, ReadingGroupGuides.com contributor Heather Johnson takes us inside her book club's discussion of Garth Stein's The Art of Racing in the Rain, a story of family, love, loyalty and hope as told by canine narrator Enzo. Appropriately, a few dogs were present at the gathering.
Books open a door to the past, writes historical novelist Sharon Kay Penman in today's guest blog post. And what's more, they can help see us through difficult times, as they once did for her.
Suspense writer Mary Jane Clark knows that book clubs can have the best of both worlds: a page-turner that also has plenty of topics for discussion.
Teri Coyne, today's guest blogger, talks about the elements that, for her, would add up to the ideal book club gathering. It would center on a discussion of her debut novel, The Last Bridge, and include Oreos and sharing secrets. There would likely be some laughs, too, as Coyne is a former stand-up comedian.
Reading groups have been known to foster camaraderie and forge friendships. Today, novelist Joyce Maynard shares a true-life tale about how a book club brought her together with someone who is now a close friend --- a chance encounter since neither ever attended the group again.
Each month novelist and creative writing professor Joshua Henkin shares behind-the-scenes stories about his meetings with reading groups to discuss his novel Matrimony. Today he answers a question that he has been asked by book club members --- whether or not he selected the cover for Matrimony --- and takes a journey through an important aspect of the publishing process.
Elizabeth Strout was awarded a 2009 Pulitzer Prize in Fiction for Olive Kitteridge, a collection of 13 short stories set in a small Maine town.
Sarah Dunant's vibrant historical novel The Birth of Venus is set in Florence, Italy, and In the Company of the Courtesan uses Venice as its backdrop.
Looking for a few good books to read this summer? Kathy L.
In today's guest post, historical novelist Sally Gunning shares her thoughts on meeting with book clubs --- the things she expected and the "delightful surprises" that she didn't.
