I'm thinking of launching a virtual book club from my blog, and I want to see what people think of the idea. Every month would have a different theme. About a month in advance, we would post possible book selections for the following month’s theme and let everybody weigh in on their choices. On the first of the month, I would announce the book selected and give everyone a month to read. At the end of that month, we would open the floor to a virtual month-long book chat—you could share your thoughts whenever you were able. Each month’s best virtual book club member might win a prize related to that month’s theme just to keep things interesting. And, of course, members wouldn’t have to participate every month—only when they were interested in the book chosen and had the time to do so.
Here are some possible themes I was considering:
1. Jane Austen January (a little Austen to get us through the long, dreary winter)
2. Romance February (in honor of Valentine’s Day)
3. Spring classic (a great classic novel)
4. Animals in April (books with pet or animal themes in honor of the ASPCA’s Prevention of Cruelty to Animals month)
5. Mothers in May (novels with strong mother-child relationship themes)
6. Fathers in June (novels with strong father-child relationship themes)
7. Bestseller July (a book from the NY Times bestseller list)
8. Beach read August
9. Young Adult September (I’m thinking “back to school.”)
10. Gothic October
11. Nonfiction November
12. Holiday December
The inaugural month would probably be this August, so here are some contenders for Beach Read August:
Karen White’s On Folly Beach
Claire Cook’s Seven Year Switch
Heidi Jon Schmidt’s The House on Oyster Creek
Alicia Bessette’s Simply from Scratch (doesn’t come out until August 5th, but I think that would still give us enough time to read.)
If you think you might like to participate, leave a comment on my blog and tell me which book sounds the best to you. Unfortunately, you’d all be on your own to buy the book from your favorite retailer. I hope this virtual book club works, and I hope to “see” you all here, reading poolside, this August!
My National Pet Adoption Month contest is still open on my blog, extended until July 31st.
15 comments:
What a great idea Eve! I think it would be a lot of fun and you've chosen great themes. I'd love to read The House on Oyster Creek!
I'd vote for On Folly Beach!
I'm in! First choice for me would be On Folly Beach, although The House on Oyster Creek appeals also. I love Claire Cook but have read so much of her. I'd love to try a new author.
I love it! Wish I could read books with you in person but this is the next best thing. I like the sound of On Folly Beach the best.
I think this sounds fun. Don't think I can participate in August because of an upcoming vacation (Yes!!), but I'm in for September if you go forward with this.
By the way, THE HOUSE ON OYSTER CREEK is a good read.
I'm in too! My vote is for On Folly Beach...
Great! So glad to see there's some interest. I'm hoping it will keep me reading during the school year when I'm apt to make excuses. It looks like On Folly Beach is squeaking by as the winner so far. We'll wait a little longer to see if we get more votes. Thanks for your input! Can't wait to get started.
I'd love to join in :)
Although it's been a while, since I red a whole book in English.
On Folly Beach sounds interesting.
On Folly Beach it is!! If you want to participate, get your copy from your local library (if they have it) or buy a copy, and I'll open discussion towards the end of August to give everyone a chance to read. I'm already considering options for Young Adult September... anyone have any great suggestions?
I'll join too! Sounds good.
I think it would be fun. I would vote for On Folly Beach or The House on Oyster Creek (already read Seven Year Switch).
JHS
Colloquium
jhsmail at comcast dot net
sla22442I love this idea! All the books sound good to me but On Folly Beach is my first choice!
~ Amy
Eve...if you haven't already started this I would be totally into this. Let me know.
Kim, We're reading On Folly Beach this month and I'm going to start the discussion in a few days and leave it open until the end of the month, possibly adding follow-up discussion topics as we go. September will be Young Adult month in honor of back-to-school, so we're going to be brainstorming a new list shortly!! Thanks so much for wanting to participate!
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