Only a week to go before the next book group meeting and I’m already itching to talk about Wide Sargasso Sea, which I’ve been totally absorbed by this weekend. Me and this book have a bit of a chequered history- I did it (twice!!) at university, labouring long and joylessly over two “Jean Rhys and feminism” essays, and so for me the book has a slightly institutional aura. There’s nothing like a series of awkward seminars to strip a book of its appeal… Consequently, I have been putting it off and came to it on Saturday with a slightly heavy heart. Surprisingly though, I’ve found it a really easy read but much more disturbing than I remember. We certainly shouldn’t run out of things to discuss. I’m still not sure whether I actually like it but that’s something I plan on mulling over before next week.
However, I am really looking forward to our inaugural BOOK SWOP. I’ve already amassed a “bag for life” full of paperbacks to get rid of and that’s just skimming the surface- a year of reviewing books and you build up quite a surplus. Free, eco-friendly and a crafty way of getting lovely new things- what’s not to like? The future starts in Sunderland!
Actually, there are a few booky things coming up on our patch. The Read Regional campaign is underway, heralding some rather fabulous North Eastern writers (check the events page for more details). As part of this, some of these lovely authors will be appearing (in a tepee!!) at the International Friendship Festival (that’s the Kite festival to you and me) on the 4th and 5th July, along with other book related activities and giveaways. I’ll be going on about it at length next week I’m sure but there’s a bit of advance warning for you folks.
See you all next week, armed with bags of books and opinions please! Happy reading.
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