What do you do in the face of failure?
In 2014 I had a goal to read 24 books -- 2 a month -- and I failed miserably. This really bothers me. I've written about my struggle to love reading again. I've shared a year worth of book club picks that helped me to get back into the habit. But the truth is I'm still struggling to make time for this love in my life.
So my response to failure? Pick myself up and try again. I am so excited for my plan for 2015, and I'd love if you would join me!
A couple days ago, I put some feelers out there and got a great response:
I'm launching a no-pressure, lighthearted book club over on my Peanut Blossom Facebook page and I am SO excited about this.
The book for January is "Big Little Lies" by Liane Moriarty. I read her books "What Alice Forgot" and "The Husband's Secret" and devoured both of them in 48 hours or less. A friend of mine has mentioned if I liked those two, I'm going to love this one so I think it will be the perfect book for easing us into the year.
So whether you're a recovering reader like me or a self-proclaimed bookworm, I'd love to have you join the group!
Here's all you have to do:
1. Get a copy of the book right now: "Big Little Lies" should be easily found at your library, or you can grab a Kindle version for just $3.99 right here. Go reserve your copy at the library or snag it for your eReader right now so you have no excuses but to start reading.
2. Follow Peanut Blossom on Facebook: The entire conversation about our book of the month is going to happen on my page over on Facebook. Be sure you "like" it right here. I will be posting some conversation starters there but I will bookmark them within a review post I'll write of the book. That way if you miss the conversation, you can always come back here to the site to find the threads. Things move quickly on Facebook, I want you to have a record of each month's discussion so you can reference it and join us at any time. I think there is nothing worse than having read a book for book club and then having a conflict with the meeting! I don't want anyone to miss out.
3. Finish the book by January 12th: I'm setting a deadline so that we take the reading seriously. Otherwise I know myself and I'll never finish it. But like I mentioned above, if you have a conflict with that date, don't worry the conversations will still be there for participating in on your timetable.
4. Grab a glass of wine or hot cocoa on the evening of the 12th and join the chat: My only regret with this idea is that we can't get together in person for food and merriment, so I'm hoping over time maybe we can have a virtual gathering. I'm still working out the details, let's try this plan for January and we'll tweak as we go along. So on the evening of the 12th, I'll be around online live chatting with whoever shows up.
Sound like fun?
Here's what I promise, a.k.a. The Rules Of Book Club:
1. No Tearjerkers. I will do my very best to make sure our books are fun, lighthearted and entertaining. Nothing overly serious or brainy or heart wrenching.
2. No Judging: I will still love you if you only participate once and can't keep up. I will welcome you back with open arms if you want to join us on month 1, 7, and 12. This is supposed to be fun, so there are no apologies for anything.
I already have the first few months of picks mapped out but am keeping it quiet in case new things pop up that might be a better fit. I am always open to suggestions and may at some point offer up a vote, but in order to keep to Rule #1 I'll be pretty picky about limiting the options for the voting in the best interest of our group.
So if you're in, I'd love to hear from you. Go ahead and comment on the Facebook post linked at the top of this post, or leave a little note here on this blog post. Either way, welcome! So excited to chat with you more in 2015!
P.S. I've gotten several requests to start a Facebook Event so that people can have this on their calendars. Be sure to RSVP at the event so you receive reminders about the party! You can find the details here.
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Carmen S
I actually already read this book with my neighborhood book club and I really liked it. I'll be keeping an eye on this so that maybe we can join your "club" reading February's book.
Jenni
Just bought the book! This book club should help me reach my goal of more reading!! Thanks so much!
MB
I am in! I think!
Carrie
So excited. I got a tablet for my birthday, so this might be my first book to read on the "big screen" (I usually read on my phone)!
Tiffany Dahle
Can't wait to hear what you think of your tablet! How's the big screen working out for you??
Christine
Joining you with great intentions from Minnesota. Got waaaay off track in 2014. Here's to a better reading year!
megan
yes! count me in! i actually just started reading this book earlier this week... i love all of the liane moriarty's books i've read, and this is proving to be no exception 🙂
Tuti
I'm all for it!!
Glenny Pazmino
Yayyyy! I'm excited! I've been wanting to join a book club for so long.... my vocabulary is very limited and this will be of great help.
Heather Hall
I was thinking today about how I'm going to get back on track with my reading. Honestly, I have not been able to finish a book in a very long time. I think the Internet, specifically Facebook, is ruining my attention span. So I'm going to try to join you in this. I feel like I have allies in my pursuit of getting back to the reading life!
patti covey
Can't wait to get started, ordered the book already! Thank you
Julie M
i am ready to give it a try, this is my first book club.
Kate (My Mommy Brain)
I love to read and tend to be a binge reader. I'll read 3 or 4 books in a row and the not read for a few weeks, then start all over again. Just read two of Liane Moriarty's books and I'm looking forward to reading Big Little Lies. This sound like a lot of fun.
Sandy
Excited for this
Glory
Sounds like fun! Thanks for hosting! I also love to read but lately seem only to read LOTS to my class of Pre-Kinders! But I'm off in 5 days!
Samantha
ordered my copy of the book! Can't wait until it gets here. First attempt at a book club 🙂 I think online will make it much easier to have conversations
Carla
Count me in
CV
Could you make the bookclub page private? I hate when i post and everyone else in the world can read it. =/
Jackie
Love this idea! I've also read and loved Liane Moriarty's books! Thank you and I hope to be joining you each month!
Teresa Mowers(Tess)
Looking forward to being part of a book club
Susan
just downloaded a copy from my library.
Marjorie
Wonderful idea... In with both feet . Thanks
Marjorie
Wonderful idea... In with both feet . Thanks
kia Germino
I'm in!
Helsy
Yes please!
stacey
Sounds good
joyce
just retired..and looking fwd to get back to reading.
selva
i would like to join the bookclub
Fiona
What a fab idea, a virtual book club - AMAZING!
Count me in :o)
T baket
Wow!!! My library has a wait list of 170 people for this book! Guess it's a popular choice!
Regina Birrenkott
Yes count me in !
Maria
this sounds like a great idea and a lot of fun, count me in
Lori Kaye
Yay...I actually won this book off an instagram contest and have not read it yet...Guess its time 🙂
Dawn
Never pass up an opportunity to read!!!
Julie Finlay
Just finished it this morning. Nice diversion from the reading I am doing for work.
barbara westbrook
I loved the st book. is there a way to get a copy of the reading list? im ready for a new boo
Gina
That was one of my favorite books from 2014! I hope you like it. Please don't feel bad about not reading as much. It's very hard when your kids are young as yours are. Now that mine are reading independently (and silently, that's key), we have 'family reading time' for up to an hour at times, both weekend days and even on weeknights sometimes. It helps me have quiet time to enjoy my own books. Hang in there!
Veronica
i would like to be a part of this book club too!