The Joy of Sharing Books

I love to read. I mean I LOVE to read. There is nothing better than curling up in a comfy chair with a good book. In fact I just treated myself to this rather gorgeous chair which is making reading an even bigger joy.

Reading is rather a solitary experience, perfect for introverts like myself; but sometimes when you read a great book you just want to share it with someone, you want to go 'Oh you know that bit with the...' and then not even need to finish your sentence because the other reader knows exactly what you mean. I love the moment where you see your own joy reflected back in someone else's eyes.

That's why I love going to my book club(s). There's something really special about reading a book and then going to discuss it with likeminded souls. You don't even have to enjoy the book, or even share the same opinions, I just enjoy the debate, the discussion, the dissection of the good, the bad and the ugly.

Today we were talking about A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness A beautifully written book; but one that left me in pieces, I sobbed through the end - literal sobs, with the whole catching breath, can barely speak, needed a hug sort of sobbing. Anyone that knows me, knows I hate sad endings and so I'm not sure I enjoyed the book - it was harsh and powerful; but also very deep with a really interesting perspective on life - not something you expect from a teen novel. In fact one person at the book club said you wouldn't find it out of place in the Self-Help section and she's right.

It was a very different read for ma and that's the strength of a book club, you get to read things you would never normally pick up, from classics to short stories and now a graphic novel. Next to read is The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde I'm extremely nervous about this because it's my suggestion and a book that I love. I really hope they don't hate it! We shall see...

What good books have you been reading? What would you recommend me to read?

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