Book Club

Now that Juberry is finished with finals for this semester, we're going to pick a book to read and discuss here on the blog. That's really why we wanted to start this blog - to have somewhere to talk intellectually about the books we're reading. We both love to read and write so this is a good way for us to share and enjoy our interests. I must warn you, though - we both like books of the fantasy genre. We also really like Jane Austen.

So when we finally decide what to read for our first book we'll post a notification so you can read with us and then give us your thoughts.

Food and the Written Word

Food is such a great source of comfort. The smell of homemade bread baking, the aroma of turkey dinner on Thanksgiving or Christmas, bacon and eggs when you first wake up, and that cup of coffee or hot chocolate - these are all things that bring us comfort and a sense of home. Maybe this is why so many of us like to have a comforting cup or something to nibble on while we read or write. Because food is such a great companion to the written word, I'd like to be able to talk about food here and share some of our favorite recipes.

I love to make bread and I also have a fantastic recipe for biscotti and I'll be sure to post them here for you all to try. These are two of my favorite snacks when I'm either reading or writing. What do you like to eat? What are some of your favorite and most comforting smells associated with reading or writing?

Why

Well, we have come to what I consider the most important question; why do you read?

There are many reasons to read; entertainment, knowledge, obligation, for a school assignment. I have read books for each of these reasons, but now that I am out of school these reasons don't really apply. I have continued to read because I love words. There is a power and magic in words that absolutely astounds me. How is it that a combination of letters, words and phrases can do something so powerful as evoke emotion, alter opinions, or create an image? The power of words intrigues me and keeps me coming back to books. This is also why I love to write - I want to wield this power and influence my reader the way I have been influenced by the books I've read. I read because I can, because my mind and imagination crave the exercise. I read because I love words, characters, and stories. I just love to read. This why I have a Book 'n' a Mug.

So, why do you read?

When & How

So I thought I would combine these two because they're pretty straightforward. The answer to when for me is: anytime. Whenever I can catch a spare minute, I'll pick up a book. In the morning, in the afternoon, when its raining, when its sunny, in the evening after dinner, while I'm cooking dinner (I wouldn't recommend this - food and paper do not go together although eating and reading do, but we'll talk about this more later), and sometimes late into the night. I think the last is one of my favorites because I love when I am so enthralled in a book that I can't put it down.

How I read is nothing unusual. I like to lounge on my couch or in my bed. I read quickly when the plot is good and slowly during the beautifully descriptive passages. I am one of those people who always reads a book from the beginning - I've never understood how someone can read the end first, or skip through the pages scanning to see if they might be interested. But that's when and how I enjoy my Book 'n' a Mug.

When and how do you enjoy yours?

Who

I am always looking for new and promising authors as well as classic old ones. Sadly, there are many authors widely considered as "classic" that I have never read. Fortunately, I was opened to some great authors during my education so I'm not completely deprived of the greats authors of our past. My taste in authors is similar to my taste in music - I like practically everything.

To be more specific, some of my favorite authors include the following:

Jane Austen
Most consider her simply 'chic lit,' but after taking a class in college focusing on her works, she will always be one of my favorite authors. Her unique characters and her grasp of human qualities intrigues me. Another thing I love is that her books are written as much for the first-time reader as for the re-read. The complex nature of her characters invites me back again and again to see what else I can learn about the characters.



Clive Cussler
Unlike some of the other popular adventure authors out there, Cussler can actually write. I love his characters and his plot lines are exhilarating. Best of all, his style leaves me feeling like I've read something on my level but doesn't get in the way of the story.


Robert Jordan
His Wheel of Time fantasy series is one of the best I've read. The world he has created in this series is amazing and his characters complex and believable. I love his descriptive abilities and the intricacies of his plot. If you're looking for a great fantasy read, this is my first recommendation. Be prepared to spend some time reading, though - there are currently 11 books in this series and he's not done yet!

That's who I have with my Book 'n' a Mug. Who do you have with yours?

What

There are many things that could be covered in what you read, but I'd like to focus more on genre. Action, Mystery, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Non-Fiction, and everything in between offers quite a range of possibilities for what we read. My taste has changed over the years, although there are a few that I keep coming back to. Some I read annually, like The Chronicles of Narnia, The Scarlet Pimpernel, and Pride and Prejudice, but finding something new is always refreshing. I tend toward the Fantasy genre, but I'm also a fan of some classic chic lit (like Jane Austen or the Brontes) every now and again. Recently I've also really enjoyed reading some Action, particularly Clive Cussler. Currently I'm reading a "dragon book," as my husband calls it, and really enjoying it. Since the weather here has been warming up my mug is full of soda, but that's what I'm reading for my Book 'n' a Mug.

What genre are you reading for yours?

Where

The loveseat, although well-used and old, is by far the most comfortable seat in our house. The brown, beige, and orange stripes are less than inspiring, so I have covered them with a comforter of relaxing greens and blues. Two sea-green sequined pillows adorn the corners and a purple blanket lies folded across the back. A teal scarf with fringe on the ends falls atop the blanket where it was tossed after the last time I used it. The couch resides in a corner of my home office with a cardboard box at its side. I have covered the box with fabric to match the comforter and it now hosts my mug, notebooks, books, candles, and various pens. Propped against the wall is a lovely picture of a flower shop on a cobblestone street where I think I would like to have a bookshop one day. This old couch and dressed up box form my haven. This is where I let my imagination run free. This is where I agonize over the perfect words for a scene I am working on and also where I bask in the worlds and characters others have created. This is where I have my Book ‘n’ a Mug.

Where do you have yours?