I wandered lonely as a cloud That floats on high o'er vales and hills, When all at once I saw a crowd, A host, of golden daffodils; Beside the lake, beneath the trees, Fluttering and dancing in the breeze . — William Wordsworth, Daffodils

Spring Has Sprung -- New Books and Festivals

March brings the first day of spring. The flowers are showing their heads and my cats are shedding their winter coats (more vacuuming for me). In the book world, spring means the release of new and exciting books and the start of the book festivals! Yee-haa!

I just finished an Advance Readers Copy of a creative and interesting novel titled Luncheon of the Boating Party by Susan Vreeland. Narrated by Renoir and seven of his models in his masterpiece, Luncheon of the Boating Party, the novel illustrates a time when social constraints were loosening and Paris was healing after the Franco-Prussian War. Vreeland explores Renoir’s most challenging work amidst Renoir’s personal crises in art and love – and while facing issues of loyalty and diverging styles that were tearing apart the Impressionist group. The characters (models) come alive as Vreeland interweaves their dreams and aspirations with Renoir’s art project. In Luncheon of the Boating Party, Vreeland has created her own masterpiece! Luncheon of the Boating Party is released on May 7, 2007.

One of the book festivals in March is the Virginia Festival of the Book in Charlottesville, Virginia.  Authors and book-lovers take the city by storm on March 21st through the 25th.  It’s a love fest of literacy and keeping the joy of reading alive! I always have a good time. This year I am moderating a panel with Marisa des los Santos (Love Walked In), Lynn York (The Sweet Life), Mary Sharratt (The Vanishing Point).  All very different books but they share one theme of strong independent women. The women authors will be discussing their thoughts about what makes their book discussible with book clubs and avid readers. Book Clubs -- come up down to the Gravity Lounge on Thursday, March 22 at noon. Have a little lunch and some fun with a great bunch of women authors. You won’t be disappointed!

For those of you in live in my former state of North Carolina, please come to Quail Ridge Books & Music in Raleigh on March 19 or 21. The store will present a Book Club Bash. Nancy Olson, owner of Quail Ridge and a member of Reading Group Choices' Advisory Board, and her knowledgeable staff will recommend their picks for reading group discussions. There is always plenty of food and wine! Make it a reading group field trip! March 19 at 7:00 pm or March 21 at 10:00 pm. See you there!

Take some time to see “a host of golden daffodils” and thanks for keeping the joy of reading alive.

Barbara
bmead@readinggroupchoices.com