Skip to main content

SOCIAL MEDIA

Announcement: The Sketchy Reader Book Club Beginning January, 2019

Wednesday, December 19, 2018




Merry Christmas, My Lovelies!

I have an exciting announcement I want to share with you:  I'm starting a book club!

This year has not been the best year for me as far as reading is concerned...There have been many disappointments.  Several over hyped books were boring and disappointing; they in no way lived-up to the "hype."

One of the other disappointments I've had this year in my reading life is the injection of politics in fiction books.  If I want to read bad things about Trump and the "deplorables" who elected him, I'd read a newspaper.  Any newspaper.  

I don't want to read about politics in fiction.  This past year, fiction has been chock-full of anti-Trump sentiment.  I suppose writers had 2017 to express their angst (and in some cases denial) as they wrote their books that were published in 2018.  Don't get me wrong...I'm not in favor of censorship or boycotting, but I choose not to participate.

Also, many of the plans I made for 2018 never happened due to family obligations and my health, so I decided in 2019 to keep things simple.

Each month, we'll read a classic novel based on The Heroine's Bookshelf by Erin Blakemore...


Support Independent Bookstores - Visit IndieBound.org

The book cover (above) is an IndieBound affiliate link for purchasing the book.


You do NOT have to read this book in order to participate, but it would probably enhance your reading of each novel.  Every month we'll read a classic with a strong female character who possesses a trait every woman should aspire to have.  And the best thing about my plan is this: I know that I will NOT be disappointed at least once each month because these books are all so well-written.


Below are the titles for The Sketchy Reader Book Club for 2019:

January:  SELF:  Lizzy Bennet in Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

February:  FAITH:  Janie Crawford in Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston

March:  HAPPINESS:  Anne Shirley in Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery 

April:  DIGNITY:  Celie in The Color Purple by Alice Walker

May:  FAMILY TIES:  Francie Nolan in A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

June:  INDULGENCE:  Claudine in Claudine at School by Colette

July:  FIGHT:  Katy Scarlett O'Hara in Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

August:  COMPASSION:  Scout Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

September:  SIMPLICITY:  Laura Ingalls in The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder

October:  STEADFASTNESS:  Jane Eyre in Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

November:  AMBITION:  Jo March in Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

December:  MAGIC:  Mary Lennox in The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett



Obviously many if not all of these titles will be re-reads for you and me, but reading them again will be like visiting old friends, don't you agree?

I'm planning a few activities and surprises each month as we read these classics.  On the last Friday of the month, I'll share a special Book Club Literary Friday post that will include questions and perhaps a giveaway or two.  Readers can check in throughout the day and share their thoughts.  If you don't follow me on Instagram, it might be a good idea to do so because I will also posts fun things on that social media platform.  I am no longer on Facebook.

Please feel free to participate as much or as little as you like.  Everyone is welcome, and this is a free book club.  

If you don't have a copy of Pride and Prejudice, pick one up soon from your favorite bookstore or library because we will have our first book club discussion on Friday, January 25th.



This is the edition I'll be reading.  It hints at some activities I'll be sharing with y'all!


I hope y'all will join me in reading these classics during 2019.  Book Club will be my primary focus on my blog in 2019, along with recipes, decor, crafts, and other activities inspired by the month's book.


Until next time...

Happy reading and Merry Christmas!
Ricki Jill



11 comments

  1. Great choices, Ricki Jill. It sounds like it's going to be a lot of fun! Have a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh, I'm so excited to join in with you! I do think I've read most of these but I would enjoy reading them again. This may sound crazy...but my husband's favorite movie is the old Pride and Prejudice. I wonder if he's read the book...he may want to join in! heehee! Thank you SO much! something fun to look forward to now! Holiday hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I would love to join your book club! You've listed some of my absolute faves; a couple I've never read but have always wanted to ~
    Count me in!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I'm in! Now I will tell you I've never had any interest in Pride and Prejudice but I'll try! :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a fun idea, RJ! Sometimes you need a schedule to keep you honest! Have a wonderful Christmas and a merry reading New Year!

    ReplyDelete
  6. A great choice of books. MERRY CHRISTMAS and A HAPPY,BLESSED 2019.
    Marilyn,Joan and Marion

    ReplyDelete
  7. What a great way for you to find fellow avid readers like yourself. This will be fun for all of you. I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas and fun with your new adventure in the new year.
    Hugs,
    Kris

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi,
    What fun! I am excited for this new journey you will be taking us on.
    Happy Christmas my friend!
    Carla

    ReplyDelete
  9. This is a great idea and perfect for you RJ. I've read and loved a lot of these. The Long Winter is a favorite in a boxed set I love, I pulled it out just this week! Merry Christmas to you and yours.........

    ReplyDelete
  10. Great books, great idea, great characters!! Merry Christmas and here's to a wonderful 2019!!

    ReplyDelete
  11. This will be fun to revisit the classics!
    Merry Christmas RJ! Thank you for your sweet card, I didn't mail you one since I thought we were going to meet, but we will celebrate in January!
    Jenna

    ReplyDelete

Comments are friendly!


Hello!

I'm Ricki Jill. Welcome! I'm honored that you're reading my blog. I enjoy sharing my creative lifestyle @ The Bookish Dilettante. For more information about my blog, please read the Start Here page. Thank-you for stopping by, and I hope you'll consider following me via email.

Follow me on Instagram