Hi Everyone! I want to introduce the book that will be used for the book share this fall. If you are unfamiliar this is how it works. Last July I wrote a quick review of a book titled Vinegar Girl, by Anne Tyler. Several readers signed up to then share this book. I sent it to the first person along with three fat quarters that were somehow reminiscent of something in the plot. That person then reads the book, jots a note or some thoughts in the front cover of the book and sends it on to the next person with three fat quarters of their choice, again somehow tying the fabric to the plot. It has been a lot of fun. The book has traveled from California to Wisconsin to Idaho and is currently on its way to the UK.
For the next book I am really excited to share The Double Bind, by Chris Bohjalian. I just finished the book and it was a gripping, suspenseful read. I have read a number of books by Bohjalian and loved each one of them. He really gets into the subject matter, becoming very knowledgable before spinning the story for us. This particular book is based on the true story of Bob (Soupy) Campbell, a talented photograper who became homeless late in life. He died, leaving behind a collection of amazing photographs and negatives, many of people quite famous. He lived out the end of his life in subsidized housing which was found for him by COTS, a homeless shelter in Vermont. Bohjalian is from Vermont, and wrote the story with a Vermont setting. He tells an excellent story of Laurel, a young woman who works at a shelter in Vermont called BEDS. Laurel was the victim of a horrid crime which has caused her to withdraw into herself and her work as a photographer and social worker at the shelter. The way that Bohjalian ties Laurel’s situation to Bobbie Crocker (the homeless man in the story) is genius. Laurel’s and Bobbie’s stories are also entwined with the story of the Buchanan’s and Jay Gatsby, from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s famous tale, The Great Gatsby. The author uses a number of the photographs taken by real life photographer, Bob Campbell, in the book. This story is an excellent illustration of how little it takes for a ‘regular’ person to end up on the streets as well as a compelling look at mental illness. I highly recommend the book which was first published in 2007 and then spent a considerable bit of time on the New York Times bestseller list.
This book is all set to go. If you want to join in, share some fabric and my copy of this book, leave a comment. The first five people to express their interest are in. When you comment, please leave me your email address and tell me if you are willing to ship internationally. That will help me create the route the book will take. When you receive the book, you have four weeks to finish it, jot down a little note and send it to the next reader with three fat quarters of your choice. I hope you will join in and share in this book and fabric adventure!
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I would love to join in again Bernie. The book sounds interesting, I haven’t read anything by the author before. Thank you for the opportunity.
Smiles
Kate
Yay! I’m sure you will like the book. It was so well written. I will put you later in the list since you are working on Vinegar Girl, ok?
I’ve never done this, but it sounds like fun. Count me in.
So glad to have you Wendy! Let me know if you are able to ship internationally, ok?
s it possible to follow the route of the book and read the ciomments if I don’t join in? Sounds so fsscinating.
Haven[tread this author but soinds so interesting..
Ruth
Hmm… I’m not certain how that would work. I would be happy to share the comments which readers leave on the book after I get it back. It takes several months before I see the book again. Would that work?
I would love to participate this year. I saw it last year and wanted to but couldn’t guarantee I could finish in 4 weeks. This year I think it will work? Brilliant idea!
So happy you are able to join in Gloria. Please let me know if you are ok with shipping internationally. Thank you for participating!
What a great idea, it sounds like fun! I’m currently visiting my daughter in the NE and will be traveling through Vermont. I would be willing to ship the book internationally. Thanks for organizing.
Nancy
Welcome to the group! I have not yet visited Vermont yet. But my son and his wife moved there recently so I am sure I will be taking a trip in the near future. So happy to have you join in. ?
It’s very beautiful. I’ve been here in all seasons except winter and like them all. Winter may be a bit too cold for me.
Do you have five, yet? I’d love to join if you have room for another!
I think you are number five- so happy you are in for another round!
The book sounds terrific – I’d love to be part of the circle. I can ship internationally and am an avid reader (retired!) during my sewing breaks.
Sounds good Patricia! You are the final participant and the group is now filled! Welcome! Would you send your mailing address to me at [email protected]? Thanks a bunch.
What a fun concept, Bernie! I’ll have to look into this book.
I’m sorry to have come late to the party. It looks like a great read…I guess I’ll have to read it on my own.
It is a really good book. I hope you like it ?