Tuesday, February 5, 2019

I'm So Excited About Our Next Book Club!

February was created for leisurely reads, stories that capture your heart, and thought-provoking conversations between friends.  And that's why I've chosen Becoming Mrs. Lewis: The Improbable Love Story of Joy Davidman and C.S. Lewis as our first 2019 Book Club selection.


I'm a great big fan of historical fiction.  And hands down, Patti Callahan's beautiful saga of the intimate relationship between C.S. Lewis and Joy Davidman is tops on my list.  Captivating, enthralling, all those good things.  The dialogue is so real and rich, their journey into the depths of intellectual and spiritual truths so mesmerizing.  And yes, love finds a way although there are numerous twists and turns that finally take them there.

You won't want the book to end.  I promise.

If you're a fan of C.S. Lewis, improbable long distance friendships, a glimpse into the world of writers, sparkling and significant conversations, or later-in-life love stories, this is your book, my friend.

Here's how it works -
1.  Grab your copy of Becoming Mrs. Lewis at your library or ...
Buy a hardcover / $14.43

Buy a Kindle edition / $12.99

2.  Read at your leisure and then join us here on the blog beginning Thursday, February 21st for four weekly gabfests.

3.  You don't have to sign up or even read the book to participate in the discussion.  For sure, there's room for you at the table.  Watch for a gift card giveaway in the midst of our dialogue.  And yes, first time commenters, the welcome mat is out for you!

4.  Spread the word to your friends, fans, followers, blog readers, and book club cronies.

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Our first two book clubs last year were a blast ... you guys were so enthusiastic and brought so much of your wise / humorous / vulnerable selves to the table!  This is what it all looked like -
Invitation to Solitude and Silence: Experiencing God's Transforming Presence
by Ruth Haley Barton {February}

The Listening Life: Embracing Attentiveness in a World of Distraction
by Adam McHugh {April}

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'It's a lovely thing to be a reader.  It's even lovelier to be a reader among readers ... it's what happens after I read that's changed my life ... the kinship with other readers who loved the story and the delight of occupying its world with them.  Little wonder, then, that I leave my book club's meetings feeling like I've been plugged into a power outlet, my mind humming with energy and ideas - my now-fuller heart just as abuzz.'
Mary Laura Philpott
O, The Oprah Magazine
February 2019

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Library book, your own hardcover, or Kindle?

Were you around for last year's Book Clubs?
Do tell!

I want you to be a part of it all ...
please let me know you'll be dropping by!


so you won't miss a single minute



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inviting friends at
Mary's  .  Kelly's  .  Sue's  .  Diane's

54 comments:

  1. This is an enticing invitation. Will definitely read this book!
    Blessings!

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    1. Oh cool! I know you'll bring your wit and wisdom to our conversations, Lulu ...

      ;-}

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  2. Love this concept! And the book sounds really great! I've seen it, but maybe I'll join in this round!

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  3. Oh, wow, Linda, I'm actually reading that book NOW! It is one of the most captivating and enthralling, words you used, books I have ever read, and that's saying a mouthful. Can't wait to join in on this next book club adventure.
    Blessings, my friend!

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    1. Martha, hi! Your enthusiasm is downright contagious, girl! And that you're giving the book a big round of applause is a welcome confirmation that this book was the right choice.

      And for that, I'm grateful ...

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  4. I read this book last year, and it was close on the heels of an actual biography about Joy, so it was a delightful experience. I'll try to keep up with the conversation here!

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    1. You know that I'd just love your insightful input around here, Michele ...

      ;-)

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  5. I had already bought the audiobook to listen to this year, so I'll be happy to do so in company! It's always fun to hear what other readers got from the same passages.

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    1. A John Grisham audiobook saved our sanity when we drove through the night from Cincinnati - New York one time. Mesmerizing in all the best ways ...

      ;-}

      I'd love to hear your take on the audio version of our book, Barbara!

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  6. This sounds like a good book, Linda! It's not very easy to get in the UK right now - the Kindle version is not released here until May and the hardback is very expensive - so I don't think I'll be reading it for the book club. I look forward to following the discussion anyway and finding out more about it, then maybe I'll read it at some point. I have a whole stack of books waiting anyway so I probably shouldn't add another one right now. :)

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    1. Lesley, hi! Isn't that wierd that even though the story is set in England, the book is not easily available there.

      But I'd sure love for you to bring your British perspective to our discussions, ok?!

      ;-)

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  7. I just reserved the book through our library system and they have it in large print!! Can't wait - this sounds like a good read! I'm putting February 21st on my calendar!

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    1. Marilyn, you're going to love it! And I'm with you, yes please to large print books ...

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  8. Now THIS looks really cool! Would love to read this! - http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com

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    1. Yay! Can't wait to have you at the table, Gingi ...

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  9. Have they made it into a movie? I'll watch it with subtitles on and say I've read it.

    God bless.

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    1. Gotcha!

      Check out the movie SHADOWLANDS.

      Not too sure about the subtitles though ...

      ;-}

      Delete
  10. Im excited to see this book! Hopefully my library hold will come through in time for the book club!!

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    1. Oh, I'd LOVE to have a librarian in on our dialogue! How perfect!

      So glad you found us here this morning ...

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  11. This sounds like a great book, Linda. I checked if our library system has it, and it does, but there are 8 holds on it. That's always a good sign, but I'm certain I wouldn't get it in time to read this month. Plus I just got notified that a new book I had on hold is ready. And right now I'm reading Martha's delightful books, too. :) However, I will still look forward to all the insightful posts and comments! I do love your book club selections. :) Love and blessings to you!

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    1. It's a cozy feeling to have a not-too-tall stack of books awaiting, isn't it ...

      ;-)

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  12. I love that you are hosting a book club on your blog. This is so neat! If I had the time right now, I'd join you. Make sure you share what you think of it after you are done. :)

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    1. Thank you, I will, Nicki! If it turns out to be like last year's two, I'll be ecstatic ...

      ;-)

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  13. I love this story and have read other accounts of it. This one looks good. I will have to pick up a copy. Love your book club idea!

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  14. I love that you're doing this, Linda! I wish I had time to join you. Maybe some time I will. :) I look forward to following as I visit your place each week.

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    1. Dear Sweet Unknown! I love that you're here ... I'm just wondering and trying to guess who you are!

      Do tell ...

      ;-)

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  15. You got me Linda! I clicked on your link and bought the book, I can't wait to get it and start reading it, it is just the kind of true historical biography that I love to read, and I will try to get over to join in your book club discussion, that sounds so very fun! Have a blessed week :)

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  16. I loved this book even though I am not a fan of 400+ pages. It never felt over written. My favorite part of the book was the letters that were shared back and forth by Joy Davidman and C.S. Lewis, the intellectual bantering and the friendship that deepened as two people saw the same truth and shared it. My most relatable part of this book, unfortunately, was the struggle of living with alcoholism. The book showed to me the contrast of a very poor relationship versus and good relationship and even though short-lived, some never get to experience what God gave to Jack and Joy.

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    1. Intellectual bantering.

      I love the way you've put that, Carol.

      And because I'm not at the NY book club anymore, I'm really looking forward to your observations and insights.

      I usually find myself leaning forward to listen ...

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  17. Hi Linda, my hubby read the book at the end of last year. It is in my stack to read, hopefully I can finish the one I am now reading and get started so I can participate!

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    1. I love that your husband has read this even before you have, Pam. Usually it's the other way around, y'know?

      Looking forward to getting to know you as we walk through those pages together!

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  18. I love books and reading. This sounds like a good one. I am going to see if my library has a copy. Here's hoping I can find the book and find time to partiipate.

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    1. I hope you'll be able to rustle up a copy, Mary. This is when working at a library pays off ...

      ;-)

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  19. Looking forward to your story at Mary's link-up! Sounds like exactly what I need to read! I too get most excited when I write something I need to hear/read for myself!

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    1. Yeah, I guess if we're passionate about what God's leading us through, it will make its way into our writing ...

      I'm glad you're here, Amy ...

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  20. Really looking forward to this one. I've seen Shadowlands and read Letters to an American Lady and A Grief Observed as well as Douglas Gresham's memoir Lentan Lands, so I'm excited to see what this adds to the topic.

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  21. I found you through Modern Mrs. Darcy. I've heard so many good things about this book. I'm in the midst of moving back out on my own again, so there is a lot going on. I hope to stay in the loop. You really seem to love your readers with all of the comments here. I love your conversational style already.

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    1. Heidi, welcome! Yep, I love my readers ... it makes me all kinds of happy that you've picked up on that.

      Transitions can be unsettling and disorienting. Finding a safe online place to land can be a comforting satisfaction.

      I'd love to offer you that ...

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  22. Coming over from ModernMrsDarcy to see about a book club-my two favorite magic words. This one looks interesting. I would love to stay in the know about it. I have seen everyone raving about Mrs. Lewis but you have sent me over the top. Unfortunately, I am number 3 on my library holds list. Ugh. Thank you.

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    1. Book Club = Bliss!

      * smile *

      Please come by even if you don't have the book, Shannan, ok? There'll be plenty to talk about and you can jump right in.

      And you never know ... sometimes those library holds move super fast!

      Here's hoping ...

      ;-)

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  23. This one is my saved queue through Scribd, so I'd love to join in. I must say I always look forward to your link-ups on the MMD page each month! Thanks for doing this book club and I look forward to the discussion. Happy reading everyone!

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    1. Kristie, hi! And thanks for letting me know that you've been enjoying the link-ups ...

      You've made my day, girl!

      ;-)

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  24. This may be the first book we haven't agreed on, Linda! We are usually such bookish kindred spirits :) I started this one, but got bogged down in wondering what was true and what was fiction. In the end, I left it aside, but maybe one day I'll give it another go.

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    1. Its always good news when you discover a kindred spirit, isn't it! But you're right, Aimee, we're always free to disagree in love.

      Laura (4 comments back) mentioned several other books about C.S. and Joy she's read that are factual. And I think that would lend a lovely balance ...

      Meanwhile, I'm glad you're here!

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  25. Hi Linda, just thought I'd let you know I saw that Becoming Mrs Lewis was available to request on Netgalley so I submitted a request and just found out today it has been accepted! Look forward to reading along and joining in properly with this after all!

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    1. Oh YAY, Lesley! I'm so excited this will work out for you!

      I need a proper British woman in on this dialogue!

      ;-}

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  26. Im late to the party, friend but looking forward to coming back and perusing the comments! Thank you for hosting!

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