Fresh off a wonderful group read of Madame Bovary, I feel dizzying optimistic about the possibilities of our group read for the new Pevear and Volokhonsky translation of Doctor Zhivago. Check out the sign-up post here for details (and possibly a reminder that you did in fact volunteer for this one). So the first section on November 16? Let me know if you will be joining us? Looking forward to another wonderful set of conversations.
And November 5 is the deadline to sign up for this year's Persephone Secret Santa gift exchange hosted by Claire of Paperback Reader. The details are here. Claire told me today that there are already more participants than last year but always room for more. I had a great experience with this last year and encourage you to give it a try especially if you have never read a Persephone title before as was my situation last year.
A great way to connect with lost books and great readers, and people, who doesn't like a surprise gift in the mail? Really? You think you are too rushed this time of year for a trip to the post office? Persephone will ship for you complete with signature pink wrap and dove-grey ribbon plus a card with your holiday message. The important part is making a thoughtful choice for your secret reader.
(Persephone photo by scribbletaylor via Flickr.)
And one more irresistible opportunity that Thomas directed me to - NYRB Reading Week hosted by The Literary Stew and Coffeespoons. Very loose - just pick any titles or titles from the extensive list of NYRB yummies and post during the week of November 7 - 13. I am still trying to pick from a stack I posted a while back. Hmmm. This might be a last minute choice.
I have finished my re-read of Old School for a Monday post and today being Halloween, I will try and power through the new Susan Hill book, The Small Hand, before the ghosts and goblins come out. What will you be reading in the Sunday Salon today? Wishing you all a spooktacular day!