The first readalong is Frank Delaney’s Ireland which im going to read together with Mel u from The Reading Life. The choice is inspired by his Irish Short Story Month. We will read and post on it either in week 2 or 3, in April. Should you want to join us, please leave a comment on my or Mel’s blog.
Emma from Book Around the Corner is hosting a yearlong book club and I’m going to join for the next book which is Tracy Chevalier’s Remarkable Creatures. The readalong takes place on Thursday, April 26.
In May I’m going to join Bettina (Liburuak) for a readalong of Alice Walker’s The Color Purple. The readalong takes place on May 31st. Details will be announced on Bettina’s blog, beginning of May.
As you know, Muriel Spark week, hosted by Simon (Stuck in A Book) and Harriet (Harriet Devine’s Blog) is going to take place from April 23 – 29.
Open Road Integrated Media has just released eight of Muriel Spark’s novels and I’m very glad that I have the opportunity to give away two e-books.
The first e-book I’m giving away is the famous The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. It’s a book I personally liked a lot.
If you would like to win this e-book, just leave a comment. The giveaway winner will be announced next Tuesday, April 3 2012.
As I said before, Open Road Media offers two e-books. Which one will be the second book is up to you, that’s why I included a poll. Please vote for the second book you would like to be given away.
Please don’t click the category “other”. I couldn’t get rid of it but it doesn’t exist.
The book with the highest poll result will be given away next week.
The poll has been moved and can be found here
Beauty is a Sleeping Cat 
I voted. Not sure which Spark I’ll read but it’ll probably not be on the list as I’ve read most of those and would prefer to read something I haven’t read before.
Note: don’t enter me for the contest as I have the books already.
Thanks for voting.
I was wondering if Hothouse by East River is any good?
I might even enter myself if that gets voted for.
Of the ones read, it was my least favourite
Good to know, thanks.
It was ok but to me it just didn’t reach the depth of insights into human nature that this author usually shows
Thanks.
It sounds like you have lots of interesting plans. I might join in the Muriel Spark week – I loved The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. I voted for The Hothouse by the East River too as I like the sound of the plot.
I’m really loking forward to all the readalongs. I hope you can join Muriel Spark week as well. It would be great to read your review.
That’s the most ambitious readalong list I’ve ever seen, I think! Thank you for including The Color Purple readalong – it’s the first time I’m hosting one and I’m very excited about it.
I don’t think there wil be any other month or two months quite as busy as these but I’m looking forward to it.
It’s great to host a readalong people are interested in. The Color Purple should be very interesting. I always wanted to read it, I’m glad I finally get a good reason to do so.
Thank you for mentioning the Tracy Chevalier readalong.
I’m really glad you’ll participate. I bought the French translation, I was afraid I’d have difficulties with the fossils vocabulary.
You are welcome. I didn’t even think of the specialized vocabulary.
Muriel Spark on ebook – splendid.
Does this mean you enter the gievaway?
I’ll be joining you for at least three of these books (as well as the war book), so your plans are good ones! 🙂 I’m pulling the Chevalier out this week and may start a tad early just because I’m excited about it. I’m also looking forward to reading another book by Muriel Spark (maybe two..). No need to drop my name in the hat as I received a freebie from the pub as well–better to let someone else have a chance. I seem to have a stack of her books on my shelves as it is.
It’s true, I didn’t think of it. We are going to read a lot together. 🙂 I hope the Giono is going well for you? I wouldn’t have thought that it would be this graphic.
I’m a bit worried that nobody enters for the e-books. I think, after all, not all that many people have e-readers.
You are busy! Can’t wait to hear about all of your books. I liked the poll you included. Nice touch!
Thanks TBM. You don’t have an e-reader? You don’t want to read The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie? It’s a short book and so good.
I haven’t purchased an e-reader yet, but I do have kindle on my PC. If it is a small book, I don’t mind reading it on my laptop. I need to join the new trend and actually get an e-reader. Sure, sign me up. Thanks!
Ok, great. It’s such a wonderful book. 120 pages. Did you also vote?
Sure did. I’m a political person. I love participating in polls 🙂
You are like me. I always love to vote unless I have no clue at all.
That is a good point Caroline! There have been some occasions in the polling booth when I left a certain question unanswered since I didn’t know what the question was about. American ballots can be quite confusing sometimes. I figured my ignorance could cause more harm than good. But when I don’t think I can harm anyone, I love a poll. I used to complete the poll everyday on CNN when I would check the website while at work. Can’t resist it!
It does bring out the child in me. Press a button, leave a mark. Something like that. ; )
There’s so much going on at the moment, isn’t there? I’m deep in Orange Prize books myself, but I may well join in on Emma’s challenge to read the Tracy Chevalier – an author I’ve wanted to try for ages. I don’t know how you manage to keep up with so many challenges, Caroline – you are an inspiration to us all.
I start to wonder whether I’m not a bit mad? On the other hand it’s nice to read with others, every book attracts another group of people and it’s a great opportunity to discuss and “meet” people. It would be great if you would join. I liked Tracy Chevalier’s writing. Incredibly descriptive.
Btw You will notice my comment on your blog is now in moderation. I needed a new e-mail because of the new comment policy. Bit of a nuisance really.
I voted…. Although I really had no clue, because I haven’t read any of the books listed.
Thanks for this giveaway, please count me in.
That’s OK – and – sure, you’re in. You are welcome. 🙂
Wonderful reading plans, Caroline! I love the covers of the Muriel Spark audio books – they look so beautiful! I want to read ‘The Color Purple’ myself. I will see whether I can join the readalong. It is interesting that it won both the Pulitzer and the National Book Award – Wow! It must be something! Happy Reading 🙂
Thanks, Vishy. It would be great if you could join.
Those covers are quite different, aren’t they? I like them very much as well.
I’m looking foward to read. I’ve had The Color Purple on my shelves for years.
Wow, you’re busy, Caroline! The readalongs sound good. I’ve read both Remarkable Creatures and The Color Purple, and much preferred the latter. Will be interested to see what you make of them. Would love to be entered for the Muriel Spark giveaway! I also voted in the poll, although it was slightly random as I don’t know too much about any of the books. Reality and Dreams sounded intriguing though…
I’m a bit busy but it’s nice as well. That’s a coincidence, that you’ve read both books. I guess they are in very different leagues, so to speak.
Thanks for the interest in the book and the vote.
I think I once saw a BBC(?) TV adaptation of “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” when I was a kid. Since I’ve taken to reading Kindle books on an Android device recently, I’ll enter for the giveaway please.
As much as I’d like to click the poll, I have no clue about any of her other books. The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie is the only one I could have named.
I’ve read Miss Brodie and loved it altough I keep on hearing there are better ones.
I guess there are many possibilities to read e-books. The kindle is just one.
I will read Territorial Rights. Don’t worry about the poll.
wow…you are indeed really busy!!! I was this busy last year that’s why I decided not to join too many book event this year.
good luck with all the books you are going to read 🙂
By the way can ebook be printed out?
Yes, you can in theory print it out, I suppose. I never tried but when you get it sent to your computer, it should be possible. It’s worth for you to try and find out as there will be much more giveaways in the future with e-books.
I could try…I know it is much easier if I have an ebook reader 😉
So…Count me in. If it turns out I can print it out then I will never join ebook giveaway again.
Ok, you’re in. 🙂
I ve her a far cry from Kensington be my first book by Spark ,all the best stu
I hope it’s a good one. I haven’t read it. I’m looking forward to your review.
Stu, are you entering the give away?
Currently writing up my thesis on Spark, and would love to read the archive material included in the E-Book. An incredible writer.
She is a fascinating writer, I agree. I will read Territorial Rights and am looking foward to it.
I haven’t read most of Muriel Spark’s books, but what I’ve read so far has given me a true readership pleasure.
Yes, she is great. I’m looking forward to the event.
I own remarkable creatures, so perhaps I might join you and Emma, although I’m not sure if I can keep up with all my reading plans in April.
I’m definitely looking forward to reading The Color Purple along with you and Bettina!
Iris, it would be great if you could join for Remarkable Creatures but I understand if you can’t. Seems like April and May are great months for readalongs.
Hi Caroline,
It’s been a while since I’ve been able to stop by. I’m so happy to hear that you’re participating in this readalong for Muriel Spark. It’s a great way to introduce her novels to people who may not have had a chance to read them.
Hi Jackie, I guess you are busy with the book and the courses. I hope that all works well. And the trip to Europe. Yes, these weeks which are deidcated to an author are a great way to promote them. And a nudge to grab a copy and read some more for myself.