book group - Barbara Delinsky

January 25, 2012

What makes for a good book discussion

My book group met Monday night, and I nearly didn’t go. I’m not big on war books, and Laura Hillenbrand’s “Unbroken” is that. Honestly? I wasn’t planning to read it. I don’t read much anyway when I’m deep into the writing of a book, and I’m about as deep into Sweet Salt Air as I can get. I didn’t want to be distracted – or grossed out – or dizzied by descriptions of B-24s.

September 20, 2011

Survival guide for a writer in a book group

My book group met last night to discuss THE PARIS WIFE, which is a fictionalized account of Ernest Hemingway’s first marriage. When I read this book last April, I was intrigued by the marriage, but even more, as a writer, by the ups and downs of Hemingway as he struggled to be published. I was one of those who had pushed this book when we chose our 2011-2012 list last June, and the discussion was terrific, validating the choice.