I read this morning an editorial regarding the publishing of paperback versus hardcover books and whether or not reviewers are biased against paperbacks. Have tried to post the link here but have run into trouble. However the article was published in the Wall Street Journal, Thursday, September 23rd and is titled The Stigma of Paperback Originals by Joann Kaufman. It was very interesting. Personally I prefer paperback to hardback, not sure why. The only time I would buy hardback would be if it was going to be autographed by the author. I guess I assume it would last longer in hardback form. Usually I am more comfortable reading a paperback and almost always wait until a book (if I am inclined to purchase it) is in paperback form. On the other hand, I am a big believer in using the public libraries so I try to reserve or borrow a book from the town library before buying it.

Last week my book group met to discuss My Stroke of Insight. Usually we spend the first half hour discussing kids, families, school, work but not this time. We just jumped right into a really great discussion about the book. Lots of input and comments. And we had almost everyone show for the meeting. That usually only happens when we host a pot-luck dinner! Not everyone was convinced that the author truly remembered her journey while having a stroke but there were some very relevant and interesting insights in her recovery. I found it to be a little too much "new age-y" for me at the end. While the author thought it was cool that she knew she was having a stroke and could learn from it (in her capacity as a neuro-anatomist) I am pretty sure I wouldn't have thought it was cool to be going through a stroke!!
Next book is LIttle Bee which I am looking forward to reading. Should be a good book for discussion.

http://www.recyclart.org/2010/09/library-information-desk/information-desk1/
follow the link to see a library information desk made of books- great idea for book lovers who hate to give up their books!

Finished reading The Syringa Tree which is set in South Africa prior to the Soweto riots and after. It is the story of a young girl and her family's help during this difficult time. It took me awhile to get into the book but about halfway through I couldn't really put it down. Very strong story. Now onto the September book club book My Stroke of Insight. Read all of the Hunger Games trilogy. Loved it although I thought the ending came a little bit too quickly as if the author decided she had to just finish it.....still a good read.