This month has run away from me so I was glad to have an extra hour today to try and claw myself back on track!!
And before I go any further, let me remind you that it's the Woodbridge Book Group meeting tomorrow evening. If you're planning on joining us, I hope you've had chance to read 'Folk' and are looking forward to our discussion of all things dark and mysterious.
It will be interesting to get everyone's views on the book, as always. It's great to have this opportunity to try different authors and genres in the company of others, I think. Then, even if something doesn't immediately appeal, hearing why it resonated with someone else can be enlightening and intriguing, and might challenge our own preconceptions and expectations perhaps.
But, of course, we're all looking for a book which brings us wonder and joy and which, particularly in these times, takes us out of ourselves, helping us to step away from our immediate concerns about life at home and further afield. National Book Tokens are asking us to share which book has achieved that this year.
The Books Are My Bag Awards has seven categories, but of particular note is the Readers' Choice. You can place your vote by clicking here and in doing so stand a chance of winning a £100 book token. But the poll closes today so be quick!
The winners of these awards will be revealed on 4 November and shortly afterwards, on 10 November, we'll hear from the judges of the Booker Prize revealing who has triumphed there this year. Will we agree with them? The Woodbridge Book Group did well in predicting the shortlist - have I mentioned that?!
It was a surprise to hear this week that Booker has created a new prize for children's literature. One of the judges is Children's Laureate and tireless champion for children's books, Frank Cottrell-Boyce. It will be interesting to see how this prize complements or challenges the other prizes for children's writing and what the criteria will be in selecting the shortlist. But it felt very good, and exciting news which was great to hear.
Thank you for reading.