Don't you think August has flown by? Admittedly we have another week before the month is properly over - the Bank Holiday this weekend has put me out of synch - but I don't feel ready for the new term yet.
I always anticipate time going more slowly in the summer, when the usual routine of clubs and activities halts for holidays. But being out and about in the glorious weather has brought different diversions and I find now that I'm seriously behind in my reading.
And the pressure's on because it's our discussion about this year's Booker Longlist in just eight days' time.
Members of our book group in Woodbridge each volunteered to read one of the titles on the longlist and on Monday 1 September will share their thoughts on it in a short presentation. We will then discuss what we've heard and decide on which six books we think might make the judges' shortlist and possible winner.
There was one book which wasn't available to us. Kiran Desai's novel 'The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny' is not due to be published until the end of September. But yesterday I received a proof copy in the post! And I've started reading it. As it's 670 pages long, I can't promise to finish it in time for our meeting but I'll have a good try.
Whether you've read any of this year's Booker Longlist or not, you're welcome to attend the meeting. Just reply to this email and I'll send you the details.
We've been doing this for a number of years now and it's always proved a very entertaining and stimulating evening and I'll endeavour to provide a summary of our conclusions so that we are all invested in the forthcoming pronouncements by the Booker judges!
Thank you for reading.