I made note of this online book club when I first stumbled upon it months ago. It is hosted by Erika at Jawas Eat Books and showcases some popular fantasy books written by women, hence "The Women of Fantasy" Book Club. It looks like most, if not all, of the protagonists in the books are women as well, although I haven't confirmed this. I've mentioned this book club a couple of times in passing, but have put off joining for reasons I don't even know. I read one adult fantasy novel last year and it ended up being one of my favorite reads of the whole year, so I vowed to read more fantasy in 2011. This book club is the perfect inspiration for me to reach that goal, too, because Erika has put together the perfect reading list that includes some titles that already caught my eye such as The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms and The Gaslight Dogs, books by authors whose I wanted to read like Cherie Priest, Juliet Marillier, Mercedes Lackey and other very interesting sounding books, most of which I'll borrow from my local libraries when the time comes.
As if I was't already sold, another plus is that there is absolutely no pressure with this book club. None! You don't have to write book reviews, you don't have to read each month's book selection and you don't even have to participate in the book discussion if you don't want to. Although, why you wouldn't want to, I'm not sure... isn't the whole point of a book club to discuss the book? ;)
I know two other bloggers who are participating--Kerry and Kristen, and so far I've
I already have January's book-- The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N.K. Jemisin borrowed from the library and look forward to starting it soon.
To learn more about the book club, see a list of books we'll be reading and to sign up, visit Erika's post 2011 Book Club: The Women of Fantasy.
I really hope you'll consider joining! Let me know if you do.
There's also a sister challenge being hosted by TJ at Dreams and Speculation-- 2011 Book Club: The Women of SF [Science Fiction]. Be sure to check that out, too! They'll be reading The Handmaid's Tale by Maragaret Atwood in November. Would you believe I've never read it? I might just tag along for the ride that month.
*raises hand* I am in it!
ReplyDeleteI looked for you on that list, figuring it would be up your alley! How did I miss you?!
ReplyDeleteHave you read The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms yet?
I swear one of the women on one of the covers (First row, third book.) looks like Tilda Swinton. (Not sure I spelled her name correctly-she was in Orlando-a very odd movie.) One of my favorite authors, Tanya Huff, is a fantasy author. Have you read The Magic Emporium?
ReplyDeleteOh, lol! I just responded to your question in my blog! I joined... no pressure, though. :D
ReplyDeleteI'm really looking forward to this one.
I too am looking forward to reading this one. Also, if anyone is looking for another great book to read, "Pink Noise: A Posthuman Tale" by Leonid Korogodski is another great one! Not only is the story fascinating, but the book itself is a beautiful physical object.
ReplyDeleteHey Christine!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great book club! I like the no pressure part. *g* I'm not much for fantasy but will give it some thought.
Thanks for your note about my little TBR Challenge. I'm still working on a little widget but will let you know:)
((hugs))
This will be fun! I've read the books for the first two months before, but I'm planning to read the March book that month. Can't wait to see what you think of The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms!
ReplyDeleteBrandy, you're right. The woman on the cover of Prospero Lost looks a lot like Tilda Swinton! Swinton also played the white witch in the Narnia movies.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read Tanya Huff. I will add her to my list of fantasy authors to try. Thanks for the rec!
That was funny. I saw your response in my email and thought, 'wow, she's fast!' LOL! I"m glad you'll be doing this one, too! :)
Becky, thanks for stopping by and for the link to the sci fi book Pink Noise. Sounds fascinating, although truthfully, I'm not keen on straight sci fi. If I'm reading sci fi, I want it to have strong romantic elements. Thanks for the rec, though. I'll keep it in mind.
Hi Lea! Definitely keep me informed of your little TBR Challenge. I really want to get through some of the books that have been on my shelves for more than a year!
Kristen, I'm looking forward to this club! I see you're also doing the Women of SF Book Club, too! :)
As someone who reads a lot of fantasy, I was amazed to see I hadn't read ANY of the books on Erika's list, although several had been on my radar.
ReplyDeleteI've now read The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms and loved it, even though I haven't managed a review yet (and don't know if I will). I've also reada this month's SF book and I'm looking forward to the rest of the year.
Awww, did you forget about your other fantasy reading friend? :P
ReplyDeleteI'd like to try this one.
LOL, another? :)
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to your thoughts of The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms! :)
Kerry, I probably won't be reviewing the books much.. I'm not very productive in the reviewing department. ;) Although I'm going to try to review The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms because a lot of people have expressed curiosity and interest in it. :) I'm glad to hear you loved it!
ReplyDeleteAmy, of course not! I most certainly thought of you with this challenge! I was hoping you'd come by and see it and I would have mentioned it to you the next time we chatted. :) I'm glad you're joining. :D
nath... yes, another one. Can you believe it? Plus I found two others I want to do. One is with Lea trying to clear some books of our TBR and the other is a reading challenge for Japanese author Haruki Murakami. Have you heard of him?
I recommend Sharing Knife series by Lois McMaster Bujold. It's fantasy with romance (or should I say romantic fantasy). It had enough romance for me to stay interested and I just loved the series. If you don't mind a big age difference, I truly think you should give the first book (The Beguilement) a try. I still think fondly of Fawn and Dag's adventures. Fawn was a young farmer girl and Dag a seasoned, much older, wounded Lakewalker with abilities... Aww... One of my favorite series of all time!
ReplyDeleteYes, I am trying to read some of the Women of SF books starting with Dust since I've had it for 3 years now (eek). I had read four of the books for the fantasy book club already but had only read 1 on the science fiction list so I figured I'd better try to read some!
ReplyDeleteOh, happy reading Christine! I look forward to hearing about the books as you, Kerry, Kristen and Hilcia read them :) It's so great I know so many of you doing this challenge!
ReplyDeleteI do have A Hundred Thousand Kingdoms on my TBR list and hope to get to it this year...maybe sooner rather than later :)
I can't wait to read The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms! And the book club sounds like a reader's dream - no stress, no commitments - just reading at your own pace. I will definitely check it out.
ReplyDeleteNo, I haven't heard of him, christine. but then again, I don't read much Japanese authors unless it's manga :P
ReplyDelete