Brilliant resources for book lovers
There’s nothing like losing yourself in a good book and, despite many rumours to the contrary, it looks as though reading will continue to be one of the UK’s favourite pastimes for many years to come.
The advent of tablet computers, eReaders, gaming consoles and ever-bigger home TVs caused a bit of a kerfuffle in the world of books, as naysayers worried it would be the end of reading. That simply hasn’t been the case. More people than ever are enjoying the pleasures of a well-told story and communities of bibliophiles are thriving. Tap into some brilliant, bookish resources and enjoy sharing something you love.
Finding book chat online
Reading might be an intensely personal experience, but that rarely dampens the fondness for sharing opinions and reactions to the story. There are huge online and offline communities who are dedicated to discussing the merits of all kinds of books. For the chance to rate your reads and find new favourites, set up a Goodreads account for yourself and look forward to making connections with thousands of likeminded people.
You’ll also find lots of people happy to talk about literature on forums such as Book Talk and the Book Club Forum. Both welcome members who’re keen readers no matter which genre they prefer and are frequently updated. If you don’t find a reading group or community that takes your fancy, you could always start one of your own. Publishers like Harper Collins offer advice and help in setting up your own group – making sure you’re able to connect with people who have the same kind of tastes as you.
Making bookish connections in real life
Despite the blossoming online opportunities for readers, many still prefer the social aspects of a traditional book group. Create your own weekly or monthly meeting nearby and ensure its success with some help from the BBC’s guide to running a book group. The Daily Mail also offers some handy tips for making sure you have everything you need to set up a successful reading group in your own hometown.
On the other hand, you may want to spread your wings and enjoy your favourite pastime in a variety of different settings. The UK is home to some fascinating slices of literary history, so indulge yourself on a literary holiday and uncover some of the greats. Harvey’s Literary Tours explore the haunts of the authors inspired by the beauty of the West Country – including TS Eliot and Rudyard Kipling. London Walks has a literature strand that will keep you occupied for days and a trip to Edinburgh will reward you with some great book related tours.
For literary fun even further afield, have a look at Yahoo’s guide to the best book tours in the world – you’re sure to find these fabulous holiday suggestions hard to resist. The Literary Traveller is another excellent resource for anyone who is looking to take their love of the page to the real world.
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