I'm back, but first books!

I'm back from California where we had lots of fun, an incredible blogging meet-up dinner, lots of Trader Joe's prosecco and only a few meltdowns (from me; Kyle was mostly great). We crammed a lot into four days, and I have pictures, videos and stories to share soon. I hope you had nice weekends, too.

Before all that, though, let's talk about something else entirely. I've been eyeing 2010 with excitement. I have a good feeling about the year ahead, and I'm giddy to see what unfolds. One thing I've been thinking a lot about (other than the fitness goals I'm setting) is reading more. I work on books year-round at my day job, but I want to read 20 books next year for fun, for pleasure, for myself. It's not a lot to some, but it's an aggressive goal for me, the English major who works for a book publisher but only bought and read 2-3 books in 2009. (Pathetic, I know.) I declared on Twitter earlier today that this would be the year I regularly start to read again and maybe I'd even try to start a book club, too. Jonniker said she had been toying with starting an online book club. Just like that, my friends, an idea was born.

We'd love to do this, and although it's an overwhelming, confusing logistical undertaking, I think we're both kind of buzzing with excitement over 1) reading! and 2) reading with other bloggers.

We were met with a nice response on Twitter, but if you're interested and haven't yet said so, comment below. We'd love to pool all emails together to keep people updated and to get a good idea of what the group looks like.

Can't wait to see what smart, funny women have to say about good books.

(Those who have already said they're interested: @MegMcR, @sarahlena, @daniellina, @brandi_b, @bessieviola212, @littlemissmel, @justatitch, @black_eyedsusan, @krameymartin, @tuwabvb, @alphamommy, @leftoflost, @samanthajcampen, @angellaD, @charliesue, @kerrianne, @notperfect, @mandajuice, @metalia, @agirlandaboy AND @luckyduck21, @hollylynne, @mamabub, @bearca, @annabelle_me, @andyouknow, @ahmielyn, @pseudostoops AND part II @DocMaureen, @sharon_e_b, @mandee, @theheatherb, @cmcaggie04, @MAShoob, @sourire11, @lauriewrites)

Comments

[Jess]

I also responded on Twitter, but I think I replied only to jonniker and not to you, so maybe that's why I'm not on your list? Either way, I'm definitely interested.

[TUWABVB]

Again, I know this is a huge undertaking and also I'm heading out of town, but if you need help, I'm here (for what it's worth). Can't wait to see how this unfolds!

[Jess]

Ooh, yes please.

[Elizabeth]

I love that you start all the stuff I'm interested in doing and then I just get to hop on the band wagon. In other words, yes, and also can you please start an online creative writing group I could join? Kidding, kidding. Sort of. But very excited about book group! Thank you for doing this.

[Becky]

I responded to Jonniker too, but I'm definitely interested! Also, why have I not been reading your blog? The entries I've read so far indicate that it has been a major oversight on my part. I am in the process of correcting that.

[Stevie]

I'm definitely interested! This sounds like a wonderful idea.

[Moose]

I'm very excited about this idea. Sign me up!

[HollyLynne]

@-ed you on Twitter as well, but I'M SO IN!

[Sarah P]

Um YES. I need some assigned reading and what better ladies to share it with.

[MSchoob]

Oh man, I'm in the exact same situation. English major who ADORES reading, but gets burnt out by working for a publisher. I need this!

[sarah]

count me as a maybe. next year i'll have tons of free time...i think. :)

[Melody]

An online book club sounds fantastic! I did the whole Infinite Summer online book club thing over the summer, and I loved being a part of it. It made reading a good book so much more fun.

[rebecca]

I am so in. I have decided to give up my blog, and i want to keep in the community a little bit...plus, I am a book junkie. :)

[Kaleigha]

I'm SO in.

[Abby]

That sounds like a brilliant plan, count me in.

[Rebecca (Bearca)]

I'm already on your list but YAY BOOKS!!! I am a huge reader, and usually spend a lot of time reading and attempting to get others to read the books that I read so I can discuss them, so this is pretty much perfect for me.

The first rule of Internet Book Club is that we CONSTANTLY TALK ABOUT INTERNET BOOK CLUB.

[Amanda]

I would love to be in on this! Must start reading soon before brain turns to mush from screaming toddler!

[Katie]

I would LOVE to join!

[Hillary]

yes, please!

[Barbetti]

I'm definitely in!

[Themoira]

I'm in!

[Becky]

Ooo! I am definitely interested in joining. I posted my 2010 goals today and I also put reading more for pleasure on my list. However, I am shooting for just a book a month as I work full-time and go to school. Being an adult sucks! This would work perfectly for my schedule.

[Erin]

Sounds like fun:)

[MelissaInk]

Count me in!

[Lauren]

If it really is The Historian, I might have to skim that sucker again to try and remember it. :) I am in! The twitter handle is @carterbiosea, if that's how y'all are going to structure it.

[Dani]

I'm in! @soshoemedani

[KatherineBee]

I'm definitely interested!

[Jamie]

This bookworm wants in.

[Amanda]

Even though my new year's resolution is to read less in 2010 than I did in 2009 (I'm at 130 books and counting...), I'm SO IN. Let's just make sure that whatever we pick to read is Kindle friendly.

[Tara]

I'd love to join the online book club! I just had a baby a couple of months ago, and I need a kick in the butt to get back to reading. @IrishATL

[Holly]

Sign me up!

[Diane]

Already pestered Jonna about this, but figure I'll throw it out here as well! (They call me @dashoff 'round Twitter.)

[Tabulous]

Indeed, I'm in :)

[Sahara]

This is going to be rad.

[Suziannie]

I would love to join in!

[A'Dell]

I went to the library JUST TODAY actually to fetch myself some books to read while my mother pays attention to Claire over the holidays. I love reading. I would be so happy if I could join your internet book club. And I am so happy that SOMEONE ELSE will be organizing all of it.

(Which, by the way, where do you find the time? I would like the name of your coke dealer.)

Mel over at Stirrup Queens has had a pretty good online book club going for a few years, you may want to check out format for ideas.

[Sarah Lena]

It is pretty ridiculous how excited I am about this.

[duchessbelle]

Awesome idea - I'd love to be a part of it!

[Charlotte]

Yes, please!

[Christy]

I'd LOVE to do this, but I have neither a (current) blog nor a Twitter account. Well, I HAVE a blog, but I abandoned it. Do I need either of these to participate?

[Kate]

Oh, count me in! You can find me on twitter @ksquared1.

[elizabeth]

sounds like fun!

[Bethany]

I mentioned I was interested on Twitter -- not in the list though. Count me in! @irishsiorai

[Kelly]

Sounds awesome. Count me in, although I don't have Twitter (shocked?)
Also awesome, I currently work in the same building as the local library... how easy!

[stephanie]

I think I responded to Jonniker, but you can add me to your list, please! @stefcia

[jonniker]

Christy - That's totally cool. I don't see why you'd need a blog or a Twitter account, as I'm trying to look into ways we can manage the discussion and peeps without having to subject the whole world to it, i.e., in a public form like a blog or a Twitter account. No sweat!

Irishsiori: I have you down, but Jennie and I haven't compared lists yet.

[Sourire11]

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes! So excited about this. I've been trying to read decent things but keep wandering off. Thank you for organizing and if you need any help with any of it feel free to email me!

[Erin @ Fierce Beagle]

I'm SO interested. @fiercebeagle

[Lisa@put-it-on-the-list]

Sounds fantastic -- count me in! I second the motion for choosing Kindle-friendly titles. I'm @lisareid on twitter.

[Kristabella]

Oooh! Count me in! I love books! Especially reading things I never would on my own!

You know me @kristabella.