Call for Contributions

Ok, so while we do have another book for this month, I'm stumped on what to read next! I need your feedback - tell me what you would like to read! Just post your suggestions in a comment to this post and I'll tally the votes!

A Recipe fo Readers

For every book we discuss here I will try to come up with a recipe that can be paired with it. It's just something fun to get everyone in the right mood!

Since we're reading a British novel this week, I thought maybe we might all enjoy pairing it with some British fare:

I always love to have a nice cup of tea when I'm reading, so here are the directions for a traditional afternoon tea.

Tea is traditionally taken between 3 and 5 o'clock in the afternoon. The meal usually starts with a selection of very thin sandwiches: think cucumber, egg or tuna. This is often followed by scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream and a selection of cakes.

And of couse, there is tea. Served from a teapot, the brewing of the tea is very important. First, rinse your teapot with warm water. Next, brings a kettle of water to boil and pour it over the tea leaves, letting it steep for three to five minutes. If using loose tea the rule is one heaping teaspoon of tea for each cup of water, plus one "for the pot."

Why not have a "tea party" to discuss the book with your friends and then post your thoughts here on my blog?

A chance to compare?

Ok, so it just occured to me that it might be interesting to make comparisons between the novel and the movie that has recently come out, also titled "Atonement." I won't give my personal opinions yet because I want to know what everyone else thought. Here is a link to the movie trailer on uTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATtSfe_DaJU

The movie is out on DVD now, so take out a copy from your local library, video store or just get your hands on a copy - this should be a really interesting discussion!

The discussion begins!

Ok, so I hope everyone enjoyed reading this touching novel. To start off the discussion just post your thoughts and opinions on the novel. Did you love it? hate it? Tell us why. Tell us how you felt while you were reading - please don't be shy - just post your thoughts as a comment to this post.

Let's begin!

Our first selection! Ian McEwan's "Atonement"

I’m really excited about this week’s selection: Ian McEwan’s novel Atonement. I first read this novel a few years ago and recently picked it up again when I saw the feature film based on McEwan’s award-winning novel. Now I’d love to share it with all of you!

Here’s a quick synopsis to get you started:

This is a symphonic novel of love and war, childhood and class, guilt and forgiveness. It is everything that we have come to expect from Ian McEwan.

The novel begins on a hot summer day in 1935 when thirteen-year-old Briony Tallis witnesses a moment's flirtation between her older sister, Cecilia, and Robbie Turner, the son of a servant and Cecilia's childhood friend. But Briony's incomplete grasp of adult motives–together with her precocious literary gifts–brings about a crime that will change all their lives. The novel then follows the crime's repercussions through the chaos and carnage of World War II and into the close of the twentieth century. Atonement engages the reader on every conceivalble level, this really is a genuine masterpiece. Anyone who has read this touching novel will believe me when I say it will break your heart.

Be sure to check out the Ian McEwan “Featured Items” Blog at:

http://ian-mcewan.blogspot.com/

Take a look at the Ian McEwan website as well at:

http://www.ianmcewan.com/

These two online resources contain great information on Ian McEwan himself as well as his many novels.

Ok, so, now head over to your local public library or bookstore, pick up the book and start reading! I really hope everyone enjoys this one as much as I did. I'll meet you all back here to begin the discussion soon!

Welcome to Chapter Chat!

First of all, I just want to say "Welcome!" I'm really excited to begin our discussions and to hear what everyone has to say! Every second Sunday I will begin the discussion of a different novel, so you will have two weeks to read the book and share your thoughts. Feel free to come and go as you please, post a comment or simply read what others have written. This blog is meant to be a fun place for you to connect with other readers and to experience some great novels, so, let's get started.