The Thirteenth Tale

Looking on my Goodreads app this morning, I discovered the December's book: The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield. (I'm kicking things off with my own selections until suggestions start coming in.) The description from Goodreads:

Biographer Margaret Lea returns one night to her apartment above her father's antiquarian bookshop. On her steps she finds a letter. It is a hand-written request from one of Britain’s most prolific and well-loved novelists. Vida Winter, gravely ill, wants to recount her life story before it is too late, and she wants Margaret to be the one to capture her history. The request takes Margaret by surprise–she doesn’t know the author, nor has she read any of Miss Winter’s dozens of novels.

Late one night while pondering whether to accept the task of recording Miss Winter’s personal story, Margaret begins to read her father’s rare copy of Miss Winter’s Thirteen Tales of Change and Desperation. She is spellbound by the stories and confused when she realizes the book only contains twelve stories. Where is the thirteenth tale? Intrigued, Margaret agrees to meet Miss Winter and act as her biographer.

As Vida Winter unfolds her story, she shares with Margaret the dark family secrets that she has long kept hidden as she remembers her days at Angelfield, the now burnt-out estate that was her childhood home. Margaret carefully records Miss Winter’s account and finds herself more and more deeply immersed in the strange and troubling story. In the end, both women have to confront their pasts and the weight of family secrets. As well as the ghosts that haunt them still.

I will begin posting the first discussion questions in December. Happy reading!

In the beginning...

Welcome to Well-Read, an online book club for people who want to take their love for reading a step further. This it not some group for scholars looking to explore academic interpretations of great literary classics; It's just a place where average bookworms can explore thoughts, reactions, and questions to the stories we read.

In short, let’s read some great books, share our thoughts, and maybe gain some insight!

Some basic guidelines:

• Let’s stay on topic. While I would love to see friendships develop from the book club, if you want to talk about dinner plans, annoying co-workers, your new puppy, etc., please save that for another venue.

• What happens in the book club, stays in the book club. You are encouraged to share your opinions and beliefs. There may even be times when you are asked to share your own personal experience relative to the book topic. It is important that we are open to each others’ views, even if we may (respectfully) disagree.

And, for those of us who are new to online book clubs, or book clubs in general...

Frequently Asked Questions:

How much time do I have to read the book?

We will read one book each month. Rather than meeting in-person, this book club will hold weekly on-line discussions based on a section of the book. (For example, week one we might discuss chapters 1-4, week two's discussion will address chapters 5-9, and so on.) Unlike chat rooms, you don't need to 'log in' at any particular time. You can read, and post, at your own pace. If you do happen to read ahead, that's fine; Just don't spoil the ending for the rest of us, please!

Who initiates the weekly discussions?

I will post a few open-ended questions each week to get the ball rolling. From there, members are encouraged to offer some sort of input, whether it be opinions, additional questions, or relative experiences. There's no expectation to how much you say; It only takes one little spark to set the discussion ablaze!

How do I respond to discussion posts?

Hit the 'comments' link at the bottom of the post that you would like to respond to. Enter your comment and identity onto the right side of the posting page, then click 'Publish Your Comment'. It's as easy as one, two, click!

Who picks the books?

Suggestions for books may be offered at any time. I will post an updated list each month, and members will have one week to vote—majority rules! Don’t worry: If your suggestion is not picked, it will stay on the list for next time.

I can’t afford to buy a new book every month; Why are books so darn expensive?

Sorry, I can’t answer that one. I can tell you, though, that there are lots of options for free, or dirt-cheap, books available if you’re willing to look. Check shopping websites (Amazon.com, eBay, Overstock.com) and Barnes & Noble (barnesandnoble.com) for discounts on used books. You can save on shipping costs by downloading eBooks, as opposed to paper copies. Project Gutenberg (gutenberg.org) offers free downloadable classics. And don’t forget about supporting your local library! Not only do they lend out free books, but many libraries now lend eBooks, as well. This is one area of exception to the ‘stay on topic’ guideline—if you find a great deal on books, do share!

I’m Maid of Honor in two weddings this weekend, work is CRAZY, and my dog just died. It’s halfway through the month, and I haven’t even started the book! Now what?

Life happens, things come up. If you miss a month, don’t worry. We miss you, and we look forward to hearing from you next month!