Reading Group Journal: Notes in the Margin
by Martha Burns, Alice Dillon

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Book Reviews of Reading Group Journal: Notes in the Margin

Book Review: Reading Group Pick- Martha's & Alice's "Notes in the Margin"
Summary: 5 Stars

When we were at a writer's conference two years ago the idea for our book came to us and we knew the title immediately: Notes in the Margin. Our maternal grandmother was a writer and how we'd be delighted to find her journals, her collected notes in the margin, from a reading life. We would gain insights on what informed her writing and what she admired. But this was not to be. As we discussed our idea for our book we envisioned a permanent reading history that would become a keepsake. So, using the internet and e-mail to communicate with each other we set out to create the book we could not find for sale.

If you have always wanted to get a reading group started or join one then our book is the perfect place to begin. If you are already in a group you will find that our journal is three things in one: A fill-in journal to keep track of your reading group, what you are reading, when you will meet, and a place to keep a list of books you have read and wish to read; A resource to find hints about forming and running your own reading group, lists of books to read such as literary prize winners, regional books or even our own list of twelve eminently "discussable" books; And finally it is a place to record your thoughts on a book read and a book shared. We like to say that in keeping the journal the reader becomes the writer and the journal becomes a keepsake. Reading group members could each keep their own personal journal or the group as a whole could keep one journal that would then become a history of your group.

Our favorite word can be found in the literary glossary at the back of the journal. "Marginalia"- Notes written by a reader in the margin of a manuscript or book.

We sprinkled quotes from our favorite books throughout our journal. We love them all but our favorite would have to be a quote from Gabriel Harvey's Marginalia, 1913, "Marginalia threw a flood of light on the books he read, and on the thoughts he cherished in secret."

We wish you and your reading group the joy of a book read and a book shared and we wish each of you the fulfillment that comes from articulation.

Summary of Reading Group Journal: Notes in the Margin

An introduction providing tips about how to make the group both pleasurable and productive is followed by inspiring lists of recommended reading and winners of important literary prizes, from the National Book Award to the Booker. Additional pages provide places to jot down names and addresses, meeting schedules, and information about the next book to read. Each book read by the group is allotted several pages for note taking and record keeping, with plenty of room for personal reflections and group observations. And finally, there are fill-in pages for the reader to use in creating a personal record: a list of books to read, a log of books already read, a record of books lent, a compendium of interesting words, and a selection of memorable quotes.

Books & Reading

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