Hello
Just to answer a couple of questions which have been posted by people new to Mumsnet. No you do not have to join the book club!
What we are doing is having a list of books every month or so - and anyone who wishes to participate can vote for which ever book they wish to read. After a week or so I count up the votes then we all go off and buy or borrow the book. We then allow some time for people to get into reading before we start discussing online.
Even if you've read the book before and don't want to re-read it you are more than welcome to join in the discussion. Basically you can participate as much or as little as you want. And even if you have no wish to vote or join in a discussion - feel free to use the lists as a prompt for your own reading anyway.
So far we have had a list of previous Booker prize winners (from which we chose Possession by A.S. Byatt). This discussion is probably nearing a close but the thread will continue as long as people want to post. There is also a lighter reading discussion - currently reading Green Grass by Rafaella Barker. A new discussion thread has just chosen Fingersmith by Sarah Waters. There are more discussion lists planned for the next few months to cater for all tastes of books.
I am co-ordinating the book club so suggesting lists of books and generally starting off some discussions but any suggestions more than welcome (on books or how to proceed with discussions).