Is Book Chat for you?

Book Chat is a newsletter for people who love to read, but sometimes find themselves a bit overwhelmed or spoilt for choice. So if you’ve ever found yourself wandering around the library (or bookshop) searching for something good to read, you’ve come to the right place. I read very widely and can recommend some really great books. I can also send you a list of personalised recommendations if you let me know what books you generally like to read.

I started Book Chat soon after I retired because I want to connect with other bookish people. It was right at the beginning of Covid and quite frankly, I was bored and a bit lonely without my work friends. I’d been writing short personal essays here on this website for many years, but I wanted a deeper connection and a way to connect regularly with like-minded people. And what could be nicer than chatting to a circle of book-loving friends?

I added some recipes to Book Chat because I love eating and sharing food ideas. Good food is part of my DNA and the way I was raised. I believe that eating well is a way to nurture yourself and your family.

I hope that when Book Chat lands in your inbox every fortnight, it feels like a letter from a friend.

You can subscribe here.

Other things you should know

• Book Chat is free and always will be. Sometimes I think it would be nice to have a part-time writing job, but there are other ways I could generate income. It’s important to me that no-one feels excluded because they can’t afford to pay.
• I borrow all my books from the library and strongly encourage readers to use their public library. I probably should have been a librarian, and maybe I will do that in my next life. I think libraries are essential because they are inclusive and encourage diverse reading.
• I’m happy to recommend books, but whether you read them is up to you. You should read whatever makes you happy. In my view, there are too many people saying you should read this, you must eat that.
• We have an International Book Club that’s free for subscribers. We meet approximately every three months, so you want to join, subscribe to Book Chat and let me know you want to be part of Book Club.

I would love you to join the Book Chat community.

Warm regards

Marg