Overheard at... Starbucks

“Goodread conversations are like being back in college.”

I am hoping the twenty-something barista meant this in the most positive way… I am pretty sure they did as they are an avid reader. Lately I too have been scoping out the Goodreads conversations. 
 
Pick a book, any favorite book, and it is likely other readers are discussing topics related to it. Suggestions, quizzes, favorite scenes (sometimes spoilers:>) and comments on related movies. It is a fun way to get more involved in the books I love. As well, it is a great way, as a writer, to find out more about what interests my potential readers. 
 
Right now I am particularly curious about all things wedding, since my next novel, UNTANGLING THE KNOT, takes place within the setting of planning one. I was curious about how other writers have handled proposals so I started a quick discussion in the Pride and Prejudice section asking readers to comment on their favorite wedding proposals in a book or movie. 
 
Two things came back which were really interesting. First: though the readers love a good proposal… they don’t find them in many current books. To them it feels like the story leaves off before the proposal. I admit that I am
guilty of this in my writing so far… but it makes me think perhaps I need to write a sequel to my third book (something my husband has been pushing me to do) with the awaited proposal from the hilarious hero.

Second: One of the readers commented that their favorite proposal was between Levin and Kitty in Anna Karenina. Ohhhhhhh, yes! Sigh…. Best proposal ever, ever, ever! Written so beautifully it makes you cry! (To read that section, or to add your own comment of a favorite wedding proposal click here).

I loved being reminded of this proposal since, when I was still only dating my now husband, he left me magnet messages on his fridge… it reminded me of this beautiful scene in Anna Karenina and I was sold (well, that and the fact that he tried to teach my one year old nephew how to play twenty-one:>). 

Now, as we celebrate our 14 year anniversary, it might be time to re-read that amazing, and very long, book; something I last tackled in college. So indeed… I guess Goodreads does take me back to that time in life as well.