ANNOUNCING Random House Reader’s Circle for The Everygirl: aka… We’re starting a book club!

Jun 28, 2012

ANNOUNCING Random House Reader’s Circle for The Everygirl: aka… We’re starting a book club!

Nine months ago, at our very first meeting to chat about what would become The Everygirl, we discussed our goals for the site. We quickly agreed upon the mission: create a website that would help shape well-rounded, creative, career-driven women. Dozens of ideas were thrown around over the course of those few hours, many of which we are happy to say we’ve seen come to fruition (in-depth career profiles, attainable style inspiration, downloadable handbooks, job postings, top-notch photography, and original content). But there was one idea in particular that we haven’t been able to get off the ground. Until now.

Thanks to a partnership with world-renowned publishing firm Random House, we are thrilled to announce our newest project: The Everygirl and Random House Book Club!

We are tired of hearing friends, colleagues, and quite frankly, ourselves bemoan, I wish I read more, but I don’t have time. Well, ladies, as we’ve heard over and over again, it takes time, effort, and work to become the woman you want to be. And if you’re on this site, the woman you want to be is likely a well-read, well-spoken, cultured individual who reads more than just her inbox and Facebook newsfeed. So we are making time (yes—the entire Everygirl team will be reading along each month! one intern actually flew through the book this past weekend!) and hope you all join in!

Want to hear the best part? Because of our partnership with Random House, we’ll be able to organize a live video conference discussion with the author at the end of the month! So you’ll be given a chance to ask the questions and find out the author’s thoughts behind plot twists and character development. Not many book clubs can offer that! Excited? So are we!

The Details

The Club: Each month, Everygirl readers and book clubs around the globe are invited to participate in our online book club. We’ll likely be switching between fiction and nonfiction, but readers will be able to suggest and then vote on three titles published by Random House.

The Schedule: Check back on The Everygirl blog every Monday to leave comments and questions and chat with other book club participants. At the end of every month, we’ll host a formal book club meeting! The live chat conference will include a video feed with the author, Everygirl editors, a Random House representative and an honorary Everygirl, as well as discussion among readers. Treat it like you would any other book club meeting: pour yourself a glass of wine, kick your feet up, have questions and notes prepared, and sign in. Or better yet—we encourage you to meet up with other readers in your area! (more details to follow)

The Book: We thought a great way to kick off the book club would be with the newly released Wife 22 by Melanie Gideon, since she was the first author we featured on the site! We especially love the plot, where the heroine’s online life dramatically affects her real life. Read the excerpt here:

“Maybe it was the five pounds I’d gained that I couldn’t seem to lose. Maybe it was because I was about to turn the same age my mother was when I lost her. Maybe it was because after almost twenty years of marriage my husband and I seemed to be running out of things to say to each other.

But when the anonymous online study called “Marriage in the 21st Century” showed up in my inbox, I had no idea how profoundly it would change my life. It wasn’t long before I was assigned both a pseudonym (Wife 22) and a caseworker (Researcher 101).

And, just like that, I found myself answering questions.

7. Sometimes I tell him he’s snoring when he’s not snoring so he’ll sleep in the guest room and I can have the bed all to myself.
61. Chet Baker on the tape player. He was cutting peppers for the salad. I looked at those hands and thought, I am going to have this man’s children.
67. To not want what you don’t have. What you can’t have. What you shouldn’t have.
32. That if we weren’t careful, it was possible to forget one another.

Before the study, my life was an endless blur of school lunches and doctor’s appointments, family dinners, budgets, and trying to discern the fastest-moving line at the grocery store. I was Alice Buckle: spouse of William and mother to Zoe and Peter, drama teacher and Facebook chatter, downloader of memories and Googler of solutions.

But these days, I’m also Wife 22. And somehow, my anonymous correspondence with Researcher 101 has taken an unexpectedly personal turn. Soon, I’ll have to make a decision—one that will affect my family, my marriage, my whole life. But at the moment, I’m too busy answering questions.

As it turns out, confession can be a very powerful aphrodisiac.”

We know five of you already won your own signed copy, but for everyone else, purchase Wife 22 from your favorite online retailer.

Have you been itching to read more and want to join us? Leave a comment below and let us know you’re signing on for the first month! And feel free to leave any suggestions or questions! We want this to be fun and encouraging for all of you, so as always, your feedback is valued.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1502626 Catherine Ahern

Fun! You ladies never cease to impress with both your ideas and your execution!

(Also, love this line: ”
Well, ladies, as we’ve heard over and over again, it takes time, effort, and work to become the woman you want to be.”)
http://twitter.com/CaitPBrown Caitlin Brown

SO.EXCITED.
http://twitter.com/DreamGreenDIY Carrie Waller

This is going to rock. I’m in for sure!!
http://lisasanchez.tumblr.com Lisa Sanchez

I’m in! Another fabulous idea—so excited!

http://theeverygirl.com/ The Everygirl

That’s great, Lisa! Got your email. We’ll get back to you today. Thank you!

http://www.ingoodfaithblog.com/ Mrs Type A

I’m in!

http://theeverygirl.com/ The Everygirl

Wonderful! We’re excited. The book is so good that one of our team members “accidentally” read the whole thing last weekend.

http://Themadething.com Kim

AWESOME. I have just started a book club on my blog too! I love books so so much. Fantastic
http://www.farandfaraway.com/ Megan

Yay! I absolutely love this!
http://twitter.com/HeyHeymann Kristina

Great idea. Will I be able to participate although I live on the other side of the ocean?

http://theeverygirl.com/ The Everygirl

Of course! That’s the beauty of this book club. You can always arrange local meetings with friends but will check in online with all of us!

http://twitter.com/HeyHeymann Kristina

Awesome! Then I’m totally in!

http://twitter.com/BlairRitchey Blair Ritchey

Amazing as usual! Love this idea – count me in!
Michelle

Such a great idea! I can’t wait! Going to go pick up the book tonight
http://sothisiswhatshewrites.blogspot.com/ Ashley Rustad

I’m so excited about this. I don’t take the time to read often enough and this is a great way to just melt into a different world.

http://theeverygirl.com/ The Everygirl

We’re excited too, Ashley! Summer is the perfect time to start drifting off into the wonderful world of reading…..

Sarah

Such a fun idea! I’ve been looking for a book club, so I am so in!
colettej222

So excited- and Wife 22 was on my list of books to read this summer!
I need to post about your Book Club on my little blog….
Sarah Pickell

this is awesome!! I’m so in! I loveeeee books and I’ve had Wife 22 on my list ever since your interview so this is the perfect excuse to read it! yayy!!
http://www.facebook.com/molly.murkett Molly Murkett

i’m so in! this book sounds awesome
http://thejessjournals.blogspot.com/ Jess

Such a great idea!! I definitely want to join
Racheal Harris

This will be the book club of all book clubs. SO excited!
Emily

How exciting! I’ve never done a book club, for always wanted to. And from the excerpt, it sounds like a great read.

So now I’m going back to read the author interview, and will purhcase on my nook to start reading!!

Way to go Everygirl… helping us be the great women we aspire to!

http://theeverygirl.com/ The Everygirl

Can’t wait to hear what you think, but we’re pretty sure you’re going to love it! Xx

http://jostwrite.blogspot.com/ AdeOla @ JostWrite

I will be joining in on this. Why did I not win this book? Lol, off to buy it!

http://theeverygirl.com/ The Everygirl

Haha, Maybe next time! We promise it’s worth the purchase!

http://citychic.me Krista

Woohoo! You should try skinnyscoop.com for collaborative lists…different contributors can add for your club and you can embed your list here, on the Every Girl!
http://www.thesavvybrew.com/ Bre

“it takes time, effort, and work to become the woman you want to be.”

Best. Line. Ever.
http://dreambreathelive.blogspot.ca/ Jaclyn

I am really excited for this! Better head to the bookstore to purchase my copy. Sounds like a great read
http://cleanupnicely.blogspot.com/ Lauren – Clean Up Nicely.

I’m in! Downloading kindle version to read on the eL right now

http://theeverygirl.com/ The Everygirl

Don’t miss your stop! xo

http://goodlifeforless.blogspot.com JillGG

Yay! This sounds like TONS of fun… I am an avid reader and always love a new book to read and discuss!
http://twitter.com/aliciasturdy Alicia Sturdy

excited!!!!
http://www.facebook.com/kattiebarrie Katie Barrie

…
http://www.facebook.com/kattiebarrie Katie Barrie

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http://www.facebook.com/kattiebarrie Katie Barrie

…
Essiefield

I LOVE this!! I absolutely love to read and especially really good books. Thank you for all the awesome features that you are bringing to us!

The actress Elizabeth Banks has a similar type book club on her official website and has recommended some really good books like, “A Visit From The Goon Squad” and “The Memory of Running”. The designer Isabel Toledo has a new book out too, etc.

The show “Gilmore Girls” was surprisingly literary (example: http://gilmore-girls.livejournal.com/2301661.html ) I hope you’ll include some biographies of really cool career women and iconic figures too. I just wanted to mention this in case you will be looking for suggestions from your readers for future books.

Lastly, some great resources to pull for books (besides Random House of course!) are the following:

http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1578073,00.html and http://www.modernlibrary.com/top-100/100-best-novels/

Again I love this and can’t wait to start reading!

http://theeverygirl.com/ The Everygirl

Thanks for the suggestions!

Essiefield

I LOVE this!! I absolutely love to read and especially really good books. Thank you for all the awesome features that you are bringing to us!

The actress Elizabeth Banks has a similar type book club on her official website and has recommended some really good books like, “A Visit From The Goon Squad” and “The Memory of Running”. The designer Isabel Toledo has a new book out too, etc.

The show “Gilmore Girls” was surprisingly literary (example: http://gilmore-girls.livejournal.com/2301661.html ) I hope you’ll include some biographies of really cool career women and iconic figures too. I just wanted to mention this in case you will be looking for suggestions from your readers for future books.

Lastly, some great resources to pull for books (besides Random House of course!) are the following:

http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1578073,00.html and http://www.modernlibrary.com/top-100/100-best-novels/

Again I love this and can’t wait to start reading!
Essiefield

I LOVE this!! I absolutely love to read and especially really good books. Thank you for all the awesome features that you are bringing to us!

The actress Elizabeth Banks has a similar type book club on her official website and has recommended some really good books like, “A Visit From The Goon Squad” and “The Memory of Running”. The designer Isabel Toledo has a new book out too, etc.

The show “Gilmore Girls” was surprisingly literary (example: http://gilmore-girls.livejournal.com/2301661.html ) I hope you’ll include some biographies of really cool career women and iconic figures too. I just wanted to mention this in case you will be looking for suggestions from your readers for future books.

Lastly, some great resources to pull for books (besides Random House of course!) are the following:

http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1578073,00.html and http://www.modernlibrary.com/top-100/100-best-novels/

Again I love this and can’t wait to start reading!
http://twitter.com/emcardenas Emma Cardenas

Can’t wait! Hopefully the live discussions are later in the evening, or late enough for us west coasters to partake

http://theeverygirl.com/ The Everygirl

We will definitely consider that when scheduling these live chats. Wouldn’t want anyone to miss out.

http://twitter.com/emcardenas Emma Cardenas

Can’t wait! Hopefully the live discussions are later in the evening, or late enough for us west coasters to partake
http://twitter.com/emcardenas Emma Cardenas

Can’t wait! Hopefully the live discussions are later in the evening, or late enough for us west coasters to partake
http://senseandsequins.com/ Sense & Sequins

The perfect solution to my “What book do I read next?” that I ask myself every time I finish a book. I usually just take suggestions from friends, but not everyone reads as much as I do. Great idea, I cant wait!
http://senseandsequins.com/ Sense & Sequins

The perfect solution to my “What book do I read next?” that I ask myself every time I finish a book. I usually just take suggestions from friends, but not everyone reads as much as I do. Great idea, I cant wait!
http://senseandsequins.com/ Sense & Sequins

The perfect solution to my “What book do I read next?” that I ask myself every time I finish a book. I usually just take suggestions from friends, but not everyone reads as much as I do. Great idea, I cant wait!
Page@pageonpaper

This is going to be so much fun! I’d love to join!

themrs(at)ryanandpage(dot)com
Page@pageonpaper

This is going to be so much fun! I’d love to join!

themrs(at)ryanandpage(dot)com
Amy Fisher

Definitely in – this sounds so fun!
Amy Fisher

Definitely in – this sounds so fun!
Dvilla

Speaking of great books and reading (and not to mention design) Penguin has a great series of books with these new awesome covers. I know this is in association with Random House but I can’t help but share these:

http://www.designsponge.com/2008/11/penguin-classics.html

Oh and NPR Books for great ideas…maybe some are Random House publications?

http://www.npr.org/books/

http://theeverygirl.com/ The Everygirl

Those are lovely! Have you seen these? They are gorgeous! http://www.cb-smith.com/index.php?/clothbound/f-scott-fitzgerald/

Dvilla

Speaking of great books and reading (and not to mention design) Penguin has a great series of books with these new awesome covers. I know this is in association with Random House but I can’t help but share these:

http://www.designsponge.com/2008/11/penguin-classics.html

Oh and NPR Books for great ideas…maybe some are Random House publications?

http://www.npr.org/books/
Lucy

just downloaded it to my kindle…cannot wait to start reading tonight. thanks for the rec!

http://theeverygirl.com/ The Everygirl

We’re so glad you’ll be joining us. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on this book!

Lucy

just downloaded it to my kindle…cannot wait to start reading tonight. thanks for the rec!
Lucy

just downloaded it to my kindle…cannot wait to start reading tonight. thanks for the rec!
jessa r.

Thanks for creating a book club- I have been hoping TheEveryGirl would start one! I’ll be reading Wife 22 with you all.
jessa r.

Thanks for creating a book club- I have been hoping TheEveryGirl would start one! I’ll be reading Wife 22 with you all.
jessa r.

Thanks for creating a book club- I have been hoping TheEveryGirl would start one! I’ll be reading Wife 22 with you all.
Jordan Rowland

I’m in! Can’t wait! I’ve been looking for a book club that I can fit into my work schedule and this seems to be just the fit! I’m excited!
Jordan Rowland

I’m in! Can’t wait! I’ve been looking for a book club that I can fit into my work schedule and this seems to be just the fit! I’m excited!
Jordan Rowland

I’m in! Can’t wait! I’ve been looking for a book club that I can fit into my work schedule and this seems to be just the fit! I’m excited!
diane @ a spot of whimsy

what a fabulous, fabulous idea! well done, ladies.

http://theeverygirl.com/ The Everygirl

Thank you, Diane!

julia martin

this is great, i’m totally in! i’m just wondering, with regards to the monday discussions, will there be a chapter limit so we don’t get ‘spoilers’ from people who have read further along ?

this totally answers the question of ‘what do i read next?’

thanks!

xo julesinflats.blogspot.com

http://theeverygirl.com/ The Everygirl

Hi Julia! Yes, each Monday we will share the chapter limits! Excited to hear your feedback! Xo

http://twitter.com/PattyOnMoney Patty Grabiec

I’m so excited! And I’d love to meet with other book club members, too. I’ll be in Boulder, CO this summer, and then NY, NY as of August 6th. Feel free to message me ladies to get in touch.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1430592750 Jenny Wise

I’m definitely in! Downloading it on my iPad as we speak!
http://twitter.com/PattyOnMoney Patty Grabiec

And I just place my order for the book! If anyone needs to contact me, my email is patty.grabiec@raymondjames.com or twitter as @pattyonmoney
http://www.thebrunetteone.com/ Samantha

Purchasing for vacation! Love that you are starting this book club!
http://www.amandagenther.com/ Amanda Genther

I’m in! This is a fantastic idea! I’m in the Chicago area (I met you guys at Blogshop… I help Bri out when she comes to Chicago to teach), and would love to get a meetup going!
http://twitter.com/lucilleinthesky Lucy Miller Robinson

Nice.
Maggie Marvin

How do I sign up?!

http://theeverygirl.com/ The Everygirl

Maggie, you just need to get a copy of the book and check in with us on Mondays for our weekly “discussions” on The Everygirl. If you know of any friends who would like to join you could also arrange a local meet up every week or two.

Amy C

I’m so excited to break out of teen triologies! Picking up my copy tonight!

http://theeverygirl.com/ The Everygirl

Wonderful! We’re excited, too!

Jessica Leitch

Lovely idea! I’m in. Can’t wait to start reading.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1379864577 Jean Davis

Very!! Excited about this! Very!!!
Sharon227

I’m signing up! Thanks for this, I really need it!
http://penelopespress.com/ Debbie

this. is. awesome. cannot wait!
Mystylepersonified

Books+TheEverygirl= Awesome
Azrakun

What a great idea!

http://www.azrakunworld.com
Moira

Great idea! Thanks ladies!
http://thebohemiandoll.blogspot.com/ Ainslee

I just stumbled across this site and this is really great! I’d like to join
MissMondo

Hello! The book club sounds great – any news on when (i.e.. day of the week and time of day) when the book club meeting might take place? (I am in Brisbane Australia so I’m thinking about the time zones….
http://cornerapartment.blogspot.com/ Elizabeth @ TheCornerApartment

I can’t wait to download this on my Kindle and join in!

Cheers, Elizabeth @ The Corner Apartment
ShoeAxis

This is great! I started my own little informal book club on my blog the other week just to encourage my readers (and probably more myself) to read more. But mine obviously pales to yours…so awesome that you’ll have the author for monthly meetings!

I’m in for sure, but will have to juggle reading 2 books a month now , but that’s okay, I can watch less TV…

Here’s my post where I introduce my informal book club, if you are interested…http://www.shoeaxis.com/2012/06/scenic-route-shadows.html.

Oh, and I forgot that The EveryGirl inspired the original The Scenic Route column here…http://www.shoeaxis.com/2012/05/scenic-route-first-look.html

Thanks for your beautiful, informative, and inspiring blog!
http://upbeat-eats.com/ Steph @ Upbeat Eats

I am in! I love to read, and would love to have a group of women to discuss with!
Julie Sancken

I am SO excited!
http://www.champagnereveries.blogspot.com/ Lauren M. Ferreira

I won this book from a giveaway on Brunch at Saks and just finished it. I’m in for book club! I’d love to her other peoples thoughts on it.
Anniedavis1962

Sounds like a good book!
Kelsey

I’ll be joining!
Liz Marr Topping

So excited! I love a good book and book club.
Vckepp

I’m in. This sounds great!
Taylor

Awesome idea so excited!!!
Mahdia

I’m in too!
Sam Savage

Can I read along all the way from Australia? Love your website

Sam xx
Erika Gregory

Purchased the book yesterday. I can not wait to start reading.
http://www.andihatchblog.com/ Andi Hatch

Just saw this and of COURSE I am so excited to read Melanie Gideon’s book since I just flew through reading “The Slippery Year”. And, of course, took the photos for her feature. Great idea about the book club!
http://oatcoutureblog.wordpress.com/ Hayley @ Oat Couture

Love this idea! I will purchase this week and get started!
Rachel

I’m in – another awesome idea. You guys are the best!
AnnOnandOn

I would like to sign up. Thanks…I am looking forward to some good discussions too.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=506972949 Beth Denton

This is just what I needed for the summer, look forward to joining in!
http://www.prettyhautemess.com/ Cori Magee

I’m in! You girls are going to take over the world, keep it up!
Cassie

Great idea….count me in!
http://aglassofmilk.wordpress.com/ jennie

love this idea! just put the book on hold at the library, hope it comes in soon!
Jaqueline Faria

Im so excited for this. I’ve been wanting to be part of a book club for years but never managed to pit one together or to find one to participate… Cant wait!!!
Mary

Oh, I forgot to tell you…I’m in
http://putaruffleonit.blogspot.com/2012/07/summer-readin.html
Jessica

Just bought Wife 22 last night! I’m a little behind, but I’m in! I’ll be all caught up by week two. I’m really looking forward to it!!!!
Jennifer Wood

So I am late to the party on this book, but I was hoping I could sign up to get an update when you guys are starting the next book.
Arbrabe

I rarely get to read any fiction. This is an interesting way to enjoy a good book with like- minded people