1 August 2019 Susannah

Fifty Notes

Fifty Notes From A Book Addict

It is hard to believe that this is my 50th newsletter. I thought those of you who are more recent subscribers might like to hear of the origins of my ‘Notes from a Book Addict’.

Friends often used to ask me for suggestions of good books, or wanted to know where and when my forthcoming talks would be. In 2015 I decided that I’d create a little news-sheet and send it to some close friends. Someone else heard about the first one, and asked why they did not receive it too, so I began sending it to all those who had come on my tours, and to members of the Jane Austen Society. It grew ‘like Topsy” and, at talks I gave, others signed up to receive the newsletter. It now goes to over 4000 people each month, but I know that many of you forward it on to friends and book group members, so I suspect about 5000 people get it each month. My incredibly helpful webmaster and PA, Cheryl, tells me that I have a very high ‘opening’ rate, but there are still some people who get the newsletter and fail to open it. (If it is really something that doesn’t interest you, you can always unsubscribe.) The first post in blog form was in 2016.

In its pages I have discussed many aspects of being a book-lover – lending books, books to help you sleep, keeping book lists, the plusses and minuses of e-readers, finishing books you are not enjoying, items found in books, arrangement of books, and many other dilemmas and joys of being a keen reader. It was in the 3rd issue that I introduced a monthly poem and I’m delighted at how many people tell me that it’s their favourite section of the newsletter.

My newsletter does bring quite a sense of responsibility – each month I must come up with ideas, find a new poem, and consider reading suggestions, but I am also aware that not everyone is going to share my reading tastes and love the books I recommend. But isn’t that the wonderful thing about reading – we all love different things, and find such a variety of things within the same book. As Jane Austen says, “one half of the world cannot understand the pleasures of the other” and I remind myself of that phrase often when someone has not shared my passion for a particular book or character.

I’ve been very touched by the comments and feedback I have received. I love to know that you share my newsletter with friends, that you do take up my suggestions, and feel happy to have been introduced to new poems. I was so touched one day in Sydney when a lovely man stopped me in the street to tell me that getting this newsletter was a real highlight of his month! The community of those who love books is wonderful – readers are so generous about sharing their favourites and recommending. We all love to spread the joy of books around.

Thanks to you all for being constant readers of ‘Notes from a Book Addict’. I’ll do my best to come up with new comments, discussions and books to keep you all entertained and instructed. Please feel free to send me ideas, comments or suggestions for improvements. Happy 50th to us all! Comment.

I only recommend books I have read and know. Some of these links are my affiliate links. If you buy a book by clicking on one of these links I receive a small commission. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, but does help cover the cost of producing my free newsletter.

 

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Body image credit- Cathy Morrison

Comments (10)

  1. Carol Noble

    I really enjoy your newsletter. It often makes me re read an old favourite. I am never bored with a book to read.
    I hope you will return to Auckland again soon.
    Carol

    • Susannah Fullerton

      Thanks, Carol, I’m delighted you enjoy my newsletters. I hope to be in Auckland again soon – always love my visits there.

  2. Elizabeth Alderson

    A very big thank you Susannah for writing and producing this wonderful newsletter each month. I always know it is the first of the month when I see you in my inbox. I love reading them. And really appreciate them.
    Elizabeth Alderson

    • Susannah Fullerton

      I am delighted that you enjoy my newsletters so much! They have been fun to write – good books are meant to be shared.

  3. Yvonne

    Happy anniversary.
    I certainly enjoy receiving it and use it to add books, authors to my to read list.
    Thanks a million.

    • Susannah Fullerton

      Thanks for the good wishes. I’m so glad you enjoy my newsletters.

  4. Anne

    Congratulations for achieving a wonderful 50 editions, Susannah !

    When I am travelling or overseas for extended periods for work and study – usually in non-English speaking countries I count the days until the 1st of the new month as I know I will get both your marvellous Notes from a Book Addict & the new subscription series for 2019 Book of the Month ! Always something to savour, learn of a new book to read, and launch into the Poem , I devour the Notes from a Book Addict – then allocate out the Book of the Month to a few pages each day or so to make it last ……………

    Thank you – I have enjoyed both your speaking events and writing from many years from Jane Austen and now much wider literary introductions! An essential part of my reading enjoyment !!

    • Susannah Fullerton

      Thanks so much for your lovely comments, Anne. We have so many more literary adventures to enjoy together!

  5. Susannah I love your newsletter, it is always informative, interesting and educational and I love anything about Jane Austen and you have such a wealth of knowledge about her. Many thanks for your efforts Carol

    • Susannah Fullerton

      I am delighted you enjoy my newsletters, Carol. Thanks for your kind comments.

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