I’ve launched a sub-Tumblr we can use as a communal space for an online book club. I figure we’ll start in two or three weeks so we’ll have time to get the word out and everyone will have time to get the book we’re going to read and finish up any books still in progress.

The blog takes submissions, so anyone who wants to say something about each week’s reading can post that way. I’ll be as quick about getting those submissions posted as I can. Further conversation can move to reblogs and, if we decide we want them, comments.

But right now, we need to pick a first book so I’d like everyone to answer with 1-3 books they’d like us to take up. These could be books you love and want to share with everyone, books you’ve always meant to read, or books that you know you should read but need the incentive of a club to force yourself. In a week or two, I’ll take all the suggestions and post them on a ballot for preferential voting. Also, don’t be reluctant to campaign for your choices, especially if you have an obscure selection you think everyone will love.

Reblog or point your friends to this post if you think they’d like to join us.

My three book suggestions:

• Jitterbug Perfume by Tom Robbins. Not his most famous or most beloved, but my favorite of his. I haven’t read it in 10 or 15 years and would be thrilled to reread and share with others.
• Replay by Ken Grimwood. This is my probably still my favorite novel and I’ve pimped it out to others before. It’s a time-traveling love story that kicks the shit out of that overrated piece of tripe, The Time Traveler’s Wife. Kicks its ass so hard, I feel a little embarrassed to mention them in the same bullet point.
• The New York Trilogy by Paul Auster. This was recommended the other night by @isawitonthetelevision and looks like a great read. We could tackle the full trilogy or just the first third, City of Glass.

Your suggestions?