I know you can read 200 pages in 16 days

  

For most of us reading 200 pages is like a walk in the park. We aren't like those sad people who only manage to read a book a year.

So, there is nothing (and I mean nothing) to keep you from participating in International Anita Brookner Day:

• I don't think any of her 24 novels are over 200 pages. If they are over 200, it can't be by much.
• Her books are pretty darn easy to find in second hand shops and in libraries.
• You have 16 whole days to read one and then write something about it in time for Brookner's 83rd birthday on July 16--and this in the year that marks her 30 years in writing ficiton.

And here is food for thought:

• I know Brookner will not be everyone's cup of tea, but I have been amazed by some of the reactions I have gotten so far. One blogger wrote to tell me that she meant to sit down and read 20 pages in her first attempt to read a Brookner novel. Instead she had to pull herself away from it 130 pages later so she could eat something.
• Perhaps even more amazingly, another blogger tried one Brookner novel and couldn't finish it. But then, somewhat reluctantly tried another one some weeks later and ended up loving it (hope I didn't put that too strongly). 
• And then there is the blogger who reads mainly non-fiction who took IABD as a reason to read her first Brookner and she was very glad she did.

So what are you waiting for? Sixteen whole days to read 200 pages.

There are prizes!

You can include your pet!

There are almost no rules!

You don't have to be a blogger!

Be a part of Internet history! There is a dedicated website where your review, pet photo, or other Brookner-related posting will live on in perpetuity (or at least until Blogger ceases to exist). It will be the most comprehensive place on the web for blogger and blog reader reviews of Brookner's novels.

And if you have a blog, this is a perfect time for you to exhort your readers to be part of the fun.