Last night I had dinner with the members of my new bookgroup. To clarify, the group isn’t new – but I am new to the group, having been invited to join because a member is leaving. I’ve wanted to be part of a bookgroup for ever, but never managed to find one with an opening for a new member. Then this one kind of fell in my lap, when I met up with a lovely lady I knew when I lived in Donnybrook 12 years ago and hadn’t seen since. We ran in to each other at an event at Bunbury Library (where Jessica Rudd was speaking), and, a week ro so later, I was asked if I’d be interested in joining the book group.

Anyway, Iwas delighted to meet the rest of the group’s members last night over a pleasant meal at Casellas on the Marlston waterfront. And I’m looking forward to being part of the group properly in 2012. It’s especially lovely to be joining a group just in time for the National Year of Reading. What a wonderful way to celebrate the year – sharing the reading experience with a group of fellow booklovers.

Also special for me in 2012 is that I’ve been asked to be the Bunbury Library’s local ambassador for the year. I met with Karen Dennison from the Library last week to discuss about her plans for the year. I’m really excited about being asked to take on this role, and about the various activities planned.

I’m excited too about the fact that I have a new book baby coming out in March – again during the National Year of Reading. Do Not Forget Australia has been several years in the making, and is really looking good. Watch this space for more information.

Lastly, I’m excited about the whole National Year of Reading. There are some brilliant National and State Ambassadors who will be spreading th word to young and old about the value of reading. There are all kinds of activities planned, online bookgroups and memes springing up, and just lots of buzz about the year ahead. Of course, every year should be focussed on reading, but in 2012 there will be a special focus which, hopefully, will remind the whole country just how wonderful – and vital – reading is.

What are you doing for the National Year of Reading?