Probably the best book group in the world.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Penguin Books and Elite Island Resorts launch the first ever holiday book group at The Verandah Resort & Spa in Antigua
Somehow a holiday just isn’t a holiday without a pile of books to read on the beach. But picking the perfect page-turner

for the sun lounger isn’t always easy.

A partnership between Penguin Books and Caribbean hotel group Elite Island Resorts is about to breathe new life into

choosing the ideal books for the beach. A new holiday book group launches on June 15th at The Verandah Resort & Spa

in Antigua. More than 20 adult fiction titles, from modern classics such as Nick Hornby’s Fever Pitch and Zadie Smith’s

White Teeth to the latest paperback releases such as Jane Green’s The Beach House have been handpicked to appear

in a dedicated “borrow a Penguin” library at the resort.

Guests will be invited to join a weekly social gathering by the pool where they can enjoy a cocktail, meet other guests,

have an introduction from the book group host and select a book to read during their stay. There are 10 copies of

each title so those attending the holiday book group can all read the same title at the same time. The group meets

again at the end of the week for another cocktail and social session to chat about the book and their holiday.

International bestselling Penguin author Jane Green launched the first holiday book group in Antigua to coincide with June

publication of her new paperback, The Beach House.

Natalie Higgins, Penguin Brand Partnerships Manager, said: “Book groups have gained huge popularity over the past few

years, helped by “Richard & Judy” in the UK and “Oprah” in the US - there are 50,000 people* in reading groups in the

UK alone. Books and the beach go hand in hand; when you’ve finished a great book, the first thing you want to do is talk

about it and we think the concept will work brilliantly in a holiday setting. Readers always want to discuss what they l

oved or loathed about a book and share their thoughts on the themes of a novel. By establishing a library and book

group at the hotel, guests won’t have to haul a stash of books in their luggage and they’ll meet like-minded holiday

makers who enjoy reading. It’s like a writers retreat but for readers.”

Paula Whitehead, European managing director, Elite Island Resorts, said: “Relaxing on holiday with a good book is one

of the joys of going on holiday. We’ve chosen titles which are a mix of thrillers, modern classics, quality chick-lit and

non-fiction which are all recommended reads which give lots of food for thought. We’ve used brightly coloured

classic Penguin deckchairs and wall art to give the book club area lots of colour. This is something very new in a

holiday resort, but we think our guests will love it.”

Guests staying at The Verandah will be invited to join the weekly book group through a card in their room and it will also

be promoted through guest services.

The Verandah Resort & Spa is part of the Elite Island Resort group, which has seven resorts throughout the Caribbean.

The group plans to roll out the book group to other resorts, including Galley Bay, Antigua later in the year.

For more information about Elite Island Resorts visit www.eliteislandresorts.com

 

If you are a Pink Wishes Member and you would like to review one of the Book Groups books, email lynn@pinkwishes.co.uk