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Reading Group Rota for 2009
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Message 1.聽
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Monday, 29th December 2008
VOLUNTEERS WANTED
The Reading Group is looking for a volunteer each month to introduce discussion on a book of his or her choice.
Threads are opened on the 21st of each month by the volunteer, who needs to have nominated the book at least two months previously.
If you would like to introduce a discussion, post here with brief details of your chosen book, together with the month you are free to open up, so that the Reading Group organiser (me at the moment) can put together a programme.
Books for discussion should still be in print and available in paperback (which means they should be in libraries too; if not on the shelves they can be reserved for a small fee). So far we have discussed a wide variety of books: new, old and classic; fiction and non-fiction; adult and children鈥檚 books.
The Reading Group organiser will regularly post details in TVH and TB of forthcoming discussions, and also flyers once a discussion thread has been opened up. It would help if anyone passing would bump the reminder and flyer threads.
Rusty -
Message 2
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Monday, 29th December 2008
We have volunteers for the first three months of 2009:
January 21st:
鈥楾he Clothes on their Backs鈥 by Linda Grant 鈥 introduced by ladyglencora
A story of an immigrant family in London through the 1970s and 1980s. This was shortlisted for the Booker.
February 20th/21st:
鈥楾hese Old Shades鈥 by Georgette Heyer 鈥 introduced by Rwth of Cornovii
18th century. As a noble lord is walking along the street in Pre-revolutionary Paris he has a young person collide with him in escaping from elder brother. Now read on...
March 21st:
鈥楤efore I Die鈥 by Jenny Downham 鈥 introduced by Bette.
This first novel by this author is written with the 'voice' of 16-year-old Tessa, who has leukaemia. With only a few months left to live, Tess makes a list of the things she wants to do before she dies.
Despite the sadness of the subject, don't be put off reading it. It is moving, thoughtful and brimming with a vibrancy for life.
Barbara1835 has volunteered to introduce 鈥楾he People on Privilege Hill鈥 by Jane Gardam, and 鈥楽lam鈥 by Nick Hornby. [Dates to be confirmed.] -
Message 3
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Monday, 29th December 2008
Books discussed in 2008:
The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold
F2693944?thread=5236871
The Tenderness of Wolves - Stef Penney
F2693944?thread=5354964
Cranford - Elizabeth Gaskell
F2693944?thread=5476164
Mister Pip - Lloyd Jones
F2693944?thread=5594993
The Ghost Map - Steven Johnson
F2693944?thread=5685823
The Gathering - Anne Enright
F2693944?thread=5798328
Scenes Of Clerical Life - George Eliot
F2693944?thread=5907339
The Reluctant Fundamentalist - Mohsin Hamid
F2693944?thread=5972902&skip=20&show=20 (from message 15)
Silk - Alessandro Baricco
F2693944?thread=6088536
Mr. Gum and the Dancing Bear 鈥 Andy Stanton
F2693944?thread=6153107 -
Message 4
Posted by barbara1835 (U10780912) on Tuesday, 30th December 2008
I will do 'Slam' by Nick Hornby in April and then 'The People on Privilege Hill' by Jane Gardam in May. So that takes care of most of the first half of the year!
Thankyou Rusters for running this thread, Hope it continues.
Barbara. -
Message 5
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Tuesday, 30th December 2008
Thank you, Barbara. I'll add the books to the thread in TB tomorrow. I hope the Group continues too.
Rusty -
Message 6
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Wednesday, 31st December 2008
Bump for books to be discussed from January to May inclusive. See Messages 2 and 4 above.
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Message 7
Posted by lady glen (U10017481) on Sunday, 4th January 2009
Bump
Came back from christmas hols to put a reminder about the January book The Clothes on their backs By Linda Grant.
I will be introducing it on January 21st
Lady G -
Message 8
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Wednesday, 7th January 2009
Bump
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Message 9
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Saturday, 10th January 2009
Bump
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Message 10
Posted by Jenny111 (U2912527) on Friday, 16th January 2009
Am bumping this thread as my book has arrived from a S American river and am hoping to read it over the next few days so I can contribute.
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Message 11
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Friday, 16th January 2009
Going to pick up my copy tomorrow Jenny. See you next week in ladyglencora's thread!
Rusty -
Message 12
Posted by lady glen (U10017481) on Wednesday, 21st January 2009
Morning All
It is my turn to open up the Readers group thread today.
However I am at work all day today and tomorrow so I now plan to open up either tomorrow evening (Thursday) or Friday morning
Hope to see you then
Lady G -
Message 13
Posted by Jenny111 (U2912527) on Wednesday, 21st January 2009
Thats fine ladyglencora(counting the cost) as it gives me more time to finish the book!
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Message 14
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Wednesday, 21st January 2009
See you later then, ladyG. Looking forward to discussing The Clothes On Their Backs.
Rusty -
Message 15
Posted by Bette (U2222559) on Wednesday, 28th January 2009
I'm still waiting for the Georgette Heyer to arrive. Meanwhile, very much enjoying 'Slam'.
Just a couple of tentative suggestions for books later in the year:
- Something by Sebastian Barry ('A Long, Long Way', for example??). He was mentioned on the Today' programme this morning.
- 'Watership Down' (I read this decades ago, but rather fancy a re-read).
What do people think? -
Message 16
Posted by plum the depths (U5587356) on Wednesday, 28th January 2009
Hello fellow readers. I haven't put my self forward for this year so I'm happy to take on A Long Long Way by S. Barry.
Another one I wouldn't mind reading is A Quiet Belief in Angels by R J Ellory. It's about mass murder so might be a bit much for some so I'll leave that choice open for discussion. -
Message 17
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Wednesday, 28th January 2009
Bette, long time since I have read Watership Down too. You'll take it on then? Will have to make sure I have a box of tissues handy.
honest, hadn't come across A Long Long Way but just looked it up and it sounds very interesting.
If you would both give the month(s) you can open up, and a few lines of the books, that would be great.
I liked (can't really say enjoyed) A Quiet Belief in Angels, honest. Know what you mean about it possibly being too much for some. I'd like to know what others feel though.
Rusty
So, if you would -
Message 18
Posted by plum the depths (U5587356) on Wednesday, 28th January 2009
Well, shall I do the May slot with a Long Long Way.
I haven't read the book myself just heard about it and it sounded a good story for debate and discussion.
The story tells it's self through the Dublin born Willie Dunne. Willie joins the Allies on the Western Front where he finds himself confronting choices regarding family, patriotism and devotion towards his regiment.
It is a story about the horrors of war and according to posts about it, deeply moving. -
Message 19
Posted by Sixties Relic SAVE ML (U13777237) on Wednesday, 28th January 2009
Hello all, I am new here but would love to join in.
I have just been given a copy of Kate Atkinson's "When Will There Be Good News?" for my birthday - not yet read it - but would love to kick off the discussion of it later in the year. -
Message 20
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Wednesday, 28th January 2009
honest, thank you for the info on A Long Long Way. Just checked back and Barbara is introducing books in April and May (see Message 4 above). Sorry about that, I should probably keep updating and reposting the list here. Any other month after May suit you?
Hi and welcome, Sixties Relic. Look forward to discussing When Will There Be Good News? later in the year. In the next few weeks, just post here the month you are free, and a couple of lines about the book.
Rusty -
Message 21
Posted by Bette (U2222559) on Wednesday, 28th January 2009
In reply to Sixties_Relic in message 19
Hello Sixties (If I may call you that), and welcome. I find this Group is great for getting me back into reading contemporary books. OH likes Kate Atkinson, so your suggestion sounds fine to me!
Back to Rusty, I read 'Watership Down' some 3 decades ago - and just got it for son (he's into rabbits at the moment ...) - which prompts me to read it again. It made rather an impression on me 1st time - still thinking of that Larkin quote, you see. -
Message 22
Posted by plum the depths (U5587356) on Wednesday, 28th January 2009
Hello Sixties Relic glad you could join.
I'm interested in reading the Kate Atkinson book and Watership Down so both get my vote.
I have not read either so I shall look forward to the experience.
I said I could "do" May what I meant to add was I'm open to any month.
Makes no odds to me. -
Message 23
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Wednesday, 28th January 2009
June then, honest? I'll post an updated schedule tomorrow.
Bette, I've now got an earworm of Bright Eyes - sweet song, rotten film of the book.
Rusty -
Message 24
Posted by plum the depths (U5587356) on Thursday, 29th January 2009
Yes that will be fine Rusty.
I'm finding These old shades difficult to find. Not one left in my local bookshop and nothing on Amazon or cheap enough on e-bay. I'll give the second hand bookshop a butchers in the near future. -
Message 25
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Thursday, 29th January 2009
Have you tried the Abebooks (US), honest? They certainly have copies old and new in the UK so here's hoping.
Rusty -
Message 26
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Thursday, 29th January 2009
Updated schedule:
February 20th/21st:
鈥楾hese Old Shades鈥 by Georgette Heyer 鈥 introduced by Rwth of Cornovii
18th century. As a noble lord is walking along the street in Pre-revolutionary Paris he has a young person collide with him in escaping from elder brother. Now read on...
March 21st:
鈥楤efore I Die鈥 by Jenny Downham 鈥 introduced by Bette.
This first novel by this author is written with the 'voice' of 16-year-old Tessa, who has leukaemia. With only a few months left to live, Tess makes a list of the things she wants to do before she dies.
Despite the sadness of the subject, don't be put off reading it. It is moving, thoughtful and brimming with a vibrancy for life.
21st April:
鈥楽lam鈥 by Nick Hornby 鈥 introduced by barbara1835
21st May:
鈥楾he People on Privilege Hill鈥 by Jane Gardam 鈥 introduced by barbara1835
21st June:
鈥楢 Long Long Way鈥 by Sebastian Barry 鈥 introduced by honestacrossthepond
The story tells itself through the Dublin born Willie Dunne. Willie joins the Allies on the Western Front where he finds himself confronting choices regarding family, patriotism and devotion towards his regiment.
It is a story about the horrors of war and according to posts about it, deeply moving.
鈥榃atership Down鈥 by Richard Adams 鈥 introduced by Bette (date to be confirmed)
鈥榃ill There Be Good News?鈥 by Kate Atkinson 鈥 introduced by Sixties Relic (date to be confirmed)
honest has also suggested 鈥楢 Quiet Belief in Angels鈥 by R J Ellory. As she wrote: 鈥淚t's about mass murder so might be a bit much for some so I'll leave that choice open for discussion.鈥 Anyone have thoughts on this?
We need a couple of lines about 鈥楽lam鈥 and 鈥楾he People on Privilege Hill鈥 from Barbara as soon as possible.
For list of books discussed last year, please see Message 3 above. This month (January) we are discussing 'The Clothes On Their Backs' by Linda Grant:
F2693944?thread=6257408 -
Message 27
Posted by barbara1835 (U10780912) on Thursday, 29th January 2009
Nick Hornby is a contemporary novelist, writing about the present day scene. He has an academic background (began writing at Cambridge) and came to novel writing through sports journalism.
'Slam' is designated for 'young adults' and is about a clever young lad with a bright future but his girl friend gets pregnant. Don't be put off....many a writer would lay on the salacious stuff, but not here.
It is wistful as well as realistic, with plenty of humour. Other characters are fully drawn, especially the young man's mother.
It does not go on and on, but gets on with it.
Hope you enjoy it.
Barbara. -
Message 28
Posted by barbara1835 (U10780912) on Thursday, 29th January 2009
Jane Gardam is well established, and has won several prizes for her fictional works. A Yorkshirewoman originally, she is eighty years old now.
'Old Filth' is her most well known recent work (a full length novel) but I think she by far excels in short stories. Like Annie Proulx.
I look forward to your opinions when you have read 'The People on Privilege Hill'...a fascinating collection of stories, some whimsical, some sad. Always succinct with a nice turn of phrase.
Other work to dip into, to compare, could be 'Old Filth' or 'Bilgewater' or 'Queen of the Tambourines'...or more short stories 'Missing the Midnight'
I vastly prefer the stories! More about that anon. See you there.
Barbara. -
Message 29
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Thursday, 29th January 2009
Many thanks, Barbara. Am especially looking forward to reading Jane Gardam (liked 'Old Filth').
Rusty -
Message 30
Posted by lady glen (U10017481) on Thursday, 29th January 2009
What a varied and interesting list
I am happy to introduce another book later in the year,which will probably be september / october time
as we have so many volunteers. Will go away and think about which book to choose.
Lady G -
Message 31
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Friday, 30th January 2009
It is, isn't it, Lady G? It's about time I had a think about a book to introduce too, towards the end of the year.
While I am here, may I put in a plea for volunteers to introduce a Book Club thread? Here is the Rota thread for the Club:
F2693944?thread=6187129&latest=1#p75081341
Rusty -
Message 32
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Sunday, 8th February 2009
Threads confirmed so far for this year:
February 21st:
鈥楾hese Old Shades鈥 by Georgette Heyer 鈥 introduced by Rwth of Cornovii
18th century. As a noble lord is walking along the street in Pre-revolutionary Paris he has a young person collide with him in escaping from elder brother. Now read on...
March 21st:
鈥楤efore I Die鈥 by Jenny Downham 鈥 introduced by Bette.
This first novel by this author is written with the 'voice' of 16-year-old Tessa, who has leukaemia. With only a few months left to live, Tess makes a list of the things she wants to do before she dies.
Despite the sadness of the subject, don't be put off reading it. It is moving, thoughtful and brimming with a vibrancy for life.
April 21st:
鈥楽lam鈥 by Nick Hornby 鈥 introduced by barbara1985
Nick Hornby is a contemporary novelist, writing about the present day scene. He has an academic background (began writing at Cambridge) and came to novel writing through sports journalism.
'Slam' is designated for 'young adults' and is about a clever young lad with a bright future but his girl friend gets pregnant. Don't be put off....many a writer would lay on the salacious stuff, but not here.
It is wistful as well as realistic, with plenty of humour. Other characters are fully drawn, especially the young man's mother.
It does not go on and on, but gets on with it.
Hope you enjoy it.
May 21st:
鈥楾he People on Privilege Hill鈥 by Jane Gardam 鈥 introduced by barbara1985
Jane Gardam is well established, and has won several prizes for her fictional works. A Yorkshirewoman originally, she is eighty years old now.
'Old Filth' is her most well known recent work (a full length novel) but I think she by far excels in short stories. Like Annie Proulx.
I look forward to your opinions when you have read 'The People on Privilege Hill'...a fascinating collection of stories, some whimsical, some sad. Always succinct with a nice turn of phrase.
Other work to dip into, to compare, could be 'Old Filth' or 'Bilgewater' or 'Queen of the Tambourines'...or more short stories 'Missing the Midnight'
I vastly prefer the stories! More about that anon. See you there.
June 21st:
鈥楢 Long Long Way鈥 by Sebastian Barry 鈥 introduced by honestacrossthepond
The story tells itself through the Dublin born Willie Dunne. Willie joins the Allies on the Western Front where he finds himself confronting choices regarding family, patriotism and devotion towards his regiment.
It is a story about the horrors of war and according to posts about it, deeply moving.
鈥榃atership Down鈥 by Richard Adams 鈥 introduced by Bette (date to be confirmed)
鈥榃ill There Be Good News?鈥 by Kate Atkinson 鈥 introduced by Sixties Relic (date to be confirmed)
honest has also suggested 鈥楢 Quiet Belief in Angels鈥 by R J Ellory. As she wrote: 鈥淚t's about mass murder so might be a bit much for some so I'll leave that choice open for discussion.鈥 Anyone have thoughts on this?
For a list of last year's threads, see message 3 here:
F2693944?thread=6187022
This January we have been discussing 'The Clothes On Their Backs' by Linda Grant, introduced by ladylencora:
F2693944?thread=6257408
Rusty -
Message 33
Posted by Bette (U2222559) on Sunday, 8th February 2009
Hi Rusty.
I'm happy to introduce 'Watership Down' any time. You could either tag me on the end after all the other suggestions, or else slip it in between more emotionally-taxing books.
As for 'A Quiet Belief in Angels' - hmm, don't personally fancy reading about mass murder, but will go with the flow. -
Message 34
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Monday, 9th February 2009
Thanks, Bette. Shall we say July then? 'Watership Down' is probably as different as one can get to 'A Long Long Way', which we will be discussing in June.
Rusty -
Message 35
Posted by Bette (U2222559) on Monday, 9th February 2009
In reply to Rusters in message 34
Will do, Rusty. It will make for good holiday reading.
I'm looking forward to the Feb discussion!! I'm on the final 4 chapters of 'These Old Shades' ... -
Message 36
Posted by Bette (U2222559) on Saturday, 21st February 2009
Bumping for barbara and ladyglen and any others who might not have seen that this month's discussion has taken root in TB by mistake, so here is a link until it is transferred to TVH:
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Message 37
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Sunday, 22nd February 2009
Good thinking, Bette.
Bump -
Message 38
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Monday, 23rd February 2009
Bump
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Message 39
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Tuesday, 24th February 2009
Bump
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Message 40
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Tuesday, 10th March 2009
Bump for the March Reading Group thread:
March 21st:
鈥楤efore I Die鈥 by Jenny Downham 鈥 introduced by Bette.
This first novel by this author is written with the 'voice' of 16-year-old Tessa, who has leukaemia. With only a few months left to live, Tess makes a list of the things she wants to do before she dies.
Despite the sadness of the subject, don't be put off reading it. It is moving, thoughtful and brimming with a vibrancy for life.
Please would anyone passing bump this from time to time etween now and the 21st. Many thanks.
Rusty -
Message 41
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Saturday, 14th March 2009
Bump for 21st March.
Would those passing pleas bump this thread from time to time as my computer is kaput and I am just making flying visits to the library computer at the moment.
Many thanks.
Rusty -
Message 42
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Tuesday, 17th March 2009
Bump
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Message 43
Posted by Bette (U2222559) on Wednesday, 18th March 2009
Bump.
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Message 44
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Thursday, 19th March 2009
Bump
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Message 45
Posted by amethy5t (U13830783) on Friday, 20th March 2009
bump - or should that be Bump?
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Message 46
Posted by Rwth of the Cornovii (U2570790) on Wednesday, 25th March 2009
Wed, 25 Mar 2009 17:13 GMT, in reply to Rusters in message 20
Where is the March book club? I'm all ready to discuss Before I die, and I can't find it. Has it slipped down the Mayo? -
Message 47
Posted by Bette (U2222559) on Wednesday, 25th March 2009
Here you are, Rwth:
And my flyer in TB had slipped even further down the mayo. Here it is, 'cos I included all links to past discussions and future books:
-
Message 48
Posted by Rwth of the Cornovii (U2570790) on Sunday, 5th April 2009
Sun, 05 Apr 2009 12:04 GMT, in reply to Rusters in message 23
Bette, I've now got an earworm of Bright Eyes - sweet song, rotten film of the book.聽
Sorry about reminding you. I always remember it by the Pierre Tortellier version of the Dvorak cello concerto which I kept playing over and over again while reading the book. I'd love to discuss it.
I'd like to suggest "The English Passengers" By Matthew Kneale about a smuggler taking an enforced set of passengers to Van Diemen's land in the middle of C19th. A very great deal more to it than that. Any month that's free. I have got it easily through Amazon's second hand market, for a trifling sum.
How about August or September, but other earlier months are available. -
Message 49
Posted by Sixties Relic SAVE ML (U13777237) on Sunday, 5th April 2009
Sorry, I 'd forgotten I'd posted here (it's my age...)
I'm still happy to kick of kate AStknsons "When wil there be good news?" - but I've lost the ploton which months are still available.
Can someone just slot me in to a month? -
Message 50
Posted by Bette (U2222559) on Sunday, 5th April 2009
Rwth and Sixties, I've just started a new thread, as the info on the Reading Group is becoming unwieldy, scattered as it is.
Could you reply on the new thread, please?
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