quote:

---

Wolf Hall is one of those books that I mean to get around to reading;that's one good reason to put it on the book group programme!

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Gussie:
Tree Bee said:

quote:

---

Wolf Hall is one of those books that I mean to get around to reading;that's one good reason to put it on the book group programme!

---

I'd recommend reading it in paperback. The hardback version is a mini-course in weight-lfiting all by itself.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Tree Bee:
Our book for November will be The Year of the Flood by Margaret Atwood.
A dedicated thread for discussion will be started soon, either by me or QLib.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Tree Bee:

I'm currently reading The Help by Kathryn Stockett, and would like to suggest it for discussion.
Anyone interested?
(edited for spellin!)

---

quote:

---

The Believers by Zoe Heller does look interesting. Shall I schedule it for March? Gussie, as you will be leading Wolf Hall in January, are you happy to lead this too, or shall I appeal for a volunteer?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Tree Bee:


The Believers by Zoe Heller does look interesting. Shall I schedule it for March? Gussie, as you will be leading Wolf Hall in January, are you happy to lead this too, or shall I appeal for a volunteer?

---

Now my course is over, I hope to return to real life (TM).
The Believers is well worth reading and discussing.
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
Anything by Murakami? He is available in translation here in the US and has become my second favourite writer after my brother-in-law. I'll give you an opinion of the suitability of his latest book after I get a bit farther along in it. (See Stop: what book are you reading today? thread)
 

---

Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 
Let us know how you get on with After Dark Sir Kevin.
Or can you recommend one of Murakami's other books?
Norwegian Wood appeals to me for its Beatle connection!
 

---

Posted by Mili (# 3254) on :
 
Wasn't sure where to put this but some of you may remember that during the discussion for 'Good to a Fault' earlier this year I found out that a close friend's fiance had been diagnosed with leukemia. I wanted to let you all know that his treatment has gone really well. He still needs to undergo a bone marrow transplant at the end of November - the hospital is using placental blood cells as they did not find a match for a traditional bone marrow transplant, but the doctors are confident that it will be successful. :-)

I'm looking forward to joining back in the book club discussions after an amazing holiday to Ethiopia and Egypt. I think I managed to read about 15 books inbetween sightseeing and visiting people though not the bookclub selections! November's book is too popular to find in the library in time but I'm starting 'Winter Ghosts' early to be ready for December!
 

---

Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 
That's excellent news about your friend's fiance, Mili.Thanks for letting us know.

I'm looking forward to reading the Winter Ghosts next month.I hope it will be an atmospheric seasonal read.
 

---

Posted by jacobsen (# 14998) on :
 
It has some horrible weather in it, so approximates to an English Christmas.
 

---

Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 
Here's a reminder of the forthcoming programme.
Please join in as and when you'd like to.
More book suggestions welcomed.

December - Jacobsen will lead Winter Ghosts by Kate Mosse

January - Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel, led by Gussie.

February- The Help by Kathryn Stockett led by Tree Bee.

March - The Believers by Zoe Heller led by Gussie unless someone else volunteers!
 

---

Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 
It's almost December, so if you'd like to join in the discussion next month,get hold of a copy of The Winter Ghosts by Kate Mosse.
 

---

Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 
Bumping up the thread in case anyone needs extra time to read the January book!
A reminder of the forthcoming programme:

January - Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel, led by Gussie.

February- The Help by Kathryn Stockett led by Tree Bee.

March - The Believers by Zoe Heller led by Gussie unless someone else volunteers!

And please join in with this month's book which is the Winter Ghosts by Kate Mosse - a relatively quick and seasonal read.
 

---

Posted by QLib (# 43) on :
 
Anyone interested in "The Red Tent"?
 

---

Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by QLib:
Anyone interested in "The Red Tent"?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Golden Key:
I'd like to lead Terry Pratchett's "Carpe Jugulum" at some point. Maybe June, July, or August?


Thanks!

---

Any of those months would do, GK. Pick one!
And thanks to you.
 

---

Posted by Golden Key (# 1468) on :
 
I think July would be good.

BTW, "Carpe Jugulum" is especially good for any clergy or potential clergy.

 

---

Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 
Thanks Golden Key.

Programme now looks very like this:

February- The Help by Kathryn Stockett led by Tree Bee.

March - The Believers by Zoe Heller led by Gussie unless someone else volunteers!

April - The Red Tent by Anita Diamant led by Gussie or A.N. Other.

May -

June -

July - Carpe Jugulum by Terry Pratchett led by Golden Key.
 

---

Posted by Gussie (# 12271) on :
 
Tree Bee said:

quote:

---

April - The Red Tent by Anita Diamant led by Gussie or A.N. Other.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Tree Bee:


Programme now looks like this:

February- The Help by Kathryn Stockett led by Tree Bee.

March - The Believers by Zoe Heller led by Gussie.

April - The Red Tent by Anita Diamant led by QLib.

May -

June -

July - Carpe Jugulum by Terry Pratchett led by Golden Key.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Tree Bee:
Let us know how you get on with After Dark Sir Kevin.
Or can you recommend one of Murakami's other books?
Norwegian Wood appeals to me for its Beatle connection!

---

Sorry, I've been v. busy these last four months. Norwegian Wood could be excellent, but I actually own Kafka on the Shore. It, as the name implies, is one of his more surreal books: the lead character is a teenage boy named Kafka Tamura. He runs away from home to escape his mother and is pursued by a strange woman several years his senior. There is also a homicide with an unknown victim and perpetrator and cats who can communicate with humans. If I remember it right, it is much deeper than Norwegian Wood. I would be happy to chair the discussion in May or June. I shall reread it starting this weekend as there is a bank holiday on Monday. Let me know what you think, Tree Bee.
 

---

Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 
If we get a reply or two from shipmates who would be interested in reading Kafka on the shore then I'll put it in the programme. Thanks Sir Kevin.
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
Appreciate it. It has been translated into English six years ago and was published in 2005, so it should be available in large UK bookshops as well as university libraries.
 

---

Posted by Scarlet (# 1738) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Tree Bee:
If we get a reply or two from shipmates who would be interested in reading Kafka on the shore then I'll put it in the programme. Thanks Sir Kevin.

---

I promise to read this one, if we take it on.

Amazingly, it is easily available in my local public libraries, both in Korean and in English.
I no longer live in the hicks!
 

---

Posted by The Weeder (# 11321) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Tree Bee:
I've just started reading Mennonite in a little black dress by Rhoda Janzen, and it seems a very 'shippy' book.
I'd like to suggest it for later on in the year.
Anyone in agreement?

---

Yes please! It is one of the books I bought with the book tokens I was given for Christmas, and I enjoyed it hugely. I would love to discuss it!
 

---

Posted by mimmi (# 15829) on :
 
I'd be interested in the 'Mennonite in a Black Dress' too, so long as it isn't too long.

I've been strongly recommended the Red Tent so may try that as my first entry to the Ship's book group.
 

---

Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 
Excellent!
So our programme now looks like this:

March - The Believers by Zoe Heller led by Gussie.

April - The Red Tent by Anita Diamant led by Gussie or A.N. Other.

May - Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami led by Sir Kevin.

June - Mennonite in a little black dress by Rhoda Janzen led by Tree Bee.

July - Carpe Jugulum by Terry Pratchett led by Golden Key.
 

---

Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 
Our discussion of the Help is only just getting underway, - amd tomorrow is March already!
So I've got myself a copy of The Believers by Zoe Heller.
Please join in - the thread for this will start anon and will be led by Gussie.
 

---

Posted by mimmi (# 15829) on :
 
When abouts does the discussion start? I'm thinking of reading the May book as a starter and want to look out for the discussion thread - and be ready having read it
 

---

Posted by Mili (# 3254) on :
 
Discussion for each book usually starts around the 20th of the month so there is time to discuss the book before the next month starts. Whoever is the leading the discussion creates a thread for the book at the beginning of the month and is usually the one who initiates discussion.

So for the May book you would need to finish reading it by around the 20th but the discussion goes on to the end of the month (or even longer if there's lots to discuss)so you would still have time to contribute if it took you a little longer to get finished.
 

---

Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 
Bump
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Mili:

So for the May book you would need to finish reading it by around the 20th but the discussion goes on to the end of the month (or even longer if there's lots to discuss)so you would still have time to contribute if it took you a little longer to get finished.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Gussie:
Do we discuss non-fiction as well? If so I think The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks would be worth discussing.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Tree Bee:
Shall we read The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot in August?

---

quote:

---

Your hold queue position is: 174

---

 

---

Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Scarlet:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Tree Bee:
Shall we read The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot in August?

---

Wonderful - I just it requested through my library system:

quote:

---

Your hold queue position is: 174

---

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Tree Bee:
Goodness - I wonder how many copies are available? I hope you get it for August!

---

It's for the county-wide library system and there seem to be plenty of copies in circulation. I've already moved up by 30 requests within a week.

Hopefully it will work out that I get the book soon enough for August, but not so soon that I will forget the specifics before we discuss it.

I'll take notes...
 

---

Posted by Gussie (# 12271) on :
 
I'm fine taking The Herietta Lacks book in August, but I think it's QLib doing the Red Tent next month. I've just started reading that at the moment.

Good news about your reservatin Scarlet. i once worked for a library authority that made draconian cts and we had one copy of each popular book for thousands of users. I hate to think how long some people had to wait...
 

---

Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 
Sorry Gussie, I was repeating an error I made earlier and you corrected me then. Sorry.
Corrected programme as follows:

April - The Red Tent by Anita Diamant led by QLib.

May - Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami led by Sir Kevin.

June - Mennonite in a little black dress by Rhoda Janzen led by Tree Bee.

July - Carpe Jugulum by Terry Pratchett led by Golden Key.

August - The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot led by Gussie
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
Ta for the re-list. Zeke and I may read the Pratchett book: one of our favourite authors.
 

---

Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 
It's almost April, so a reminder that next month's book will be The Red Tent by Anita Diamant.
The thread will be led by QLib (Hoping I've got that right this time!)
 

---

Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 
Bumping up the thread to say that for anyone who would like to make a start on May's book, it will be The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle.

The discussion will be led by Sir Kevin.

[ 08. May 2011, 21:22: Message edited by: comet ]
 

---

Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 
Bump.
 

---

Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 
Our programme is looking like this:

May - The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle led by Sir Kevin.

June - Mennonite in a little black dress by Rhoda Janzen led by Tree Bee.

July - Carpe Jugulum by Terry Pratchett led by Golden Key.

August - The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot led by Gussie.

Any more suggestions?

[ 08. May 2011, 21:21: Message edited by: comet ]
 

---

Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 
Bump.
And a reminder that The Very Hungry Caterpillar isn't hungry anymore and we are in fact reading Kafka on the Shore instead.Sorry.
 

---

Posted by Trudy Scrumptious (# 5647) on :
 
I had completely lost track of what the "real" May book group selection was. But that was a great discussion on the VHC.
 

---

Posted by QLib (# 43) on :
 
I suggest On Green Dolphin Street by Sebastian Faulks. The bulk of it is set in the USA 1959-60 and the Kennedy-Nixon election forms a backdrop to part of the story. Willing to do this any month except September.
 

---

Posted by Golden Key (# 1468) on :
 
Tree Bee--

By any chance, is there a list of books that have already been discussed? Not saying you should take the time to make one! Just wondering if one already exists.

I periodically kick around various book ideas, but can't always remember if they've been done.

Thanks!
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
Murakami's Kafka on the Shore will be discussed circa 21 May.
 

---

Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by QLib:
I suggest On Green Dolphin Street by Sebastian Faulks. The bulk of it is set in the USA 1959-60 and the Kennedy-Nixon election forms a backdrop to part of the story. Willing to do this any month except September.

---

Yes, great book that I would be happy to re-read. How about October then?
Golden Key, no I haven't been efficient/anal enough to make a list of discussed books.
You could always ask me and I'd try my memory out. I think I could remember any book that we've read while I've been administering the group.
 

---

Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 
Yikes, it's nearly June. Here's the upcoming programme.

June - Mennonite in a Little Black Dress by Rhoda Janzen led by Tree Bee.

July - Carpe Jugulum by Terry Pratchett led by Golden Key.

August - The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot led by Gussie.

September -

October - Green Dolphin Street by Sebastian Faulks
 

---

Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 
Bump.
 

---

Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 
Goodness, where did June go?

Anyway, the book up for discussion in July is Carpe Jugulum by Terry Pratchett.
The thread and discussion will be led by Golden Key.
 

---

Posted by Golden Key (# 1468) on :
 
Yup. I'll start the thread in a bit.
 

---

Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
*bump*
 

---

Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 
Our August read will be The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. The thread will be led by Gussie.
I've already made a start!

We have no book programmed for September as yet. Any recommendations?
 

---

Posted by Zeke (# 3271) on :
 
How convenient! I just read it for my church book group. Looking forward to seeing others' ideas.
 

---

Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 
The August thread is up and running now so please join in.
 

---

Posted by Golden Key (# 1468) on :
 
I'll think about reading that one. Have heard various media coverage of it. Interesting story.
 

---

Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 
Bump.
Oh, and any suggestions for September at all?
 

---

Posted by Gussie (# 12271) on :
 
I was wondering about David Nicholls One Day. It's a quick read and the film is coming out in the next couple of weeks as well.
 

---

Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 
Great suggestion Gussie - it's in.

September - David Nicholls' One Day

October - Sebastian Faulks' On Green Dolphin Street led by QLib.
 

---

Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 
September's book will be One Day by David Nicholls.
As the film of the book has just been released I'm guessing the thread will be somewhat of a compare and contrast exercise.
But if you only read the book or watch the film, please join in when the thread appears at the start of the month.
 

---

Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 
I'd like to suggest When God Was A Rabbit by Sarah Winman.
I've heard good things about it.
Has anyone here read it?
 

---

Posted by Chorister (# 473) on :
 
Yes, I read it recently. Quite intriguing. I reviewed it on this thread - don't think there are too many spoilers.
 

---

Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 
It's nearly October, so slightly advance notice that our next read is:

Sebastian Faulks' On Green Dolphin Street and the thread will be led by QLib.

Thanks for the information and encouragement Chorister,
November's book will be when God Was a Rabbit by Sarah Winman.
I've just got my hands on a copy so I'll do my best at leading that one.

So, we need suggestions for December's book.
We usually have something fairly festive, fairly short, and preferably light hearted.
 

---

Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 
bump.
 

---

Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 
After November's book I'm thinking that the book group may have a haitus until there's more interest.
This has happened before and the threads revived successfully, so it's not necessarily a death knell.
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
Murakami has come out with a new book, a 900-page tome the size of a phone book called 1Q84. Murakami is sort of a facebook friend and I now know that the book originally was published in three volumes in Japan. I am in the queue at the library as I don't even have room for a book that big on my shelves!

Once I get it and read it, I may suggest it as a topic later this year...
 

---

Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 
I believe that in the UK it's coming out in 2 volumes, the first one comprising books 1 & 2.
Certainly too daunting for me to attempt.
 

---

Posted by Gussie (# 12271) on :
 
I was wondering about The Translation of the Bones by Francesca Kay as a possible Book of the Month. It's not out in paperback till next year and I'm not sure f it's been published anywhere other than the UK. Might be one for next year?
 

---

Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Gussie:
I was wondering about The Translation of the Bones by Francesca Kay as a possible Book of the Month. It's not out in paperback till next year and I'm not sure f it's been published anywhere other than the UK. Might be one for next year?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Sir Kevin:
Murakami has come out with a new book, a 900-page tome the size of a phone book called 1Q84. Murakami is sort of a facebook friend and I now know that the book originally was published in three volumes in Japan. I am in the queue at the library as I don't even have room for a book that big on my shelves!

Once I get it and read it, I may suggest it as a topic later this year...

---

I'm 12th in queue for a copy at my local library. If it's 900 pages, I'll doubtfully be able to finish it in the 2 weeks window I can keep the book. No renewals allowed if there are others awaiting a copy. I'll try, though.
 

---

Posted by Scarlet (# 1738) on :
 
...and I've just requested a copy of November's book ~ When God Was a Rabbit. It looks fascinating.

It should arrive quickly enough for me to join in November's thread.
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
I am tenth in the queue at my branch library. In view of its size, might it be a good choice for January or February? 1Q84 does seem promising but it will likely take a month to read. Might I suggest Big Russ by Tim Russert for January? I read the first chapter which was a fascinating account of old Mr. Russert's exploits in the last war. I shall read some more today.
 

---

Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 
I wouldn't be able to get it through my library service but Big Russ is available from amazon.co.uk.
Please post if you would be interested in reading it for this group.
 

---

Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 
The next book in our programme is

The Translation of the Bones by Francesca Kay
suggested By Gussie for March or April.

Any more suggestions?
Otherwise we'll be having a small break.
 

---

Posted by Golden Key (# 1468) on :
 
I'd like to lead "Six Of One", by Rita Mae Brown.
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Tree Bee:
Big Russ is available from amazon.co.uk.
Please post if you would be interested in reading it for this group.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Tree Bee:

Sir Kevin, I'm uncertain about the popularity of Big Russ on this thread.
No-one has posted so far to say they would like to read it.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Tree Bee:

I'll add Equations of Life by Simon Morden to the programme for May.
Would you be up for leading that thread Dafyd?

---

Ok. I'm up to lead it.
 

---

Posted by UCCLynn (# 16633) on :
 
Hello, everyone!

I am hoping that someone can steer me in the right direction. Where are the threads for the discussions of last year's books? I have gone to limbo with no luck. Specifically, I am hoping to read your comments with respect to the Henrietta Lacks book. I am on the 19th chapter now. A book club that I am in will discuss this book in early march. I thought I might look at some of the questions that you raise, as well as to look at some of your reactions to the book.

I like it very much and am both horrified and not surprised at much that has unfolded.

Thank you,

Lynn
 

---

Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 
We read the Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks last August.
I guess it's now in Oblivion but I can't work out how to find the thread.
I also have this trouble when I want to read old book group threads.
Usually someone kind and knowledgable posts a link.

The upcoming programme now looks like this:

March - Francesca Kay,The Translation of the Bones led by Gussie.

April - Iris Murdoch,Nuns and Soldiers led by Gussie.

May - Equations of Life by Simon Morden led by Dafyd.
 

---

Posted by Scarlet (# 1738) on :
 
August 2011 Book Group - Henrietta Lacks

I live to serve ~

Enjoy! (Actually, I had the last post on the thread - what a good book)
 

---

Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Scarlet:
August 2011 Book Group - Henrietta Lacks

I live to serve ~

Enjoy! (Actually, I had the last post on the thread - what a good book)

---

Thanks for being kind and knowledgable!
 

---

Posted by Gussie (# 12271) on :
 
I'm reading Hilary Mantel's Beyond Black at the moment. It's one of the best and scariest books I've read in an age. Not sure if people on this forum would want to read it as it's about a spiritualist medium, but I think it could promote some interesting discussion.
 

---

Posted by Evangeline (# 7002) on :
 
Oooh Beyond Black looks good, I'm going to get a copy!
 

---

Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 
Beyond Black does look intriguing.
What makes me want to add this to our programme is that the amazon reviews are almost evenly spread between one and five stars, so the discussion should be interesting.

I'll put it in for June.

Gussie, you're busy already with leading 2 other threads that I hesitate to ask you to lead another one.
What say you?

Upcoming:

March - Francesca Kay,The Translation of the Bones led by Gussie.

April - Iris Murdoch,Nuns and Soldiers led by Gussie.

May - Equations of Life by Simon Morden led by Dafyd.

June - Hilary Mantel, Beyond Black.
 

---

Posted by birdie (# 2173) on :
 
Beyond Black is excellent. It was Radio 4's book of the week some time ago and I heard bits of it, but not enough to know what happened, so went out and bought the book.

I think I read it in one sitting. It is fascinating: very, very dark with moments of hilarity.
 

---

Posted by birdie (# 2173) on :
 
Meant to say, in theory I'm happy to lead the discussion of Beyond Black, but I'm aware that Life might take over. (It has a habit of doing that.) You're welcome to put me down to lead, but if anyone else has a burning desire to do so, I won't stand in their way!
 

---

Posted by Gussie (# 12271) on :
 
Birdie it would be great if you could do 'Beyond Black'. I'm happy to be back up if you have to drop out at the last minute.
 

---

Posted by birdie (# 2173) on :
 
It's a deal. Now I just need to find my copy, which I think is in one of the boxes in the garage marked 'we will be moving some time in the next millenium, really we will'.
 

---

Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 
Cheers guys:

Upcoming:

March - Francesca Kay,The Translation of the Bones led by Gussie.

April - Iris Murdoch,Nuns and Soldiers led by Gussie.

May - Equations of Life by Simon Morden led by Dafyd.

June - Hilary Mantel, Beyond Black led by birdie.
 

---

Posted by UCCLynn (# 16633) on :
 
A very belated thank you to Scarlet for posting the link to The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks! I haven't been online much lately and I hadn't noticed the link.

Thanks again!
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
As I am RC and of British and Irish ancestry, Kay's book fascinates me. I read part of the first chapter on Amazon and have ordered it from my local branch library: I should have it on Tuesday or Wednesday. I'm hoping I can finish it within three weeks.
 

---

Posted by Gussie (# 12271) on :
 
Thanks for reminding me Sir Kevin, I've posted up a thread about it so people can get cracking.

I'll be interested to see what American members of the group make of it - it seemed very 'British' to me on a first reading.
 

---

Posted by Trudy Scrumptious (# 5647) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Dafyd:
Has anybody suggested the trilogy starting with Equations of Flight by Simon Morden?

---

Oh, I've been meaning to read one of his books for awhile, and having missed the last few book group threads, that would be a good time for me join in.
 

---

Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 
In the March book group thread the question was asked how books are chosen for our discussion.
I welcome any suggestions for suitable books.
These should ideally be widely available, either to buy, download or borrow.

Books that inspire an enthusiasm among shipmates are more likely to appeal to a larger number.

Threads that work best are led by someone who knows the book and can draw the discussion out.
It helps if the book is in some way controversial.
Nothing worse than everyone agreeing!
 

---

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
Am I the only one who has heard the dramatization of Three Men in a Boat on Radio 4extra? It is fairly well-done, but the episode of the pineapple tin, with illustration in my first edition, was far funnier in print. Long-time readers may remember the discussion I led one or two years ago...

I likely did a good job because it is by far and away my favourite novel.
 

---

Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 
Bumping up as I had a sudden panic this thread would sink while I'm Down Under.
 

---

Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 
A heads up that April's book will be Iris Murdoch's Nuns and Soldiers.
The thread will be led by Gussie.
 

---

Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
Bump.
 

---

Posted by Golden Key (# 1468) on :
 
I'd like to facilitate a discussion of Terry Pratchett's "The Thief Of Time". One of his best, IMHO. It's got everything.


I was thinking of July, August, or September...
 

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Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 
Last time we read a Pratchett we got a good response, so pick your month Golden Key!

Current programme looks exactly like this:

April - Iris Murdoch,Nuns and Soldiers led by Gussie.

May - Equations of Life by Simon Morden led by Dafyd.

June - Hilary Mantel, Beyond Black led by birdie

Not many shipmates can get hold of a copy of Nuns and Soldiers, so if you have any interest in reading this, or any other Iris Murdoch, please join in if you can.
 

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Posted by Golden Key (# 1468) on :
 
Ok, Tree Bee. I'll do Terry Pratchett's "Thief of Time" in July, then.

 

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Posted by QLib (# 43) on :
 
I suggest Andrea Levy's The Long Song for August.
 

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Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by QLib:
I suggest Andrea Levy's The Long Song for August.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Himebaugh:
How do I make a strip of LED lights that plug into an electrical outlet and have an on/off switch?
I have been searching online ALL DAY and found some really cool ideas like throwies, and LED flashlights, and other battery operated LED's.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Tree Bee:
A timely reminder that May's book is
Equations of Life by Simon Morden.
The thread will be led by Dafyd.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Dafyd:

quote:

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Originally posted by Tree Bee:
A timely reminder that May's book is
Equations of Life by Simon Morden.
The thread will be led by Dafyd.

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I'll open the thread on May 1st. I assume that's the standard procedure?

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quote:

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Originally posted by Tree Bee:
August - Andrea Levy, The Long Song led by QLib(?)

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Yes, I'm happy to do that.
 

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Posted by birdie (# 2173) on :
 
I've been thinking about Beyond Black and I'm wondering if we should put some sort of 'health warning' on it. It really is very dark, and has some potentially upsetting themes. I'm aware we have readers on the ship with all sorts of histories and backgrounds, and I wonder if we should give a heads up that this might be a tricky one.

Anyone else who's read it have any thoughts on this?
 

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Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 
Thanks for that QLib.

birdie, I haven't read Beyond Black, but have just looked up reviews on Goodreads.
I suggest you describe the book in your first post on the thread - you could start it early if you like - and without giving away the plot, warn those who may be affected by it what they may be letting themselves in for.
 

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Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 
The very black and potentially upsetting Beyond Black by Hilary Mantel will be our read for June.

You have been warned!

birdie will be up soon to start the thread and offer advice.
 

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Posted by Firenze (# 619) on :
 
*bump*
 

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Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 
Forthcoming books up for discussion:

July - Terry Pratchett, Thief of Time led by Golden Key.

August - Andrea Levy, The Long Song led by QLib.

Would be good to have some more suggestions...
 

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Posted by Golden Key (# 1468) on :
 
{bump}

[ 07. July 2012, 03:08: Message edited by: Zappa ]
 

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Posted by Golden Key (# 1468) on :
 
Gaaa. Sorry for the messed-up code. Preview post is my friend, preview post is my friend...
 

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Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 
We have one more book in our programme folks -

August - Andrea Levy, The Long Song led by QLib.

Would be good to have some more suggestions...
 

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Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Golden Key:
Gaaa. Sorry for the messed-up code. Preview post is my friend, preview post is my friend...

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Fixed - to make nonsense of the next post
 

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Posted by Golden Key (# 1468) on :
 
I'm kicking around the idea of doing another of Thich Nhat Hanh's books: either "Living Buddha, Living Christ" or "Going Home: Jesus and Buddha As Brothers".

I have both, though I haven't done much more than skim sections. I'll read a bit of each, and see if one seems more suitable than the other.

I was thinking maybe November or December?
 

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Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 
Sounds good GK.

Living Buddha, Living Christ is available new on amazon.co.uk while Going Home is only available second hand.

But I have an unread copy of Going Home on my bookshelf.

This doesn't help does it? The choice is yours!
 

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Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Golden Key:
Jesus and Buddha As Brothers".
\

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They so weren't. Mary was a Virgin. Is. Perpetually.
 

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Posted by Golden Key (# 1468) on :
 


For that, Z, I expect you to read the book!
 

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Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
Hhmph. okay.
 

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Posted by Golden Key (# 1468) on :
 
Ok, let's go with "Going Home: Jesus And Buddha As Brothers", for November.

I'm a couple chapters into it, so far. FYI: the chapters are split into small sections, so it's easy to read a little at a time, or skip around.

Because of that, his discussions aren't entirely linear--so if he says X about Jesus and Buddha in one section, you may need to read other sections to get the rounded argument.

But it's good, and thoughtful, and thought-provoking. And there's both easily-accessible stuff, and ideas that take some chewing on. Maybe something for everybody? YMMV, of course.


 

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Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on :
 
One I've read already that we might not have is The Savage Garden by Mark Mills. That's not a bad summer read -

A thought for December - The First Christmas: What the Gospels really teach about Jesus's birth Marcus J Borg and Dominic Crossan - although it's not really light reading.
 

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Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 
Thanks for these suggestions. The programme is now as follows:

August - Andrea Levy, The Long Song led by QLib.

September - Mark Mills, the Savage Garden, led by Curiosity?

October -

November - Thich Nhat Hanh, Going Home;Jesus and Buddha as brothers.

The First Christmas by Borg and Crossan does look interesting, but I'm concerned about its UK availabilty.
Amazon.co.uk does have a kindle edition at £4.99 and checking our library's wider area catalogue, Slough has a copy for loan.
I'm not sure if that's enough to get us reading.
Opinions, please.
 

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Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on :
 
Next thought, having seen Shakespeare's Richard III at the Globe last night - starring Mark Rylance, all male cast and Elizabethan costumes - how about Josephine Tey's The Daughter of Time? It's not in print but Amazon has it on Kindle and there are second hand copies around. I haven't checked library stocks. I haven't read it for years and would need to track down a copy if I was going to lead it.
 

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Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Curiosity killed ...:
Next thought, having seen Shakespeare's Richard III at the Globe last night - starring Mark Rylance, all male cast and Elizabethan costumes - how about Josephine Tey's The Daughter of Time? It's not in print but Amazon has it on Kindle and there are second hand copies around. I haven't checked library stocks. I haven't read it for years and would need to track down a copy if I was going to lead it.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Curiosity killed ...:
I'm most of the way through Dawn French's A Tiny Bit Marvellous which could be worth discussing if anyone else has found it / wants to read it. Although it could irritate me immensely in the last quarter. So far I've really enjoyed the characterisation.

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1. Michael Morpurgo's The Best Christmas Present in the World,
2. Michael Foreman's War Game, there's a film of this one, and I think it's the better of the two, and
3. The Christmas Truce poem by Carol Ann Duffy

 

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Posted by Trudy Scrumptious (# 5647) on :
 
I'm dying to suggest that we do The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry , since I've just read it and think it would be great for discussion, but I think it's only out in hardcover so far. Once it's out in pb and readily accessible to more readers I think it would make a great book club discussion.

[ 10. September 2012, 13:09: Message edited by: Trudy Scrumptious ]
 

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Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on :
 
Thanks for these suggestions. I love them all.

I'll re-jig the programme presently.
 

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Posted by Chelley (# 11322) on :
 
On holiday I picked up a copy of P.D. James' 'Death comes to Pemberley' - couldn't resist, being an Austen fan and all that! It was an easy read but I thought a while ago it might make a good one to discuss? (Not least from the perspective of what do we think about another author 'continuing' the story of such famous characters). Just a suggestion!
 

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Posted by Caissa (# 16710) on :
 
I read it a couple of months ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. A bit of a departure for P.D. James from her usual material.
 

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Posted by birdie (# 2173) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Trudy Scrumptious:
I'm dying to suggest that we do The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry , since I've just read it and think it would be great for discussion, but I think it's only out in hardcover so far. Once it's out in pb and readily accessible to more readers I think it would make a great book club discussion.

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quote:

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Shuklaji Street, in late 1970s Old Bombay. In Rashid’s opium room the air is thick with voices and ghosts: Hindu, Muslim, Christian. Here, people say that you introduce only your worst enemy to opium…

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