View Full Version : Book Club - see first post for who's choosing the book for which month
RoastLamb
01-01-2013, 18:14
Good post, Pabbers. :thumbup: I forgot to rate it myself. I think if I'd stopped reading it at 100 pages I'd have given it a 1 but now I appreciate it more fully in the way it was intended I'd bump it up to a 5. I do think it's good to read stuff we normally wouldn't dream of. That's why I love being a part of a book club.
RoastLamb
05-01-2013, 01:57
Another thing I forgot to mention in my initial report. I found it rather interesting that Amina did not like her daughter-in-law because she didn't put up and shut up like she herself had to do. Jealousy?
MurrayAOne
09-01-2013, 20:05
I'm afraid I am only really at the start of this book and whilst I am still going to finish it at some point I think I will have to defer my report till a later date and carry on with the next one as I see that that is also over 500 pages! I will never catch up otherwise. This is certainly not lack of interest - I have said on numerous occasions how much I enjoy this book club - but rather lack of time. My apologies Linda but as I say I will finish it at some point. Hope this is ok.
hfwardhouse
09-01-2013, 20:45
I'm afraid I've read only the first chapter and am finding it really hard to get back to it again. I do enjoy reading different types of books, but this type is a real chore for me and if I'm going to read it, it'll be at some point in the future - I don't think I'll manage to read it anytime soon - I will pass this time - sorry Linda for failing dismally.
RoastLamb
26-01-2013, 21:07
Ok, just finished reading FHOG and I've written my report. Will post on the appropriate date (Feb. 15th). I will say this: I will never forgive you Pabbers for making me read this! ;) :lol:
Also, MurrayAOne, you need to start thinking of the next book, por favor.
Ok, just finished reading FHOG and I've written my report. Will post on the appropriate date (Feb. 15th). I will say this: I will never forgive you Pabbers for making me read this! ;) :lol:Also, MurrayAOne, you need to start thinking of the next book, por favor.
That's the last time you'll dare me to do something then.........:laugh:
MurrayAOne
27-01-2013, 21:18
Ok, just finished reading FHOG and I've written my report. Will post on the appropriate date (Feb. 15th). I will say this: I will never forgive you Pabbers for making me read this! ;) :lol:
Also, MurrayAOne, you need to start thinking of the next book, por favor.
Will do!
hfwardhouse
31-01-2013, 17:31
Caught up on Room 101 last night .... it seems the current book has been put in there :red devil: .... does this mean I don't have to read it after all?! ;)
RoastLamb
31-01-2013, 18:00
Caught up on Room 101 last night .... it seems the current book has been put in there :red devil: .... does this mean I don't have to read it after all?! ;)
If we had to read it you have to too! :lol:
hfwardhouse
31-01-2013, 18:37
.... oh well .... it was worth a try ;)
MurrayAOne
02-02-2013, 20:57
Hi all. For the next book I would like to choose a novel by Pauline McLynn entitled 'Something For The Weekend'. I had every intention of choosing a mystery/thriller for my next choice but I just feel like something a bit lighter if it is ok by everyone. Maybe we are all due a lighter read anyway! Pauline McLynn is more well known as an actress. You may remember her as playing Mrs Doyle in Father Ted. 'Something For The Weekend', her first novel, was well received and she has written more. The book is set in Ireland and tells of a female Private Investigator who embarks on an assignment that requires her to masquerade as a member of a cookery course. It has been described as a 'gently witty' novel and appears to have received good reviews. 'Gently witty' suits me down to the ground at the moment! Would this be ok for everyone?
hfwardhouse
02-02-2013, 21:22
And me ....
RoastLamb
03-02-2013, 01:17
Sounds good! I'm reading another Irish author at the mo - Maeve Binchy's A Week in Winter. Her last novel. I will miss her so! :crying:
Sounds good! I'm reading another Irish author at the mo - Maeve Binchy's A Week in Winter. Her last novel. I will miss her so! :crying:
Absolutely ADORE Maeve Binchy..........haven't read that one. Shall add it to my list.
I used to read and enjoy her books more than 20 years ago. I remember her retiring from writing, and a last book came out that was a sort of amalgam of previous ones (which I didn't bother to get). I didn't know she'd written another. Oh wait a sec - I think I do remember reading some years ago a late book of hers about someone driving up to the north (Scotland?) to get away from something but had an odd sort of relationship with a man there. Is that the one? I didn't like that one - the only one of hers that I really didn't like.
Someone in my French class is Irish and comes from Dublin. When she was a child her teacher at school was Maeve Binchy! She said she was a really good teacher.
If I remember correctly she retired but then continued writing, much to my delight - was that 20 years ago? How time flies :facepalm:
RoastLamb
03-02-2013, 16:03
She only retired for a couple of years about 10 years ago. She decided to concentrate on short stories but after only one of those I guess her publisher enticed her to write another full length novel and she manage to write about 3 more. Bless her!!! I love her stuff - have read every single book. Like comfort food.
patmoren
03-02-2013, 20:31
I also enjoy Maeve Binchey but haven't read one for awhile.
hfwardhouse
12-02-2013, 17:50
Finished 50 Shades last night ...... interesting discussions lie ahead methinks!
Finished 50 Shades last night ...... interesting discussions lie ahead methinks!
Wait till you see how my post starts.....it's all written and ready to go ;)
hfwardhouse
12-02-2013, 18:12
:sofa: :lol:
patmoren
13-02-2013, 16:57
Can't wait!!:cauldron:
Anyone seen a smilie with a tin hat???? :p :lol:
Maybe it's a case of the less said, the better!
Maybe it's a case of the less said, the better!
Not a chance!
MurrayAOne
13-02-2013, 18:47
Should be very interesting!
RoastLamb
13-02-2013, 23:36
Wait till you see how my post starts.....it's all written and ready to go ;)
Ditto. :lol:
OK here goes nothing!!
Before I begin my review of this book, I’d just like to air a few thoughts that have occurred to me along the way, about being a member of a book club, this being my first experience.
I’ve found it to be quite an intimidating experience, one which can leave someone feeling exposed and vulnerable. Books and the opinions that we form about them are quite personal IMHO and so when someone else offers their comments upon a book chosen by someone else, the selector may wait with trepidation to learn the verdict on their choice.
It seems to me, therefore, that the reviewer should try to be as objective as possible about the book, using carefully chosen language especially where a review is negative. For example, to call a book “boring” may infer that the selector is boring. So to say a book “didn’t interest” or “appeal to” me would be more considerate. I have noted occasions when comments have implied that the reviewer is superior in intellect or enjoys a better class of literature. I think that’s to be avoided at all costs. We are all different and none of us is any better than the other. I’m keenly aware that the book I chose for this month is likely to come in for heavy criticism, for which I’m prepared. But I’d really appreciate a balanced and objective view. Just because it came in for severe criticism (more highly publicised than the praise which was 50%) doesn’t justify jumping on a band wagon. Judging whether something is well or poorly written, beyond grammar, spelling, punctuation, and the plot and prose holding together is purely a matter of personal opinion – not one of universal fact.
I only came across 50 Shades of Grey because my colleagues at work had been reading and talking about it and had enjoyed it – they are solicitors and barristers – so not lacking in intellect, although some may say in taste!
Right – off soap box.
You’ll all have gathered that I enjoyed the book and have read all three. Like most of you, I never intended going within a hundred miles of it – even when my colleagues were saying it was a good read. It was only when somebody said “it’s such a love story”, despite all I’d heard about the sex in it, that I thought I’d give it a whirl.
I actually thought the book was engaging – I liked the mix of thought, narrative, email and banter interspersed with the comedy of Anastasia’s sub conscience and inner goddess. I laughed out loud at some of it and could relate to many of her thoughts.
Yes, there’s a lot of sex in the first book (less in the sequels) and some of it is hard to read. I defy anyone to call it laughable unless they can comment objectively on the subject matter! What does come across even through behaviour which is alien to me, is that this man, Christian Grey, is actually interested in pleasing Anastasia as a woman. He just doesn’t know the right way to do it. How many men are really keen to please? Now and again maybe but……..
To me this is Beauty and the Beast – the Beast in this case being inside Grey rather than his outer appearance. It’s also about good girl meets bad boy. Unless you’ve been there, it may be difficult to understand. But for anyone who has (and I have – disastrous first marriage), when you’re young and naïve, you always think you can change the man into the person you want him to be (unless you’re actually enjoying him being bad) and you’d have to read the other books to find out what actually happens. Does it fulfil the dreams of women who’ve been through this?
It’s a fairy story – she’s Cinderella to Prince Charming – he’s rich and handsome but he doesn’t find sweeping her off her very sensible feet as easy as he thought it would be.
I won’t spoil it if any of you do go on to read the other books but they contain romance, a thriller and an ending that for me was very satisfying.
patmoren
15-02-2013, 11:15
This book was an education. Probably not ideal for a recently widowed lady!! I had several chuckles whilst reading this book and I really thought Ana had the making of Christian and would be able to turn things around. After all he wasn't responsible for what he had become and I thought there was a good human being under the layers. I was very disappointed by the ending but it didn't say they wouldn't get back together again. Then I discovered it was the first in a Trilogy and quickly bought the other two. I like happy endings!! A difficult subject which I think was handled very well, really sucked me in. 9/10
hfwardhouse
15-02-2013, 15:03
Like Pat I didn't want to go within a 100 miles of these books either .... When I was in Tenerife last summer, there were folk reading them round the pool in a variety of languages and I was amazed - why on earth did people want to read them? So my heart sank when it was chosen ..... and I put off reading it till last week .... thinking I'd better get it over with in time for today's discussion ..... well, revelation or what?! I absolutely loved it .... and like PatM I had to buy the other 2 as well ... finished book 2 at lunchtime and started book 3 immediately - it is taking up rather a lot of my time!!!
Anyway, my thoughts .... I was sucked in immediately which for me is always the sign of a good story teller. I knew I was going to get annoyed when the playroom was introduced, and yes there was far too much naughty stuff in it, which probably didn't have to be described quite so thoroughly. Like PatM I was very disappointed in the ending and so glad there was another book to start immediately - I don't like unhappy endings at all!
I thought it was well written on the whole and it was a very challenging subject which the author dealt with really well. It gets 9/10 from me too!
Like most of you, this was a book that I would never have chosen to read. But that's the point of a book club, isn't it, to broaden our choices of reading! And I was actually pleasantly surprised because it wasn't half as bad as I thought it would be. It won't be a book that I'll keep for re-reading, and I won't be buying the sequels, but I didn't dislike it. I kept wondering what it was that had happened in Christian's past - whether he had seen his mother abused, for instance - so I guess that shows that the author had succeeded in engaging my interest in the plot.
I thought Anastasia was a very believable character, which you need in the main character of a novel, but I didn't think Christian was. He was portrayed as being very confident and self assured and an astute businessman - which you might expect in someone aged at least 40 but he was supposed to be only 28 I think - and I just couldn't imagine someone of only 28 being like that.
As far as the bondage goes, I didn't mind reading about it but I do rather worry that this sort of book might lead men to think that women want to be abused, and that it could lead to increased (unwanted) violence against women. The bookshops are now full of copycat books and I find this worrying.
Anyway, after reading this and finding that it was nothing like as badly written as I'd heard, I then decided to read another book of which a friend had said to me: "I won't insult your intelligence by lending it to you" - The Da Vinci Code - and that also was not a bad read. A lot of the plot was complete nonsense, of course, and many of the quoted 'facts' were incorrect, but it was an engaging read.
So well done, Pat, as you have succeeded in broadening my choice of books. I hope I'm not one of the people whose previous comments you have found unhelpful, and if I am then I apologise, but I do tend to call a spade a spade so if I find a book unutterably boring I will probably say so. We all have different tastes - others haven't liked my choice of books either but that's fine.
RoastLamb
15-02-2013, 19:50
I didn't totally hate FHOG but I didn't really like it either. I laughed at all the sex stuff (sorry if you have a problem with that (:confused:) but I did) and it didn't turn me on at all. In fact it made me cringe for the most part. I really have a problem with women being submissive to men in anything and I think that is what got to me most of all. I cannot bear the thought of my two daughters reading this - in fact it makes me sick to my stomach.
I can see why so many women have lapped it all up and why it's so popular and sold so well but, really? The writing is rather atrocious. And where was her editor? The following phrases were repeated at least 20 times throughout the book and it drove me bananas:
Belly clenching deliciously/deeply
Her/his breath hitches
Oh My
Jeez
Holy ...
biting lip
hooded eyes/gaze
his head cocked to one side
inner goddess
how good looking CG is (OK, we GOT IT!)
medula oblongata (actually she said this only twice but twice too many I say)
Phrases that made me :lol::
Christian Grey-flavoured popsicle
My stomach pole vaults over my spleen
Anyway, back to the actual story. The characters ARE interesting and even likeable altho' I hate the controlling/stalking aspects. What makes him the way he is? What makes her the way she is? And how can anyone have had NO sexual anything at age 21? I found that rather unrealistic. Losing one's virginity at age 21 is fine, but NO sexual experience/desires despite the fact she must be very attractive (both her flatmate and CG tell her so repeatedly). Can she be so physically unaware in this day and age? However, if we suspend our disbelief the storyline itself is quite intriguing. I also find it hard to believe that he has a lovely adopted family yet is still so screwed up. I have zero interest in reading the other two books to find out why he is the way he is HOWEVER like The Cairo Trilogy I did look up the other two books' summaries on google.
I also wish - seeing as the author is British - that this had been set in the UK because I just couldn't get past Ana's speaking mannerisms. The only thing I really enjoyed were all the emails that went back and forth between them but the actual spoken and her inner dialogue made me wince most of the time. And I found myself being grateful that she does examine and balk at the pyschological and sexual aspects of the kind of relationship he demands.
I would give it a 2/10. Mildy entertaining but it's not my thing at all (a bit like fantasy, which this kind of is in a way). I didn't totally hate FHOG but I didn't really like it either. I remember reading two Jackie Collins books at age 15 whilst holidaying on Hastings beach and being totally :shocked: on certain topics yet I've never had the desire to read any more of her stuff. I expect there's more of this style of writing to come from her but like any genre it'll run its course. I read quite a few reviews and "real" S&M writers scoff at her books. Oh dear!
PS So glad I wrote this all up before I broke my wrist otherwise this would have taken me hours to compose.
hfwardhouse
15-02-2013, 20:01
I actually found the inner goddess/subconscious descriptions very amusing! And I did like Jackie Collins - have read loads of hers .... :shamed: :lol:
RoastLamb
15-02-2013, 20:04
:rolling: Each to their own. Who am I to judge? I found the written emails amusing, not the stuff zinging around in her head.
RoastLamb
15-02-2013, 20:08
Btw: I met Jackie Collins in 1996 when I worked for her publisher and she was LOVELY. The nicest author I have ever met tbh. But she did say something rather disturbing to me when she said that if her books got teenage girls reading for the first time that is a good thing. (I told her about my time on Hastings beach you see.) :eek:
Anyway, the good thing to come out of the success of this book trilogy is that all her publisher's staff got a $5K Christmas bonus and I know how badly paid people in book publishing are so that must have been amazing.
I actually found the inner goddess/subconscious descriptions very amusing! And I did like Jackie Collins - have read loads of hers .... :shamed: :lol:
Me too.
Well I did say I view it as a bit of a fairy story, so, as with fairy stories, you have to suspend belief to enjoy IMHO. How many women would fantasise about having a gorgeous, rich, attentive bloke who has eyes for no one but them? Don't tell me they're few and far between - and I did say "fantasise" so I'm not suggesting it's something anyone would necessarily hope for in real life. But we can all dream.
I appreciate your review, RL and it's honest and not judgmental other than of the book - for which, thank you to all who have reviewed the book so far.
Well we all have our fantasies, but mine certainly isn't being tied up! :sofa:
RoastLamb
15-02-2013, 20:13
We can all dream for a yummy hunk guy in our lives but I know for a fact I wouldn't want someone like CG. Someone rich and talented yet sweet and kind - like Rafa perhaps. ;)
Total fantasy. Makes you wonder how awful people's real lives must be if they want someone like him? Scary. One of The View talk show hosts said she got turned on my the whole "one's every need being taken care of" fantasy. Feminists all over the world must be seething. Not my cup of tea. I like equality between the sexes.
We can all dream for a yummy hunk guy in our lives but I know for a fact I wouldn't want someone like CG. Someone rich and talented yet sweet and kind - like Rafa perhaps. ;)
Total fantasy. Makes you wonder how awful people's real lives must be if they want someone like him? Scary. One of The View talk show hosts said she got turned on my the whole "one's every need being taken care of" fantasy. Feminists all over the world must be seething. Not my cup of tea. I like equality between the sexes.
Well I agree wholeheartedly there and that is precisely why this book is such a fantasy........I firmly believe from my own observations and experience that life is still very onesided in favour of the male (am I digressing???). An example from yesterday - my best friend had asked me to play golf. We arranged she'd pick me up at 9.30 as I had a very busy day so wanted to play early. 9.20 I get a call, she'll be half an hour late. 9.50 I get another call, she'll be a further 10 minutes late. When she finally arrived it turned out her hubby had a meeting in the city followed by lunch at which he wanted to have a drink so couldn't drive. So he wanted her to take him to the station - no prior warning, just assumed she'd be available. She suggested he take an early train - that was too early for his meeting but he said maybe he'd look for a new suit. Then she said she "looked at his little face" and gave in. THEN - they were late leaving for the station because he didn't want to hang around on the platform. I was fuming but didn't say anything. I know fine well that had the boot been on the other foot he'd have refused to change his plans but I also know she wouldn't have asked him to inconvenience himself. So, yes, the idea of having one's every little need catered for DOES appeal to many women but because they already selflessly do that for their men. Sorry - should probably have said don't get me started. I'll go take my tablets! ;)
hfwardhouse
16-02-2013, 11:09
Yikes Pat! Mind you my hubby has been so spoiled over the years. We got in the car last Saturday to head off for the weekend and he said are my trainersnin the car (he was dressed for the funeral he was going to). Given that I had packed everything else I hadn't even thought about his shoes :lol: :rolleyes:
RoastLamb
16-02-2013, 13:27
But at what price? I don't want a guy to cater to my every need if it means i have to put up with stalking, jealousy and being dominated. Not my fantasy that's for sure.
But of course things pan out very differently which is all part of the ultimate fantasy - I.e. the happy ending. In reality men like CG are unlikely to change and no I wouldn't want someone like that if I couldn't tame him.
patmoren
16-02-2013, 21:07
That is why women are devious and wiley. It has taken centuries to develop the ability but there will always be the little woman who enjoys being put upon.
MurrayAOne
16-02-2013, 23:26
I enjoyed reading this book as I have enjoyed reading all the comments too. I only finished it late last night and really wanted to join the discussion but hadn’t written a review yet and was too tired!
I agree with pabbers about feeling a little wary of choosing books for others to read this being my first book club also. My next choice for example may be a little ‘fluffy’ for everyone and I took a while to choose but I am feeling better about that aspect of it as time goes on and whilst it would be lovely if everyone liked all choices there would probably be a lot less to discuss! I must admit I did think there would be more to and fro discussion on the past books but that is why I think this book was great for the book club and a great choice. Whether it was an enjoyable read or not – and it was for me – the fact that there has been more of a discussion about it here is a plus point for a start. Everyone had a firm opinion on it one way or another which always makes for great discussion.
As I have mentioned I found this book an enjoyable read. The explicit sexual narrative has, unfortunately - but also inevitably - overshadowed the fact that this was a very well told love story. I say well told because for me the writing was fine but nothing special. I agree with Roastlamb about some of the phrases – in particular the ‘oh my’ s and the hitching of breath. Definitely a bit cringe worthy. However that said I felt the two main characters were very well drawn and that the narrative continued at a good pace. I didn’t feel it dragged at any point at all and for a book of over 500 pages I think that’s a fine achievement! I agree that the email discussions were well written and quite humourous and clever.
And so to the love story (!) and in this I would say that if ever a book screamed sequel it was this and I don’t just mean the way it ended. For Ana has fallen in love with a man who is only used to having one type of relationship with a woman; one based on total control. The problem for him is that he meets someone he has fallen in love with and cannot make the necessary adjustments from the relationships he has had in the past. He just needs more time – so – bring on the sequel I say and give him a chance!
I found both characters likeable and engaging. It doesn’t surprise me at all that he is the tycoon type and has what he has at such a young age. Fifty – pardon the pun – years ago maybe but not today. The business world these days is geared to the young entrepreneur and there are plenty of them about. I actually felt a certain sympathy for Christian. I felt it was apparent that he did not necessarily want the type of relationships he had but rather could not help but do so and anyone who feels compelled to act in a particular way as a result of past circumstances - and I am intrigued to discover what these are so again bring on the sequel! – is due a certain sympathy in my book. For all his ‘I am the boss’ attitude, with this woman he most certainly was not. It is for this reason that I don’t feel feminists should be slighted by the book at all. I would say it was her that wore the trousers but she didn’t seem to keep anything on for long! As for what put an end to their relationship; well – I felt she was the master of her own downfall there. One mention of colour and she could have still been with him now! – but that’s for the sequel I’m sure! I also don’t think he was her fantasy man either. Yes she wanted him but not the way he was, and whilst that it is a dangerous and sometimes futile road to embark upon, in this instance it’s probably acceptable given that Christian appeared to be somewhat unhappy with the confines of his lifestyle. Because for me that’s what it was; a lifestyle by compulsion rather than choice, and I feel that Ana is the woman to save him!
I don’t agree at all that this book would lead men to believe that women want to be abused. Ana’s objections to such a relationship are always apparent and quite often very repetitive and there was constant reference to the mutual consent aspect of the sexual relationship.
I agree with Roastlamb about Ana being totally unaware of her physical attractiveness but with regard to her sexual experiences she did say she had had boyfriends but rather none that she had found attractive enough to sleep with. Her constant disbelief in her effect on Christian though was rather tiring.
Anyway I feel I’ve written enough for now so I will just say thank you to pabbers for this was an excellent choice and I look forward to any further discussion.
Yes I did have one problem with the book – reading it on the train! 8/10
RoastLamb
17-02-2013, 01:21
But isn't this a fantasy women have: to be with a "bad" boy and try to "save" him? And how well does that go? Hmmm.
As for not being happy with the way the book ends, I know I was. Dump his sorry a*s! :lol:
Thanks, MurrayAOne - a very interesting review - I trust you DO know there are 2 sequels? Will you read them?
RL - I think a good number of women do actually end up with a bad boy (or at least the wrong boy), let alone fantasise about it but the fantasy (in reality) usually surrounds making that boy into a saint. So in this book it's a safe haven for all those fantasies with the hope for a fairy tale ending. I doubt, however, that that would make anyone think changing a man is really that simple.
Ana is actually very controlling in her own right - it's just that she doesn't realise the power she wields and nor does she wield it maliciously. I'd say she's got a healthy dollop of female wiles and deviousness but in a very unassuming way.
I'm glad this book has provoked so much discussion - I was wary of proposing it but I must confess that doing so was, in part (aside from sheer devilment ;)) because I'd felt like most of you but then ended up like others who'd read it, enjoying it. So it was a bit like a mission, I suppose.
I think the book deals with difficult themes - the intricacies of a relationship, both emotional and physical, the impact someone's past can have on them (and believe me, for anyone willing to read the sequels this is dealt with in greater detail as part of the thriller angle) and the possibility that they can be saved from themselves. Love conquers all, and all that - which is, of course, the stuff of fairy stories but which does rarely and occasionally happen in real life if there's enough devotion.
RoastLamb
17-02-2013, 12:35
Still have no desire to read the sequels. If I had to read one more "breath hitching" I'd scream. One has to wonder if these books would have been so successful without the sexual stuff - because that's where all the attention came from initially. Or would it just be another Harlequin-type romance?
MurrayAOne's book choice arrived from the UK yesterday. Could only get a used copy. And I've already made my book selection even tho' it's months away. Can't wait.
MurrayAOne
17-02-2013, 13:54
Thanks, MurrayAOne - a very interesting review - I trust you DO know there are 2 sequels? Will you read them?
Oh yes I definitely will be reading them. Goodness knows what happened to him but I have to find out!
MurrayAOne
17-02-2013, 14:14
But isn't this a fantasy women have: to be with a "bad" boy and try to "save" him? And how well does that go? Hmmm.
As for not being happy with the way the book ends, I know I was. Dump his sorry a*s! :lol:
Was Christian a bad boy? I don't think so. His sexual preferences were extreme certainly but that aspect is only described as a problem here because the other party was unwilling to commit to that utmost extreme. Mostly the 'bad boy' tag comes with a philandering and 'love them and leave them' type and he does not fall into that category. His past relationships with women had been totally monogomous. It is even suggested by Ana that he is philanthropic regarding his interest in farming technologies etc. As for Ana trying to 'save' him why shouldn't she? He needs it!
....and incidentally that is a very pertinent phrase with which to end your comment Roastlamb...!
hfwardhouse
17-02-2013, 18:18
Thanks Pam for your very good review :thanks:
Fiona I know you don't want to read the other 2 but honestly, they're even better than the first - less sex (still more than necessary but not so much) - I've been out all afternoon and had to leave at lunchtime on yet another cliffhanger (and there are many in the sequels) and found myself wishing I'd taken the kindle with me to read in the car :lol: - it's not often I find myself thinking about a book as much as I have this series. I am going to miss the characters when I finish book 3 tonight. This book club has been great for introducing me to different books - never thought I'd read these but am really glad I did .... not that Esther will be getting to read them any time soon!!!!
I was bereft when I finished the last book. There aren't many books I've read where I can't wait to get to the end to see what happens but at the same time I don't want it to finish - if that makes any sense. East of Eden by John Steinbeck was the first like that for me.
patmoren
17-02-2013, 20:02
Has Pam chosen a book for March, it is not on the list at the beginning. It is possible I have heard but have no recollection of what it is, memory getting worse.
MurrayAOne
17-02-2013, 20:07
Has Pam chosen a book for March, it is not on the list at the beginning. It is possible I have heard but have no recollection of what it is, memory getting worse.
Yes Pat. I have chosen 'Something For The Weekend' by Pauline McLynn. If you look back a bit earlier I have written a little bit about it.
hfwardhouse
17-02-2013, 20:34
I was bereft when I finished the last book. There aren't many books I've read where I can't wait to get to the end to see what happens but at the same time I don't want it to finish - if that makes any sense. East of Eden by John Steinbeck was the first like that for me.
Finished and wailed what am I going to do now?! Feeling bereft. I will miss Ana and Christian :sad:
Something for the Weekend is fine MurrayAOne. Well on my way through it on my new mini tablet thingy.
patmoren
18-02-2013, 13:35
I have a suggestion for my next one. We haven't had an historical one yet. This one is called The Forbidden Queen by Anne O'Brien. Set in the time of Henry V a period that I didn't have a lot of knowledge about but did a bit of research before I started reading it. I haven't read an historical book in years.
Just checked on Amazon and it will be available from March 1st. I read a review copy from Net Galley.
RoastLamb
18-02-2013, 18:45
I can't find it on Amazon.ca. Her previous titles all look like Harlequin covers too???
patmoren
18-02-2013, 22:24
I can't find it on Amazon.ca. Her previous titles all look like Harlequin covers too???
I had it pre-publication, the publisher is still Harlequin. Looks as though it nwill be available from 1st March, maybe it will be on your Amazon site closer to the date.
RoastLamb
18-02-2013, 23:40
I'll check closer to the date. :thanks:
hfwardhouse
23-03-2013, 23:55
Yikes just a week to go till we discuss Something for the Weekend!! Just ordered it for the kindle so hopefully will manage to get it read in time.!!
patmoren
24-03-2013, 08:36
Doesn't take long Jane
hfwardhouse
24-03-2013, 10:51
Good! I have to finish the one I'm reading just now first.
RoastLamb
24-03-2013, 11:01
I have it but not started. Thx for the reminder.
hfwardhouse
24-03-2013, 11:10
You're welcome! Up early?!
RoastLamb
24-03-2013, 20:56
Yes, I only get about 4 hours' sleep a night now coz I can only sleep in one position (my sore wrist). So I'm reading a lot now at 6 a.m onwards but I'm running out of material of course. I have my local book club tomorrow night. It was my recommendation so I had already read it a few weeks ago. Looking forward to this book anyway.
RL, have you read The Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out Of The Window And Disappeared? I've just read it and liked it.
RoastLamb
25-03-2013, 00:16
Have never heard of it. Maybe you should pick that as your next book?
RoastLamb
25-03-2013, 00:17
Patmoren: it's your book choice for May.
hfwardhouse
25-03-2013, 13:06
I have a suggestion for my next one. We haven't had an historical one yet. This one is called The Forbidden Queen by Anne O'Brien. Set in the time of Henry V a period that I didn't have a lot of knowledge about but did a bit of research before I started reading it. I haven't read an historical book in years.
Just checked on Amazon and it will be available from March 1st. I read a review copy from Net Galley.
Is this still Pat's choice? I've not looked into getting it yet!
RoastLamb
25-03-2013, 15:04
:thanks: I had forgotten.
I found a few reviews for The Forbidden Queen on amazon. (http://www.amazon.ca/Forbidden-Queen-Anne-OBrien/dp/1848452152/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1364223748&sr=1-1)
I didn't realise the next book had been chosen!
patmoren
25-03-2013, 21:47
I mentioned it awhile back. Would still like to go with The Forbidden Queen if people are happpy with that.
Yes, that sounds fine, Pat. If it's a definite I'll go ahead and order it.
hfwardhouse
25-03-2013, 23:19
:thumbup:
Just bought and downloaded it to my Google Nexus.
Just downloaded The Forbidden Queen for my Kindle - that's my Easter weekend reading sorted! Sounds good.
RoastLamb
28-03-2013, 13:09
Just downloaded The Forbidden Queen for my Kindle - that's my Easter weekend reading sorted! Sounds good.
Hi, do you want to join our club and post a review when the time comes?
Fantastic, would like to do that. Always like to get different recommendations and I haven't been reading for ages, which is most unlike me. This will get me back to my bookworm ways :)
RoastLamb
28-03-2013, 18:01
Brilliant! Look forward to it.
MurrayAOne
01-04-2013, 13:37
Hi ladies. I would be obliged if you all wouldn't mind holding fire for a bit for my report. I'm enjoying the book but have been a bit preoccupied with the tennis (! GO ANDYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!) and things at home so need a bit more time. Sorry for the delay but hopefully won't be too long. Thanks.
RoastLamb
01-04-2013, 13:39
I finished it last night.
No problem. Desperately trying to finish the 3rd book of A Game of Thrones before the new series starts tonight - must get off here!
Read it last week. Have just downloaded the next book to my Kindle - but I've got quite a few other books to read first.
hfwardhouse
01-04-2013, 15:34
I finished last night too! But no problem!
MurrayAOne
11-04-2013, 16:29
Nearly done ladies! I'll be posting my review soon.
I've been in bed most of the day due to a flu-like virus :sad: so I've been reading: I've read our next book, The Forbidden Queen, and now I'm reading A Lady Cyclist's Guide to Kashgar.
RoastLamb
11-04-2013, 19:57
Hope you feel better soon, Linda! :grouphug: :flowers:
Just finished A Lady Cyclist's Guide to Kashgar. It was pretty good, and didn't take long to read, so maybe I'll choose it next time it's my turn. I was going to choose a travel book, as I really like travel books, but in this book one of the main characters is writing a travel book (hence the strange title) so maybe this will do instead.
RoastLamb
12-04-2013, 14:01
Sounds fab! I love travel books.
Hope you feel better soon Linda - good job you didn't fall ill this time last week!
I just hope I'm going to feel better before Tuesday. Most of the others were flying out today and there's no way I would have been able to as I already have earache. So it's just as well I had already decided not to go until Tuesday. I'd love to go for the whole week - but I really can't take Mondays off as I have a weekly payroll to do on Mondays, and with the new system being brought in this tax year, I really couldn't leave it to someone else until I see that it's all going smoothly.
I started reading The Yacoubian Building this afternoon - I'm 2/3 of the way through so I'll finish it tonight - it's just like Palace Walk but in modern times.
supergran
13-04-2013, 22:43
Hope you feel better SOON Linda. Enjoy it when you get there!!
MurrayAOne
21-04-2013, 19:34
Hi all. Sorry about the wait for my report but amidst lots of family birthdays and the tennis (don’t mention the clay!) I have also encountered a little problem! I was enjoying reading my book and was about to finish the last 100 pages – which as you all know wouldn’t have taken long – and post my report. Unfortunately though I have mislaid it! It was in a bag that I cannot find and have hunted everywhere for it thinking it will turn up as these things always do! No doubt it will turn up at some later date but I was behind time anyway and don’t feel I can hold the procedure up any longer. So here is my rather short and stunted report. I will hand over to you all for the rest of it. I shall be very interested to hear how it ended!
‘Something For The Weekend’ is Pauline McLynn’s first novel. Pauline is best known for playing Mrs Doyle in the brilliant Father Ted and is an excellent comedic actress. It was the light hearted humour that drew me to this book and I must say I really enjoyed reading (most of) it. The novel centres around the main character Leo Street ; a female private investigator hired by a client to investigate the possible infidelity of his wife. To this end Leo attends a residential weekend cookery course where said wife is assistant/secretary and there Leo mixes with students and tutors alike.
I found this to be a really enjoyable read. I feel it was stronger on characterization than storyline .(although the storyline may pick up the end who knows?!!! – well you all do hopefully so let me know!)
Leo was extremely likeable and the members of her family were also very well written, warm, funny characters. It would appear she is obviously wasting her time with Barry and I will be interested to hear how their relationship fares. My hope would be that she could find someone slightly more interested in her thoughts and feelings! I also enjoyed the characters in the cookery school. Lots of humourous interaction and dialogue – right up my street – no pun etc!!! I also thought it was interesting the way McClynn threw in a little serious storyline with her friend who received bad news about her marriage. It was the only part in the book where a degree of tension was introduced – unless there was some at the end. (My word it’s a nuisance writing a review not knowing the end! )
Overall I enjoyed the book. I was concerned that it may have been a bit too light a read but I found that there was just enough good characterisation and dialogue to take it out of that category. I do feel however that it would have benefited from a more substantial storyline but maybe her next novels are a bit more weighty in this respect.
So over to you ladies for your comments. Apologies again for the cropped review but I felt I could wait no longer! Now please tell me how it ended!!!! 6/10
hfwardhouse
21-04-2013, 20:00
Sorry Pam - wrote this a while ago so no help with how it ends ... but it just concluded the story without particularly sorting anything out in Leo's private life - I've since found that she reappears in other books.
It took me a while to get into Something for the Weekend. Not because I didn’t enjoy it particularly, but because I’ve been reading a series of books and had to stop to read this …. Not the book’s fault at all.
It was an enjoyable read but didn’t tax me – as I say it took a while to get into it and I was expecting something a bit meatier. There were so many characters it took a while to get to grips with them all and I did find there was a lot of unnecessary extra side stories going on … it seemed to go off at tangents – and as for the many handsome men crossing Leo’s path, well I can’t believe how lucky she is!!!
I did enjoy it, but felt there were so many loose ends needing tied up that it left me extremely frustrated. I don’t particularly want to go and get any more of Pauline McLynn’s books to see if the characters reappear in them. I probably wouldn’t bother reading any more. For entertainment value it gets a 6/10.
RoastLamb
21-04-2013, 22:22
Well I don't have much to say I'm afraid. It was a quick read - entertaining and humorous. The premise was interesting - the main character being a PI reminded me of Sue Grafton's Kinsey Millhone but the story was very light with hardly any plot really. I did enjoy the characters and especially the fact she had a loving, close family and the cookery school bits were also entertaining. It was also quite well written. But I prefer much meatier mystery novels personally. 5/10.
MurrayAOne
21-04-2013, 22:30
Two down - three to go. Still don't know how it ended. Someone surely?!!! :)
MurrayAOne
21-04-2013, 22:35
Was the wife cheating? - I suspect not - and did Leo end up with Barry? - I hope not. Answers on a post.
patmoren
22-04-2013, 08:00
Not sure what I thought of this book. It was an amusing story and the characters were well drawn. Unfortunately the use of a lot of swear words spoils a book for me. I consider them totally unnecessary and there are other ways of describing emotions. Nevertheless it was an entertaining book which was light reading. The description of the morning after the night before left me cold!. 6/10
Sorry couldn't answer your questions Murrayone, my reviews aren't that specific.
hfwardhouse
22-04-2013, 08:54
OK Pam .... it's been a while but yes the wife was cheating .... but not with a bloke .... Leo went home to Barry and the old guy who's name escapes me, the one who made Leo dinner and gave her the necklace to wear blew his brains out, and turned out to be the father of the cookschool owner's hubby .... I think that's pretty much it in a nutshell!
RoastLamb
22-04-2013, 12:58
Unfortunately the use of a lot of swear words spoils a book for me. I consider them totally unnecessary and there are other ways of describing emotions. 6/10
Yes, I too meant to mention that I hated the swearing. I know it's considered "normal" now but I still wince.
Like everyone else I found this a light and easy read but with not much of a plot/storyline. Was disgusted at Leo for ending up back with Barry!
I too am not tempted to read any more of the author's books or to find out what's happened to Leo.
6/10
MurrayAOne
22-04-2013, 19:00
OK Pam .... it's been a while but yes the wife was cheating .... but not with a bloke .... Leo went home to Barry and the old guy who's name escapes me, the one who made Leo dinner and gave her the necklace to wear blew his brains out, and turned out to be the father of the cookschool owner's hubby .... I think that's pretty much it in a nutshell!
Thanks Jane. I know it was light on story but thought someone must remember the end! Shame she went back to Barry and I'm shocked about the suicide. Would have liked to have seen how it was presented.
I apologise in advance for what I have to say about this book.
As I started to read it, my heart sank. The style was that of an inebriated stand-up comedian - and I can't abide stand-up comedians, inebriated or not. Long drawn out descriptions of mundane activities, just in order to throw in some sort of joke. I wondered how on earth this drivel could have got published, so read up on the author. Apparently she is an actress in a comedy programme - well, if you are famous then you can always get published despite your inability to string two words together (Being Jordan?). So on to the plot. A simple detection of an extramarital affair. We were given the impression that there would be more to it, maybe corruption in high places, but there was nothing else.
It was totally impossible to believe in the main character. Her boss had told her 'You should have left a year ago' because she was so good that she should set up on her own? More like because she was so useless he wanted to be rid of her. When the attractive (female) groom was sitting on Victoria's desk and the two of them were giggling together, it was quite obvious where Victoria was getting her kicks. But when Leo made up her list of suspects, she only listed the two men that she herself found attractive! Some detective! She also assumed (incorrectly) that Graham was gay just because he was a cook and wore bow ties.
And then, how she got on with Fergus Rush. That was just total claptrap. Someone like Fergus Rush would have regarded someone like Leo Street as a common, lower-class person and would not have sought her out for friendship.
So, there was nothing about this book that rang true. There was no plot to speak of. The style was truly dreadful. I would have preferred to spend my time doing something more interesting, such as watching paint dry.
0/10. This should never have been published.
PS my review of the next book will be rather better!
RoastLamb
22-04-2013, 19:50
Linda, you have some great points. I never saw Father Ted so I had no idea who the author was. I didn't find this book nearly as awful as 50 Shades tho' maybe coz I prefer mysteries but yes it was pretty trite all in all.
MurrayAOne
22-04-2013, 20:05
My word Linda - don't hold back for goodness sake! Firstly there is no need for apologies for a strong honest opinion. In point of fact it's quite refreshing - once I got over the shock - to have a review that was a bit more lengthy so thank you for that. However, here is an honest reply - no apologies I hope we can agree! I feel quite staggered by such a passionate response to what I feel was quite a light hearted book. Where you get this description of an 'inebriated stand-up comedian' from I have no idea. Maybe your obvious dislike of them may have clouded your view before you got to the second page. I have no idea whether Pauline McClynn does stand up comedy or not but I fail to see the significance either way and to suggest her book was only published because she was a famous actress is rather unfair I feel. She has had another half dozen books published and as far as I am aware, publishing companies are not charities and so must have deemed her able to string at least three words together without the result sounding like drivel. So onto the plot. It was pretty obvious from the start that the tone of this book was very light so I did not feel that any impression of high corruption was given. It gave what it promised. A light hearted, well written, character driven story - rather short on drivel I feel.
As I said before it is quite refreshing to have a strong difference of opinion and feel free to dislike the book and award it no marks. But to suggest it should never have been published? Dearie me! I did enjoy it, as did others. Reason enough then for publication.
Yes I agree MurrayAOne. Linda you're most definitely entitled to have a strong opinion but I'm afraid this harks back to an earlier post of mine when I suggested we be mindful of how we expressed ourselves so as not to imply judgement of the chooser rather than the book. I'm sorry but I must protest at the use of the word 'drivel'. It implies that M has no taste or literary discernment whereas you have. Saying the book is a light read or short on plot on the other hand is less hurtful. I'm probably going to disagree with you about the next book but I shall endeavour not to say anything that could be taken to criticise other readers or the person who chose the book. We all have different tastes and no one is right or wrong. I shall now descend from my soap box :getcoat:
RoastLamb
22-04-2013, 22:56
I don't think Linda is criticising the chooser at all. It's just not her taste. Just like fantasy isn't mine. :shrug:
I don't think Linda is criticising the chooser at all. It's just not her taste. Just like fantasy isn't mine. :shrug:
Well, I'm sure Linda didn't mean to criticise M, but as I said IMHO it's about tone and perception. I would be extremely hurt if someone told me what I'd chosen (and enjoyed) was drivel, without so much as an IMHO to soften the blow. Think we'll just have to agree to differ. Maybe it's being in the teaching profession that affects my approach and I'm just a softie.
MurrayAOne
23-04-2013, 16:54
I don't think Linda is criticising the chooser at all. It's just not her taste. Just like fantasy isn't mine. :shrug:
It's ok I realise that I wasn't being criticized personally but I know what you mean pabbers regarding how it can be daunting choosing a book for others to read and how we express our opinions on that choice. I found it quite daunting myself and quite a responsibility but am getting used to it now! I tend to temper my comments if I don't like a particular book but quite frankly I tend to think that reading a book is always worthwhile even if it is a negative experience so I always seem to have something positive to say naturally anyway. I must admit my first reaction when I read Linda's review was 'Wow - didn't think it was that bad!' and the review was indeed...shall we say...full on! However - I am always up for a challenge (!) and was quite happy to respond - and it was a tempered response as is my way! I do not however, have any qualms in challenging the comment that the book should never have been published. To suggest this just because it is not to your liking is rather extreme. (that is me tempering my comment!!!)
I did apologise for my comments before posting them! But there is no point in giving a review that is not my honest opinion. Of course I am criticising the book and not the chooser. And Pabbers, I am surprised at your comments on my review, as we briefly talked about it in Coventry and your opinion of the book was the same as mine. I stand by my comment that if the book hadn't been written by someone 'famous' then it would never have been published as there is nothing to recommend it. I am quite sure that if any of us were to write something similar and send it off to a publisher, all we could expect would be a rejection note.
RoastLamb
23-04-2013, 19:59
Oh I don't know. I've read books worse than this and they managed to find a publisher. And she has written other stuff so her books must sell.
MurrayAOne
23-04-2013, 20:34
I stand by my comment that if the book hadn't been written by someone 'famous' then it would never have been published as there is nothing to recommend it. I am quite sure that if any of us were to write something similar and send it off to a publisher, all we could expect would be a rejection note.
Why would a publisher publish another half dozen books just because the writer was 'famous'? I stand by my comment that publishing companies are not in the charity business. When you say 'there is nothing to recommend it' you are stating how YOU feel about the book. That does NOT mean, because you don't like it, that it would never have got published if the writer had not been famous. By the way - she is an excellent actress in a comedy programme - she does not have the fame of Meryl Streep. You said yourself you had not heard of her and I'm sure plenty haven't. Does this mean you still stand by your comment that it should never have been published I wonder? - which, by the way, is a totally different thing.
MurrayAOne
23-04-2013, 20:36
Oh I don't know. I've read books worse than this and they managed to find a publisher. And she has written other stuff so her books must sell.
Exactly.
patmoren
23-04-2013, 20:58
Pistols at dawn!!
MurrayAOne
23-04-2013, 21:01
Pistols at dawn!!
:):):)
hfwardhouse
23-04-2013, 21:29
Pistols at dawn!!
It's never dull :lol:
banskogirl
23-04-2013, 21:54
Exactly.
Hello, just peaking in, scared to come in any further, just putting my head round the door. Just want to say I bought one of her books years ago, not full price, because of who she was and gave up after a few pages, did think it was because of the name ;)
MurrayAOne
23-04-2013, 22:03
Hello, just peaking in, scared to come in any further, just putting my head round the door. Just want to say I bought one of her books years ago, not full price, because of who she was and gave up after a few pages, did think it was because of the name ;)
Another welcome opinion. Please come right in we are a friendly bunch!
MurrayAOne
23-04-2013, 22:05
Pauline McClynn has had nine novels published. I'm not sure that publishing companies are particularly known for their benevolence.
hfwardhouse
23-04-2013, 22:21
They are not. My chum has self published several books as no one would take them on. I have read a couple and they are really good.
RoastLamb
23-04-2013, 22:59
I think Linda's point is this: would she have gotten a publishing deal in the first place if she wasn't a famous actress?
And welcome to Bankosgirl. Come join us!
Sallydaisy
24-04-2013, 05:10
Pistols at dawn!!
Surely not from the 'gentler' sex ...
http://www.tennis4you.com/forum/Smileys/new/ladyfight.gif
I think Linda's point is this: would she had gotten a publishing deal in the first place if she wasn't a famous actress?
And welcome to Bankosgirl. Come join us!
Ditto to both comments! :thumbup:
Well, at least we've had a good discussion on this one! ;)
I don't recall using the word drivel and I have said it was light on plot and story line. But I didn't not enjoy it - it was a light read.
Once again - she IS NOT famous - I've seen her in passing on Father Ted but wouldn't have recognised her name but for being told who it was.
Gosh this is lively but I stand by my earlier comment. Drivel is like using the word "nice".......it has no meaning unless you point out specifics IMHO - which you did, Linda, so maybe the word "drivel" could have been dispensed with and the objective comments left to stand on their own........just saying.
RoastLamb
24-04-2013, 12:21
I had my local book club meeting last night and was telling them about this online convo. They all agreed with me that if you don't like a book it's no reflection on the chooser. If Linda thinks the book is drivel then she's entitled to that opinion esp. as she did preface her comments with an apology.
Anyway, the (fictional) book we read this month was called Garden of Evening Mists by Tan Ewing Chan about the fallout effects of the China-Japan-Malay confict before and during WWII. It was on the Booker 2012 longlist. Bit of an eyeopener for me re: that particular period of history but so well written and poetic almost (you'd like it, Linda).
That sounds like an interesting book - I'll have to look out for it. Although I've got several books lined up to read at the moment, some on my Kindle and some secondhand books from charity shops - one of which I'm reading at the moment: Andy's Hitting Back.
I had my local book club meeting last night and was telling them about this online convo. They all agreed with me that if you don't like a book it's no reflection on the chooser. If Linda thinks the book is drivel then she's entitled to that opinion esp. as she did preface her comments with an apology.
And precisely how many, pray, of your choices have been described as drivel?
OK I surrender.........I've made my point and I stand by it.........:surrender:
RoastLamb
24-04-2013, 13:21
I'd be fine if someone referred to my choice as drivel - coz I get it that we all have different tastes, etc. C'est la vie.
Linda, me too - I have 20 books on my bedside table waiting and I gave away about 100 books last week to the Diabetes charity and still have loads leftover. :rolling:
MurrayAOne
24-04-2013, 14:06
I think Linda's point is this: would she have gotten a publishing deal in the first place if she wasn't a famous actress?
And welcome to Bankosgirl. Come join us!
Ditto to the second comment also! The first comment however? No ditto. The motivation of a publishing company to publish a book is a different matter altogether. The fact that she had eight more books published makes it a completely mute point. Famous or not - and pabbers is absolutely right - lots of people have no idea who she is and her 'fame' could not sustain a publishing company's allegiance. So the fact stands. The 'drivel' issue can be only be pure opinion. Mine is that it is most certainly not drivel. Personally I agree with pabbers that it is a strong word to use and I think she was merely pointing out the extreme tone it offers to the reader. But I suppose we are all different and that's fair enough.
I have far more reason to challenge the comment that it should never have been published. I find this amazing. It is obvious that there are many who have enjoyed her books. Myself included ( I can spot drivel a mile off - but again - that would only be what I consider to be drivel). I am interested to hear the reasoning behind standing by this comment?
I eagerly await your reply. :)
MurrayAOne
24-04-2013, 14:10
And precisely how many, pray, of your choices have been described as drivel?
OK I surrender.........I've made my point and I stand by it.........:surrender:
You made a very good point pabbers. Certain words have certain tones and I think you were merely pointing that out. For my part I am quite happy for anyone to use any words as I am very willing to debate any issue. So I am glad you stand by your well made point and you have no need to wave the white flag! Have three of these on me! :):):)
MurrayAOne
24-04-2013, 14:20
I'd be fine if someone referred to my choice as drivel - coz I get it that we all have different tastes, etc. C'est la vie.
Exactly! That sums it up perfectly. One person's opinion of drivel is another person's favourite read. So, with regard to the other issue that I feel the need to challenge more (ie Linda's opinion that it should never have been published) - to say this is to deny others an experience based on one person's judgement. A very slippery slope!
This discussion has probably dragged on for long enough now - but my use of the word 'drivel' is of course my own personal opinion (and I think that is obvious from the context in which I used it, where I was relating my feelings on reading the book). I would use the same word to describe Mills & Boon books and many other books that are sold in supermarkets. The fact that someone else wouldn't think it's drivel doesn't change my opinion that it is.
I do think that her name helped her to get published in the first instance. However, as I've just said in the previous paragraph, there are probably many other books that I would consider of similar quality (note that I have said 'that I would consider of similar quality' rather than just 'of similar quality') sitting on the stands in supermarkets so I suppose there is a market for them. I sometimes look at those stands and don't see many books that I personally would consider worth reading. I imagine that people often pick them up when they are doing the shopping, and maybe they sometimes enjoy them and maybe they sometimes don't. As Banskogirl said, she picked one up, started to read it and didn't enjoy it. Probably many books are bought but not read.
MurrayAOne
24-04-2013, 14:31
This discussion has probably dragged on for long enough now - but my use of the word 'drivel' is of course my own personal opinion (and I think that is obvious from the context in which I used it, where I was relating my feelings on reading the book). I would use the same word to describe Mills & Boon books and many other books that are sold in supermarkets. The fact that someone else wouldn't think it's drivel doesn't change my opinion that it is.
I do think that her name helped her to get published in the first instance. However, as I've just said in the previous paragraph, there are probably many other books that I would consider of similar quality (note that I have said 'that I would consider of similar quality' rather than just 'of similar quality') sitting on the stands in supermarkets so I suppose there is a market for them. I sometimes look at those stands and don't see many books that I personally would consider worth reading. I imagine that people often pick them up when they are doing the shopping, and maybe they sometimes enjoy them and maybe they sometimes don't. As Banskogirl said, she picked one up, started to read it and didn't enjoy it. Probably many books are bought but not read.
It's a shame you think it's dragged on a bit too much. Personally I think we need to discuss each book more. I'm still not clear on whether you stand by your 'This book should never have been published' comment?
I do agree that we need to discuss each book more, but here we are going round and round the same point. There wasn't really much to discuss in this book - when we get to a 'meatier' book we can discuss it from a wider perspective. Some books have suggested questions for book clubs at the back - perhaps if we choose a book that has them, we could use them.
I suppose what I am saying is that if I were a publisher, I would have rejected it. I can't speak for anyone else. Although I think that when thousands of books are published, many of which are extremely good, to the extent that I will never have the time to read all the good books available, it seems pointless to me to waste time on this sort of book. This is, of course, my own personal opinion. I can only give my own opinion - I don't claim to give some sort of generic opinion.
banskogirl
24-04-2013, 15:07
That sounds like an interesting book - I'll have to look out for it. Although I've got several books lined up to read at the moment, some on my Kindle and some secondhand books from charity shops - one of which I'm reading at the moment: Andy's Hitting Back.
Thanks for all the invites folks...... I too always have more than one (huge understatement) going at once. At the minute I'm reading, Why French children don't throw food, Andy's 'Champion', What's so Amazing about Grace? and War And Peace! They are all so different that I need to switch completely from one to the other for a few days at a time, normally I can just dip in and out....I'm getting nowhere fast
:banghead:
RoastLamb
24-04-2013, 15:22
There are all kinds of markets in book publishing. People who only read Jackie Collins novels or biographies about page three girls. People who only read what they'd consider high brow literature. People, like my husband, who only read business books. Publishers are in it to make money, of course, but they also need to have the big bestsellers to help bankroll the smaller midlist books that only have a certain niche market. Books like Something for the Weekend will always have their avid readers just like romance and fantasy genres have theirs. To each their own.
.
it seems pointless to me to waste time on this sort of book. This is, of course, my own personal opinion. I can only give my own opinion - I don't claim to give some sort of generic opinion.
Problem is it's not always possible to know what a book's going to be like till you try it, so there's always a risk of a bit of time wasting even if one abandons a book part way through. I for one, tend not to set much store by reviewers comments, for much the same reasons as we've been discussing i.e. we all have different views. Oh and they sell Mills and Boon in bookshops too :lol:
hfwardhouse
07-05-2013, 22:29
Who is choosing the next book? Its almost time to discuss The Forbidden Queen.
PatMoren chose The Forbidden Queen so it must be Sally next.
Meant to say, I don't know which version of the Forbidden Queen we all have but in mine there are some book club questions at the back which I'm quite happy to copy into here if anyone wants. I know this was mentioned in the context of our last book. Just let me know.
MurrayAOne
08-05-2013, 19:21
Meant to say, I don't know which version of the Forbidden Queen we all have but in mine there are some book club questions at the back which I'm quite happy to copy into here if anyone wants. I know this was mentioned in the context of our last book. Just let me know.
That would be good. I'm not even half way through yet though but will try and speed up. :)
MurrayAOne
08-05-2013, 19:23
Hang on though isn't it 15th - 29th May for discussion? That surely gives me a bit more time.
I've read some good books recently - I've posted about them on the What Are You Reading thread.
RoastLamb
13-05-2013, 17:23
It is Sally's choice next but I've noticed she hasn't posted reports/comments for the previous few books so maybe she doesn't have time for book club right now? Let us know, Sally.
Perhaps the new book club member, Bankosgirl, would care to make a choice next if Sally doesn't wish to? If Sally does then Bankosgirl can make the next choice.
Shall I post up some of the discussion questions for the current book? Don't mind either way.
hfwardhouse
13-05-2013, 17:27
Shall I post up some of the discussion questions for the current book? Don't mind either way.
Let's wait till Pat's done her review and then we can have some of the questions once the initial chat is past? I know MurrayA1 hasn't finished reading it yet .... I have :)
patmoren
15-05-2013, 08:03
The Forbidden Queen is an historical novel set in the time of Henry V. Katherine de Valois, daughter of Charles V1 of France, was married to Henry V and on the marriage Henry became heir apparent to the King of France as well as being the English King (Battle of Agincourt). Katherine's brother, the Dauphin, did not agree with this and the ensuing war ended with the death of Henry due to dysentery, only two years after his marriage. Katherine although already mother to the future King was side-lined by Henry's brother, the Duke of Clarence, losing all her rights to a normal life. Eventually after falling in love with Owen Tudor and bearing him several children, she rebelled against the Duke of Clarence and forced him to allow her to marry again, thus founding the Tudor Dynasty.
patmoren
15-05-2013, 08:06
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, well written with believable characters and kept very closely to the historical background of the story. 9/10
I enjoyed this book very much. I always enjoy a fictionalised retelling of true historical events. If I were to have a small quibble, it is that I prefer more of the political details and less of the romantic feelings (for instance I preferred Wolf Hall to The Other Boleyn Girl) but of course as it was told from Katherine's point of view that was really the only way in which it could be told. That is only a very small quibble (and just a matter of my personal taste) as overall I thought it a well written and well researched book.
MurrayAOne
15-05-2013, 18:45
I'm hurrying up to finish! Don't want to miss the questions discussion. Back to the book!
patmoren
16-05-2013, 17:38
I thought several people had finished reading this book!!
hfwardhouse
16-05-2013, 17:46
I have - sorry Pat - fighting Stephen for use of the computer this week as we've an inspection tomorrow .... my review ....
I wouldn’t have chosen to read a book like this without the book club choosing it for me and I’m so grateful that Pat did pick it. I absolutely loved it – it was such an unexpected outcome for me, enjoying it – I’m not a huge fan of historical novels – but I can’t resist a love story and for me that’s what this was. The book is beautifully written, very descriptive, with lots of twists and turns in the story. It was a tragic tale and I found myself needing to know more about the characters before I was very far into it so I knew what would be coming as the story progressed. For me, Katherine was a very under-estimated character – her first husband didn’t make any effort to get to know her before he died, and she was deeply hurt by his not summoning her to his deathbed. Her romance with Owen Tudor was illustrated very well and although she was naïve to think he would immediately drop his duties as her servant on their marriage, they crossed every challenge presented to them and managed to make a good life together. She was easily manipulated by Beaufort but then love was what she’d sought all her life, having had only her sister’s love all through her childhood – she fantasised what love was like and it was so nice that she finally found love with Owen. It’s sad that their time together was so short – whether she was succumbing to the same illness her father had or she had imagined this to be the case, is hard to tell, but her decision to leave and go to the Abbey was very movingly described.
9/10
MurrayAOne
16-05-2013, 19:16
I thought several people had finished reading this book!!
Nearly there!!!
banskogirl
16-05-2013, 20:05
It is Sally's choice next but I've noticed she hasn't posted reports/comments for the previous few books so maybe she doesn't have time for book club right now? Let us know, Sally.
Perhaps the new book club member, Bankosgirl, would care to make a choice next if Sally doesn't wish to? If Sally does then Bankosgirl can make the next choice.
Thanks RL but I don't think I would ever read a book at the same speed as everyone else :/ I think I told all of you the books I was reading at Easter......well I haven't finished any of those yet! I'm happy to have a wee nosy at what you are all reading and get ideas if you don't mind though?
RoastLamb
16-05-2013, 20:10
I did not read Forbidden Queen because I was unable to locate a copy in Canada. Apologies.
Will do my review over the weekend.
patmoren
18-05-2013, 11:47
I did not read Forbidden Queen because I was unable to locate a copy in Canada. Apologies.
Sorry about that Fiona, didn't they have it on Amazon either? That was where I saw the release date.
RoastLamb
18-05-2013, 13:34
Sorry about that Fiona, didn't they have it on Amazon either? That was where I saw the release date.
They had two on amazon.ca but when I went back to order it they'd both gone. Only two copies!!!
hfwardhouse
18-05-2013, 16:44
:sad:
MurrayAOne
18-05-2013, 18:10
I really enjoyed reading this book. I wasn’t sure that I was going to as it has been a while since I have read historical fiction but once I had started I soon found myself looking forward to the next reading session! I have always been interested in royal history and Kings and Queens and so I found it particularly interesting from that point of view even though we are dealing with fiction.
I thought the book was well written and the characters well drawn and presented. The fact that the fiction is drawn around real historical figures I found interesting too. Actually this surprised me as in the past I have often found this mixture of fact and fiction irritating; preferring either one or the other. But I think here, I liked Katherine, the main character, and it did not bother me that the storyline was just that; a story, albeit written within a framework of known historical fact. I enjoyed reading of Katherine’s life and the way in which the author showed the impact of her early childhood on her later life. This was the crux of my enjoyment of the book; that of Katherine’s development from an insecure child to a strong woman. I found it fascinating that she married a servant of the household and that their grandson became Henry VII. I also really hope it is true that Katherine and Owen’s love was real because this would mean that their children were brought up in a loving family possibly more normal than normal royal upbringing, the benefits of which would hopefully have been felt by the man who became Henry VII.
I think it's a really good idea to discuss some of the questions you spoke of at the back of the book pabbers and I look forward to some further discussion and everyone's input on those.
A really enjoyable read. 8/10
Well, like others, this wasn't a book I would have chosen to read but I was pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed it over all although I foung Katherine rather annoying at the outset (I know, I know.... harsh) and I felt that all the "will he, won't he" stuff with Henry was a bit laboured and over done. Once past that I really enjoyed the rest of the book. I even went online to check out the historical facts as I wanted to know more about her real life (now that's a first for me - I loathed history in school) and was totally gripped by her bio. It was even more gratifying that the author pretty much stuck to the facts, such as they are known, and made an excellent job of padding them out with believable and engaging fiction.
I'd give this 7/10 and I might even read another one by the same author at some point :shocked:
Wow - technology is a marvellous thing. Was just about to go off and get my Google Nexus with my book on it to type out the Qs when I realised M was still asleep and it's in the bedroom so didn't want to disturb him. Then thought, surely I can access my books on the main computer too.....I can......which also means I can copy and past the Qs instead of typing........woo hoo........sorry, little things and all that.
OK I'll put the Qs in a separate post.
A selection of Qs for discussion [I did have to type them after all :sad:]. I think these are the author's own questions, as she has written quite a bit about herself and the book at the end of my edition:
1. Apart from Katherine, who is your favourite character in the book and why?
2. Katherine was described as "tall, fair and beautiful". Yet history has written her off as the archetypal "dumb blonde". Do you, from the decisions she made and the way she responded to influences at the English court, think this does Katherine justice?
3. Katherine's relationship with Edward Beaufort was at best foolhardy and at worst politically dangerous. Can we have any compassion for her? Is her falling in love with Owen Tudor just as foolish and lacking in judgment?
4. In what manner does Katherine's character develop when she falls in love with Owen Tudor? Is she a better or worse person? Does your reaction to her change throughout the novel?
5. What do you think of Owen Tudor? Is he hero or villain? Did he fall irrevocably in love with Katherine, or merely use her to improve his own lot in life?
MurrayAOne
20-05-2013, 19:09
Thanks pabbers. Will post something shortly on the questions.
Does anyone have any idea of our next book? I like to start as soon as I can as I have lagged behind before!
RoastLamb
20-05-2013, 19:10
As I mentioned before it's Sally's choice. If she doesn't want to do it then it's mine.
MurrayAOne
20-05-2013, 19:12
Righto thanks.
hfwardhouse
20-05-2013, 20:32
As I mentioned before it's Sally's choice. If she doesn't want to do it then it's mine.
I think as Sally's snowed under with work at the moment it might be the best plan if you pick something Fiona and that'll let us all get going with the next one!
hfwardhouse
20-05-2013, 20:43
A selection of Qs for discussion [I did have to type them after all :sad:]. I think these are the author's own questions, as she has written quite a bit about herself and the book at the end of my edition:
1. Apart from Katherine, who is your favourite character in the book and why? I liked Owen Tudor a lot - I thought he was a very kind and caring man who made such a huge difference to Katherine's life
2. Katherine was described as "tall, fair and beautiful". Yet history has written her off as the archetypal "dumb blonde". Do you, from the decisions she made and the way she responded to influences at the English court, think this does Katherine justice? I think she was naive but I don't think she was stupid - she was an interesting character I think and one who contributed a lot to the English Royal Family.
3. Katherine's relationship with Edward Beaufort was at best foolhardy and at worst politically dangerous. Can we have any compassion for her? Is her falling in love with Owen Tudor just as foolish and lacking in judgment? Katherine was young and a romantic at heart - I can totally understand her falling for Edward Beaufort's advances - he knew exactly what he was doing and almost succeeded. I don't think her love for Owen Tudor was foolish but perhaps her judgment was a little lacking in that she should have known a relationship with a servant would cause a lot of problems for them.
4. In what manner does Katherine's character develop when she falls in love with Owen Tudor? Is she a better or worse person? Does your reaction to her change throughout the novel? I think she was a better person once her relationship with Owen was known. She became more organised, and was able to sort things out that needed sorting, where before she would've left others to organise things for her. I liked her all the way through the novel.
5. What do you think of Owen Tudor? Is he hero or villain? Did he fall irrevocably in love with Katherine, or merely use her to improve his own lot in life? [COLOR="#0000CD"]I think he was hero - I think he did fall in love with Katherine and must have been devastated at her death. He certainly wasn't trying to use her to improve his own lot in life - I think he knew that any improvement was highly unlikely because of his background[/COLOR
Thanks for doing these Pat - I think it says a lot that I can remember so much about the book even after I've read another one! I really did enjoy it immensely and like you I also went and read Katherine's bio and was fascinated. I was interested in history at school and I also had a poster on my wall (not sure why) of all the Kings and Queens of GB from 1000 or thereabouts .... at one point I was pretty good at naming them in order - my memory has failed now though :barmy:
RoastLamb
20-05-2013, 23:20
Ok, well I have three books I'd like to pick. But the first one, 419 by Will Ferguson, (http://www.amazon.co.uk/419-Will-Ferguson/dp/0670064718/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1369091987&sr=1-1&keywords=419) is probably too expensive. It's Canadian and I read it recently for my local book club. It's won a few awards and I loved it. Second choice is The Postmistress by Sarah Blake (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Postmistress-Sarah-Blake/dp/0141046619/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1369091700&sr=1-1&keywords=the+postmistress#). Third choice is Call the Midwife by Jennifer Worth. (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Call-Midwife-True-Story-1950s/dp/0753827875/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1369091956&sr=1-1&keywords=Call+the+Midwife#)Loved all these books. Call the Midwife is probably the cheapest and most accessible but I think I'll go with The Postmistress.
hfwardhouse
21-05-2013, 07:58
The Postmistress it is then .... I'll have a look later and see if I already have it on my kindle library!
patmoren
21-05-2013, 13:22
Ok, well I have three books I'd like to pick. But the first one, 419 by Will Ferguson, (http://www.amazon.co.uk/419-Will-Ferguson/dp/0670064718/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1369091987&sr=1-1&keywords=419) is probably too expensive. It's Canadian and I read it recently for my local book club. It's won a few awards and I loved it. Second choice is The Postmistress by Sarah Blake (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Postmistress-Sarah-Blake/dp/0141046619/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1369091700&sr=1-1&keywords=the+postmistress#). Third choice is Call the Midwife by Jennifer Worth. (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Call-Midwife-True-Story-1950s/dp/0753827875/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1369091956&sr=1-1&keywords=Call+the+Midwife#)Loved all these books. Call the Midwife is probably the cheapest and most accessible but I think I'll go with The Postmistress.
Read the book Call the Midwife. My son was born in the Mothers Hospital in Clapton that they mention in the book. No longer exists as course.
patmoren
21-05-2013, 13:42
The Postmistress it is then .... I'll have a look later and see if I already have it on my kindle library!
Kindle edition on Amazon £4.99. In isn't in our library of thousands of books!!!
RoastLamb
21-05-2013, 16:24
We can do Call the Midwife if it's easier/cheaper. No problem. I'd love to talk about that book.
hfwardhouse
21-05-2013, 18:44
Kindle edition on Amazon £4.99. In isn't in our library of thousands of books!!!
Darnit :lol: Happy to stick with it - Call the Midwife's not in our library either :rolleyes: although I suspect Mum has a copy!
hfwardhouse
21-05-2013, 18:55
Just bought it on ebay for £2.64 :big grin:
MurrayAOne
21-05-2013, 19:54
Just bought it on ebay for £2.64 :big grin:
Sorry which one are we reading? The Postmistress?
hfwardhouse
21-05-2013, 21:46
Yes - sorry - so excited about getting it so cheaply I forgot to say which one I'd bought :shamed: :lol:
MurrayAOne
21-05-2013, 22:13
Yes - sorry - so excited about getting it so cheaply I forgot to say which one I'd bought :shamed: :lol:
Thanks!
banskogirl
22-05-2013, 07:31
Is it ok if I read this too? I don't need to go through an initiation first :nailbiter:
Is it ok if I read this too? I don't need to go through an initiation first :nailbiter:
Hmmm.........what do you think everyone..........initiation......now there's a thought!
Of course you can :lol:
patmoren
22-05-2013, 11:37
Hmmm.........what do you think everyone..........initiation......now there's a thought!
Of course you can :lol:
LOO/Brush!!!!
RoastLamb
22-05-2013, 12:34
:lol:
Has it been made into a film? Looking on Amazon, there seems to be the original book (9 Apr 2010) with a pic of a flower on the cover, and also a later edition (7 Jan 2011) with a portrait on the cover.
RoastLamb
22-05-2013, 12:47
Not that I know of. Will look it up on the movie database.
Nope. Unless they changed the name.
banskogirl
22-05-2013, 14:41
Just ordered on Amazon at £2.68 :) now to read ONE book at a time! Challenging!
banskogirl
22-05-2013, 14:41
LOO/Brush!!!!
Have you seen my hair.....
hfwardhouse
22-05-2013, 17:43
:lol:
MurrayAOne
23-05-2013, 20:09
A selection of Qs for discussion . I think these are the author's own questions, as she has written quite a bit about herself and the book at the end of my edition:
1. Apart from Katherine, who is your favourite character in the book and why?
[I]I agree Jane. Owen was also my favourite character. Full of integrity and good bloke all round! I found it fascinating that he was a servant whose grandson became Henry VII. Of course as it transpired he had a strong family history anyway but he was still a servant at the time. I hope the real Owen was just as good a person.
2. Katherine was described as "tall, fair and beautiful". Yet history has written her off as the archetypal "dumb blonde". Do you, from the decisions she made and the way she responded to influences at the English court, think this does Katherine justice?
‘Dumb blonde’? On the contrary. If the upbringing she is portrayed as having in this book is accurate I think she did amazingly well to survive it. Starved of affection and any meaningful emotional interaction other than with her sister it is no wonder she struggled with court expectation and the pressures of a royal marriage let alone being thrust into a new country and different culture.
3. Katherine's relationship with Edward Beaufort was at best foolhardy and at worst politically dangerous. Can we have any compassion for her? Is her falling in love with Owen Tudor just as foolish and lacking in judgment?
Obviously not in view of the resulting four children and years of marriage. No comparison. I agree Jane that she was young and romantic. As I say, starved of any emotional loving attention from Henry it was bound to happen. By all accounts she was beautiful so it was bound to happen.
4. In what manner does Katherine's character develop when she falls in love with Owen Tudor? Is she a better or worse person? Does your reaction to her change throughout the novel?
I like her all the way through the novel too. I don’t think she was better or worse after falling in love with Owen; rather more mature and confident. She was obviously a bit needy but you can’t blame her for that with her background. Owen’s love made her feel more secure and therefore more able to deal with life; it brought out the character that was always there in her.
5. What do you think of Owen Tudor? Is he hero or villain? Did he fall irrevocably in love with Katherine, or merely use her to improve his own lot in life?
Although it is easy to be bowled over by a good old fashioned love story I would still say hero. He didn’t have to stay with her. It was a very patriarchal time and he could have taken mistresses but did not – again commenting on the fiction here! How interesting to have known what REALLY happened!
Thanks for the questions pabbers. Furthers the discussion which is always good!
Will add my comments over weekend.
banskogirl
23-05-2013, 20:49
Was hoping to get a head start on the new book this weekend but I've only just received a text now from Amazon to say it was posted today and should be with me by Tuesday.
MurrayAOne
23-05-2013, 21:16
Was hoping to get a head start on the new book this weekend but I've only just received a text now from Amazon to say it was posted today and should be with me by Tuesday.
Mine too! I like a head start too. Mind you - less tennis to get in the way now so I might get a bit of a clear run!
hfwardhouse
23-05-2013, 21:44
Mine's on its way too but not sure when it's coming!
banskogirl
24-05-2013, 06:48
Hah we're all depending on the Postmistress!
patmoren
24-05-2013, 07:58
My arrived instantly on the Kindle!!! I have a load of free books from Net Galley to read now. Spring must be a prime time for new book publishing.
hfwardhouse
24-05-2013, 20:03
My copy arrived today!
This time I'll wait till we're about to discuss it before I buy it, so that it will be fresher in my mind - I'd read loads of other books between reading the last one & discussing it.
RoastLamb
24-05-2013, 23:03
July 1st seems like a lonnnnggggggggggggg time away. I would suggest to anyone who reads this book soon they write down their thoughts in a word doc or in a PM and save it for the discussion time. That's what I did with 50 Shades.
patmoren
25-05-2013, 07:00
The length of time between discussions is a problem for me and I tend to lose interest. Even then there are people who still haven't read it. I know I am a fast reader but does anyone else feel the same.
Yes Pat, it does seem like far too long. It was originally a month (which is plenty of time) but then I think it was extended to six weeks.
MurrayAOne
25-05-2013, 13:20
I don't mind. I'll go along with whatever time everyone thinks is fine. It's not that I'm a slow reader but sometimes things just crop up that stop me reading. I also never speed read unless I'm really behind. Can't do a book justice that way. I do always try and finish at the stipulated time as it's always best if we discuss it together but If I'm lagging behind for any reason then I'll just comment when I have finished and hopefully others may still join in if they want to. I think discussion questions are a great idea because it furthers discussion which I like. So whatever everyone thinks is fine by me.
RoastLamb
25-05-2013, 13:54
I thought 6 weeks was too long too but then I don't work full time and have plenty of time to read. Others don't. I have two book clubs so that means two books not usually of my choice to read every month/6 weeks and I need to read my own stuff as well in between. So I don't know. :shrug:
Am happy to drop out if I'm making it all too slow........I'm the slow reader and I do like to read books other than the book club ones, as they're not always my cup of tea. So that's the only way I can do both. I can really only read at bedtime.
MurrayAOne
25-05-2013, 19:21
Am happy to drop out if I'm making it all too slow........I'm the slow reader and I do like to read books other than the book club ones, as they're not always my cup of tea. So that's the only way I can do both. I can really only read at bedtime.
Hope you don't drop out pabbers. There should be no pressure on anyone to read to the given time. If you can you can if you can't you can't. That should be ok too. As I say I'm sometimes lagging behind but I can always post when I'm done. This book clubs really good and not only do I hope everyone stays but I hope more join. More time to read due to recent grand slam happenings!!! GO ANDYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...just felt the need...
hfwardhouse
25-05-2013, 19:39
I'd prefer to leave the timeframe as it is - I also like to read lots of other books in between times - maybe the fast readers should wait till nearer the deadline before reading the book?
MurrayAOne
25-05-2013, 19:51
I'd prefer to leave the timeframe as it is - I also like to read lots of other books in between times - maybe the fast readers should wait till nearer the deadline before reading the book?
That's a good suggestion Jane.
Yes, good idea, Jane and one that Linda, as a prolific reader had already kindly volunteered to do.
banskogirl
31-05-2013, 22:33
I've got my book! Will start straight away as I can only read at bedtime too :)
MurrayAOne
31-05-2013, 22:45
I've got my book! Will start straight away as I can only read at bedtime too :)
Received mine this week too so just started. Hope you enjoy it!
banskogirl
05-06-2013, 21:55
It's not something I would've chosen but I'm really enjoying it already!
Dare I say, better late than never?
A selection of Qs for discussion [I did have to type them after all :sad:]. I think these are the author's own questions, as she has written quite a bit about herself and the book at the end of my edition:
1. Apart from Katherine, who is your favourite character in the book and why?
My favourite was Owen Tudor. He seemed to genuinely love her, had integrity and took personal risk to be with Katherine.
2. Katherine was described as "tall, fair and beautiful". Yet history has written her off as the archetypal "dumb blonde". Do you, from the decisions she made and the way she responded to influences at the English court, think this does Katherine justice?
Initially I'd say, yes. But then as she becomes older and more worldly wise I think she behaved quite intelligently and displayed a pleasing strength of character.
3. Katherine's relationship with Edward Beaufort was at best foolhardy and at worst politically dangerous. Can we have any compassion for her? Is her falling in love with Owen Tudor just as foolish and lacking in judgment?
I think we can have every compassion in relation to her falling in love with Beaufort at what was a period in her life when she was still naive and after the death of Henry, extremely vulnerable. I think falling in love with Owen Tudor showed good judgment albeit that it was dangerous because this clearly became the happiest time of her life and led to a solid but private marriage with several more children.
4. In what manner does Katherine's character develop when she falls in love with Owen Tudor? Is she a better or worse person? Does your reaction to her change throughout the novel?
I think I've already indicated my answer to this in 2 above. For me, she definitely becomes a better person. I was frustrated with her at the outset of the novel with all the "will he, won't he" stuff with Henry but grew to admire and like her by the end.
5. What do you think of Owen Tudor? Is he hero or villain? Did he fall irrevocably in love with Katherine, or merely use her to improve his own lot in life?
I think he was a hero. He couldn't know how his relationship with Katherine would pan out......the question has been asked about her about foolishness and lack of judgment.......the same could be asked about Owen. He ended up dead, probably as a result of his relationship with her, so I don't think his prime motive would have been to improve his own lot in life.
MurrayAOne
06-06-2013, 18:59
Dare I say, better late than never?
Definitely 'better late'! I agree with all your comments pabbers. I would really like to think that the fictional part of the story was near to the truth ...if you catch my drift! I think it must have been pretty difficult in those times of marriage as a means to strengthen the crown to develop and enjoy a healthy relationship; especially for someone in Katherine's position. I think the royal court must have been a pretty scary place with all those ambitious men about! So well done Katherine for managing a few years of happiness with the man she loved.
patmoren
05-07-2013, 10:17
Shouldn't we be discussing the Postmistress by now!
Probably but Wimbly's much more interesting at the mo...........:getcoat:
RoastLamb
05-07-2013, 12:08
Yes, but I'm a little distracted. :shamed: Can it wait till Monday or Tuesday?
hfwardhouse
05-07-2013, 14:55
If you insist :lol:
Should we? I had some idea that it was middle of July - so I haven't read it yet. Will get cracking after the match. At least it will be fresh in my mind this time!
RoastLamb
05-07-2013, 19:55
July 1 -15th discussion time.
RoastLamb
05-07-2013, 19:56
Jane, it's YOUR CHOICE next. Good luck!
hfwardhouse
05-07-2013, 20:03
Oh heck - did I pick one?!
RoastLamb
05-07-2013, 20:54
If you did it's not been input into the first post.
hfwardhouse
06-07-2013, 19:56
OK ... then I need to get my thinking cap on :eek:
RoastLamb
09-07-2013, 22:23
The Postmistress by Sarah Blake
Those who carry the truth sometimes bear a terrible weight...
It is 1940. While war is raging in Europe, in the United States President Roosevelt promises he won’t send American boys over to fight.
Iris James is the postmistress and spinster of Franklin, Massachusetts, a small town on Cape Cod. Iris knows a lot more about the townspeople that she will ever say. She knows that Emma Trask has come to marry the town’s young doctor. She knows that Harry Vale, the town’s mechanic, inspects the ocean from the tower of the town hall, searching in vain for German U-Boats he is certain will come. Iris firmly believes that her job is to deliver and keep people’s secrets, to pass along the news of love and sorrow that letters carry. Yet one day Iris does the unthinkable: she slips a letter into her pocket. And then she does something even worse - she reads the letter, then doesn’t deliver it.
Meanwhile, seemingly fearless American radio gal Frankie Bard is working with Edward R. Murrow, reporting from the Blitz in London. Frankie’s radio dispatches crinkle across the Atlantic, imploring listeners to pay attention to what is going on as the Nazis bomb London nightly. Then, in the last, desperate days of the summer of 1941, Frankie rides the trains out of Germany and reports what is happening. But while most of the townspeople of Franklin are convinced the war “overseas” can’t touch them, Iris and Emma - unable to tear themselves away from Frankie’s voice - know better.
Alternating between an America on the eve of entering into World War II, still safe and snug in its inability to grasp the danger at hand, and a Europe being torn apart by war, the two stories collide in a letter, bringing the war finally home to Franklin.
The Postmistress is a tale of three unforgettable women, of lost innocence, of what happens to love when those we cherish leave us. It examines how we tell each other stories - how we bear the fact that that war is going on at the same time as ordinary lives continue.
Reading guide questions:
1. Much of The Postmistress is centered on Frankie’s radio broadcasts - either Frankie broadcasting them, or the other characters listening to them. How do you think the experience of listening to the news via radio in the 1940s differs from our experience of getting news from the television or the internet? What is the difference between hearing news and seeing pictures, or reading accounts of news? Do you think there is something that the human voice conveys that the printed word cannot?
2. “Get in. Get the story. Get out.” That is Murrow’s charge to Frankie. Does The Postmistress make you question whether it’s possible to ever really get the whole story? Or to get out?
3. When Thomas is killed, Frankie imagines his parents sitting miles away, not knowing what has happened to their son and realizes there is no way for her to tell them. Today it is rare that news can’t be delivered. In this age of news 24/7, are we better off?
4. Seek Truth. Report it. Minimize Harm. That is the journalist’s code. And it haunts Frankie during the book. Why wasn’t Frankie able to deliver the letter or tell Emma about meeting Will? For someone whose job was to deliver the news, did she fail?
5. If you were Iris, would you have delivered the letter? Why or why not? Was she wrong not to deliver it? What good, if any, grew up in the gap of time Emma didn’t know the news? What was taken from Emma in not knowing immediately what happened?
6. In the funk hole, Will says that “everything adds up”, but Frankie disagrees, saying that life is a series of “random, incomprehensible accidents”. Which philosophy do you believe? Which theory does The Postmistress make a better case for?
7. After Thomas tells his story of escape, the old woman in the train compartment says “There was God looking out for you at every turn.” Thomas disagrees. “People looked out. Not God.” He adds, “There is no God. Only us.” How does The Postmistress raise the questions of faith in wartime? How does this connect to the decisions Iris and Frankie make with regard to Emma?
8. Why do you think Maggie’s death compels Will to leave for England?
9. The novel deals with the last summer of innocence for the United States before it was drawn into WWII and before the United States was attacked. Do you see any modern-day parallels? And if so, what?
10. What are the pleasures and drawbacks of historical novels? Is there a case to be made the The Postmistress is not about the 1940’s so much as it uses the comfortable distance of that time and place in order to ask questions about war? About accident? Aren’t all novels historical? Why or why not?
11. We know that Emma was orphaned, that Will’s father had drinking problems, that Iris’s brother was killed in the First War, and that Frankie grew up in a brownstone in Washington Square. How do these characters’ backgrounds shape the decisions that they make? And if we didn’t have this information, would our opinion of the characters and their actions change?
12. Early in the novel, Frankie reflects on the fact that most people believed that “women shouldn’t be reporting the war.” Do you think that Frankie’s gender influences her reporting? How does Frankie deal with being a female in a male-dominated field? And do you think female reporters today are under closer scrutiny because of their gender?
13. Why does Otto refuse to tell the townspeople that he’s Jewish? Do you think he’s right not to do so?
14. Why is the certificate of virginity so important to Iris? What does it tell us about her character?
15. When Frankie returns to America, she doesn’t understand finds it impossible to grasp that people are calmly going about their lives while war rages in Europe. What part does complacency play in The Postmistress?
16. Discuss the significance of the Martha Gellhorn quote at the beginning of the book, “War happens to people, one by one. That is really all I have to say, and it seems to me I have been saying it forever.” What stance towards war, and of telling a war story does this reveal? How does it inform your reading of The Postmistress?
Critical Praise
"Some novels we savour for their lapidary prose, others for their flesh and blood characters, and still others for a sweeping narrative arc that leaves us light-headed and changed; Sarah Blake's masterful, The Postmistress, serves us all this and more. Compassionate, insightful, and unsentimental, this masterful novel is told in a rare and highly successful omniscient voice, one that delves deeply into the seemingly random nature of love and war and story itself. This is a superb book!"
— Andre Dubus III, author of House of Sand and Fog
"Great books give you a feeling that you miss all day until you finally get to crawl back inside those pages again. The Postmistress is one of those rare books. When I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking about it. Sarah Blake seamlessly moves from inside one character to another, in a novel that reminds us of a time when the news travelled from post to paper to radio and that is how we learned about the world The Postmistress made me homesick for a time before I was even born. What’s remarkable, however, is how relevant the story is to our present-day times. A beautifully written, thought provoking novel that I’m telling everyone I know to read."
— Kathryn Stockett, author of The Help
"The Postmistress is the fictional communique readers have waited for. Sarah Blake has brought small-town American life and ravaged Europe during WWII to us with cinematic immediacy. The romantic, harrowing - and utterly inimitable - story of radio journalist Frankie Bard (appalled yet intoxicated by tragedy as no character I've ever read before) contains the uncompromised sensibility found in the writings of Martha Gellhorn. The Postmistress belongs in what Gellhorn called "the permanent and necessary" library."
— Howard Norman, author of The Bird Artist and Devotion
patmoren
10-07-2013, 06:44
Wow that was some write up! Didn't affect me in the same way.
I found it an interesting story but not a book that you can't put down. I have read some really good books just lately, some of which were war stories and this was a bit of an anti climax. Seemed a bit disjointed, characters not linking smoothly together. Some good bits but others very mediocre. Not a book I would normally buy.
Excellent synopsis, RL.
Well, well, well, (3 of those and you'll have a river as my dad used to say!)...........another book I wouldn't have touched with a barge pole. "The Post Mistress".......how exciting - not. A title to turn me away without a further glance. What a mistake that would have been. Or is the mistake in the title? Not to mention it's set in the war - something I usually avoid. Don't ask me why because I really don't know.
However, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The writer engaged me from the first page. The eye for detail and description of people, emotions, places, was second to none. I'm not usually one for description either - I like action but this was something else. Every adjective added something to the story and people in it.
As for Frankie, I was disappointed in her inability to get the recordings broadcast. As an "intrepid" journalist which she surely must have been as a) a woman in a man's world and b) someone willing to put herself in danger by going to blitz-torn London, it just doesn't seem credible that she wouldn't have fought harder to give those poor people a voice in the dark.
I didn't find the story disjointed - the change of location back and forth from America to London served to highlight the contrast between the peaceful, blissfully ignorant and "it will never happen to us" atmosphere in the States and the harsh reality of fear and death in London and indeed Europe. I found Frankie's train journey heartrending. I thought the way the story brought the different parts of the world and people together was well thought out.
Lots of questions above. Not sure I'll get a chance to answer them but thank you for choosing this book, RL. 12/10!!!
hfwardhouse
10-07-2013, 16:00
Like Pat I don't think I'll get time to answer all the questions but might have a go later on. For now I'd just like to say how much I enjoyed the book - it was a good read, well written and the characters were quite likeable. I found the young doctor a very frustrating man - I could see how his family background and history could result in the drastic action he ultimately took, but to leave his young wife so soon after their marriage when he was obviously besotted with her, just didn't make any sense to me. I found Frankie a likeable character but I was so frustrated that she didn't tell Emma what had happened to Will - the question about news 24/7 above, my response would be yes we are better off because the not knowing what happened to loved ones would be the worst possible part of their disappearance.
I didn't find the story sucked me in immediately but once I was hooked, I was hooked and wanted to know what would happen next. However, like Pat Moren, I found it a bit disjointed in places and the story didn't flow as well as I would have liked at times - but it was a good read and I enjoyed it so I'll give it 7/10.
I've just finished the book - it took me a few days to read, partly because I've been busy but also because at the start I just couldn't get into it. Turning the light out and going to sleep seemed more attractive than reading on. So why, I ask myself, should that be? Because I can't fault the way the book was written, the prose was excellent. The answer is, I think, that I just couldn't sympathise with any of the characters. They all acted so strangely.
At the beginning, we are introduced to Iris, who is asking a doctor to give her a certificate to show that she is a virgin. I am well aware that in those days men expected to marry a virgin, and any unmarried girl who was not a virgin was regarded as 'soiled goods'. However it was very strange to want a certificate - as the doctor himself thought. Later, when we learn how Iris was obsessed with order, I wondered whether she had a touch of Asperger's or similar. Anyway, knowing that virginity was so highly prized, it was then amazing that Iris slept with Harry when they weren't even engaged!!! What if it hadn't worked out - or he had died (as he in fact did) - what is she going to do then, knowing herself to be 'soiled goods'? (Some Jehovah's Witnesses once gave me this reason that you should never have sex with anyone until you are actually married.)
And then, Frankie has a dance with someone and goes outside and has sex up against the wall, and departs without even knowing his name! Even in this permissive age most people would call her a slut. What was all that about, and what did it have to do with anything else in the book?
So the first part of the book was pretty much a mystery to me, about people whom I could not understand. The middle part, about Frankie's experiences in wartorn Europe, were much more interesting. But here, I wondered how she got there. The book made it sound as though she boarded a train from London to Paris. And again on her return, it made it sound as though the train went straight from Paris to London. But how would she have got across the Channel in wartime? Does the author not know that Britain is not part of mainland Europe?
And then the final part of the book comes on to the moral dilemma. I could understand how Frankie, having failed to post the letter for all those weeks, was then unable to give it to Emma and to tell of her husband's death. But of course it is so frustrating to know things and not be able to tell. One always feels that in a perfect world everyone would know everything they needed to, but that is never the case in real life. This is an unending dilemma for all of us. We all want to see the whole picture but never can. The references to God were interesting in this respect because of course if you believe in God, then He is the only person who does see the whole picture.
It was interesting that the author chose this subject at this time - showing Americans uninterested in what was happening in Europe and never thinking that it could affect them - until Pearl Harbour of course. Was this also their attitude in modern times, ignoring what was happening in the world until they were shaken up by 9/11? Is this what she was trying to say?
Overall I can't say that I would put this on my list of favourite books (it was just too disjointed), but it certainly gave food for thought so was a good choice for a book club as there is much to discuss.
RoastLamb
11-07-2013, 23:00
Yes, I must admit I was quite shocked at Frankie's sexual behaviour too.
Yes, I must admit I was quite shocked at Frankie's sexual behaviour too.
I thought that went on quite a bit in the war - the "who knows if we'll see tomorrow" kind of attitude. Hence all the GI babies too.
RoastLamb
12-07-2013, 14:10
Yes, I think that's exactly what the author was going for and I totally understand it but I was still shocked nonetheless. Maybe it's because whenever we see these wartime shows on telly they are all rather sanitised. Foyle's War, etc.
hfwardhouse
12-07-2013, 20:12
I was wondering about suggesting for the next book a Stephen King - 11.22.63 .... unless anyone objects - I've had it on the shelf for a year and never got round to reading it so would take it with me on hols if you're happy to give it a go.
! won't read horror :hide:
patmoren
12-07-2013, 21:13
I was wondering about suggesting for the next book a Stephen King - 11.22.63 .... unless anyone objects - I've had it on the shelf for a year and never got round to reading it so would take it with me on hols if you're happy to give it a go.
Is it one of the Stephen King on Calibre?
hfwardhouse
12-07-2013, 21:47
! won't read horror :hide:
They're not all horror Linda and this one isn't as far as I know. It's about the JFK shooting.
Is it one of the Stephen King on Calibre?
I suspect not Pat - it's one of his most recent ones so I think it'll probably not be on Calibre - sorry!
RoastLamb
12-07-2013, 23:53
I've never read Stephen King before. I don't mind.
hfwardhouse
13-07-2013, 09:15
Is it one of the Stephen King on Calibre?
Just checked - it's on my list Pat - silly me has a paperback copy of it as well!!!! Doh!
patmoren
13-07-2013, 16:13
Just checked - it's on my list Pat - silly me has a paperback copy of it as well!!!! Doh!
I do like these free books, hardly spent anything on books this year!! Stephen King now sitting on my Kindle, not literally of course!
so the next book is definitely Stephen King - 11.22.63? What is Calibre?
patmoren
14-07-2013, 06:37
It is a storage facility for books, Jane and I have over 2,000 books on there now. My brother sends me a disc with the books on and I transfer them to Calibre, then when I need another book, I just do a search and transfer them to my kindle.
MurrayAOne
23-07-2013, 08:55
Hi everyone. I'm still reading The Postmistress - pre-occupied with 'Andy Murray Wimbledon Champion'!!! - will never tire of seeing that! - and as I'm going on holiday would like to finish it then and post my report and comment on other posts etc when I get back if that's ok. I shall also take the Stephen King novel which should be interesting as I've never read any of his books - another reason I like being in this book club! Hope that's ok with everyone. :)
Oops - that has reminded me I need to think about the next book too!
I ordered 11.22.63 from Amazon this morning - I decided to get a secondhand book as this was the cheapest option. Although there were lots of secondhand books listed at less than £1, they had £2.80 postage so ordering from Amazon at £3.59 with free delivery was the cheapest option. So I did that. Later I checked my emails and was horrified to find that I had been charged for first class postage! :shocked: It would have been cheaper to get it new! So I checked on Amazon and apparently if you order by one-click it always chooses first class post and you can't change it! I cancelled the order - it says you can only cancel one-click orders within two hours and then only if they haven't been dispatched yet, so it was a good job that I checked my emails within the two hours - often I don't look at them again for 24 hours.
So in future I'll make sure I remember to only use one-click for Kindle purchases, and always go via the shopping cart for orders to be sent. I have emailed them to say that I think it's disgraceful that the book is listed with the free delivery price but then they automatically charge you first class post. :grrr:
I've just re-ordered - less than two hours after my original order - and all the prices had gone up by 5p! So it's now cost me £3.64 :confused:
RoastLamb
24-07-2013, 12:35
Linda, my husband ordered from Amazon recently for the first time and it happened to him too. I should have warned him tho' but forgot. It is pretty bad of them I must admit.
hfwardhouse
24-07-2013, 21:55
I have had similar problems Linda. Not one click either. The postage defaulted to first class and I didn't notice till it was too late. I just started reading it the other day but not getting far with being away!
patmoren
25-07-2013, 08:56
Thoroughly enjoying the Stephen King book!
Finally ordered it for my Nexus!
It arrived today. I thought I'd finish the book I'm currently reading first, but would have a look at the first few pages to see what it's like. I've read a couple of chapters and am hooked.
Powered by vBulletin® Copyright © 2025 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.