RWL’s Comments (group member since Oct 25, 2013)

RWL’s comments from the Region of Waterloo Library group.

Heather wrote: "Charles de Lint, his writing is magical and always managed to transport me to his made up worlds."

What is your favorite book from him?

This year's OBOC author, Charlotte Gray, will be at the Elmira District Secondary School for a special author reading and book signing.

In honour of this visit, tell us about a Canadian author you would really like to meet and why.

Tell us your recommendation for the One Book, One Community program. Why would you pick that title?

Quill and Quire summarizes the crime described in the book "Charles Albert “Bert” Massey, a grandson of the founder of the Massey farm-machinery empire, was walking home after work on Feb. 8, 1915. As he climbed the steps to the verandah of his Toronto home, the Masseys’ maid, Carrie Davies, opened the front door and fatally shot him. The 18-year-old Davies, a British immigrant, claimed Massey had made a pass at her the day before. The maid was frightened of further sexual misadventures at the hands of a wealthy establishment man who, she thought, wanted to “ruin” her. The subsequent murder trial was fought not just in the courtroom but in Toronto’s scandal-loving newspapers."

Do you think he was a victim? Or was Carrie Davis just defending herself?

YZ wrote: "Our book club, the New Hamburg Book Group, is reading this as our Sept. title. The book has received mixed reviews from our library readers.

I know that Gray would be using factual accounts to b..."

Thanks for sharing your thoughts Heather! What about Three Day Road inspires your desire to reread it?

YZ wrote: "Our book club, the New Hamburg Book Group, is reading this as our Sept. title. The book has received mixed reviews from our library readers.

I know that Gray would be using factual accounts to b..."

It is interesting that your book club had such mixed reviews about the book. That certainly helps bolster a lively discussion when people have diametrically opposed views on a title.

Christine wrote: "I'd like to but I haven't managed to get a copy. I downloaded a sample and it's proved interesting so I may have to buy it to read it."

We have just released a couple more copies into the system. There aren't many holds so it shouldn't take too long for you to get a copy. Email me at rwager@regionofwaterloo.ca if you would like me to place a hold for you!

RWL wrote: "Have you read the 2014 OBOC title The Massey Murder: A Maid, Her Master and the Trial that Shocked a Country by Charlotte Grey?

If so what were your first impressions?"

What do you find unappealing about the book? What was your favorite OBOC book?

Have you read the 2014 OBOC title The Massey Murder: A Maid, Her Master and the Trial that Shocked a Country by Charlotte Grey?

If so what were your first impressions?

Christine wrote: "Secret Daughter by Shilpi Somaya Gowda remains one of my favourite reads for it's delicately balanced look into Indian culture; a beautiful rendering of a disturbing and desperate story."

Where in India does the story take place? How did the setting contribute to the disturbing nature of the story?

Leanne wrote: "I remember when we read The Poisonwood Bible in grade 13 (studying character and voice - Kingsolver writes them vividly in this one) and I couldn't put it down! It takes place somewhere in Africa.
..."

What kind of insight did the locale give you into the culture or characters? Would the story have been the same somewhere else?

What is the most exotic locale you've ever read in?

Have you every read a book where the location didn't make sense? Would the book have been better if it took place somewhere else?

They sound like very powerful books. Thanks for sharing them with us!

What locations were these books set in? Do you have any titles you would recommend to our other book club members?

Have you found books set in exotic locales has given you new insight into a culture, idea or belief?

I think there are a lot of people who would understand, and share, that desire for a simpler way of life.

RWL wrote: "Some people like to escape by reading books that are set in exotic or unusual locales.

What is your favorite book that takes place in a far off land or unique place?"

Those sound like great reading suggestions. I'll add them to our recommended reading list.

What do you find particularly appealing about Australia?

Some people like to escape by reading books that are set in exotic or unusual locales.

What is your favorite book that takes place in a far off land or unique place?

Christine wrote: "Looking at the criteria to be nominated, it meets 1, 3, and definitely 4 (I researched the material afterward because I was interested in the accuracy of it. #2 is N/A. I'm not sure it meets the cr..."

Thanks Christine! In case anyone is interested, here is the link to the selection criteria https://www.accessola.org/OLAWEB/Fore...