Your Reading Group

[Angela]

Hi all - I'm also enjoying TBoD having got used to the mockney dialogue in the futuristic chapters, which was hard-going to begin with. Self has a fantastic imagination and a dark sense of humour.

[Ian]

Helen wrote: "Jane Austin and Will Self could be starters! "

Oh yes - I am definitely lukewarm with Jane Austen!

[Ian]

An interesting development. One evening a week I volunteer at a project called North Devon Sunrise - assisting an English class for people who are learning our language. I was talking with Kara (who has just joined) us about books to use in a reading group that the project is starting for people with limited English. Kara will say more when she gets a minute but in the meantime - any suggestions for books that will work for adults but which are accessible for those with limited English?

[Angela]

Ian wrote: "An interesting development. One evening a week I volunteer at a project called North Devon Sunrise - assisting an English class for people who are learning our language. I was talking with Kara (wh..."

Tell her to checkout Quick Reads via the Reading Agency - lots of titles available, also on Kindle, some are free, these are books for adults with some degree of limited literacy.

[DrMama]

My 'Reading Group' at Kingsbridge Library has just had our monthly 'book' meeting. This time we were discussing The Children Act by Ian McEwan, and for once, everyone was very impressed. This includes one member, who - while she admires McEwan's actual writing - has found much of the subject matter in his novels too awful (we have also read: Atonement, Saturday and On Chesil Beach). This novel deals with the quandary faced by High Court judge, Fiona Maye, when she has to rule on the case of a 17 year old boy. The lad - supported by his parents - does not want the hospital treatment which could save him from almost certain death. The novel details all aspects of the case, from Fiona's background and life at the time, the decision making process, and the outcome and aftermath, for all. It is a remarkably detailed, yet readable and humane, account of impossible situations, and the ways in which they may and may not turn out for the best.
This is not light or light-hearted subject matter, and there are various more, or less, likeable characters (as in real life??), but it is a remarkable story - superbly written ... [although we all still had the odd quibble!].

[Ian]

DrMama wrote: "My 'Reading Group' at Kingsbridge Library has just had our monthly 'book' meeting. This time we were discussing The Children Act by Ian McEwan, and for once, everyone was very impre..."

Thanks Carol - interesting feedback. I really enjoyed The Children Act when I read it a year or so ago. I thought it sensitively handled a complex issue. Some parts of the story about the personal like of the judge herself I wasn't so sure about but I thought the book worked better than many of his others. I think my favourite of his works remains Saturday. On Chesil Beach was a good concept but I didn't enjoy the book.

[Mel]

My reading group met on Wednesday to discuss Lesley Pearse's novel, Remember Me? As always we had, good fun, good food and lots of serious chatter. Here's a summary of the discussion: http://www.melmenzies.co.uk/blog/mels...

[Ian]

Mel wrote: "My reading group met on Wednesday to discuss Lesley Pearse's novel, Remember Me? As always we had, good fun, good food and lots of serious chatter. Here's a summary of the discussion: http://www.me..."

Thanks Mel - great review