Devon Book Club discussion
Introduce yourself
>
Saying Hello
Hello Dianne. Welcome to the group. :) I was given 4 books for Christmas (lucky me) though I have only read one of them so far: Murder under the Christmas Tree: Ten Classic Crime Stories for the Festive Season. It is a collection of ten short stories, Christmas related of course, by some of the greatest Golden Age mystery writers. I really enjoyed it. I still have two non-fiction books waiting for me and Exposure which comes highly recommended. Nothing to do with presents however, I have just finished A Landing on the Sun which was excellent. Unusual certainly and not necessarily what I was expecting but an immensely absorbing read all the same.
Mod
I've always been a voracious reader and love to hear about new books and authors - fiction and non-fiction. I'm fairly new to Devon having moved here three years ago and liv..."
Hi Dianne. I have been voraciously reading the Neapolitan Novels by Elena Ferrante which are wonderful but also loved local author Kathryn Aalto's book The Natural World of Winnie-the-Pooh: A Walk Through the Forest that Inspired the Hundred Acre Wood. Added to my TBR list from Xmas were Judas by Amos Oz, The High Mountains of Portugal by Yann Martel and, amusingly (were it not so tragic) Five on Brexit Island by Bruno Vincent
Hi Dianne, and welcome! I don't tend to get book presents, as I'm such an awkward cuss. One of my closest friends is always spot on, though, and she gave me Flâneuse: Women Walk the City in Paris, New York, Tokyo, Venice and London. I'd read the reviews, and wanted it, so it's wonderful mind-reading on her part. My Xmas reading was 'catching up', so I finally read Untold Stories by Alan Bennett: = all his diary/comment pieces from 1995-2005, and a wonderful memoir of his parents: made me feel "He knew my family!" At another writing extreme, I was dipping into The Collected Stories by Lydia Davis. She's an unconventional writer, philosophical, whimsical and terrifyingly perceptive, with works ranging from one sentence to novella - she was awarded the International ManBooker a few years ago. Most recently I devoured Ian McEwan's The Children Act. Not always an easy read, dealing with difficult subjects - not least the exploration of utterly different lives, but which are the norm for the protagonists. It was our Reading Group Book, and we adored the writing and the tale, despite the difficult subject. Now I'm back to 'work' which is trying to write a serious biography, while playing with linked pieces of fiction/memoir, for what I'm calling 'autobiofiction'.
Hiya, I have finally joined on here as well. Don't get on very well with Goodreads, probably due to not really knowing what I am doing here.
So by way of introduction, I am usually either @OTooleyAuthor, or @BluePoppyPublishing or @OlliOnTheRadio on Twitter.
(There are other accounts, but not so relevant)
As a radio presenter, I do #BookClub on The Voice FM
I had not realised you are based in Barnstaple, Ian.
You really should come into the studio one evening, although #DevonBookHour might be a struggle that week.
As an author I have two series published (self-pub)
The "Time Tunnel" series and the "Wise Oak" series
Blue Poppy is my publishing imprint and is just about to publish the 7th novel by another author, Ben Blake.
I'm also talking to a lovely and slightly mad lady about a children's story. (I say mad, she's no madder than me)
Mod
Don't get on very well with Goodreads, probably due to not really knowing what I am doing here.
So by way of introduction, I am usually either @OToole..."
Welcome Olli
Yup, Barnstaple based - I could come to the studio sometime and we could do some kind of double - act. Where is it?
Have a look around these pages - quite a lot of the threads are hidden.
Also, feel free to chat about your work in the writers section
Ian wrote: " I could come to the studio sometime and we could do some kind of double - act. Where is it?"Back of the Co-Op on the High Street, Paternoster Row
It's already a double act with Simon Dawson as the intelligent one.
But we regularly have guests on with a booky theme. Usually authors, but can also be librarians, agents, or ... you.
Actually, I realise, since we do our chats from 7-8pm you would be able to do #DevonBookHour without too much trouble
Mod
Sounds like a plan - need a bit of forward planning though as I don't get back from work til 7 usually.
How far off are you thinking?
Mod
I'll have a look at my diary
Olli wrote: "Hiya, I have finally joined on here as well. Don't get on very well with Goodreads, probably due to not really knowing what I am doing here.
So by way of introduction, I am usually either @OToole..."
Hi Olli. Welcome to the group.
Hi,I am from Sunny California.My husband &i are both native New Yorkers came out here for grad school fell in love with the sun& life style out here &never left.I am an avid book reader a true bookworm I came across you first on twitter then came here &to Facebook,I love having book friends all over the states the world.Discovering new books authors&readers to chat with,
Hi Rhonda, Welcome. Lovely to have an American on Devon Book Group. My son is an American citizen and used to live in California and now lives in Connecticut so I am always very interested in American perspectives on things. Have given him Outlander to read and am seeing how he gets on with it, as it is usually thought of as mainly for women, I believe.
Rhonda wrote: "Hi,I am from Sunny California.My husband &i are both native New Yorkers came out here for grad school fell in love with the sun& life style out here &never left.I am an avid book reader a true book..."Hi Rhonda. Welcome! 'Sunny'? That sounds good just at the moment - it's grey here today. Have you ever visited these shores? I have made friends in the States, via Goodreads, but have never been over yet. One day, I hope...
Carol wrote: "Hi Rhonda, Welcome. Lovely to have an American on Devon Book Group. My son is an American citizen and used to live in California and now lives in Connecticut so I am always very interested in Ameri..."Hi Carol,I have spent a lot of time in Connecticut a wonderful place to live great schools culture easy access to Manhattan,It will be interesting to see if your son likes the book.
Sadly we are in a stretch of gray rainy weather.We have two pups so it's really hard walking them in the rain.We have been to London a few times love the theater,we ate at the seafood bar in Harrods.Everyone is so friendly.Glad to make a new friend from there,
Mod
Welcome Rhonda - delighted that you've joined us here as well as Twitter and Facebook. Its wonderful that the group is not just Devon focused but international. Great to get views from aroudn the world. You are not alone in joining us from the States and we also have members in Japan, South America, Africa and in mainland Europe.
Love social media
Welcome once again and hope you can drop by often
Ian
Rhonda wrote: "Carol wrote: "Hi Rhonda, Welcome. Lovely to have an American on Devon Book Group. My son is an American citizen and used to live in California and now lives in Connecticut so I am always very inter..."Diana Gabaldon said Outlander was intended for men and women. However, I have noticed it always seems to be women who like it.
Have you read it?
Forgot to answer ,no I have not read it.Not the genre I usually read but my friends who have loved it.
Hi everyone, lovely to find this group and thanks to Ian for inviting me here! I am a writer of historical fiction from Babbacombe, Torquay. I am writing a series of books called Women of the Dark Ages. Each one tells the story of one of the often unrecorded and uncelebrated women of the era and can be read in any order. More information here https://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B01E46V162 if anyone is interested!
I am also a lifelong bookworm and enjoy books from many genres - historical, sci-fi, thrillers, romance and as a mother of three I read a lot of children's books too!
I look forward to getting to know everyone!
Anna wrote: "Hi everyone, lovely to find this group and thanks to Ian for inviting me here! I am a writer of historical fiction from Babbacombe, Torquay. I am writing a series of books called Women of the Dark..."
Hi Anna. Welcome to the group. I walk every morning on the Babbacombe Downs, so we obviously live close to each other. If you see a silly old bat scuttling along every day, rain or sun, that is me! I am also a writer of historical fiction, as well as sci-fi for children/teens, and am currently writing a third novel (historical again). Your series about women of the Dark Ages sounds very interesting. I always enjoy the research as much as the writing, and I should think you need to do a lot of research for yours. Best wishes for it all.
I was on Babbacombe Downs today with my son's school. It was a bit breezy!I always think the research is like a treasure hunt - I never know quite what I will find!
Mod
I always think the research is like a treasure hunt - I never know quite what I will find!"
Welcome Anna - a brace of writers on Babbacombe Beach - hope you get to bump into each other and exchange creative ideas. Love the way this network connects people
Hi everyone, I am new to this so will just try and work out what's happening for a while. I live near Tiverton and have always read avidly. Am retired now but seem to be busier than ever. I belong to a book club which is great - it gets me reading books I might not otherwise choose, and the local system of being able to get sets of books through Tiverton library is excellent. We've just read Margaret Atwood's Penelopiad, which I enjoyed and found a surprisingly easy read. I'm also doing a history course so a lot of my time goes on reading text books at the moment , and my fiction reading has reduced lately. I also listen to the Radio 4 books and good read podcasts which I really enjoy, but they make me buy more books than I have time to read and the stack is growing fast. This forum will probably do the same. I tend to alternate more literary books with murder mysteries, plus the book club books.
Mod
Hi Heather - great that you found the thread and thanks for posting. You are very welcome to the group. Hope you enjoy it. I recognise the tyranny of the to be read list! IT is certainly a hazard to joining this group that there are always more great books that people recommend. A great tip when you do post is that, if you click on the add book/author lnk just about the dialogue box you can do this The Penelopiad - then others can click on the link, find details of the book, together with reviews etc. All clever stuff.
I love book podcasts too - have you found the World Service's World Book Club? I think that is the best and its only monthly so not overwhelming. I also like A Good Read, The Guardian Books Podcast and Books and Authors. I work kn County Hall so lots of drive time to listen to programmes.
Maybe get to meet you at the Tiverton Literary Festival
Heather wrote: "Hi everyone, I am new to this so will just try and work out what's happening for a while. I live near Tiverton and have always read avidly. Am retired now but seem to be busier than ever. I belong ..."Hi Heather, Welcome. What are you studying on your history course? I also have a strong interest in history.
Carol wrote: "Heather wrote: "Hi everyone, I am new to this so will just try and work out what's happening for a while. I live near Tiverton and have always read avidly. Am retired now but seem to be busier than..."Hi Carol, I'm doing a remote learning course run by Oxford Uni - the Undergraduate Advanced Diploma in Local History. I'm really enjoying it.
Heather wrote: "Carol wrote: "Heather wrote: "Hi everyone, I am new to this so will just try and work out what's happening for a while. I live near Tiverton and have always read avidly. Am retired now but seem to ..."Is that local history generally, or a particular area in Devon?
Hi Heather. Welcome. Goodreads is a bit confusing at first - and daunting because it's such a huge site - but you soon get used to it. :-)
Heather wrote: "Hi everyone, I am new to this so will just try and work out what's happening for a while. I live near Tiverton and have always read avidly. Am retired now but seem to be busier than ever. I belong ..."Hi Carol! Welcome, I'm another Carole, with an 'e'. I registered on here with my usual blogging name of 'DrMama', and I tend to get called that, more often than not, as most people don't know I'm Carole.
You sound as if you have been keeping extremely busy since you retired. I also belong to an excellent Reading Group - in Kingsbridge - and we all love the experience of reading works outside our 'comfort zones'. I'm currently engaging with many 'new-to-me' literatures - mainly works in translation, but also fantasy novels, such as those of Neil Gaiman and China Mieville. I'm also deep into history: research on early 20th Century women writers and journalists. I do other things too, but I never tire of reading, writing, study ... and talking about it all. This is a lovely Group, so again: Welcome.
Mod
Lovely messages from everyone. Aren't bookish people friendly? Intereste din what you've read by China Mieville, Carole - I read The City & the City and really enjoyed that. My favourite Neil Gaiman is American Gods
Thanks Carol, the course I'm doing is on local history in general, but I also belong to my village history society so we are delving into the history of the village and this part of Devon more generally, and the course is certainly helping with that (I'm currently learning about Access databases).
Hi Ian, So far only Railsea' which was enthralling, but not what I was expecting, given what I'd heard about Mieville. I then got distracted by Gaiman and enjoyed The Ocean at the End of the Lane, although it seemed fairly slight: more of a children's book? However, I'd heard so much praise for him - including from you, I think - that I rushed on to 'American Gods' which I'm loving: wonderful ... compulsive ... However, as my reading is in so many different areas, and I can't always let myself get utterly carried away with one, it is now my: 'kindle in spare room, for when I can't sleep and go walkabout ...' book! So I'm only about 1/4 in. I listened to Mievile talking to Jim Naughtie recently [old programme?] and he made me want to read more. What would you recommend?
Mod
So far only Railsea' which was enthralling, but not what I was expecting, given what I'd heard about Mieville. I then got distracted by Gaiman and enjoyed The Ocean a..."</i>
I've only read The City The City and really enjoyed that. I also thought [book:The Ocean at the End of the Lane pretty lightweight and maybe a children's book
Hi all. I stepped away from this site for a while, but really want to make better use of it so have decided to throw myself into more of the social aspects. For now though just saying hello to those I may have chatted with previously and to all who are new since my last visit.
Mod
Hi Tonia and welcome back. I love that people feel able to drop in and out of the site when they feel like it.I know you love exploring language Have you read anything that's inspired you since you last posted? I also see that you have Andrey Kurkov on your to read list - have you read Death and the Penguin - I loved that book. Another that I think you might enjoy would be Tan Twan Eng's The Garden of Evening Mists - a beautiful, lyrical book.
So, welcome back and look forward to chatting
Ian wrote: "Tonia wrote: "Hi all. I stepped away from this site for a while, but really want to make better use of it so have decided to throw myself into more of the social aspects. For now though just saying..."Hello Ian.
No I haven't read Death and the Penguin. I added Kurkov to my list after A Matter Of Death And Life was featured on an episode of A Good Read on radio 4 and I really liked the sound of it. I'll have a look for Tan Twan Eng, thanks for the suggestion.
I think the most inspiring book I have read recently is Half of a Yellow Sun. Another book by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie had been suggested to me, but as is often the way here our library didn't have it so I borrowed Yellow Sun instead. I was led by the sheer tenacity of the characters and the selflessness of people who still found something to give even when all they had was taken from them. It's an amazing and emotional read.
I am currently reading Skagboys. I have to admit, it's hard work. It's written in Scot dialect and took me some time to get my head around some of the words (I actually had to read parts aloud in a really dodgy Scottish accent to work out some of them!). The linguist in me is enjoying it and of course the plot is engaging (long-time Trainspotting fan!) and now I have the language down I am getting through it faster but it has felt at times like chipping away at granite with a toothpick!
Mod
Half a Yellow Sun is certainly a book that stays with you. Don't think I fancy Skagboys. Another series I loved earlier this year was the Neopolitan Novels by Elena Ferrante
Ian wrote: Don't think I fancy Skagboys. Another series I loved earlier this year was the Neopolitan Novels ..."I'll be honest; much as I loved the Trainspotting films, I had no interest in reading the books but my oldest daughter gave me Skagboys as a birthday present so I wanted to make the effort. It isn't as horrific as I had thought it would be. But there are graphic descriptions of drug use, lots of sex and some really horrific language so it's not for everyone.
I hadn't heard of Elena Ferrante. Reading the description of her books, they seem a great antidote to my current reading so maybe I'll take a look at one or two of them.
Mod
I'll be honest; much as I loved the Trainspotting films, I had no interest in readi..."
They are beautiful - if you like character-driven books. The first is My Brilliant Friend - they need to be read in order. The other I love to recommend (and everyoen who has read it has been delighted with it so far) is by David Grossman To the End of the Land
This may be my second hello. I joined this Devon based group in the autumn, having returned to Goodreads after a long absence. I'm an ambivalent joiner of things. I was probably a tortoise in a previous life, peering out from my shell occasionally, then pulling back in fright. Maybe this is default mode for most writers. We have to write in solitary circumstances. Then we need to go out and find readers, one way or another. I find writing posts on my new-ish website a congenial way of being out in the world. It's like being outside while remaining within. Susan Barrett's writing notebook https://www.aliveinww2.com
Susan wrote: "This may be my second hello. I joined this Devon based group in the autumn, having returned to Goodreads after a long absence. I'm an ambivalent joiner of things. I was probably a tortoise in a pre..."You sound much like myself, Susan. I tend to hop in and out of my various social networks - no idea how those people manage who are constantly on them all! :)
Hi Susan,Welcome to the group. I love your description of yourself, especially the 'tortoise' image. I identify with that! But this is a good place to meet some lovely people. It is also excellent for info on the Devon reading and writing world: both events and publications, but also just hearing about books that might not normally tempt you.
So ... enjoy, and happy writing!
Carole (aka DrMama)
Thanks for your welcome, Carole. I like your DrMama handle for its originality, but I'm glad you came clean with a more informative first name! DrMama wrote: "Hi Susan,
Welcome to the group. I love your description of yourself, especially the 'tortoise' image. I identify with that! But this is a good place to meet some lovely people. It is also excellent..."
DrMama wrote: "Hi Susan,Welcome to the group. I love your description of yourself, especially the 'tortoise' image. I identify with that! But this is a good place to meet some lovely people. It is also excellent..."
I second all this, and totally relate to Susan's ambivalence about 'joining' on social media. Interacting with readers is excellent, and connecting with other authors valuable, but making the effort can be a challenge when there's a work-in-progress screaming for attention. That's why I am coming to really appreciate this group - I can dip in, find something interesting and pop out again without feeling guilty.
Mod
Glad you found your way here Susan. Love the intro!
Mod
When I set up this group is was very much on the basis that people drop in and out when it suits them. Unlike Facebook and Twitter, you can easily find all the posts and explore them at your leisure. Also, people can be more reflective here - using more than 140 characters
Mod
Welcome to the group. I love your description of yourself, especially the 'tortoise' image. I identify with that! But this is a good place to meet some lovely people. It is also excellent..."
Thanks for the positive feedback Carol. I love this group - such a divers range of people who I now call friends (though many I've still not met in the flesh)
Susan wrote: "Thanks for your welcome, Carole. I like your DrMama handle for its originality, but I'm glad you came clean with a more informative first name! DrMama wrote: "Hi Susan,
Welcome to the group. I lo..."
Hi Susan,
I know what you mean about 'handles' ! When I joined on here I had been using DrMama as a blogging name for ages. First on the ManBooker blog in 2008, and then elsewhere (including the post-MB site up at 'Mooksieand the Gripes') and didn't think. I nearly always add 'Carole' but as I'm not on here often, people do forget ... but I do like the anonymity. I had intended to use it for a Blog of my own, but I've never set it up: plus there are already lots of DrMamas.
I see from your info that you did the CW MA at Bath Spa, how did you find it? I did the one at Exeter when I moved to Devon. It then included a varied life-writing option, and I write mainly biographical/review stuff - I also wanted access to a Uni Library! Phil Hensher was teaching there at the time - did you study with him at Bath? The Exeter course has changed beyond all recognition, now. I enjoyed it, but mainly I'm so glad I did the Life-Writing with Margaretta Jolly - she's wonderful.
Good luck with all your writing - and reading!
Devon Book Club
Books mentioned in this topic
The Ice Palace (other topics)The Light Between Trees (other topics)
Sixteen Trees Of The Somme (other topics)
The Garden of Evening Mists (other topics)
Germinal (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Hazel Manuel (other topics)E.C. Huntley (other topics)
Elena Ferrante (other topics)
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (other topics)
Andrey Kurkov (other topics)
More...
I've always been a voracious reader and love to hear about new books and authors - fiction and non-fiction. I'm fairly new to Devon having moved here three years ago and live just within Dartmoor National Park, near Drewsteignton. Having grown up in New Zealand it's a great reminder of home, particularly as everywhere here is (comparatively) close to the coast.
I'm also a writer, short-stories mainly, and have just published a collection of them: Instructions for Living
Something I've been musing on recently is Christmas gift books; by now you either will have read them (what did you think?) or decided you're not going to (why? - and what are you going to say to the person who gave you the book, should they ask?). This year, due to my own mismanagement of my Christmas list, I received no books (aaahhh...) but gave several. One I'm particularly keen to read is The Shipping Forecast: A Miscellany. It looked like a fascinating insight into something we're all familiar with, but which I know very little about.
Last Christmas, however, I was given an extremely good book gift: Michael Palin's Complete Diaries Diaries: The Python Years, 1969-1979 - a box set of three very long books which kept me going for months. They were an interesting reminder of times I've lived through (as will many of you) - but probably a bit much if you're not a keen Palin fan.
So - any suggestions about what to read or not from Christmas 2016?
Cheers
Dianne