Devon Book Club discussion
Introduce yourself
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Saying Hello
Ian wrote: "Hi,I have started this group as I am keen to hear from other book-lovers in Devon - to get recommendations, to discuss/debate our perspectives on what we are reading and to have a bit of virtual f..."
Hello dear Ian,
and thanks for starting this group. So glad to have found fellow readers.
I moved to Devon in 2014 to care fulltime for my mum-in-law whilst she gently died from Alzheimers and other chronic conditions over four and a half years. So, I did not get about much or meet anyone during that time. I am only now just spreading my wings.
As a child, my closest sister and I read many books that took place in this countryside and we fell in love with it from afar. ..though never far from our imagination!
She and I also write...poetry, short stories, novels, essays... on and on. She leads a popular ghost story tour in the Smokey Mountain region these days and owns a book store.
I am finishing up the last chapters of a scifi novel that I began writing prior to our realization that Mum could no longer manage her care independently and needed home bedside care.
...Writing this scifi, (nearly finished) and having a private alpha reader group reading it chapter by chapter as I proceed.
I appreciate all the suggestions of good books... I read around 40 to 50 books a year of all genres. But I ought to be upfront and say that speculative fiction is my fave, fantasy and scifi, mysteries old and new (I've lost count how many times I've read Agatha Christie's books), anything with hard science. Lynn Margulis being my beloved science hero, I keep reading her work too.
Hello hello, one and all, fellow readers!
...and again, thank you so much, Ian.
Hi Ian and hi everyone! I haven't really ventured into the realms of Goodreads much, though I did manage to set up an 'Author Profile' a while back. I live just outside Devon in the wilds of Exmoor and the local landscape influences my writing A LOT (so far I've written lots of short stories and 2 novels). I love reading most genres but I'm not a horror or sci-fi fan. It's wonderful characters that really draw me in. I'm a ridiculously slow reader, mostly because I like to soak in every sentence. I have an absolutely huge TBR list.
I think it's wonderful what you're doing, Ian. Thank you!
Mod
I have started this group as I am keen to hear from other book-lovers in Devon - to get recommendations, to discuss/debate our perspectives on what we are reading and to have a bit ..."
Hello and thank you for such a thoughtful introduction. Apologies for the delay in replying - it has been a busty few days. So sorry to hear of the loss of your mother but it sounds as though she was surrounded by love and had a peaceful end.
Your interest in books is shared by many in our community and I hope you will pick up some useful recommendations. I would also love to hear more about your writing as a key part of this network is to promote the work of Devon-based writers so please message me if you'd like to talk more about that.
Welcome once again
Ian
Mod
I haven't really ventured into the realms of Goodreads much, though I did manage to set up an 'Author Profile' a while back. I live just outside Devon in the wilds of Exmoo..."
Thank you Hazel - that's very kind of you. I hope that our community helps to share our love of books but also strengthen connections between us all. You may live in Somerset but you have one foot in Devon and Exmoor spans our two counties so a great deal to bind us.
I have also just posted about a themed week on Romance from w/b 10/2 so you may like to be featured in that too.
Best Wishes
ian
Hello all! This is my first Goodreads group so apologies if I'm getting anything wrong. I'm Rebecca, and am Devon born and bred. I grew up in East Devon but live in Okehampton now. I love living in Devon and spend as much time as I can on Dartmoor. I trained as a librarian originally and worked at the University of Exeter, then in various Devon Libraries before and after the formation of Libraries Unlimited. I now work in local government, supporting parish and town councils.
I'll read anything and always have a huge TBR pile and a book on the go. I use the library a lot (of course!), am thrilled that Okehampton now has its own independent bookshop and am very attached to my Kindle as well.
Always interested in recommendations - at this time of year I always like to look at the long list for the Women's Prize because I always find lots of great books on there.
So hello again all and thanks for the group Ian!
Mod
Hi Rebecca - you are really very welcome. Fantastic to have you with us. I hope you'll post freely about books you are reading or about and any other book news. Are you working for Devon Communities Together now then in relation to the Parish and Town Council work?
We have a great thread called Recommendations which has loads of fantastic books on there as well as on our various other threads.
Also - click on the Around the World in 80 Books map link towards the lower end of the page - loads of great books on there.
Hi Rebecca, welcome. I am not far from you in North Devon and I write comedy books about a small Devon village. They are available on Amazon as ebooks, paperbacks or on KU. As you have a Kindle the first one The Curious Curiosity is on at promotion at 99p.
I am sure you will get lots of recommendations on here.
Regards Glenda Barnett
Mod
They are available on Amazon as ebooks, paperbacks or on KU. As you have a Kindle th..."
Hi Glenda - you are right. Recommendations are never in short supply - the problem (a good one to have) is getting round to them all :)
Hello, I'm Jenny and I've been meaning to join this group for four years! I met Ian four years ago at an author event. Back then I was very flustered because I was juggling a job and two small children plus I had just started a four book contract with Aria Fiction. Book four is coming out in April so I finally have a bit more time to catch up on things.I write historical dual timeline novels set in the first half of the twentieth century. I have lived in Devon for about 15 years, but so far my novels have been set in the home counties where I grew up. I would love to write something set in Devon one day!
I like reading literary fiction and authors who describe things beautifully - my favourite authors are Annie Proulx, Sarah Waters and Margaret Atwood (her women's fiction as opposed to her sci fi and dystopia). I recently enjoyed the Goldfinch and Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. I'm always looking for recommendations as I don't get much time to browse in bookshops and I find choosing good books online very difficult.
Mod
Hi Jenny - I remember meeting you - but 4 years ago! Really? So happy you have joined us and my apologies for the delay in replying - as per my earlier message, I am afraid Covid-19 interrupted rather rudely. Love your choice of writers - you didn't mention Elif Shafak or Tan Twan Eng- two of my favourite contemporary writers - I'm sure you'd enjoy them judging by your choices of writers on your post.
Many congratulations on y9oru success - I am more than happy to help celebrate the new title across our platforms if that is of any help
Welcome once again
Ian
Hello everyone,My name is Geoff and I live on a farm near Romansleigh, North Devon. I returned to my West Country roots six years ago and have been writing my debut novel over the last three winters, launching it just as lockdown struck. I realise, suddenly, that I have very few contacts in the literary world and am a complete novice at promotion. I've been beavering away with my head down and taken little notice of what's been going on around me.
Time to correct that, I think.
My own reading preferences are deep, thoughtful thrillers with off-the-wall ideas and style, like David Mitchell's Cloud Atlas, for example, and I'd like to think this is how my story feels.
I look forward to meeting all of you from this friendly community.
Hello Geoff,I'm sure you will find many friendly and helpful folk here!
David Mitchell - a worthy model indeed :)
Hello Geoff, lovely to 'meet' you and to read your introduction.
I relate to your sharing about few contacts in the literary world. I am much the same.
Just curious, is Romansleigh where you lived before? If not, what made you choose the area? I ask because I still have not seen as much of Devon as I would like. My favorite attribute of Devon is the farms.
I've been something of a 'traveler' most of my life but my family heritage was our family farm...self-sustainable it was and it fed the whole clan! five generations of the clan.
A farm is a lovely place to find peace (and quiet) to write.
Many thanks to you for sharing.
Hello Geoff, Jenny and other newcomers to 'Goodreads! Ian has done a wonderful job, both setting up 'Good (Devon) Reads' site and keeping us in check! It's an excellent place to share & learn all things book-ish: in ones' interest area and beyond. I'm in the South Hams & worship local Libraries for keeping me supplied with inter-library loans. I'm an ex-EngLit academic, still researching, reading much contemp lit. plus older works. Favourite authors are still Victorians & Modernists, with many (new and older) contemporary favourites from around the world. I'm currently working through the 'to be reads' which have been clogging my shelves for aeons. There are still some unread David Mitchell works, so will post when I get to them! So again, Welcome, Carole aka DrMama.
Janet wrote: "Hello Geoff, lovely to 'meet' you and to read your introduction.
I relate to your sharing about few contacts in the literary world. I am much the same.
Just curious, is Romansleigh where you live..."
Hi Janet, Thanks for your reply. I'm a Bristolian but my family are all from Somerset and Devon.
I love the deep countryside of North Devon with its family farms and traditional ways and am particularly interested in the lingering influence of pagan folklore on the rural imagination. There's plenty of suitable material around here.
Mod
Hi everyone, I'm a Devon boy having been brought up in Torquay, lived most of my adult life in Exeter and have recently moved to Ipplepen!I only started reading regularly after I started university 2 years ago. I find myself especially drawn to non-fiction books (particularly biographies and historical books).
Anyway, I'm looking forward to interacting with this group!
Mod
If you have an interest that you would particularly like to see featured let me know
Welcome once again
Ian wrote: "Hi Jordan - great to have you with us and you have joined just at the right time as I am shortly to send out details of our #nonfictionweek which begins officially on 13/7. If you are on Twitter pl..."Ah, excellent news!
Just followed the club on Twitter and will eagerly await updates!
Hi, I’m Kerry. I love books and reading, and I wish I had time to read more! I’m currently living in Singapore with my family. We’re relocating to the UK this coming weekend and will be living near Exeter. Looking forward to coming back to beautiful Devon - we were at university in Exeter years back so we know the area quite well!
Mod
HI Kerry - safe travels back to the UK. Singapore's loss is Devon's gain. A very warm welcome to our community of book-lovers. What do you love to read?
Hello allI do not live in Devon, but it is where I grew up - Exeter - and, luckily for me most of my family still live there. I am a newly published author and I also work as a Spanish tutor .
Just finished 'An American Marriage' and am reading 'The Hunting Party' - but maybe that one should wait until Christmas.
No favourite authors, but I do want to feel engaged with the characters, otherwise I tend to lose interest.
Most recent 'favourite' - Normal People - which I read back in 2018 when my eldest had just left for university - I think Sally Rooney caught the angst of a student's need to fit in perfectly.
Mod
I do not live in Devon, but it is where I grew up - Exeter - and, luckily for me most of my family still live there. I am a newly published author and I also work as a Spanish tutor .
Ju..."
Hi - and welcome to our community of book lovers - it is not condition of membership that you have to love here - you just have to love books and love Devon, which clearly you do. Congratulations on the new book - feel free to tell us about it.
We are also on Twitter and Facebook f you have social media.
Looking forward to getting to know you.
I have the Hunting Party on Kindle awaiting me. Like you I love character - driven work; although I don't always have to like them
Best Wishes
Ian
Hi everyone, I am from Norway and came to live in Devon 14 yars ago, after many years in London.
I have tried my hand at self publishing in the past - which I would best desribe as a useful learing exerience :) - and am currently writing on a novel.
I'm looking forward to getting to know you and to hear what you are reading and writing about.
Mod
I am from Norway and came to live in Devon 14 yars ago, after many years in London.
I have tried my hand at self publishing in the past - which I would best desribe as a useful learin..."
HI Marianne and you are very welcome. I always love to hear about writers that our members enjoy and if, like you, they come from another country to hear about writers from there. Norweigan writers you'd recommend?
Ian wrote: "Marianne wrote: "Hi everyone, I am from Norway and came to live in Devon 14 yars ago, after many years in London.
I have tried my hand at self publishing in the past - which I would best desribe a..."
There are many Norwegian writers, some wonderful classics that I read as a child, I'll have a look into if any of them have been translated to English. Having lived the last 35+ years in England I'm not familiar with modern Norwegian writers and don't know any who write in English. ( Though there probably are some). The only translation I've read is Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder, which I think is well known. It uses Sophie's experiences to take you through various philosphical concepts. An entertaining read and an introduction to philosophy at the same time, so worth having a look at.
Hi all, I'm Lucy. I moved to South Devon 3 and a half years ago.I've been a reader on and off throughout my life. I go through huge spurts and then dry spells.
This year has been a good one reading wise for me (about the only good thing to have come of Corona!). I haven't worked since March (we are allowed to start back August) so I have been reading a LOT.
Always interested in other people's recommendations and looking forward to being part of the community and discussing books with you all x
Marianne wrote: "Hi everyone, I am from Norway and came to live in Devon 14 yars ago, after many years in London.
I have tried my hand at self publishing in the past - which I would best desribe as a useful learin..."
Wow, that's cool.. an author within our midst! Good luck with the novel and make sure you share it on this group when it's completed :)
Marianne wrote: "Hi everyone, I am from Norway and came to live in Devon 14 yars ago, after many years in London.
I have tried my hand at self publishing in the past - which I would best desribe as a useful learin..."
Hi Marianne and 'welcome'! You will find many others on here with advice on various routes to publishing … as well as plenty of discussion about books read whether loved or loathed. Do you miss Norway, or do you go back often? I've been there a few times: inter-railing x 2 when in my 20s, and then about 30 years ago … It was wonderful: I love mountains and fiords while the summer light - all the time - was mind-boggling! I wish I'd been back, but I've cut travelling because of climate change. Offhand, the only Norwegian book I can recall reading is The Ice Palace by Tarjei Versaas, which I found dreadful yet wonderful. I like reading widely, but don't do as much as I would like. I write, but non-fiction. Carole
Nascent wrote: "Hi all, I'm Lucy. I moved to South Devon 3 and a half years ago.I've been a reader on and off throughout my life. I go through huge spurts and then dry spells.
This year has been a good one read..."
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Welcome to Devon and to the Devon Book Club, Lucy!
Mod
I've been a reader on and off throughout my life. I go through huge spurts and then dry spells.
This year has been a good one read..."
Hi Nascent/Lucy
Welcome to the group - delighted you've joined us. Is there a story behind the choice of account name? Symbolic of reawaking your reading mojo?
What do you love to read in particular?
Also - for all you new members just to add that we also have a Twitter account which includes a live book hour each Monday from 8 #devonbookhour, and a Facebook page and group.
Twitter is @BookDevon
Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/devonbookclub/
Facebook Group is https://www.facebook.com/groups/10057...
Maybe see you there too
Mod
I am from Norway and came to live in Devon 14 yars ago, after many years in London.
I have tried my hand at self publishing in the past - which I would be..."
Jo Nesbo and Knausgaard spring to mind. Found a few others here https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norwa...
Mod
I am from Norway and came to live in Devon 14 yars ago, after many years in London.
I have tried my hand at self publishing in the past - which I would best desribe a..."
We have lots of those Jordan - check out the feed called The Full List of Devon writers. Literally hundreds of wonderful Devon writers of all genres
Mod
I've been a reader on and off throughout my life. I go through huge spurts and then dry spells.
This year has been..."
Echo that Janet - how is life treating you?
Mod
I am from Norway and came to live in Devon 14 yars ago, after many years in London.
I have tried my hand at self publishing in the past - which I would best desribe a..."
Oh - I loved that book Carol. I thought it was a wonderful read and I had forgotten all about it. It certainly has a dark side, to be sure
Of course the Nordic noir has got popular lately, not a genre I'm particularly familiar with but am glad to see the books on the list that are now translated. Kristin Lavransdatter, a big favourite of mine , and Hunger is also interesting. Ian wrote: "Marianne wrote: "Ian wrote: "Marianne wrote: "Hi everyone,
I am from Norway and came to live in Devon 14 yars ago, after many years in London.
I have tried my hand at self publishing in the past -..."
Jordan wrote: "Marianne wrote: "Hi everyone,
I am from Norway and came to live in Devon 14 yars ago, after many years in London.
I have tried my hand at self publishing in the past - which I would best desribe a..."
Ian wrote: "Marianne wrote: "Ian wrote: "Marianne wrote: "Hi everyone,
I am from Norway and came to live in Devon 14 yars ago, after many years in London.
I have tried my hand at self publishing in the past -..."
Ian wrote: "Marianne wrote: "Ian wrote: "Marianne wrote: "Hi everyone,
I am from Norway and came to live in Devon 14 yars ago, after many years in London.
I have tried my hand at self publishing in the past -..."
Ha,ha, I clearly don't know how to use this discussion facility...How is the reply function meant to work?
Jordan wrote: "Marianne wrote: "Hi everyone, I am from Norway and came to live in Devon 14 yars ago, after many years in London.
I have tried my hand at self publishing in the past - which I would best desribe a..."
Wow, that's cool.. an author within our midst! Good luck with the novel and make sure you share it on this group when it's completed :)
Thank you, I will - might take a while :)
Marianne wrote: "Hi everyone,I am from Norway and came to live in Devon 14 yars ago, after many years in London.
I have tried my hand at self publishing in the past - which I would best desribe as a useful learin..."
Carole wrote: Hi Marianne and 'welcome'! You will find many others on here with advice on various routes to publishing … as well as plenty of discussion about books read whether loved or loathed. Do you miss Norway, or do you go back often?
Thank you, Carole. I have a lot of family there so go back once or twice most years. You're right, might need to cut back on air travel in the future...
Hello everyone. I've just discovered this group! I don't live in Devon but I was born in Newton Abbot and have always carried it in my heart. I live in Scotland now but my first novel was set in Devon (see author's corner!) and I think the countryside, the seasons and the lifestyle are very inspiring. I get the impression that Devon is loved the world over. It has a beauty and softness that are unforgettable.
Hello Liz, welcome to the group. I too set my books in Devon, I live in North Devon. Do you think you will set any stories in Scotland?Glenda Barnett
HelloI'm Rachel, living in Devon. I'm a keen reader of all sorts of books, I love sharp wit, imperfect characters, something a bit raw ... I like lively prose that flows off the page.
I've just finished writing and published my first book, called The Long Acre. If you want to know more about it (it's set in Devon) my website is https://www.long-acre-rfrancis.com and Im about to write something more about it in the Writer's Corner
Mod
Hi Liz
My apologies for not replying sooner. Life got in the way of my hosting for a while but I'm back on it now. So happy that you have joined us. Would be great to hear more about your work and what you love to read. Hopefully we can keep you close to Devon :)
Mod
I'm Rachel, living in Devon. I'm a keen reader of all sorts of books, I love sharp wit, imperfect characters, something a bit raw ... I like lively prose that flows off the page.
I've just fi..."
Hi Rachel and thanks for the introduction. Wonderful to have you with us and I look forward to getting to know you and your work. Something a bit raw... hmm - need to think on that - what writers do you enjoy?
Currently anything by Wendy Erskine, also Tim Winton, always loved Alasdair Grey, Ursula Le Guin ... Philip Pullman's Dark Materials, bit of a mis mash. I hope this reply appears, I dont seem to have a properly loaded Goodreads page at the moment.
Mod
Hi. I’m David. I moved to Brixham at the end of July 2020. I prefer reading biographies and contemporary, historical and literary fiction, but I am open to trying anything. I enjoy writing poetry and short stories, and, thanks to Zoom, I have been able to remain a member of Rottingdean Writers’ Group in East Sussex, where I lived previously. I would love to find a supportive writers’ group and a reading group within a comfortable drive from Brixham. It has been difficult to meet people, and impossible to join groups since I moved here because of the Covid-19 restrictions. If you can help me in my search for reading and writing connections please email me on davidanthony52@hotmail.com
Twitter @dj56hove
Walkers and dog-lovers especially welcome! Thank you.
Hi David,I am sure Ian is better placed to help you, but if you are on Twitter, I may be able to harness our writing community to help you. I am part of the @virtwriting online writers group #VWG, & I know we have members in South Devon. They may be able to guide you towards ‘real life’ writing & reading groups within the Torbay area. My Twitter address is @msclementsbook. Just send me a tweet/follow & I’ll pass on your details. The Twitter #amwriting community is definitely the good side of Twitter’s Jekyll & Hyde’s persona. :)
Mod
Hi David - great to have you with us and a warm welcome to Devon. Have you contacted your local library re both Libraries Unlimited (our independent library service) will have details I'm sure. Also, trying to think whether there is a bookshop in Brixham - can't think of one but you could ask at Harbour Bookshop in Kingsbridge or Dartmouth Bookseller. Are you also on Twitter and Facebook? I'll put a call out to our communities there too.
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)
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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)
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I moved to Devon July 2019 - looking forward to exploring the libraries, museums and locality. I have been an author since 2000.
I write self..."
Hi Jane! welcome to Devon...a more beautiful place to live I cannot imagine.
~janet