Devon Book Club discussion
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Saying Hello
Ian wrote: "DrMama wrote: "Hi, I'm Carole from Kingsbridge Library Reading Group (although something somewhere may give my 'Blogging' name of DrMama ... I've not had much success in changing my profile so far)..."Thanks for the 'Welcome' Ian. I tried changing my profile details (already there from when I first discovered 'Goodreads' although I didn't post until I found this Devon strand), but when I looked back, all the changes had reverted. Mind you, I'm generally wary of online stuff (shades of 'Big Brother ...' ???) so I may keep DrMama. A friend suggested it as a name for the Man-Booker Blog. I first got hooked on that when our then Librarian (the incomparable Wendy Bloomer) managed to enrol our Book Group to comment on the 2007 Man-Booker longlist/shortlist - getting us all invited to the 'shortlist Party' in the process. Discussion on the M-B Blog in subsequent years could become a little heated, so I adopted the blog name: although I do also intend to start my own Bookblog, just never get round to it.
I've only just started The Ice Palace, as I'd left the Patrick Modiano in another room: he just became Nobel Laureate and The Search Warrant is the only one of his that Devon Libraries had. Zeppelin Nights: London in the First World War is not just about the Zeppelin Raids during WWI, but gives a detailed account of how the war impacted on the people of London, and GB in general. NB I have no idea if those book links will come out okay: I'll post and see ...
Kathy wrote: "DrMama wrote: "Okay, I've just seen the 'add book/author' link. I came back on here especially to ask how to do that, having posted my first comment before reading Ian's advice. However, I do ha..."
Thanks Kathy, I'll have a look back through my book journal, and guesstimate a reasonable recent number. Are you close to Kingsbridge too? I'm in one of the far-flung villages, but it's my nearest town, although I go to Totnes far more - and Exeter when I can: I used to use the University Library a lot, but stopped during their rebuilding. I really should go back instead of getting everything by inter-library loan: but local Libraries are wonderful, don't you agree? I would be lost without K'brdg Library. Well ... I'd move back to Hull!
Mod
However, I do have another ques..."
If you are referring to your profile, it is the number of books that you have added on Goodreads on your profile. You need to go to "My Books" on the Goodreads menu bar. You can then search for books and add them to one of three standard shelves "read", "currently reading" or "to read" - once you get familiar with that you can add other bookshelves of your own if you wish. Also, if you click on a link that someone leaves you will see the book (and reviews of it) will appear. Under the image of the book is a status bar that says whether you've read it or not and to the right hand side you'll find an icon of some books - click on that to change the status. It is good to add books though becuase then we can see what you like.
Also - you currently have your profile set to private I think so we cant message you. If you go to your profile (using the little drop down menu on the far right of the Goodreads bar) you can adjust your various settings. If you would like to be contactable by private message go to your profile, find "settings" and adjust the various options as you wish. You can also adjust the frequency you get e-mail notifications etc. You'll soon get the hang of it but let me know if you get stuck.
DrMama wrote: "Kathy wrote: "DrMama wrote: "Okay, I've just seen the 'add book/author' link. I came back on here especially to ask how to do that, having posted my first comment before reading Ian's advice. Ho..."
I live in a village too, Carole, but Kingsbridge is my local town: small but very friendly. I visit Totnes too but more often Plymouth than Exeter. And, yes, I value local libraries immensely - they provide a really important service and a great focal point for all sorts of activities. Not that I use ours as often as I should...something I often plan to correct but then don't, I'm afraid!
Careful DrMama, we all know that the road to Hull is paved with good intentions.Kathy, every now and again I have a spell of neglecting our local library, but then I remember that I'm paying for the service and the thought of paying for something and not using it sends me back!
B J wrote: "Careful DrMama, we all know that the road to Hull is paved with good intentions.Kathy, every now and again I have a spell of neglecting our local library, but then I remember that I'm paying for t..."
Good point! :)
Hi Carole. Glad to see you in the group.
Carol wrote: "Hi Carole. Glad to see you in the group."Hi to you too, Carol! Your adult book sounds interesting ... given the above comments about library use, I will try to get it from the library!! I looked up your profile to find the title, and also noticed that you are reading the 'Montaillou' book, how are you finding it? I started to read it decades ago, but had to return it to the owner (an academic who was working on the author) and never got around to trying again. I think this is the first time I've seen it mentioned since.
As to libraries, I usually have an average of 6 out, as I find that Devon Libraries have so many of the books I want to read, as well as ones I want for research - saves driving to Exeter university. It is a phenomenal service, 50p for 3 months loan - well, so long as no one recalls it. Plus ... K'bridge Library will be losing 25% of its income in the next round of cuts, and if they cannot make up the money themselves (eg hiring rooms to the public) then jobs and opening hours will go! So if me having more and more books out adds to their income, then I'd rather they have it than you-know-who!
There's no doubt that the library service is under financial pressure. Opening hours have been cut and some branches (Churston for example) face closure unless local residents can find a way to run it with a team of volunteers. A couple of weeks ago The Friends of Brixham Library broke new ground with a musical fund-raising evening that was held in the library. The bookshelves were moved aside, lighting and sound system erected, a bar operated and five folk musicians provided the entertainment, all done on a voluntary basis. It was a sell-out - not surprising as the musicians included Philip Henry and Hannah Martin, Radio 2's Folk Duo of the Year.Hopefully, more such events will follow.
That sounds like an excellent idea BJ. The Friends of Kingsbridge Library run several events a year, but they are usually author talks, history/interest talks and some performances of poetry and prose, but I don't think there has been any music so far. I'll suggest this idea to them - it may be that we just don't have the local (and evening) audience for such events.NB Hull rocks!
Future City of Culture no less.I don't know if it's the usual way of things, but in Brixham library the bookshelf units are on castors and are easily moved to create a very useful space. There is also a meeting room that is used for author visits etc.
I feel ashamed: I shall visit Kingsbridge library this week. I know if we don't use it, we lose it. :(
B J wrote: "Future City of Culture no less.I don't know if it's the usual way of things, but in Brixham library the bookshelf units are on castors and are easily moved to create a very useful space. There is ..."
Yes, Kingsbridge Library has a lot of the book units on castors, and (I think) we may have seating space for up to 100. If I remember correctly the Friends were instrumental in the shelves and/or other useful stuff being purchased, but I don't know why no music events. I will pass on the message about how successful Brixham found there first attempt.
DrMama wrote: "B J wrote: "Future City of Culture no less.I don't know if it's the usual way of things, but in Brixham library the bookshelf units are on castors and are easily moved to create a very useful spac..."
That should be '"their" first attempt.' Doh, late night working.
Kathy wrote: "I feel ashamed: I shall visit Kingsbridge library this week. I know if we don't use it, we lose it. :("It's a lovely place Kathy and the staff are wonderful. I do get most of my books from the library, but mainly inter-library loan from Devon Libraries. The range of books that Devon has is outstanding, have a look at the online catalogue.
DrMama wrote: "It's a lovely place Kathy and the staff are wonderful. I do get most of my bo..."Thanks Carole. I will. I have been to the library and yes, it is a lovely space. I just don't use it enough...
DrMama wrote: "Carol wrote: "Hi Carole. Glad to see you in the group."Hi to you too, Carol! Your adult book sounds interesting ... given the above comments about library use, I will try to get it from the libr..."
Used to have 12 books out from the library over a period of about 2 years for research purposes. Husband got so cross at our keep having to renew them,(or forgetting to renew them!) that he bought them all for me. (One of which was Judika Illes' reference book on witchcraft, which I have found absolutely fascinating, as well as useful for writing purposes).
Montaillou is exactly the sort of book I like. It is so detailed about peoples' lives in a a small village in France in the 14th century. I am reading it in English, but love the French language, and always read American thrillers in French.( Because I buy them when I visit my family in Belgium.)
Hi everyone. I'm Sue and currently live in Essex. Seem to spend a lot of time at Sandy Bay and am just back from a weekend in a hotel in Exmouth. I love Devon. My maternal gt grandparents came from Seaton, leaving to join the police in London in the late 1800s so I suppose I do have some links to the county. Also spend time in the records office at Exeter researching my OHs family! I will only intermittently post as I have difficulty posting from my hudl and need access to a computer to do it properly. But I do read the posts on here - very interesting. Makes me very jealous of you all living there. Have been a member of goodreads for a few years and read a lot. Next year I plan to read a few more classics. Top read for this year has been David Nicholls Us.Oops - forgot to say my son lives in Plymouth! He went there to uni and never came back. Just love our visits there. They say the view from the Hoe is one of the best in the world and I can't think of many better - on a sunny day.
Mod
Hi Sue - quite understand re the posting. No pressure - just drop in whenever you can. Consider yourself adopted by Devon! Is there a long family connection to Devon then? - sounds like it from what you say about researching family history at the records office.
I havent read Us but it is on my ever-lengthening list
Well my grandmother came from Axminster and moved to Seaton - she was a lacemaker. She married and moved to London where her husband became a policeman. My OH was born in Somerset, just on the border with Devon so his ancestors kept moving over it and back so I go between Exeter and Taunton! His gt grandmother was born in a hamlet just outside Exeter - so small even the ro staff had to look it up! But we did drive out and find it. Just beautiful with red ploughed fields around and the house was still there.
Mod
Quiet a Devon ancestry then. The featured discussion forum on the Royal Lacemaker beign organised by teh Library Service may well be of interest to you then.
Have reserved it from the library Ian. I use the library for most of my books - a brilliant service here. When she went to London she was a 'gold lacemaker' according to the census. Apparently they used to weigh the thread before and after it was created to stop any theft so this book may shed some light on what she did - hope there is a further reading list!
Mod
Fascinating. Didn't know that lace was made in gold.
Yes, I get lots from the library too - both hard copy and e-books
Hi Sue - welcome.We lived in Plymouth for 20 years and spent many (very many) a happy hour at the coffee shop on the Hoe gazing at the view and reading.
Welcome Sue. Plymouth is a favourite of mine too. And I'm really interested by the notion of making lace with gold - it must have been stunning but also very difficult and surely hard on the fingers?
Hi everyone, I'm Ruth Downie and I'm delighted to find this group - thanks to Ian for making contact. I live in Ilfracombe and write a crime series about a Roman Army medic and his British wife. I see someone's mentioned Neil Gaiman above - I loved The Graveyard Bookand The Ocean at the End of the Lanebut listened to them on audio (read by the author) rather than in print. Is that cheating? He has a lovely voice!
Mod
Delighted to have you with us Ruth. I love Neil Gaiman - read Neverwherein the Summer but I think my favourite is American Gods. Looking forward to hearing about your work too. Not sure what the collective noun is for writers - a "scribble?" but great to see that we have a number of you amongst our membership
Ruth wrote: "Hi everyone, I'm Ruth Downie and I'm delighted to find this group - thanks to Ian for making contact. I live in Ilfracombe and write a crime series about a Roman Army medic and his Br..."Hi Ruth. Delighted to see you now live in Ilfracombe, as I grew up there and am very interested in its history. Are your books set in England or in Europe?
Have always wondered about the Roman connection with North Devon, as very little is written about it. Just outside Ilfracombe there is a very straight road going towards Barnstaple, which is called by locals, the Roman Road, and have always wondered if it really was.
Apart from that, I gather that there was a Roman lookout point at Martinhoe, on Exmoor. There are meant to have been a few small forts in North Devon, which seems likely.
Carol wrote: "Apart from that, I gather that there was a Roman lookout point at Martinhoe, on Exmoor. There are meant to have been a few small forts in North Devon, which seems likely."Hi Carol,
No there's a sad dearth of Roman material from North Devon, isn't there? Although that road is very, very straight...
There is indeed a lookout point at Martinhoe and apparently signs of a fort above Combe Martin, tho' I've never been able to work out quite where. So logically there must have been others.
There's a theory that the Romans went to Cornwall for the tin and then shipped it up the Bristol Channel to Gloucester, saving the bother of carting it up through Devon. But I bet they would have called at Ilfracombe if there was a storm brewing.
My books are set mostly in England and I'd love to set one down here, but I suspect the Legions had decided we had nothing worth stealing and cleared off by the time my characters appear! (Tho' on thinking about it, a shipwreck might work..)
A lot of mining went on in Combe Martin in later centuries and it is difficult to think that the Romans did not find out about the existence of the ores.It was said that the battle of Agincourt was paid for by the silver from the Combe Martin mines, and other sources say that it also paid for the battles of Poitiers and Crecy.
Carol wrote: "A lot of mining went on in Combe Martin in later centuries and it is difficult to think that the Romans did not find out about the existence of the ores.It was said that the battle of Agincourt wa..."
Ah yes, I'd forgotten the Combe Martin silver. That would make absolute sense. Thanks, Carol!
Hi Everyone - Carol just invited me over, and I'm delighted to find this corner. I live in Paignton, near the zoo. Although I'm not local (I'm a Londoner) my husband is Devon born-n-bred, and he always wanted to come back. He lived in Torquay for several years as a child, and it was a very easy choice. I love it!
Mod
Hi Susanne - thanks for joining us (and to Carole for spreading the word) from the balmy south (I'm in Barnstaple). I hope you will enjoy the group and visit often - feel free to make suggestions, start new topics etc. Look forward to getting to know you. Best Wishes Ian
Susanne wrote: "Hi Everyone - Carol just invited me over, and I'm delighted to find this corner. I live in Paignton, near the zoo. Although I'm not local (I'm a Londoner) my husband is Devon born-n-bred, and he al..."Hi Susanne. Nice to meet you. I'm not from Devon originally either but I've lived here in the South Hams for a few years now and I love it too! Are you close enough to the zoo to hear the animals? As a child I lived near Chester Zoo and could hear some of the animals, especially at night when it was quiet. The sea lions were particularly noisy!
Mod
Hi Kathy - I grew up in Frodsham - used to go to see Chester City play a lot as a child. Loved Chester Zoo -was one of the best I always thought.
Ian wrote: "Susanne wrote: "Hi Everyone - Carol just invited me over, and I'm delighted to find this corner. I live in Paignton, near the zoo. Although I'm not local (I'm a Londoner) my husband is Devon born-n..."Hi Ian.I'm not a posh Carol with an 'e'. I'm just an ordinary one.
Susanne wrote: "Hi Everyone - Carol just invited me over, and I'm delighted to find this corner. I live in Paignton, near the zoo. Although I'm not local (I'm a Londoner) my husband is Devon born-n-bred, and he al..."Hi Susanne, Lovely to see you here.
Mod
Oops, sorry
Yes, I can hear the animals. The lions at night - especially when they had their cubs. They don't sound like you think - it's more like a steam-train warming up (so at first I thought it was the Paignton-to-Kingswear train, but I have a friend from South Africa and when I imitated the sound she said immediately "That's lions!") I can also hear the baboons - they hoop and holler at feeding time, running around their little artificial mountain. And then of course there are the peacocks. When the weather is hot (but not when it's not!) they fly over and stroll down our street - it was such a surprise the first time I saw them.
We can actually see into the zoo from our back garden - just the hill where the antelopes live.
Susanne wrote: "Yes, I can hear the animals. The lions at night - especially when they had their cubs. They don't sound like you think - it's more like a steam-train warming up (so at first I thought it was the Pa..."That sounds wonderful, but then I do have a weakness for animals/birds.
Every couple of years I get an annual ticket - especially when the new babies are being born. You can get into Living Coasts with it as well - overlooking Torquay harbour. That's where the sea-animals are. They have a fabulous group of penguins in a glass-walled tank so you can watch them swimming - they're so graceful.Crivens, I sound like an ad from the Tourist Board!
Susanne wrote: "Every couple of years I get an annual ticket - especially when the new babies are being born. You can get into Living Coasts with it as well - overlooking Torquay harbour. That's where the sea-anim..."You're certainly selling it to me - I must come! Thinking of the sea-animals, I love the Seal Sanctuary in Gweek in Cornwall. They do a great job there and it's a really interesting place to visit.
Susanne wrote: "Every couple of years I get an annual ticket - especially when the new babies are being born. You can get into Living Coasts with it as well - overlooking Torquay harbour. That's where the sea-anim..."Never heard of Macaroni penguins until I went down there. At least the male penguins are lucky with our climate and don't have to stand all winter in frozen blizzards holding eggs on their feet! Believe those are Emperor ones.
Hi Susanne - I'm pleased to add my welcome. I'm in Brixham, so Torbay is becoming well represented in this Group.
Hi everyone, i live in Bideford and work part time as well as running a sweetshop with my husband, I love reading and have just started a book journal to see if i read as much as everyone says i do!!! Im currently reading game of thrones a clash of kings.
looking forward to reading along with you all
So this is where I'm meant to say hello then is it!I'm Nick. I'm from Plymouth. I am a writer, poet, journalist, photographer,philosopher, reader, polymath, among other things.
@Atticboho
Hi Jotrev and Nick. Welcome to the group.
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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However, I do have another ques..."
Hi Carole, nice to have another member in the Kingsbridge area! Welcome! I believe the 'books' simply indicates how many books you have added to your profile: to read, read/reviewed etc. At least, I think that's what it means...