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Take your book for a walk
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message 51:
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Carol
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May 01, 2015 07:44AM
Thank you.
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Verity has become disenchanted with standing naked and pregnant at the end of Ilfracombe Pier and has decided to be flown in a Space Capsule to Mars in order to finall..."
Ive just been back to your FB page - I have "like" envy - you've got over 200 we've only managed 187 for the Book Club. Well done you!
Have put up a picture taken by the Tone on Taunton last week. There are short boat trips in aid of charity at weekends. The view of the hills is lovely. Can recommend The Third Man near the sport is now run by the cricket clu and open onmatch days only. Still readig the book!
Ian wrote: "Kathy wrote: "Carol wrote: "Posted a photo.Verity has become disenchanted with standing naked and pregnant at the end of Ilfracombe Pier and has decided to be flown in a Space Capsule to Mars in o..."
Ian wrote: "Kathy wrote: "Carol wrote: "Posted a photo.
Verity has become disenchanted with standing naked and pregnant at the end of Ilfracombe Pier and has decided to be flown in a Space Capsule to Mars in o..."
I can't see it on my Facebook Page. How can you tell how many'likes' it has had? Not terribly 'au fait' with Facebook, I must admit.
Ian wrote: "Kathy wrote: "Carol wrote: "Posted a photo.Verity has become disenchanted with standing naked and pregnant at the end of Ilfracombe Pier and has decided to be flown in a Space Capsule to Mars in o..."
Thank you Ian! I'm sorry to cause envy though... ;)
Carol wrote: "Ian wrote: "Kathy wrote: "Carol wrote: "Posted a photo.Verity has become disenchanted with standing naked and pregnant at the end of Ilfracombe Pier and has decided to be flown in a Space Capsule ..."
Carol, I've just looked you up and you only seem to have a personal Facebook page. With that you can have 'friends' - and keep your posts private - but not 'likes'. Pages which are set up for professions, companies, charities, book groups(!) etc are more public spaces which, if people want to follow them, they 'like'. You could set up an author page if you want to, but it would be separate from your personal page. This is mine: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kathy-.... The likes appear on the left just underneath the profile photo.
Thanks Kathy. How do you set up an author page though? Sorry to be so dense!
Really like your author Page. It's very lively and interesting.
Carol wrote: "Thanks Kathy. How do you set up an author page though? Sorry to be so dense!"It's a while since I started mine so I've half-forgotten! You need to click on the little down arrow at the far right hand side on the dark blue band at the top of your personal page. One of the options in the drop-down list is Create Page. If you click that, you will see a choice of different types of pages you can create. You'll want Artist, Band or Public Figure. Keep following it through. If you want a good guide, I suggest Googling 'setting up an author page on Facebook' - one of the results is Cambridge.org which opens as a PDF. It looks clearer than many of the other explanations. It's not that difficult: I did it!
Carol wrote: "Really like your author Page. It's very lively and interesting."Thank you! But it's a work in progress... Not really sure what I'm doing. :)
Have just been looking it up. I think I can do it, but need to reflect on what to put on it, perhaps, before I continue. It obviously needs photos etc. Have you found any 'down side' to being on it?Am in the last few days of finishing corrections for novel, so haven't much time to concentrate on anything else and don't want to do a Facebook site badly as it's so public.
Carol wrote: "Have just been looking it up. I think I can do it, but need to reflect on what to put on it, perhaps, before I continue. It obviously needs photos etc. Have you found any 'down side' to being on it..."I agree that you probably need to plan it a bit. Don't be too concerned though because the photo and cover are easy to change again - as often as you want - and the information on 'about'. The main downside is that it takes time to do it properly and sometimes I feel I should be writing! Certainly I should make sure you get your novel as you want it first. But it is good to have a place to interact with people in a relaxed way.
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Verity has become disenchanted with standing naked and pregnant at the end of Ilfracombe Pier and has decided to be flown in a Space Capsule ..."
Best thing to do is to go to Devon Book Club on FB and then like our page - that way you will get all the updates. There is a link on the events section of our pages below
Thanks Kathy. Looking forward to meeting up in a couple of week's time (and everyone else as well!).
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Yes, looking forward to that too, Carol
Have put a couple of photos up from my last trip. Loved A Place Called Winter but found I Refusequite hard going because it was so bleak.
Excellent, Sue. I particularly like Paddington! :) This is the newest book by Patrick Gale, isn't it? It seems to have a lot of great reviews.
Kathy wrote: "Excellent, Sue. I particularly like Paddington! :) This is the newest book by Patrick Gale, isn't it? It seems to have a lot of great reviews."Glad you like Paddington :). Yes it is his latest and my first. He came to talk to our library a couple of years ago (I was away) and people still talk about him. At least there is a big back catalogue! Loved the pace of the book and the characterizations. Have you read any of his, Kathy?
Sue wrote: "Kathy wrote: "Excellent, Sue. I particularly like Paddington! :) This is the newest book by Patrick Gale, isn't it? It seems to have a lot of great reviews."Glad you like Paddington :). Yes it is..."
Sorry for the delay in replying - I've been away with only sporadic internet access! Yes, I have read I think two books by Patrick Gale. I know one was Rough Music which I enjoyed but, ashamed to say, I can't remember the other though I do remember that I didn't enjoy it so much. I do agree about how good his characterisations are.
Following a great afternoon event at Walter Henry's bookshop in Bideford, we headed over to Woolacombe where I enjoyed a quiet read while Ian went for a swim!See Canadaby Richard Ford in the photos section.
Angela wrote: "Following a great afternoon event at Walter Henry's bookshop in Bideford, we headed over to Woolacombe where I enjoyed a quiet read while Ian went for a swim!See Canadaby Richard F..."Your photo makes the book look like a mighty tome, Angela. Is it as intimidating as it looks?! And are you enjoying it?
Kathy wrote: "Angela wrote: "Following a great afternoon event at Walter Henry's bookshop in Bideford, we headed over to Woolacombe where I enjoyed a quiet read while Ian went for a swim!See [book:Canada|128722..."Hi Kathy - at 515 pages it is quite a chunky one, but the writing is very accessible and is keeping me intrigued. I have just completed the first half of the novel, which takes place in America, and I am now following the main character to Canada - he is the 15 year old son of two somewhat unlikely bank robbers.
Have just put Bill Bryson's book, A Walk in the Woods, on the photo section. I walked along Bear Mountain Trail which is just opposite. It is not quite the Appalachian Trail he walked along, but perhaps it somewhat resembles it. The Appalachian Trail does go through Connecticut, but further north, I think.The water in the lake looks cold, but was in fact very warm, and a delight to swim in, as well as to fall into from a kayak!
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Wonderful. Thats what comes from reading whilst in a kayak
Have just had a few days on the Isle of Wight and have posted a photo of
on the harbour wall at Ventnor. You'll notice it has a different cover (- I prefer mine!). It also looks slightly surreal as if suspended there. It was actually balanced somewhat precariously against a small water bottle...
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on the harbour wall at Ventnor. You'll notice it has a different cover (- I pref..."Lovely. We're off to teh Canary Islands for a couple of weeks (though I'll keep in touch) so I'll attempt Kindle (travelling light) with volcanic backdrop!
Ian wrote: "Kathy wrote: "Have just had a few days on the Isle of Wight and have posted a photo of on the harbour wall at Ventnor. You'll notice it has a different c..."Sounds challenging...! Have a great time. :)
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on the harbour wall at Ventnor. You'll notice it has a..."Thanks - hope to see at Crediton but I'll be in touch before then
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here is a photo of my book on its travels on Datai Bay beach, Langkawi. I'm currently reading The Expatriates by Janice Y K Lee (set in Hong Kong), but have also read The Girl with No Past by Kathryn Croft and A Funeral for an Owl by Jane Davis
Thanks for posting up for me Ian ..... shame you didn't correct all my typos! Sorry everyone!
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Actually, they are mainly mine but I've corrected them now!
Alison wrote: "Thanks for posting up for me Ian ..... shame you didn't correct all my typos! Sorry everyone!"Looks beautiful there, Alison. Yep, I'm jealous...
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Looks beautiful there, Alison. Yep, I'm jealous..."
Doesn't is just! Actually, Ali - can you tell us any more about the books - have you a favourite?
What a perfect place to settle down with a good book!
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https://www.goodreads.com/photo/group...
Have added a photo to this thread: The Door. Enjoyed reading it while spending a few days in St.Mawes. Nice to have time to read and not worry about the jobs you should be doing!
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The book is a collection of short stories, which I thought were wonderful. Like any good short story, they capture moments, fragments of people's lives but convey so much more than that.
This collection is surprising, perceptive and intelligently written. Tom has been awarded a number of literary prizes and I can see why. His writing is very self-assured and I look forward to reading one of his novels now.
You can find out more about Tom, who is a Plymouth-based writer here http://www.tomvowler.co.uk/
Picture duly posted
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Photo posted
If you take your book out for a walk, please let us know.
And remember my TBR/SW Coast Path Challenge. Read a book from your TBR pile and walk the coast path (for real of virtually). I'll remind you of the details another time.
Happy Sunday
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I am constantly inspired by the way the books we read blend and intersect with our lives and with each other. They help us to be stronger together and I am always alert to new ways to show this.
On that note, here are some wonderful recommendations for you - kindly supplied at my request by Tsara Smith You may know that Tsara is undertaking an inspirational walk around every parish of Mid and East Devon to raise awareness of rural racism.
Whilst walking (and talking with those she meets or who accompany her) Tsara loves to read (often by audio book) and she has talked about her experience through our Twitter account @BookDevon , especially during our weekly #devonbookhour from 8PM MOndays (if you've not joined us yet please drop by)
I asked Tsara to send me a list as they are fabulous choices -
I've read some but, by no means, all of these books but intend to do so over time. They are a fabulous and varied range of books.
"Natives - Akala
A brilliant re-education examining both our history and current disparities. Akala weaves his own experiences with stats and facts. Engaging, searing, disturbing and still humorous in places.
The Good Immigrant - Nikesh Shukla Eds
A brilliant collection of personal stories that give an insight into people’s real experiences in Britain. An insight into what it can be like to be ‘other’ in our society.
Me and White Supremacy: How to Recognise Your Privilege, Combat Racism and Change the World - Layla F Saad
A tough self-learning journey. It is a really challenging process that forces you to examine your own relationship with the colour of your skin and how you have benefitted from it. Prepare to feel very uncomfortable but to learn a lot.
American Dirt – Jeanine Cummins
A beautifully written novel about a woman and her son who attempt to cross the Mexico-US border illegally. I couldn’t stop reading this one. The writing is vivid and the story is tense.
Where the Crawdads Sing – Delia Owens
A real tribute to nature, the marsh and the wildlife in it is as much a character in this book as any human. A mix of coming-of-age story and mystery, it’s a lovely descriptive book that swept me off to a far land and immersed me in the world of ‘the marsh girl’ at the centre of the story.
Black and British – David Olusoga
An eye-opening examination of the relationship between Britain and Africa. A real education that makes you wonder how we have allowed ourselves to become so ignorant to the truth of this relationship.
Thursday murder club – Richard Osman
I needed this book. I find it difficult to switch off from everything going on in the world today. This was a true escape and the characters in it are so beautifully written that I was soon cocooned in its warmth. It’s gentle, amusing, sweet and intriguing all at the same time. Can’t wait for the next one.
Salt Path – Raynor Winn
Someone I met on my walk recommended this to me and I knew I would love it. Still reading at the moment but it’s definitely a testament to the human spirit and what we can achieve when we put our minds and bodies to the test. Wonderfully detailed and a beautiful description of the relationship between this wife and husband duo who are walking the South West Coast Path after they lose everything.
Wild – Cheryl Strayed
I watched this film a few months ago and I am pretty sure it inspired my current ramble against racism. The memoir of one woman’s 1100-mile hike along the Pacific Crest Trail in the States. She is inexperienced and alone, and of course she learns a lot along the way.
Human Crossings: 9 stories about refugees – Brigitte Deneck et al.
I heard about this through #devonbookhour and Khaled Wakkaa in Exeter. Real stories about being a refugee. I hope to gain a better understanding of the people who are forced to seek a better life away from their homes.
The Walker's Guide to Outdoor Clues and Signs: Explore the great outdoors from your armchair - Tristan Gooley
I rely on an OS map app and GPS for ease of navigation on my travels. I carry a hard copy map too, which I could cope with if I needed to. However, I am interested in other ways to understand the landscape around me. This book reveals what the land, sun, moon, stars, trees, plants and animals can tell you. It promises to be an educational read that I am sure will come in handy!"
I loved 'Where the Crawdids Sing,' one of the best books I have ever read. The author really knows, and has an obvious love of, the flora and fauna of the region she writes about. 'The Walker's Guide to Outdoor Clues and Signs' sounds very interesting. So much of our plants and creatures has disappeared. Such a difference now to how the Devon countryside was even in my childhood 70 years ago. So many more flowers then. So many little animals in the hedgerows and fields. Blackberries everywhere at this time of year which we would pick. Then, after bottling, we would eat them for the rest of the year. Mushrooms, as well, in the fields and on Exmoor which we would take home and eat with bacon and laver.
Mod
I enjoyed the first half more than the second on balance - and largely for the reason you describe, Carol. She developed a wonderful sense of place and character. The plot conclusions in the second half impressed me less but overall a great read
Devon Book Club
Books mentioned in this topic
All the Light We Cannot See (other topics)Book Of Fire (other topics)
Dazzling the Gods: Stories (other topics)
The Door (other topics)
A Thousand Splendid Suns (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Laurent Binet (other topics)Roma Tearne (other topics)
Sue Morgan (other topics)
