Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 9th July at 7.30pm in The Red Lion, Charles Street: we will be discussing The Woods by Harlan Coben.

This is a friendly reading and discussion group and newcomers are welcome.
We agreed to start a new thread to allow newcomers to get up-to-date without wading through pages and pages of posts*.

Being a forward-thinking bunch we have also selected a book for August - which will be Notes from an Exhibition by Patrick Gale (and yes, I am wracked with guilt over having chosen two of the last three books). Edited: I lie. Two out of the last four, so I feel a bit less guilty.

Previous books discussed by this group:

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult
Star of the Sea by Joseph O Connor
Half of a Yellow Sun by C. Ngozi Adiche
The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde
Mister Pip by Lloyd Jones
Brick Lane by Monica Ali
The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak
A Spot Of Bother by Mark Haddon


*If you do wish to wade through pages of posts, they are here: http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=297086

p.s. The movie group, mentioned in last night's discussions, is here: http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?p=3638932#post3638932, although it too will probably have a new, streamlined thread soon.

p.p.s. Could anyone who's interested in the paperback exchange thingy I mentioned last night send me a pm with your email address? I will pass it on to the first five people from whom I get messages. Obviously anyone who misses out can have it passed to them from the people I pass it too. Forgive my waffling.

Thanks for starting the new thread shlg. Some interesting differences of opinion last night. I really enjoyed it. :)

Good work shlg! You are very organised as always! Looking forward to the next one already!

Shauna

Thank you for starting the new thread as I have been one of those people wading. Fingers crossed I shall be there on July 9th.

Claire

Just thought I'd bump this up. Are we well read and ready folks?

I have very nearly finished it. It hasn't taken very long but I was late starting because of moving house.

Hi Readers. What was the verdict on 'The Woods' then? Looking forward to seeing what the next choice is. Sorry I couldn't make it on Wednesday.

Hello!

I think the consensus was that it was what we expected - easy reading with a lot of cardboard characters...

What did you think?

Next Meeting is going to be on Wednesday 6 August to discuss Notes on an Exhibition by Patrick Gale. The meeting after that will be early September (I can't remember if we agreed a date!) to discuss The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood (as chosen by Mocca).

Thanks Shauna. I haven't got far into it actually, but it was keeping my interest ok. The next two should be interesting, including Mocca's favourite I see. Talking of which I'm also hoping to slip in Code's recommendation of "The End of the Affair" over the next few months. That's right isn't it Code13?

"The End of the Affair" is my favourite novel, yes. But its not a "book group choice" in case anyone in the thread gets confused. You were missed Ron. I think we agreed September 3rd for the Handmaid's Tale.

G'day Ron, yep I muscled in my fave (sorry) as I think that will be my last meeting before I am shipped out of the country, boooo!!
Just on a personal note though Book Groupers, I am having a few birthday drinks at The West End on Glossop Road this Saturday (the 2nd of August) from about 1.30pm to 4ish before heading to the Uni for Viva Climax, you're all welcome to come along and join me for a few libations otherwise I will see you next week.

Hiya have finished Notes on an Exhibition and think it's one of my favourites so far. Looking forward to the meet next week.

Mocca - have finally started Gone With The Wind! Only about a third way through it though.

I finished Notes from an Exhibition today: really enjoyed it.
See you all soon.
Mocca, I have urgent DIY to do on Saturday, but if I manage to get it done in the morning I might pop in for a lemonade or two!

Hope you had a good birthday Mocca - sorry I couldn't make it

Finished the book a few days ago. See you all tomorrow night (Wed). Happy belated birthday Mocca.

G'day Ron, yep I muscled in my fave (sorry) as I think that will be my last meeting before I am shipped out of the country, boooo!!
Just on a personal note though Book Groupers, I am having a few birthday drinks at ...

Yes, very sad you are leaving, Mocca. I too will be moving away, but only to Nottingham, and I hope to still come to some of the book club meetings.

I have the Handmaid's Tale and will read it with interest.

Sorry I couldn't make the last meet. Was it a thumbs up?

Me and my girlfriend are interested in joining a book club. Can you explain whether you are looking for new members and when you meet and what we have to do to join.

Hi tripleg,

You and your girlfriend would be welcome to join us - new members are welcome. You don't have to do anything to join, except read the book and turn up ready to have a chat about it!

This month's book is The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. We'll be meeting at the Red Lion Pub, Charles Street at 7.30pm on Wednesday 3 September.

(Look for us in the atrium bit on a big table. We'll usually have a copy of the book on the table too, so you can identify us).

Was it a thumbs up?

I think the general consensus was "good; not the best we've read". What did you think, Ron?

Me and my girlfriend are interested in joining a book club. Can you explain whether you are looking for new members and when you meet and what we have to do to join.

Sorry, it's Wednesday the 3rd of SEPTEMBER for the next meeting.

I think the general consensus was "good; not the best we've read". What did you think, Ron?

I think everyone enjoyed Notes on an Exhibition but I think there was more debate on the relevance of certain characters and how large a part they played in the novel compared to whether we liked the writing style/storyline.

Thanks Mocca. I'm a complete idiot. :loopy: I've changed my post above so it says 3 September now to avoid any confusion!

This is why I never organise anything...because I always get it wrong.

Hi All

Sorry I didn't make it last time had planned to but work got in the way! Oh and Sarah was in Cornwall. Will definately both be back next time. btw I read Notes from an exhibition (in about 3 days as Sarah only returned it to me on the Sunday) and really enjoyed it.

Glad you enjoyed it, Clare. You were both missed.

Oh dear God!! Was just on a cinema website and they have made The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas into a film!! So I am guessing movie studios have decided to COMPLETELY give up on producing new ideas?!?!

So I am guessing movie studios have decided to COMPLETELY give up on producing new ideas?!?!

Well, they do say there are only seven stories in the world ... and recycling is very fashionable nowadays.

The next book will be East of Eden by John Steinbeck.

Sorry for forgetting to post this straight away!

See you all next time.

Laura.

DOH! It would help to know when...Wednesday 1st October, 7.30, Red Lion.

Am about 70 pages into the Handmaid's Tale at the moment and it is LOOKING GOOD.

Am about 70 pages into the Handmaid's Tale at the moment and it is LOOKING GOOD.

Me too, and ditto. (Even better than I remembered from the first time I read it).

How are we getting on folks? I will have to put a bit of an effort in to finish on time. Just been doing too much other stuff! Will get there though.

I finished it about 2 days ago. Good choice by Mocca - I think we'll have lots to discuss.

Look forward to seeing you all on Wednesday.

Hi all,

I've been looking to join a book club for a while and have read this months book. Is it ok to just turn up on wednesday?

Yup Brayuk. One of us will have a copy of the book on the table, so you'll know who we are.

A friend just showed me this (http://www.thecosmicorderingsite.com/) - scarily like the prayer machines in The Handmaid's Tale.

A friend just showed me this (http://www.thecosmicorderingsite.com/) - scarily like the prayer machines in The Handmaid's Tale.

Hahaha, brilliant. Just sent my order out to the cosmos; let's see if it works.

I have resisted being the organised one, but...

The next meeting has been changed to Wed 8th October; the book is still East of Eden by John Steinbeck.

The next meeting after that is Wed 5th November, when we will discuss A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini.

(Edited to avoid confusion - I'd linked to completely the wrong book).

Not quite Shlg! I think the book was going to be A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Thousand-Splendid-Suns-Khaled-Hosseini/dp/0747582971/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1221163832&sr=1-1

The one you linked to looked a bit 'interesting'!

(PS, sorry I wasn't organised and didn't post these details - last time I tried and got it wrong.)

I did think when I googled it that that one looked more likely... but I'd written down 'A Thousand Suns', with no 'Splendid'.

Editing my previous post to avoid confusion.

Thanks, Shauna.

Hi!!I would really like to join your group!!If you don't mind!!Although i'm a bit back to front as i'm currently in the middle of a thousand splendid suns!How many of you are there?!

You would be very welcome. There are about ten of us at meetings, usually (from a pool of sixteen or so, I think).

Newcomers always welcome!

Hiya have finished East of Eden and have even made some notes this time. Hadn't read a John Steinbeck book since school (Of Mice and Men) and I had forgotten what a good writer he was. See you all on 8th

I'm less than 200 pages in, but loving it so far.

I see (in Radio Times this week) the writter of "Lost in Austen" claims he has never read "The Eyre Affair" (lucky him) despite the obvious similarities in the premise.

i'm still waiting for my copy to arribve from amazon, think it must have got lost in the post :confused: might not be joining you this month after all!!!

I finished East of Eden last night: very much looking forward to the discussion.

I know a few people haven't finished the book yet (which is not surprising, at 600 pages) - please still come to the discussion, unless it would really bother you to find out the ending.

I'll be there, although I doubt very much that I'll have finished it - I'm only about 400 pages in so far.

See you all on Wednesday!

Loved it, loved it, loved it. See you all on Wednesday.

Hi I'm new on here and would love to join a book club. can you please post some details.

Hi FOlks,

I'm really sorry I didn't make it last night. Various reasons, which I won't go into on here!

What was the verdict? I'm still enjoying it, although I found it hard work to get through in a month (I'm about 400 pages in!) particularly now I'm working again (YIKES!)

I'll see you, I hope, next month!

We meet at 7.30pm in the Red Lion on Charles Street. Newcomers are always welcome.

The next meeting is Wed 5th November, when we will discuss A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini.

The next meeting after that is probably Wed 3rd December (to be confirmed at the November meeting), to discuss Dracula by Bram Stoker (maels' choice).

Hi FOlks,

I'm really sorry I didn't make it last night. Various reasons, which I won't go into on here!

What was the verdict? I'm still enjoying it, although I found it hard work to get through in a month (I'm about 400 pages in!) particularly now I'm working again (YIKES!)

I'll see you, I hope, next month!

I think the general verdict was that it was brilliant and very long! There were six of us at the meeting and only three had finished it.

Hi guys

Sorry i couldn't make it last week - was in the middle of moving and there were too many boxes still to unpack! Was looking forward to it as I really enjoyed the book and was one of the few who had actually finished it:) Maybe at the next meet we can have a quick discussion once everyone has finished it....

Shauna - hope you are enjoying your job I bet those early mornings are a shock :hihi:

Hi there

Im interested in joining your reading circle. Are you still open to new recruits?

Cheers

Darren

Are you still open to new recruits?


Yes, new people are always welcome. The next meeting is on 5th November, to discuss 'A Thousand Splendid Suns'; the next after that is 3rd December, to discuss 'Dracula'.

Hope to see you soon.

I am absolutely hating "A thousand splendid suns" folks. Should make for an interesting discussion, though as I can't comprehend why anyone would want to read it!!

Not sure yet whether I'll make it for this one: if Code13's right, I might not regret missing it!

hahaha Code13, couldn't agree more. See y'all on wednesday.

Good work shlg!you're the best!:)

I am absolutely hating "A thousand splendid suns" folks. Should make for an interesting discussion, though as I can't comprehend why anyone would want to read it!!

Even worse than The Eyre Affair code?

I should manage to finish this one, so will see you Wednesday.

Not having started it, I won't finish this one so I won't see you on Wednesday.

I have started Dracula, though, ready for the December meeting.

Interesting fact about East of Eden (I've started reading a biography of Steinbeck, too): E of E was originally going to be a history of Steinbeck's family (the Hamiltons), and then sort of morphed into a novel, which explains the excess of detail about unimportant members of the Hamilton family.

Ron Blanco? Ist thou still in Sheffield!?

I won't be to make tomorrow as it's Bonfire night so I will be staying in looking after my dog.

I have read the book though and wasn't really impressed. It was very American (would a girl in 1970'a Afghanistan really know the words candy and sidewalk?) and I think the relationship between Mariam and Laila could have been explored further. Any book written about Afghanistan during this period has to mention the history of the country but I got the impression the text was taken straight out of a history book without really exploring the feelings of the central characters.

Not as good as Half A Yellow Sun

What did everone else think?

Yes Ron! I think it is worse than the Eyre Affair!!

My thoughts exactly pupster, I also didn't like the narrative written from the perspective of a female when the writer was clearly a man. It was a bit too "oprah book club" for me obviously written at a very basic level for people who have no real concept of what it would have been like for a woman in those/these times but blatantly trying to cash in on the current climate.

Ron Blanco? Ist thou still in Sheffield!?

No Mocca, Nottingham. It will be a pleasure to get away from the gun-crime capital of the UK for an evening, assuming I can escape the border patrols. If I fail to show then fear the worst. Mr Hosseini's portrayal of life in Kabul seems fairly tame in comparison to this!

Can't make it tonight :-( stuck in wales, let me know the outcome....although it's looking pretty clear already!!

Yes Ron! I think it is worse than the Eyre Affair!!


I would have to disagree with you there Code 13 (sorry Ron - hope you back it safely to Sheffield :))

How was the discussion last week? Did everyone hate the book or is there a silent majority of people who enjoyed it?

And was a book chosen for January?

I have started on Dracula, ready for December's meet.

I think most of us didn't like it, for reasons already mentioned on the thread.

As for January book Margaret (do you have a forum name yet?) suggested a book about Sheffield families that had been on the Booker list she'd heard about - I think it is The Northern Clemency by Philip Hensher (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Northern-Clemency-Philip-Hensher/dp/0007174799/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1226339813&sr=8-1) but I'm not 100 per cent sure. And we suggested Wednesday 14 January for the January meeting but we talk about it again in December.

Hi Folks, sorry I missed it too - I had terrible wisdom tooth ache (although I really am a little old for teething problems!

I'll be there on 3 December - can't believe it has been 2 months since I made the last book group!

I think most of us didn't like it, for reasons already mentioned on the thread.

As for January book Margaret (do you have a forum name yet?) suggested a book about Sheffield families that had been on the Booker list she'd heard about - I think it is The Northern Clemency by Philip Hensher (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Northern-Clemency-Philip-Hensher/dp/0007174799/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1226339813&sr=8-1) but I'm not 100 per cent sure. And we suggested Wednesday 14 January for the January meeting but we talk about it again in December.

736 pages! Aaaagh!

hahaha, have just placed a hold on it through the library, I am 66th in line to get it.
Hope everyone before me are speed readers.
See y'all in December.

Th Northern Clemency sounds a good choice - but at 736 pages I know what I'll be doing over the Christmas hols.

See you on 3rd Dec

Hi,

I've never been to a book club before and have no idea what to expect but I'd like to come...Um... is it ok to just turn up?

If so which Red Lion do you meet at and when's the January meeting please?
Thanks!

Hi Fitzgerald.

Yes, it's fine just to turn up.
We meet at the Red Lion on Charles Street (in the city centre, off Arundel Gate towards the train station).

The January meeting might be on Weds 14th, but will be confirmed at the December meeting which is on 3rd Dec.

Hi guys, just letting you know that I bumped into Margaret last night and she confirmed that yes, the book she was talking about is The Northern Clemency. She still can't log on to the forum as herself though.

Hi everyone,

Yes it was The Northern Clemency I was thinking of. Hope it is not too long to try and read before January! Will we decide for definite at December meeting?

See you on Dec 3rd for Dracula

Just wondering what time you're meeting on the 3rd. I'd love to come along if it'll fit around netball!

We meet at 7.30pm at the Red Lion on Charles Street: newcomers always welcome!

My apologies for not making it to the meeting as I am a little under the weather. In fact I felt so pale and lifeless when I awoke this morning that I fully expected to find two puncture marks on my neck.

I found Bram Stoker's Dracula a total pleasure to read. I savoured the quality of the writing and loved the story.

[Spoiler Alert - if you haven't read it yet don't read this next bit]
My only disappointment was that Dracula didn't get to put up a fight at the climax. I would particularly have liked him to sink his fangs into the lecherous old Dr Van Helsing.

Definitely in competition with Mr Pip and Star of the Sea to be my favourite so far.

Quite curious about ths next book!!

Sorry you're not well, Ron.
Your thoughts - including the bit that disappointed you - echo fairly closely what people were saying last night.
Definitely one of my favourites!

Dear members of Red Lion Book Club,

I apologise for posting here in such a public place but I haven’t been able to get through to the pub, nor do I have any contacts for members of the Book Club.

We are a documentary film company with a strong record in producing high quality programmes for the BBC and Channel 4. We have recently been commissioned by Channel 4 to make another documentary for the channel’s flagship documentary strand, Cutting Edge. The premise of this film is very simple, to explore our nation’s relationship with the pub. In an attempt to focus the programme we will only be looking at pubs called ‘The Red Lion’ - the most common pub name.

By using this simple concept we can visit the whole spectrum of pubs – from the top end gastro/ food pubs to quiet village rural pub. The focus of the film is not on how these pubs are managed, but rather on who drinks in them and why. At a time when many pubs seem to be having a hard time, we want to make a film that looks at why pubs are so important to the people that drink in them.

Obviously, I'm aware that you have a book group, which meets in the same pub every month or so and it would be great if I could speak to someone about this in some more detail.

Please don’t hesitate to give me a call or email the address below to get in touch. Of course, speaking to me does not imply any commitment on either side. I look forward to hearing from somone soon.

Best wishes

Arron Fellows
Associate Producer
Wellpark Productions
020 8932 0133

Hello guys,

I have acquired Northern Clemency and have already reached page 8, so only another 730 pages to go. Can someone please confirm the date of the next meet. Is it Wed 14th Jan? If so, I still have a fighting chance....

cheers

Yep, Weds 14th.

I'm a whole 35 pages in! I know how I'll be spending my Christmas holiday...

The email address for us is:-

wellparkproductions@yahoo.com

Many thanks,

Arron

Hope everyone has had a fab Holiday season. Am actually just about to finish Northern Clemency (only about 10 pages to go). See you all in 2009. Happy New Year!!!

Had a great holiday so far, but have still barely started on the Northern Clemency! Aagh! I'd better get speed-reading...

Happy New Year, all!

You'll whizz through it. Can someone remind me of the next book please; is it Mrs Galloway? Ironically, I think I may finish the Northern Clemency early despite its epic scale....

It's Mrs Dalloway by Virginia Wolf (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mrs_dalloway) (a nice, thin book!). I don't think we set a date, but 11th Feb would be four weeks from the January meeting.

Hi everybody happy (belated) new year. Due to having cold over Christmas I have finished The Northern Clemency in record time. Just hope I will be able to remember it come the 14th. See you in a couple of weeks

I think I am going to have to bail on this one, folks. Have not even got a copy of the book yet.

Hope you are feeling better Pupster...sick at Chritsmas is a bit of a downer. I will be in the same boat as you though, I can barely remember most of the characters' names already hahaha.
See y'all soon.

Hi everyone
I've been looking for a book group in Sheffield for ages and yours sounds wonderful, would it be possible to join? I suppose it's a bit close to make the January meeting but when are you meeting in February?
Many thanks!

Hi essjay

You'd be very welcome (even to the January meeting if you can read 700 pages by Wednesday!). The date hasn't been set for the February meeting, but I suspect it's likely to be 11th.

I fail! I haven't read enough of the book to discuss it (260 pages in), and I've got lots to do for work and cleaning up after a plumber... so I'm not going to make it tonight.

Have fun, kids.

Tis a shame shlg and code13. You missed Mocca's final appearance... for now anyway.

Virginia Wolf's "Mrs Dalloway" was confirmed for the next meeting on February 11th, 7.30pm.

The choice for March is "Walk the Blue Fields" by Claire Keegan. Date tbc.

Hi all, thanks for a lovely final Book Club Meeting, it was the first of alot of "lasts" to come. As discussed I am having a going away pub crawl on Saturday the 24th of January. It is a costume event with the theme being British. Come as anything you think a British Icon or Institute..or hey just come as a celebrity. Please note: anyone appearing as themselves will be booed and spat on hahaha. Only joking I understand that some may just want to pop in for a quick drink. The plan of action is to start at The Walkabout Pub on Carver Street (in between Division and West) at 3pm. By about 5/5.30pm the plan then is to be at The Graduate Pub (Surrey Street, opp The Central Library). Afterwards those still standing will head down to Affinity bar (Campo Lane) before ending the night at Dempseys. I myself will be in a Dick Van Dyke circa Mary Poppins Chimney Sweep get up. No big if people can't make it, I imagine I will not have the best motor skills after the first couple pints hahaha. PM me for my mobile number if you would like.
Thanks for such a great 15 months of literature sharing and just plain good company. I am sure I will be on the forum sporadically to give my opinions on your readings hahaha.
Best wishes,
Mocca

Mocca, sorry to miss your last book group, but I will catch up with you on Saturday.

I'm afraid I'm going to miss the February meeting, folks - have managed to double-book myself - but I have already bought the book for March, so will definitely see you then!

I am already hating Mrs Dalloway. I see the March book is another Irish one, we are rather over-reprsesented methinks.

hi
i'm moving to sheffield in the next month or so and would love to join your club (i couldn't actually find a book club to join here in london!). how do i go about it? i notice you have said you'll probably meet on 11th feb which by lucky coincidence i am in sheffield to go to university open day ...can i tag along to your meeting? where is the red lion? i'm from sheffield but been away a while and can't seem to fina my way around anymore maria x

You can join the group by just turning up at the next meeting :) The Red Lion is on Charles Street, off Arundel Gate, not far from the railway station - map (http://www.multimap.com/s/FVvCrC8v).

Dammit, I was thinking of joining a book club but I remember hating Mrs Dalloway (don't remember much else, I think she was having a party?).

Then again, I don't seem to be the only one who didn't like it, maybe I could re-read it and share the hate ;-)

The book for March looks interesting though, might go straight for that one!

__K__

You could always just share the hate you have already built up by having this piece of bilge inflicted on you. :)

You could always just share the hate you have already built up by having this piece of bilge inflicted on you. :)


Not that you have strong feelings either way, eh? ;)

I think I'm glad I'll miss Mrs Dalloway... but am considering reading The Eyre Affair, just to catch up with the general hate vibe.

Don't get me re-started on that one! :rant::rant::rant:

would love to join the club -has a date been set for the March meet yet?and where do people get the books from-do you usually buy or library?

I don't think the March meeting is set. Will probably be 11 March I would guess. It is just up to the individual whether they buy the book or get it from the library.

Only 3 of us tonight but we did manage to talk about Mrs Dalloway and set a definite date for the March meeting - 11/03 (Code13 asked them to reserve the big table for us).

We also talked about dates for April meeting - how does the 15th sound to everyone? And we had a suggestion for the April book - details should follow soon.

Whats the March book?

The March book is Walk the Blue Fields by Claire Keegan

Hello all, I attended my first meeting this week having recently moved to Sheffield. I was asked to nominate a book for April and suggested Life and Fate by Vasily Grossman. I've checked and it's rather longer than I thought (about 850 pages instead of the 450 - 500 that I thought!). I'm happy to go ahead with it but I know not everyone will have the time to get hold of the book and read 800 odd pages.

I'm drawing a blank for another nomination as all my books are still boxed, so I'll throw it open. Any Suggestions?

Only 3 of us tonight but we did manage to talk about Mrs Dalloway

Apologies for my absence. What was the verdict on Mrs Dalloway?

I found it onerous to begin with. However, once I got used to the style, I started to enjoy it and ended the book with an urge to read it again.

As Code13 has mentioned above, he didn't like it and BHrich hadn't read it. This was the second time I've read it - the first time I was rather surprised it wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be; this time I realised I'd forgotten how much we get about other characters, not just Mrs Dalloway. I enjoy it when I get into the flow of the text but sometimes if I failed to pay attention for a few pages, I realised I wasn't sure in whose thoughts we were - I thought everybody was a bit samey (although obviously things that occupy their minds are mostly quite different).

...I was asked to nominate a book for April and suggested Life and Fate by Vasily Grossman. I've checked and it's rather longer than I thought (about 850 pages instead of the 450 - 500 that I thought!). I'm happy to go ahead with it but I know not everyone will have the time to get hold of the book and read 800 odd pages.

I'm drawing a blank for another nomination as all my books are still boxed, so I'll throw it open. Any Suggestions?


I'm not sure I can hack another book that long, so soon after the trauma of The Northern Clemency.

Code13's asked me to suggest Devil May Care (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Devil-May-Care-Sebastian-Faulks/dp/0718154185/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1234869706&sr=1-3) by Sebastian Faulks - it's a James Bond novel: Sebastian Faulks "writing as Ian Fleming". 320 pages!
Any thoughts? I am biased because I love the Bond books anyway.

Edited to add: In other news, I started Walk the Blue Fields last night, and by the time I got to work this morning I was a third of the way through the book. A refreshing change!

I think 800+ pages is more than I could manage in a normal month, so 320 pages of Devil May Care sound more appealing... I read some of the Bond novels in my teens, so it would be interesting to see what a modern Bond book is like :)

I think there has been sufficient time for any objections so we can settle on Devil May Care for the April book.

started reading walk the blue fields today-not what I was expecting so looking forward to discussions-what time do you kick off on the 11th?

We meet at about 7.30 (and the discussion usually starts around 8) - at the big table in the conservatory.

Edit: Blooming automatic smilies! That was supposed to say "the discussion usually starts around 8"!

Hi,

I wasn't able to get a hold of Walk the Blue Fields despite looking through all bookshops I could think of in Sheffield and Manchester... Needless to say I haven't read the book so I won't be coming on Wednesday. But I'll make sure to get my hands on a copy of the Devil May Care so that I'm well prepared for a good discussion at the next meet. Have a lovely evening on Wednesday and I'll see you next time.

Come to think of it, this is the first time I've missed out on two meetings in a row! My book club routine is in a state of clear imbalance...

Hi

I have a confession....... I have been buying 'non book club books which I was desperate to read so haven't got round to reading this month's book so I won't be making this month's meet. Hope you all have a good discussion

For a change, I've read this month's book and half of next month's! See at least some of you on Wednesday.

We decided last night that the next meeting will be on Wednesday 15th April, to discuss Devil May Care by Sebastian Faulks (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Devil-May-Care-James-Bond/dp/0718153766/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1236853492&sr=1-1). I returned a copy to Central library last night, so you lot can make a mad dash for it now.

May's book will be Dreams From My Father by Barack Obama (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dreams-My-Father-Story-Inheritance/dp/1847670946/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1236853421&sr=8-1).

Thanks for a good discussion last night. I will be reading some of the stories again at some point.

Thanks shlg. Yes, I enjoyed it too.

Apologies to GT for choosing a book that wasn't available in any book shops. Hopefully you'll have no problem getting hold of the next one.

Thanks all -had a really interesting and enjoyable night-just sorry that I had to leave early-will be better organised next month so I can stay for whole discussion.

It's OK, we didn't carry on very much longer after you'd left. It was nice to have you with us!

Hi,

When's the MAy meeting?

When's the MAy meeting?
I could be wrong but I don't remember us setting a date for May in the March meeting.

I don't think we did set a date - but four weeks from the April meeting will be 13th May. Does that suit everyone?
I'm very smug - I've already started on the May book!

I don't think we did set a date - but four weeks from the April meeting will be 13th May. Does that suit everyone?
I'm very smug - I've already started on the May book!
13 May is fine with me, although I really should start planning when I'm going to have time to read the book.... I haven't even started the April one yet, although I've had it from library for three weeks now (and had to renew it).

Both April's and May's books are pretty easy reading - I'm sure you'll manage!

Hi All,
So sorry didn't realise this months meeting was in school holls. Expecting to be lost somewhere on Snowdon by Wed night!
Hope you have a good one and see you in May -taking May book with me to get a good start!
Anastacia

We confirmed last night that the May meeting will be on Weds 13th May, discussing Dreams From My Father (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dreams-My-Father-Story-Inheritance/dp/1847670946/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1239871262&sr=8-1) by Barack Obama.

June's meeting will be on Weds 10th June, and we agreed on Persepolis (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Persepolis-Marjane-Satrapi/dp/009952399X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1239871354&sr=1-1) by Marjane Satrapi. In a stroke of luck, I got home and discovered my housemate's reading it at the moment, so I'll be able to borrow his copy.

Of the four of us last night, there was an even split for/against Devil May Care. What did anyone else think?

Of the four of us last night, there was an even split for/against Devil May Care. What did anyone else think?
I thought it was fun in the way I remembered Bond novels being fun when you're not taking them too seriously. I did end up reading the entire book quite fast in about two days so I realised I had forgotten all the references to the new 004 in the beginning by the time they were mentioned again towards the end.

I thought it was fun in the way I remembered Bond novels being fun when you're not taking them too seriously. I did end up reading the entire book quite fast in about two days so I realised I had forgotten all the references to the new 004 in the beginning by the time they were mentioned again towards the end.


That was pretty much what I thought - and I actively liked all the deliberately Flemingy touches. For example, I know Sebastian Faulkes can do very emotive descriptions with lots of metaphor, but here he deliberately kept the descriptions very factual and surface-level, in order to be more like Fleming.

I'm hoping to come to May's meeting but may be late as I have to go to a board meeting for work that officially finishes at 8. I probably don't have to stay to the end and it is quite near the Red Lion so I shouldn't miss too much hopefully.

See y'all then.

Laura.

I thought it was fun

Booo... it was rubbish.... booo!!!

Booo... it was rubbish.... booo!!!

I wish you'd thought of such in-depth and justified things to say during the discussion, Ron! ;)

It was so bad, I was lost for words at the time.

I'm never going to read any Sebastian Faulks again. That'll teach him!

I'm sure he'll be very upset!

I'm sure he'll be very upset!


I doubt it.

I expect he'll be laughing all the way to the bank.

£12.99 it cost me!!

Even Chagrin and Gorner would have raised an eye-brow at such daylight robbery. Disgraceful, Mr Faulks, you ought to be ashamed of yourself.

are you accepting new members? ..i can make the may meeting m x

are you accepting new members? ..i can make the may meeting m x

Hello 50's chick.

Yes, you're very welcome. Just come along to the next meeting and look out for us in the conservatory part of the pub about 7.30 ish.

I (the artist formerly known as Code 13) am desperately trying to listen to Mr Obama's book on audio, just seem to have had no time for book reading this month.

Is everyone ready for Wednesday's meeting, then?

Is everyone ready for Wednesday's meeting, then?
I finished the book on Sunday, just in time :)

I finished the book on Sunday, just in time :)

Great :)
I got a bit ahead of myself and finished it ages ago, but had my memory refreshed by listening to a bit of pb63's audio book.

Hello Readers,

Apologies for my absence last night, I had a charity event to attend.

What was the verdict on Barack's pearls of wisdom?

What was the verdict on Barack's pearls of wisdom?

I think the general consensus was that we liked it and thought it was well-written. We wondered whether he'd have been so honest if he'd known he would end up running for President!
Anastacia wasn't so keen but hadn't read it all and now plans to go back to it.

What did you think?

Hi shlg,

I am half way through. It is not a page-turner.

However, it is interesting to get a feel for his background. It shows his intelligence and it does appear to be written honestly. The book in itself is a bit dull though.

He does show a willingness to change his mind (to learn?) but this can also come across as indecisive, I think. His recent U-turn on detention of suspects is an example of that - tempering his ideals with some pragmatism. It could be his downfall perhaps, which would be a shame.

Hi

Now I am able to get on the internet the book chosen for July is The Personal History of Rachel Dupree by Ann Weisgarber.

Thanks, Pupster!

Looks interesting.

Hello. Could I join your bookclub? If so, could you please confirm date, time and location for July? Also how often do you actually meet and roughly for how long (sorry coming from Chesterfield so have to set up the grans for baby-sitting:) ) Have noted the book is 'The Personal History Of Rachel Dupree', correct? Thanks! C

Hi Guys,

Is June's meeting the 10th? If so, I can't make it, although I LOVE the book :-)

Laura.

Hi Guys,

Is June's meeting the 10th? If so, I can't make it, although I LOVE the book :-)

Laura.

Yes, the next meeting's 10th June. Shame you can't make it.

Hello. Could I join your bookclub? If so, could you please confirm date, time and location for July? Also how often do you actually meet and roughly for how long (sorry coming from Chesterfield so have to set up the grans for baby-sitting:) ) Have noted the book is 'The Personal History Of Rachel Dupree', correct? Thanks! C

Yes, you'd be very welcome to join! The next meeting's almost certainly the 8th July (this will be finally confirmed after the June meeting).
We meet once a month, at 7.30pm at the Red Lion on Charles Street, and the discussion usually lasts... um... about an hour to an hour and a half..? We tend to go off on tangents at the end and end up talking about all sorts.
Yes, that's the book.

Hope to see you in July!

Thanks so much. In my calendar! Hope to see you then.....

Is the Red Lion near any landmark?

Is the Red Lion near any landmark?

It's not far from the station: go to the Hubs (weird silver building: Sheffield Hallam Students' Union) and walk up the paved bit on the left-hand side of it (as you face it), continue up that road and the pub's on your right.

I hope you had a good discussion. My journey by train was interrupted due to severe flooding in the Sheffield area, so I had to turn back.

I liked Persepolis, especially at the beginning. I thought that the innocent viewpoint of a young girl really helped to emphasise the seemingly ludicrous nature of Iran's society, in hilarious fashion. The book seemed to fizzle out at the end though.

What was the verdict at the meeting?

Did anyone make it to the meeting?
pb63 and I were stranded on different trains just outside Sheffield, so neither of us went to the pub.

I liked Persepolis, too. I agree with you, Ron, that it fizzled at the end. I read the sequel too, and I think the story works much better if you read both books as one.
I thought the simplicity of style of the pictures helped emphasis the child's-viewpoint and maybe prevented the pictures from being too distracting from the story.

What did anyone else think?

Hey! I'd love to join your bookclub. Can anyone join? (:

Anyone can join. I thought Persepolis showed how people think revolution will bring one thing but brings another. In my lifetime the left rejected mainstream old labour, thinking they would get something more lefty but in reality they helped bring in the Thatcherite revolution. In Iran liberal people thought "we'll bring down the Shah, it can't get any worse" and got the Ayotullah!

Considering the elections going on today in Iran, it looked like we inadvertently chose another topical book.

Still no confirmation that anyone turned up to the meeting or what the choice is for next month!

In terms of future books I wonder if we should try one by J G Ballard, who recently passed away. Talking about his reasons for writing the book "Crash" he said: "I wanted to rub the human face in its own vomit, and force it to look in the mirror".

Maybe it's a bit too controversial for our group considering our previous, largely mainstream, choices?

the book chosen for July is The Personal History of Rachel Dupree by Ann Weisgarber.

July is sorted (was decided at the May meeting) - and I'm more than halfway through reading it already! July meeting will be on the 8th, according to my diary. Is this OK with everyone?

I don't mind controversial, so if others are happy with JG Ballard, I am too.

July meeting will be on the 8th, according to my diary. Is this OK with everyone?


Yes, I can make that date. I have made a start on the Weisgarber book, and what an impressive start it is!

I'm enjoying it, too :)

Really enjoyed persepolis -found it very easy to read and as I had little knowledge about the troubles in Iraq it was an interesting way of getting a load of infomation about a topic that I have always wanted to understand.Always felt that the politics of it all were so huge that to trawl through news infomation would be too long and arduous but to learn it all through the viewpoint of someone involved within it made it very easy.

Really enjoyed persepolis -found it very easy to read and as I had little knowledge about the troubles in Iraq it was an interesting way of getting a load of infomation about a topic that I have always wanted to understand.Always felt that the politics of it all were so huge that to trawl through news infomation would be too long and arduous but to learn it all through the viewpoint of someone involved within it made it very easy.

Yes, for me too.

Err, Persepolis is set in Iran, not Iraq.

I am happy to firm up JG Ballard's crash as our book for August meeting.

Err, Persepolis is set in Iran, not Iraq.


I had misread it as Iran. Otherwise my comment still applies.

Err, Persepolis is set in Iran, not Iraq.

I am happy to firm up JG Ballard's crash as our book for August meeting.

Thanks for pointing that out pb63-didnt make me feel stupid at all-honest !!

Thanks for pointing that out pb63-didnt make me feel stupid at all-honest !!

He is a bit of a pedantic so-and-so at times!

He is a bit of a pedantic so-and-so at times!

Pot...........Kettle!!!!!!

Pot...........Kettle!!!!!!

I can't think what on earth you could be talking about :P

Hello everyone. Hope to see you next month. I've finished 'Personal History.....' and am looking forward to sharing my comments..but don't want to spoil for anyone :) Really enjoyed it...and I would be interested in reading ANYTHING, so August suggestion has prompted my interest..love controversial!

Hello! I would like to join your book club if you have space for new members? Could you let me know when your next (august) meeting will be? Thanks!:)

Hi Pipp
The date for the August meeting will be decided at the July meeting (this Wednesday) and one of us will post here after that. New members are always welcome!

The date for the August meeting (JG Ballard's "Crash") will be 12 August.

For September we are going to read "The Nation's Favourite Poems" -

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nations-Favourite-Poems-Griff-Jones/dp/0563387823/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1247142262&sr=8-1

So those of you who were at the meeting yesterday, what did you think about The Personal History...? I really, really liked it, too bad I couldn't make it to the meeting.

And I've been catching up on past book group books--I finished Half of a Yellow Sun a couple of weeks ago.

I didn't make it to the meeting because I wasn't feeling well, but I really liked the book, too.

So those of you who were at the meeting yesterday, what did you think about The Personal History...? [/B]

Hi Maels,

It got a general thumbs up, though some liked it more than others.

Personally, I thought it was quite dull, apart from the opening chapter which I thought was excellent. Did you think the ending was optimistic or pessimistic? There was some disagreement about this at our meeting.


And I've been catching up on past book group books--I finished Half of a Yellow Sun a couple of weeks ago.

What did you think of it?

It got a general thumbs up, though some liked it more than others.

Personally, I thought it was quite dull, apart from the opening chapter which I thought was excellent. Did you think the ending was optimistic or pessimistic? There was some disagreement about this at our meeting.
I thought the ending was rather interesting because it was so open and you could interpret it many ways. And I think how you feel about the husband will have an impact on how you see the ending--he'd probably see her as giving up and not living up to her promise, but on the other hand she's finally taking her life into her own hands and wanting better than back-breaking toil for her children.

What did you think of it?
For some reason I didn't really read much about it before I started reading, and it wasn't only until I was about two-thirds in that I realised I didn't have much of an idea what the Biafran crisis was, so I went on Wikipedia to check. But not knowing much meant I got into the characters and theirs hopes and dreams without the knowledge of difficult things to come overshadowing it. On the whole, it was a difficult book to read because of the things that the characters went through, but well-written and certainly one to make you feel for the characters.

Hi Guys,

I can't believe I am going to miss 3 meetings in all ;-( I LOVED Persopolis, despite having already seen the film (worth a watch by the way) but had a flooding disaster at work and just wanted to stay home by the time I got there looking/feeling like a drowned rat. I can't make the August one but let me know when September one is.

Laura

Hi Everyone. Sorry didn't make July's meeting but definitely plan to be there next month. I enjoyed the book, but agree that some parts were very difficult. I thought she was an immensely strong woman who was made to make difficult choices. Although I enjoyed the story, I did find some bits a little 'dull'. Looking forward to the next meeting!

Hi guys - I'm going to come along to this meeting - very mich looking forward to reading and discussing Crash

Justine

That's good. I have booked the big table for us.

I'm not going to make it, I'm afraid - partly because I haven't started the book and can't see when I'll have time to read it between now and the meeting.

I'm half way through Crash. Hmmm... it's not quite what I was expecting. Feeling a little apprehensive about the feedback, especially as I chose the book. How was I to know JG's mind itself was such a twisted wreckage?

Well, if I never read the words "binnacle" or "pubis" in a novel again I won't feel deprived, that's for sure.

Quite right pb. Pubis, binnacles, chromium treadles and Vaughn's hard buttocks - there does seem to be a lot of repetition of certain phrases.

Perhaps it stems from this book being based on a short story. Maybe JG decided to convert it into a novel simply by repeating all the words in his short story rather than by extending the plot?

How are things going?

just checking - we meet up at 7.30, is that right?

Yes that's right Marama, about 7.30. Have you read the book?

Things seem to have been quiet this month, so i'm not sure what turnout we'll have tonight. Who else has read the book?

Almost there - I'll finish it this afternoon.

I'm really in two minds about it!

By the way, just finished Me Cheeta, which is on the Booker longlist. Very enjoyable! Highly recommend it for anyone who's wanting something new to read.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_ss_?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=professional+foul+play&x=22&y=16

Our September book is The Nations Favourite Poems (I posted a link further up the thread) and we are meeting on 16 September. For October, we agreed on the Tom Stoppard play "Professional Foul", there are many options to buy it on amazon (for example), see the link.

Our September book is The Nations Favourite Poems (I posted a link further up the thread) and we are meeting on 16 September.
Oh good, that date means I should be able come as I'm back from London and from visiting family :) Just need to get the book first...

Great, I can make the 16th too...finally :-)

Just a reminder that our meeting is tonight (September 16).

Just a reminder that our meeting is tonight (September 16).
I'm not sure I can make it after all although I've really really enjoyed reading the poems :sad:

I'm not sure I can make it after all although I've really really enjoyed reading the poems :sad:

I hope you do make it! Haven't seen you for ages!

Really good discussion last night, I thought. Thanks, all.

Next meeting of the group will be on October 7th to discuss Tom Stoppard's play "Professional Foul". November's book will be Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel, an historical novel set in the court of Henry VIII.

Just a reminder that the next meeting is on Oct 7.

Thanks pb. I'm sorry I won't be able to make the meeting tonight, but would be interested to hear what others thought. And well done for predicting the Booker winner for next month's book.

I thought the play was interesting but I read it quite quickly and realised tonight that the details were slipping away. I saw Arcadia at theatre this summer, and found this one a lot more... linear I suppose is the word I'm looking for. And as always, my problem in reading plays is forgetting to read who's speaking, and consequently getting very confused about who said what.

The November meeting will be on the 11th, and as mentioned above we'll be talking about Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel.

For December the three of us there tonight agreed on reading something in translation, and came up with Let the Right One in (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Let-Right-John-Ajvide-Lindqvist/dp/1847248489/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1254948497&sr=1-1) (Låt den rätte komma in) by John Ajvide Lindqvist.

Hi Guys,

Only 400 oages to go of WOlf Hall! I really want to come on the 11th but there is a lecture I want to go to at the cathedral and may not make it until 8.30 - any chance of starting the club a bit later, say 8pm? Don't worry if not, I'm sure there'll be plenty to talk about until after then!

Laura,

8pm fine by me, what do others think?

8pm is fine by me too

Hi Everyone

Im interested in joining a book club and was wondering if you are looking for new members...?

Thanks

I am also interested in joint a reading group...do you have space for one more?

Laura

There were only 3 of us last time, so safe to say we have room for a few more!

Hi Guys,

Please DON'T wait for me on Wednesday. What with one thing and another I am only half way through the book and busy tonight so do your usual thing..... I am annoyed with myself, sorry for any inconvenience caused. Will be interested to hear what people thought on here though, I do plan on finishing it, honestly!

Laura.

Lozzaker, that is unforgivable. Having said that I now find myself in the same boat. I'm currently doing a writing course on wednesday evenings, finishing next month. I had planned to miss my writing session and come along to Sheffield tonight, but being only 180 pages into the book and disliking every minute of it, I have decided to stay in Notts tonight and learn more about poetry. Sorry chaps.

I remember suggesting that we take on the challenge of these Booker-rated books, but I am now regretting expressing those views. The challenge is too great. The book has defeated me. I simply do not see where its appeal lies, but perhaps the remaining 500 pages hold the key! Should I persevere?

I am slightly less than halfway through, but think that is sufficient to contribute to the discussion. Not as if there are likely to be unexpected plot twists in this historical novel.

I thought I was doing badly when I still had 140 pages to go at the beginning of this week and I forced myself to finish it last night... but it looks like that's reasonably good after all :o

I have to say that (although being a new recruit), I am struggling with this one as well.
Unfortunately I can't make tonight anyway, I have to go to my friends kids birthday. Sorry Guys.

I am ready and willing to test out 'Let the Right Ones in,' though.

Have you a date for December yet or am I rushing ahead?

Ok we have agreed a change of plan. We are now going to read Dickins' "A Christmas Carol" for December. We will meet to discuss it on December 16.

We are moving "Let the Right One in" to be our January book, January's date to be decided on Dec 16.

Nice choice.

Incidentally, did anyone like Wolf Hall? Did it pick up in the final 600 pages or should we add it to the list of contenders for "worst ever Red Lion book"?

Maels, Globetrotter and myself were the only 3 in attendance. I don't think any of us actively disliked it, but Globetrotter and I were only half-way through it and both found the book's lack of clarity as to which character was speaking during conversations a particular annoyance.

"I don't think any of us actively disliked it"

Thanks pb. I might persevere with it at a later date then.


"both found the book's lack of clarity as to which character was speaking during conversations a particular annoyance"

I think sometimes writers deliberately add complications in order to make a straightforward story seem more challenging. In this case though, it's probably just sloppiness caused by having so many words to get through. Personally I'd go for quality over quantity any day.

I have finished A Christmas Carol and have made a start on Let the Right One In (the film of which is somewhat "toned down").

I have a very bad cold and some work issues so am going to have to cry off tonight, sorry.

I had read A Christmas Carol as a child but I suppose my key interest was comparing the original to the many film versions I have seen. The latest version is very close to the book by the way (except for one "action" sequence where they just seem to have thrown in a load of special effects for the sake of it). Some of the films try to explain what made Scrooge mean etc, but I don't think the book really gives a motivation for that. On the other hand, quite a few of the film versions have Scrooge holding out a bit longer when the ghosts start to show him things but in the original he pretty much "sees the error of his ways" as soon as he is shown the first bit of poverty etc (as if he never would have witnessed poverty walking through the streets and so on).

I have a very bad cold and some work issues so am going to have to cry off tonight, sorry.
Hope you get well soon!

As I never found the time to read The Christmas Carol, and have got other stuff that needs doing tonight, so I can't make it tonight either.

quite a few of the film versions have Scrooge holding out a bit longer when the ghosts start to show him things but in the original he pretty much "sees the error of his ways" as soon as he is shown the first bit of poverty.

That's a good point. That struck me too.

I think everyone at the meeting enjoyed the book. One person particularly disliked the Tiny Tim character. It seemed a bit un-subtle. In fact isn't that the case with most of CD's characters?

We also discussed how enjoyable it is having nasty, mean characters in a book. I wonder why that is?

We forgot to set a date for the next meeting. How about 20th Jan? GT will post the title for February.

20 January suits me. I think a lot of Dickens' characters are caricatures.

I think people like mean and nasty characters in books because its a lot more realistic that way...

Sorry I couldn't make it on wednesday, I have just recovered from a winter virus.. not a nice experience!!
20th is fine for me... hopefully I will make it to a meeting this time..

I know Let the Right ones in isnt modern... but has anyone else noticed the abundance of vampire literature at the moment...?

Hi,

I'm fairly new to Sheffield and have been looking for a book club, I just found this site and was wondering how to join?

Any help would be really appreciated! :)

Hi Cesca. Just turn up at the Red Lion on the 20th. One of us will have the book on the table.

Globetrotter, any chance of putting the Feb title up?

Hi,

Thanks for the reply pb63, is the book for Jan, Let The Right One In? I had a quick look at a synopsis and it looks interesting, better get started on it!

Thanks again :)

Are these meetings always on a Wednesday? It's the only weekday I can't do.

hi guys,

i love reading and thought i would drop you a line to ask what sort of books is it that you read/discuss? would be interested in joining if there are some more modern upto date ones etc?

ps which red lion pub?

hi guys,

i love reading and thought i would drop you a line to ask what sort of books is it that you read/discuss? would be interested in joining if there are some more modern upto date ones etc?

ps which red lion pub?
The Red Lion on Charles Street.

The books the group's discussed in the past is a bit of a mix of new(ish) and older, here's a list (until Dec 2009):
The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult
Star of the Sea by Joseph O Connor
Half of a Yellow Sun by C. Ngozi Adiche
The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde
Mister Pip by Lloyd Jones
Brick Lane by Monica Ali
The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak
A Spot Of Bother by Mark Haddon
The Woods by Harlan Coben
Notes from an Exhibition by Patrick Gale
A Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
East of Eden by John Steinbeck
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
Dracula by Bram Stoker
The Northern Clemency by Philip Hensher
Mrs Dalloway by Virginia Woolf
Walk the Blue Fields by Claire Keegan
Devil May Care by Sebastian Faulks
Dreams from My Father by Barack Obama
Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
The Personal History of Rachel DuPree by Ann Weisgarber
Crash by JG Ballard
The Nation's Favourite Poems
Professional Foul by Tom Stoppard
Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Happy New Year!

Sorry for taking such a long time to post the next book... I've been really busy and I hardly ever go on the forum normally. I've picked The land of green plums by Hertha Muller. (So that will be the book for February).

I won't be able to come on the 20/01 as I will be working late that day, but I'll see you in February. It's a shame because "Let the right one in" is a really good read!

Take care and see you all in February

Just a reminder that the group is on tonight (20th Jan) at 7.30.

Hi pb. It seems I am not going to make it tonight after all, but then you already know what I think of this piece of ... er, this book.

ps pb, I hope the fact that I got the dates mixed up and turned up last week, a week early, can be our little secret! :blush:

Forthwith my lips are sealed.....

We shall meet to discuss the Land of Green Plums on 17 February.

Our March book will be Superfreakonomics by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner.

This is such a shame, I would have loved to come to this but wednesday is the only day I can't do. Is it always Wednesdays that you meet?

Hi!

Just to let you know that I'll be coming to our meeting on the 17/2. (I'd better since I chose the book!) I'm sorry I missed the January meet. I really liked the book and it was nice to read something that was set in Sweden, but the translation annoyed me at times.

See you next Wednesday!

I abandoned the Land of Green Plums after 110 pages. Life being too short and all that. Still think I have read enough to give a view. Be good to see you GT, I suspect we will have a mini discussion of Let the Right One In (which will be Maels' and my third discussion of that one!)

I've got about 150 pages to go, so the odds are I won't get anywhere near finishing it, but I'll be there tomorrow.

Hi Readers,

I really enjoyed last night's meeting, even though the book was slated. Personally, I'm prepared to give it a second chance.

Next month, in a break from the norm, we are meeting on a Thursday. So, on Thursday 25th March we will be discussing 'Superfreakonomics' by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner.

The book for April will be 'Night Train to Lisbon' by Pascal Mercier - the phenomenal international bestseller, described as "a treat for the mind".

ps Newcomers are always very welcome and no English Lit degree is required.

Hi,

I'm new to Sheffield and am interested in attending March's meeting.

I've gathered from the above post that it's being held on Thursday 25th March (at the Red lion of course), but would anyone be able to tell me at what time?

I've seen 7:30 pm on a couple of posts for previous meetings; is that the standard time for all meetings?

Yes 7.30. We will have a copy of the book on display so we are easy to find.

Hi, I would like to come along on the 25th if you have space for another newby?

Hi, I would like to come along on the 25th if you have space for another newby?
Yes, newcomers are very welcome :)

Hi Pipp and M E Bowes,

It will be good to have a few new faces at the meetings. Our core group has dwindled to about 4 recently so there is plenty of space for newcomers. According to GlobeTrotter we once had 18 members turn up, but she had quite a lot of wine that evening and may have counted everyone twice!

Also if you have any opinions on some of our previous books, or suggestions for the future, then please feel free to share them at the meeting.