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Local discussion: Book club session 2 - March 22nd

1 to 57 of 57

- CommentAuthorSalsa
- CommentTimeFeb 15th 2010
OK, here goes - next month's book is:

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows.

Enjoy! Hope it's a good choice - it's definitely a complete contrast to The Untouchable.
We've agreed to meet in The Old Dairy again - March 22nd, 7.30.
- CommentAuthorDonnaW
- CommentTimeFeb 15th 2010
Awesome - I'm definitely coming. There are 8 copies available on readitswapit if anyone wants a free copy: http://www.readitswapit.co.uk/BookDetails.aspx?BookID=221632
- CommentAuthordion
- CommentTimeFeb 16th 2010
READSWOPIT BEST BOOK WEBSITE IN WORLDS. TRY IT!!!!!!!!!!
- CommentAuthoremine
- CommentTimeFeb 16th 2010
I've heard very good things about this book. Sorry I didn't make it last night, I really wanted to. Will try to come to this one.
- CommentAuthorandy
- CommentTimeFeb 16th 2010
We are Ninja
Hello bookclubbers. Whilst we work out what best to do for you, I'll make this thread sticky. We've also added the next meeting to the otherwise sorry events calendar.
- CommentAuthorMirandola
- CommentTimeFeb 16th 2010
Or there's www.abebooks.co.uk if you want to save money and support second hand bookshops.
- CommentAuthorAngelab
- CommentTimeFeb 16th 2010
It went very well last night. Looking forward to starting this book. On the hunt now........
- CommentAuthordorothy
- CommentTimeFeb 16th 2010
Was it hard to get a discussion going with such a big group?

It sounds fun. My previous experience of a book club, includes choosing Moominland Midwinter because of it's haunting themes (and the fact it could be skim-read the night before). I always wanted to just get down the drinking and chatting about other stuff too.
- CommentAuthormiss annie
- CommentTimeFeb 16th 2010
It didn't seem hard to get discussions going and everyone had very interesting points to make which certainly helped me to view the book that we chose in a different light. Really enjoyed it once I'd got over my initial nervousness about meeting forum folk in real life - everyone was lovely. I'm looking forward to the next meeting.
- CommentAuthorReg
- CommentTimeFeb 16th 2010
what does [sticky] mean??
- CommentAuthorandy
- CommentTimeFeb 16th 2010
We are Ninja
When a thread is sticky it stays at the top of the list of discussions.

In the context of not this site, it can mean the defining physico-chemical property of glue.
- CommentAuthorandy
- CommentTimeFeb 16th 2010
We are Ninja
Book club folk, you're now faced with a very real problem. Should you now meet each other whilst in the company of a third person, you will be forced to introduce your fellow book-club person as "A FRIEND FROM THE INTERNET BUT WE'RE NOT DATING OR DOING ANYTHING ODD, IT REALLY IS JUST A BOOK CLUB".

The way around this is to do a very hard stare to ensure the normally-acquired friend realises that this is now perfectly acceptable.

The etiquette of this is I think worth a couple of paragraphs on the inside bit of G2 whichever one of you writes that.
- CommentAuthorReg
- CommentTimeFeb 16th 2010
Thanks Andy. Are you proud of your baby, you and David? You have given birth to a real life group. Does it have a name?

I like the name Sticky Book Club.
- CommentAuthorADGS
- CommentTimeFeb 16th 2010
Oh, so they're *that* sort of book?
- CommentAuthorkrappyrubsnif
- CommentTimeFeb 16th 2010
Can those of us too shy to appear at the real book club still have a virtual book club here of our own, to preserve our modesty and anonymity?
- CommentAuthorCat
- CommentTimeFeb 16th 2010
I'll hopefully make it to the next one. I had wanted to go last night but I was working a late shift at work.
- CommentAuthorsanderson
- CommentTimeFeb 17th 2010
krappyrubsnif. or are you to scared someone might just beat the shit out of you.so you prefer to duck down and hide away in your own little corner and avoid the ring.
- CommentAuthorkrappyrubsnif
- CommentTimeFeb 17th 2010
:-) that's me
- CommentAuthorMisscara
- CommentTimeFeb 17th 2010
'Sticky' (cough) books? The previous tenant left a load of those in my cellar if anyone wants them.
- CommentAuthorADGS
- CommentTimeFeb 17th 2010
Just put them in a box outside for passers by to take like those people having the clearout on Upper Tollington Park last year.
(And then spy on the box to see if you recognise the mucky pups)
- CommentAuthorArkady
- CommentTimeFeb 17th 2010
I'll take them.
- CommentAuthorheavy_hippie
- CommentTimeFeb 18th 2010
wow the abebooks link is awesome. The swapping site is great, but I can't get rid of books, it pains me. AM looking forward to joining y'all on the 22nd. :)
- CommentAuthornorthlondonlass
- CommentTimeFeb 18th 2010
Hello

Can I join the club please? I've read the book already, it's good fun. I live right near the pub and it would be nice to join something local.
- CommentAuthorSalsa
- CommentTimeFeb 18th 2010
The more the merrier! Glad you enjoyed the book.
Looks like we might get a big turnout next time - if it's too big for one big discussion we could divide in to a couple of groups so everyone gets chance to speak...and then come back together for the N4 chat after! See what everyone thinks on the night.
- CommentAuthorkrappyrubsnif
- CommentTimeFeb 21st 2010
So has everyone beetled off down to N4 library to reserve the book? When I went past a couple of days ago there seemed to be 11 reservations for this particular title.
- CommentAuthorSlabber
- CommentTimeFeb 21st 2010
I have been banned
Could I read L'Etranger instead?
- CommentAuthormiss annie
- CommentTimeFeb 24th 2010
I've found a site that has bookclub questions/points for discussion for our book. Shall I bring them along to get us started?
- CommentAuthorAngelab
- CommentTimeFeb 24th 2010
Yes that would be great. Just about to start the book!
- CommentAuthorkrappyrubsnif
- CommentTimeFeb 25th 2010
I'm with Slabber!
- CommentAuthormiss annie
- CommentTimeFeb 25th 2010
Then perhaps you two could have a book club together? @missisclack was wondering about potential sg.org romances on the wedding thread....
- CommentAuthorwisteria53
- CommentTimeFeb 25th 2010
No-o-o-o, not L'Etranger again - reading it twice was enough....
- CommentAuthorDonnaW
- CommentTimeFeb 25th 2010
I've got the book! I'm going to start reading it tonight!
- CommentAuthorSalsa
- CommentTimeFeb 25th 2010
Thanks for finding the notes Annie - I'd offered to but hadn't got round to it! Hope you all enjoy the book - am a bit nervous having suggested it. Am going to re-read it soon so it's fresh in my mind.
- CommentAuthorDonnaW
- CommentTimeMar 1st 2010
Finished the book! The first few pages were hardgoing but got past them and I couldn't put it down! Really looking forward to the discussion and thanks for the suggestion Salsa :)
- CommentAuthorJenny
- CommentTimeMar 2nd 2010
Hello All

A bit late feeding back but I really enjoyed the inaugural meeting of the book club a few weeks ago.

Those who were there probably remember I was pregnant. Last Friday I had a baby boy, Theo, a week late. He was 11lb 1oz - in other words a whopper - so it wasn't an easy birth but we're both home and well now.

I have the new book on order and I'm looking forward to the next meeting.
- CommentAuthorLiz
- CommentTimeMar 2nd 2010
Congratulations Jenny! And 11lb 1oz - blimey! We'll have to have a toast to that next time.
- CommentAuthormiss annie
- CommentTimeMar 2nd 2010
Congratulations Jenny, we'll definitely raise a glass to the new arrival.
- CommentAuthorSalsa
- CommentTimeMar 3rd 2010
Congratulations Jenny! I was just wondering the other day if you'd had your baby, thanks for updating us! Hope you have time to read the book, at least it's any easy read.
Glad you enjoyed it Donna - I felt the same at first and then got hooked too.
- CommentAuthorsophie
- CommentTimeMar 3rd 2010
blimey, well done jenny!

i'm looking forward to the next meeting too. i was waiting to read the book because i didn't want to finish it too early then forget it all, but also didn't want to risk not finishing it in time. it's even shorter than it looks though because of all the extra spacing. i like it a lot so far.
- CommentAuthorAngelab
- CommentTimeMar 3rd 2010
Congratulations Jenny!

I got the book for a bargain price of 79p in Oxfam! Just started the book and the characters are very interesting.

Looking forward to the 22nd March!
- CommentAuthorDonnaW
- CommentTimeMar 3rd 2010
Congrats Jenny! You must be so happy and excited! That's a good point Sophie, I really hope I don't forget it all.
- CommentAuthorCharlo
- CommentTimeMar 3rd 2010
Congratulations Jenny, that's terrific news!

Looking forward to meeting everyone again on 22nd!
- CommentAuthorhannahbflynn
- CommentTimeMar 5th 2010
Congrats Jenny! That's amazing news.

@sophie I have only just ordered the book as I didn't want to finish it too fast and then forget it too! Also worrying I won't be able to finish it in time but luckily I have a long commute :-)
- CommentAuthorJenny
- CommentTimeMar 9th 2010
Thanks to everyone for the congratulations. Theo is doing well but keeping me awake all night. Every time I try to read something I fall asleep (and that's no reflection on the book) but I'll do my best for the next meeting :)
- CommentAuthornorthlondonlass
- CommentTimeMar 19th 2010
Great well see you all on Monday! I imagine it should be easy to spot where you will be as most should have the book out in full view? Becky
- CommentAuthorJenny
- CommentTimeMar 19th 2010
I'm enjoying the book - it reminds me of '84 Charing Cross Road' by Helene Hanff, particularly in composition. I'd recommend this to anyone who has enjoyed Gurnsey... It's a lovely true story and very short, even by our standards!
- CommentAuthorDonnaW
- CommentTimeMar 20th 2010
Looking forward to Monday :)
- CommentAuthorSalsa
- CommentTimeMar 20th 2010
Thanks for the recommendation Jenny, I've been meaning to read that for a while so will make sure I do!

And yes, looking forward to Monday. Olddairy, did you book us the area the other book club were in last time or will we be in the back restaurant area again?

See you all there with our books!
- CommentAuthormiss annie
- CommentTimeMar 21st 2010
Darn it! I have a late meeting tomorrow and won't be able to come. I've left the notes that I mentioned earlier with the lovely folks at the Old Dairy.

Really enjoyed the book, thanks Salsa, and was looking forward to seeing you all again and to discussing it. I'll be there for the next one.
- CommentAuthorSalsa
- CommentTimeMar 21st 2010
That's a shame Annie - but thanks for leaving the notes. Glad you enjoyed the book too.
- CommentAuthorMirandola
- CommentTimeMar 22nd 2010
I couldn't make it for Untouchable, so this'll be my first time at book club. Er, how do I recognise you? Is there a secret handshake?
- CommentAuthormiss annie
- CommentTimeMar 22nd 2010
Don't be afraid, everyone is lovely. I asked the chaps at the bar where everyone was last time. Wish I was going.
- CommentAuthorLiz
- CommentTimeMar 22nd 2010 edited
Sorry to have missed tonight - would be interested to know what everyone made of the book though, having now read it twice! Anyone fancy summarising?
- CommentAuthorSalsa
- CommentTimeMar 22nd 2010
Hi Liz,
Was wondering what you thought second time round! I liked it just as much.
So I think there were 12 of us there - 3 new from last time - and just to set the scene, we were in the restaurant part again as there was yet another book group in the front again!
In summary, I'd say everyone enjoyed the book but, as expected, some more than others. We all liked the way it was written in letters, although it took most of us a little while to get used to them. We talked quite a bit about Guernsey and what it must have been like during the war and whether we thought the book was realistic. Some people commented on the characters being very black and white, good and bad etc. Even though it was quite a simple, easy read, there were still a few twists that surprised us and it wasn't as predictable as the style could have led it to be.

Anyway, Hannah is going to post details of the next book and the meeting is April 26th.
- CommentAuthorMirandola
- CommentTimeMar 23rd 2010
Well, it was my first time at the bookclub and once I'd found you all I had a great time. Looking forward to the April meet up.
- CommentAuthorTemeraire
- CommentTimeMar 23rd 2010
New to the site and I really wanted to come along last night but haven't been to well. From the summary it sounds like my own views were pretty weel represented. really enjoyed it and looking forward to the next choice and hopefully I will make it this time:-)
- CommentAuthorLiz
- CommentTimeMar 23rd 2010
@ Salsa - thanks for the update. It bore a second reading remarkably well, I thought, but then I did enjoy it a lot the first time. Looking forward to getting details of the next session.