You'll love this one...!! A book club & more discussion

Please read through the reporting thread carefully to ensure to report correctly to get your badge/s.

After you have read your chosen book(s) for this month's group theme read, please report in the thread below.

Please state what book you read (and link it), that you discussed it (and where), and briefly summarise what you thought of the book and/or link to your review if you have written one.

If you lead the discussion, please state this in your post.

Here is an example for how to report your read:

“I read Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and discussed it in the [Harry Potter/Buddy Read/Other books in theme] thread. I really enjoyed the book. I watched the film first so I already knew the storyline but I was surprised how much I enjoyed the book more as there was more detail involved. Plus I listened to the audio which was narrated by Stephen Fry who is a superb narrator. 4 stars.”

If you read more than one book which fits the theme, please report all your reads in the same post rather than in separate posts.

Please note, there are THREE different badges that can be obtained for group reads. Those reading and discussing one of the two chosen group reads will receive a colourful badge similar to those for previous group reads. Those reading and discussing any other book in the theme will receive a stamp. The discussion leader for the two chosen group reads will receive a badge stating they led the discussion. Maximum amount of badges you can receive for the group reads is TWO - one for the chosen group read/discussion leader and one for any other book in the theme.

In order to receive a badge you must:
1. have read the book(s) before or during May 2017.
2. discussed it in the relevant thread. Discussion must be more than "I read the book and I liked it". Discussion requires something more substantial and analytical of what you read, for example, thoughts, opinions, impact it had on you, what was your favourite part, was it what you expected it to be like etc. You may also like to review the book and post a link to the review in that thread.
3. Report that you have read AND discussed the book in the reporting thread below, along with a brief summary of what you thought.

I read We Have Always Lived in the Castle and discussed it in the thread. And will be discussing it more as others read and comment.

I was a bit hesistant to read it, I saw it described as creepy and horror and that's not my cup of tea. In the end I didn't think it was creepy in the sense that it gives you nightmares, but it is a story that creeps up on you and makes you feel uncomfortable. But nothing I couldn't handle ;-)

It was a quick read and I enjoyed the writing style, and it held me captivated. But, I also feel like there are a lot of how's and why's left unanswered, and I don't really like that in books. I'm still debating between 4 (for the writing and captivation) and 3 (for the unanswered questions I have) stars.

I read, and am discussing in it's thread We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson. I found this little book to have a lot going on, and although it is not a book I would have picked up on my own, I really enjoyed both the book and the insights of the discussion.

I read We Have Always Lived in the Castle, and I have been discussing it in the appropriate thread and will continue to do so. I'm interested in other people's reactions to the book. I've sort of meant to read this book for a long time, possibly since I was in high school. I think I might have enjoyed it more when I was in high school, and knew less about mental illness. Then I would not have been diagnosing the characters as I read. The author creates an atmosphere that is very intense and somewhat creepy. The book is not so much scary as just nervous-making. I felt very involved with the characters. I gave the book four stars.

I read Maybe This Time by Jennifer Crusie and discussed it in the general Gothic thread. This is a book that has all the features of a Gothic novel, but is also a contemporary romance with humor. The heroine is stronger than most Gothic heroines, but she is overcome a couple of times by ghosts, and finds herself weaker in some ways than she expected. The eeriness of the setting (a crumbling mansion that was brought over from England and even has a moat) is well established. The children are important characters and don't seem at all friendly. The housekeeper is completely hostile. There are numerous unexplained events, coldness, appearances of ghosts, and deaths. I adored this book the first time I read it, and liked it just as well this time.

I have read Slade House and discussed it in the appropriate thread. This is not my usual cup of tea in terms of genre, I like cozy mysteries and not so much horror, but this was an excellent book with just the right amount of creep factor. Each character added to the overall suspense which built right up to the end. I had so many questions in the beginning and David Mitchell does a great job tying everything together. Will definitely be looking up his other works.

I read Slade House and discussed it in the group thread. I enjoyed this book and discussion because David Mitchell writes interesting, complex novels that unfold like puzzles. He truly engages me as a reader, and I enjoyed the added bonus of discussing Slade House with GR friends.

For the May gothic group read, I read We Have Always Lived in the Castle and participated in the YLTO discussion. I quite liked this classic book, and enjoyed others' perspectives on the story. It was captivating and creepy, but somehow not too serious. Even though much of it was unbelievable, I enjoyed following the sisters' downward spiral. The author created quite an atmospheric setting throughout, and I thought (view spoiler)[ the deterioration of the house following the fire (hide spoiler)] was particularly good.

I also read The Gargoyle and discussed it in the appropriate thread. Much of the symbolism escaped me, and I would likely have gotten much more out of it, had I first read Dante's Inferno. Some of the writing (though not a lot) is not for the squeamish. I virtually never read books written in such graphic terms, so other readers may not have such a strong reaction as I did. Marianne was unlikeable, and I found both her and the narrator one dimensional. It was hard to envision them in a romantic relationship. But, I learned a lot about burns and the medical treatment of burns!

Almost forgot to report! I read We Have Always Lived in the Castle and discussed in the group thread. I am the group leader and will continue to discuss throughout the month.

I rather enjoyed this book. I did not write a review because I'm not sure what to say about it yet. It was very strange in many ways. The characters were odd at best. I agree with Peggy that the story is creepy in a way that it makes you a bit uncomfortable, but not in a scary or spooky way. The discussion in the group thread has been interesting. For a short and quick book, it certainly gives you enough to discuss.

I read Sharp Objects and gave my thoughts in the appropriate thread.

Unfortunately I came away disappointed, finding it all rather predictable after working out the outcome and 'twist's pretty much from the start.

I read and discussed Slade House in the group thread. I really enjoyed this book! It was creepy and strange and kept my attention throughout the book. I loved all of the little details that connected each chapter, and how each chapter revealed a little more information and added to my curiosity.

I read and lead the discussion for Slade House which I found to be very readable. So much so that I had a hard job to put it down. It was a shirt book by Mitchell's standards which made it a great introductory book for those who haven't sampled his work before. There is a slight link to his previous novel, The Bone Clocks, which I liked. It was suitably gothic and totally ticked all of the boxes for what fits the gothic genre. I enjoyed the writing style and the pace and i felt he developed both the characters and the world really well. Loved it. 5 stars.

I read Slade House and discussed it in the thread set up for that purpose.

I enjoyed this story which definitely fits the gothic. It's like an anthology of tales by different people, each subsequent tale set 9 years in the future. Although each section is a different character and different time, they make a cohesive and engaging story.

For the Gothic theme I read Slade House and discussed it in the Slade House Thread. Although I wouldn't have thought to classify this book as a Gothic, after having read it I can definitely see how it has many elements such as the creepy paintings as well as the house with its walled gardens and mysterious attic space.

I really enjoyed this book - as much as I have the other David Mitchell books that I have read. I particularly like how Mitchell structures his novels so that each section connects to and supports the others and yet each section could also stand alone - almost like a short story. Now that I have read a few of his novels, I am also enjoying how the same could be said about his books which overlap and connect with one another in interesting ways. It makes me want to go out to buy and then sit down to binge read the rest of his books...

I read Slade House and discussed it in th Slade House thread. What a great, spooky book. It's been a while since I was so engrossed in a book and couldn't put it down. It definitely has that Gothic element and would be the perfect book to read for a October/Halloween theme (I may need to recommend it to my book club).

I read both Slade House and We Have Always Lived in the Castle (was on holiday so I figured I'd get both in)

We have Always Lived in the Castle:
I discussed this in the Book Discussions Forum. I really enjoyed it, and liked how it was set up as a mystery. Not all questioned are answered in the book though, but on this occasion I quite like it. I only became hooked after the second chapter, and after that point I coudn't put it down. The books tells the story of the aftermath six years after an incident that killed most of the main characters family. The reasons for the incident were never revealed and nor did they need to be; the book is about the characters and how they have managed since then.

I really enjoyed it and it's probably a book I will revisit I again in the future.

Slade House:
I also discussed this in the Book Discussions forum. I had never read a David Mitchell book before and always wanted to but was too nervous/wary as I'd heard that he gets very metaphysical in his books. I can say that my fears were never realised as I wholeheartedly enjoyed the book. I was fast, well written and had enough intrigue going until I got to the very last page. One of the only downsides that I found was that later in the book there are references to The Bone Clocks, another David Mitchell book, but it won't ever stop you knowing/understanding what is happening in Slade House.

A great read that can be devoured in one sitting.

Out of the two books both fit with the theme well enough to be called Gothic, but moreso Castle. I found both books fantastic reads and were great recommendations. I would say that Castle does edge out ahead of Slade House just with how I felt when I finished it, and how I would happily lose hours discussing with other readers.

I really enjoyed re-reading We Have Always Lived in the Castle and the book discussion was very interesting.

A very unique cast of characters in this Gothic charmer. The actions, responses and feelings of the characters leave the reader with many questions all the way to the end...and beyond. But still strangely satisfied.

I read and discussed We Have Always Lived in the Castle. It was a quick, atmospheric reading. It is my first time reading this author, and I am impressed how much she says without being wordy. Certainly a skill. I already checked out a collection of her short stories, including The Lottery, since I am interested in reading more by her.

I read Slade House and discussed it in the Slade House thread.

I enjoyed the orginality of the story and thought it did have some very creepy moments and captured the essence of the Gothic novel quite well. However there where a few things that did not quite work for me in the book. I felt it did not have a connected enough of a plot line and there where many things that were glossed over I would have liked to see explored in more depth.

I read Slade House and discussed in the appropriate thread.

I probably wouldn't have ever given this book a second look if not for this group. It is not my usual type of read, but I did find it intriguing. It makes frequent POV changes so it felt disjointed to me. I rated it 3 stars and may try another book by this author at another time. I still don't think this will be a go to genre for me, but it is fun to experiment sometimes.

I read Slade House and discussed it with the group.
I gave the book 3 stars. It might have been 4, but I've already read The Bone Clocks and I think the sense of mystery was lessened as I already knew about the world that Slade House is set in.
I did enjoy the different eras described in the book, revisiting details that marked the passing of time (prices, phones, fashion etc) The author has a real gift for conjuring up different eras. I enjoyed the nostalgia of travelling back to the 70s and 80s. I really like Mitchell's writing style too.
I feel I have more idea what 'gothic' novels are as a result of the challenge! I also enjoyed reading everyone's comments. They helped me pick up on details I would have missed otherwise. Thanks guys..

I read We Have Always Lived in the Castle for the second time. Although I had deja vu all the way through, it still felt like I was reading it for the first time. And well worth the reread. Some great insights in the discussion thread. I gave it 5 stars. It's unique, whimsical, and a bit creepy. As always, when I make notes as I go along, I get more out of a book and remember it longer. Plus, reading other people's comments enhances my perceptions, helps me view other perspectives, and often leaves me with unanswered questions. That definitely happened with this book. I highly recommend reading this one, and anything else by Shirley Jackson!

I read and discussed in the thread the book, My Cousin Rachel by Daphne du Maurier. I enjoyed the fear and emotion portrayed in the book, but it didn't have the creepiness or eeriness that other gothic book discussed seem to have. I enjoyed it though and would recommend it. Hopefully though I'll get Shirley Jackson's book from the library soon so I can try that one too!

I read Slade House and wrote my thoughts in the appropriate thread.

I gave the book five stars. I think David Mitchell is a very talented author and I enjoy his somewhat eccentric writing style. Once again he writes short stories from different perspectives of a similar theme. Each successive story subtly reveals past knowledge while the victim doesn't recognize the clue.

I read We Have Always Lived in the Castle and participated in the book discussion in that thread. Despite my misgivings about the genre of horror books, this one has made its way into a select group from this genre that I liked very much. I initially thought I might not join in this group read since I generally avoid horror since I have enough bad dreams without seeking out extra material. My preview of this book left me with the impression that this was a horror book I could handle. And fortunately, it was. A well-written, interesting, story, detached enough from reality that it didn't prompt nightmares. The group discussion of this book provided many new insights and observations. That was maybe my favorite part of reading this book. That and the strange window into an odd world, which I began to comprehend as the story progressed.

I completely forgot about the reporting bit - hope I am not too late but I'll make my reports anyway.

I read We Have Always Lived in the Castle and joined in the group disscussion.

This was a reread for me and I believe I could reread another few times and still find new thoughts on it. It was actually facinating to take part in the discussion and see what impressed other people about this one. It was seeing the story through new eyes.

I read Slade House and joined in the group disscion.

I enjoyed this book although I felt that the end was mildly disappointing.

Mitchell is find of making references to his earlier works in his book and personally I felt that he brought it a bit too far with this one. It you have not read The Bone Clocks I think you may be at a bit of a loss to know what is going on.

I loved the pop references throughout the story and the structure of the book with each section advancing our understanding of the whole. Each character was nicely developed. Although this is most definitely a horror story there are no "nasty" scenes and it intellectually written.

Not too late at all. I probably won't get around to doing badges until next week so plenty of time for the stragglers to report. ;-)

That's good news Sarah. I also read Jamaica Inn and have just reported on the gothic thread. I love gothic so it was no hardship to read 3 in may ;-)

Don't worry about it this time around but in future when you report, please could you report all of your reads in the same post. It just makes it easier for me when doing badges.

Oh sorry Sarah, I thought they should be reported seperately to make it easier for you lol You live and learn ;-)

No worries. Just thought I'd let you know for future reference. I prefer it in the same post as i run through this list a few times to compile my spreadsheet for doing badges. If there are separate posts for things i might end up giving you too many badges and we wouldn't want that, aye?! ;-) It does say in message 1 about reporting them all together.

I missed that, sorry still learning! I actually don't mind if you give me a few extra badges though......;-p

Badges and stamps are posted. Ben has a new wall created. Let me know if I have missed you.

Thanks for the spooky badge Sarah!

Whoo- first time I got 2 badges for a challenge! Thanks Sarah :-)

Love this badge! Thanks Sarah.

Cheers Sarah!!