Devon Book Club discussion

I've just joined, but don't live in Devon. I live in Paris but heard this was the book club to join. I enjoy a wide variety of books as long as they're well paced and evocative with interesting and dynamic characters. Am interested in any recommendations for books with theme of 'coming of age', question of identity and sense of belonging. I loved Americana, The Book Thief and All the Light we Cannot See.

Bienvenue dans notre groupe, Ruth.
I also loved All the Light we Cannot See, but have only seen the film of the Book Thief.
The new book 'Educated: A Memoir' by Tara Westover sounds like it would fit your requirements. To quote some of the blurb: 'A young girl, kept out of school, leaves her survivalist family in America, and goes on to obtain a Ph.d from Cambridge.' I believe she is from a Mormon family in Idaho. I have read a review of it in either the Times or the Guardian, can't remember which, and have seen several other reviews which have really praised it. I have put it on my to be read list.

Thank you Carol for the recommendation. That sounds like an interesting book. I'll add it to my list. BTW the Book Thief book was much better than the film, as usual. They didn't get the voice quite right in the film. It was brilliantly done in the book. Very inspiring.

Ruth wrote: "I've just joined, but don't live in Devon. I live in Paris but heard this was the book club to join. I enjoy a wide variety of books as long as they're well paced and evocative with interesting and..."

Hi Ruth and welcome - glad you found us. If you go to the recommendations topic you will find lots to capture your interest I am sure but I will also put out a call on our FB and Twitter pages and see what people come up with for you.

Carol wrote: "Bienvenue dans notre groupe, Ruth.
I also loved All the Light we Cannot See, but have only seen the film of the Book Thief.
The new book 'Educated: A Memoir' by Tara Westover sounds like it would f..."

You must read The Book Thief, the film is alright but the book is wonderful.

Ley wrote: "Carol wrote: "Bienvenue dans notre groupe, Ruth.
I also loved All the Light we Cannot See, but have only seen the film of the Book Thief.
The new book 'Educated: A Memoir' by Tara Westover sounds l..."

you are right Ley - it is many years since I read it but I remember it bringing a lump to the throat. Thanks to Ruth for the reminder - what other books would you recommend Ley that meet Ruth's requirements?

Just reading Margaret Attwood's Wilderness Tips, really enjoying that.

Ley wrote: "Just reading Margaret Attwood's Wilderness Tips, really enjoying that."

Love Margaret Atwood's work - but not read that one. I'm currently reading Amitav Ghosh Flood of Fire - not far into it but enjoying it so far.

Ley wrote: "Carol wrote: "Bienvenue dans notre groupe, Ruth.
I also loved All the Light we Cannot See, but have only seen the film of the Book Thief.
The new book 'Educated: A Memoir' by Tara Westover sounds l..."

Yes, I must read The Book Thief.