Devon Book Club discussion

Hi, sorry this is a little late. I live in North Devon but I am currently residing in Plymouth whilst I complete my third year of a BA(Hons) Early Childhood Studies degree... I hope to seek training in either social work or primary teaching in North Devon once I have completed the degree!

I love to read (especially on a beach with a cocktail at hand) but at the moment my time is spent usually searching for relevant academic journals to support my dissertation (*sigh*).

I'm looking forward to building a list of recommended books to read in spring/summer 2015.

Hi Lizzie. Where do you come from in North Devon?
Welcome to the group.

Hi Carol, thank you. I live in Barnstaple.

Lizzie wrote: "Hi Carol, thank you. I live in Barnstaple."

I live down here in S. Devon, but come from Ilfracombe, which I still love.

Lizzie wrote: "Hi, sorry this is a little late. I live in North Devon but I am currently residing in Plymouth whilst I complete my third year of a BA(Hons) Early Childhood Studies degree... I hope to seek trainin..."

Welcome Lizzie - you are officially starting our young adult wing! Be great if you can encourage others. Book, beach, cocktails - what could be better! there is life after dissertation so those good times will come again. Thanks for the recommendations by the way

Hi everyone,
I'm just over the border in Dorset and found this group through facebook somehow. My favourite book is Irene Nemirovsky’s Suite Française, and perhaps it is about time I re-read it as a film is just being released based on it (with Michelle Williams). Am currently reading Mark Kermode's 'The Good, The Bad and The Multiplex' as I love a good film too. Do you think a film can ever be as good as the book it is based on? :-)

Oh yes, I'd forgotten how funny Anansi Boys is :-) I also loved the graveyard book - can't forget 'Nobody Owens'. American Gods was good too (but not keen on his, or anyone's, graphic novels). Can you recommend one of his recent books?

Lynne wrote: "Hi everyone,
I'm just over the border in Dorset and found this group through facebook somehow. My favourite book is Irene Nemirovsky’s Suite Française, and perhaps it is about time I re-read it as ..."

Hiya Lynne. Good to meet you. I'm always scared of seeing a film of a book I love - the likelihood of being disappointed is so high, isn't it? Good writing fires up such personal images in our heads.

Lynne wrote: "Hi everyone,
I'm just over the border in Dorset and found this group through facebook somehow. My favourite book is Irene Nemirovsky’s Suite Française, and perhaps it is about time I re-read it as ..."

You are very welcome Lynne. I really enjoyed Suite Française. Didn't know they were making a film - one to look out for. On Neil Gaiman's work, I recently read The Ocean at the End of the Lane, which I think is his most recent and that was good.

By the way, when you post a comment it is great if you can dd the book/author by using the link just aboce the comment box.

Hope you visit us often

Ok Ian I will have a go - I have just ordered The Ocean at the End of the Laneand remembered that my introduction to Neil Gaiman was throughGood Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witchabout 20 years ago which made me laugh out loud. Thanks for the recommendation.

Kathy wrote: "Lynne wrote: "Hi everyone,
I'm just over the border in Dorset and found this group through facebook somehow. My favourite book is Irene Nemirovsky’s Suite Française, and perhaps it is about time I ..."

I agree Kathy, but the temptation is high - I am curious to see how Suite Françaisetranslates to the screen :-)

Lynne wrote: "Oh yes, I'd forgotten how funny Anansi Boys is :-) I also loved the graveyard book - can't forget 'Nobody Owens'. American Gods was good too (but not keen on his, or anyone's, graphic novels). Can ..."

The Ocean At The End Of The Lane is rather marvellous. Looking forward to getting hold of Hansel and Gretel and Beauty, retelling fairy tales in Gaiman style.

Ian wrote: "Lynne wrote: "Ok Ian I will have a go - I have just ordered The Ocean at the End of the Laneand remembered that my introduction to Neil Gaiman was through[book:Good Omens: The Nice ..."

Yes, excellent book in collaboration with Terry Pratchett, another favourite

Lynne wrote: "Kathy wrote: "Lynne wrote: "Hi everyone,
I'm just over the border in Dorset and found this group through facebook somehow. My favourite book is Irene Nemirovsky’s Suite Française, and perhaps it is..."

Read Suite Francaise recently and another called All Our Worldly Goods should be interesting to see what Hollywood does with Suite Francaise, they gave Book Thief a sickly sentimental ending.

Hi all - I am a Californian washed ashore in Devon. I taught American Literature of Nature & Place and Critical Thinking (with environmental themes) in the Seattle prior to moving to Devon in 2007 with my partner, a prof at the University of Exeter. I segued into Landscape history & design in the UK. I enjoy book groups and meeting people so like this idea. I have written two books, the next will be out by Timber Press next fall. I will make a post in the Author's Corner about that!

Kathryn wrote: "Hi all - I am a Californian washed ashore in Devon. I taught American Literature of Nature & Place and Critical Thinking (with environmental themes) in the Seattle prior to moving to Devon in 2007 ..."

you are very welcome Kathryn - glad you have joined us.

We are building a wide diversity of members, which should make this a rich experience for us all. Feel free to star any new topics and we certainly look forward to hearing about your work.

Kathryn wrote: "Hi all - I am a Californian washed ashore in Devon. I taught American Literature of Nature & Place and Critical Thinking (with environmental themes) in the Seattle prior to moving to Devon in 2007 ..."
Hi Kathryn, lovely to see you here.

Kathryn wrote: "Hi all - I am a Californian washed ashore in Devon. I taught American Literature of Nature & Place and Critical Thinking (with environmental themes) in the Seattle prior to moving to Devon in 2007 ..."
Hi Kathryn, welcome aboard. Have you settled in or near Exeter then? I'm guessing the weather here has been a bit of a contrast to California (and today certainly isn't great...down here in south Devon anyway)!

Hi from Exeter. I'm from the Midlands (Coventry), and moved here about 15 years ago. My reading taste is mainly shaped by what I pick up at Bookcycle and what I can borrow from friends and family - it's not very consistent or scientific! I like most genres, but if a book is bad I won't waste time on it - that's why a lot of my ratings are so high :) Pleased to be here and always looking for recommendations!

I'm getting increasingly worried by the numbers of folks on here who don't seem to use the library service, especially in Exeter. Or is it that it's so obvious that it doesn't need mentioning in where people find their books?

Jo wrote: "Hi from Exeter. I'm from the Midlands (Coventry), and moved here about 15 years ago. My reading taste is mainly shaped by what I pick up at Bookcycle and what I can borrow from friends and family -..."

Hi Jo. great to have you with us. I live in Barnstaple but work in Exeter and drive past Bookcycle most days but have never visited it. I keeep meaning to - must get round to it. As you will see, we are buildinga very diverse membership, with lots of interests so you will certainly find others who share your interests. I look foward to getting to know you. Welcome once again. hope you'll visit often and spread the word.

Hey Ley, I do use the Library - just not so often for borrowing books :) Hi Ian, and thanks for the welcome!

Jo wrote: "Hey Ley, I do use the Library - just not so often for borrowing books :) Hi Ian, and thanks for the welcome!"

Hi Jo, good to know. you weren't being singled out or criticised, just happened that my thoughts were going that way when I read your post. I have a vested interest as a library employee!

I work for DCC and had an email from somewhere - I can't remember where :) I did think it looked interesting at the time, but didn't do anything until I visited Goodreads this morning and was reminded of the group. I think for me, it's interesting to connect with people who I might know through work or social group another way, rather than through the usual online channels.

Absolutely, I think our libraries have so much to offer, but personally I can never return a book on time, and am not organised enough to renew, so any other way of getting hold of a book is probably less expensive for me! My children borrow books on their cards, which is fine because there are no... fines!

Jo wrote: "I work for DCC and had an email from somewhere - I can't remember where :) I did think it looked interesting at the time, but didn't do anything until I visited Goodreads this morning and was remin..."

Me too. I work in social care. I put a message on the staff bulletin board on the Source, so maybe you saw it there. In any event, great to have you with us.

Hello All, Phew - found it. Ian has been supportive in trying to lead me through the maze of interconnectivity (did I spell that right?) so thank you. My name is Ruth Muttlebury although I often write as Ruth Snell (my maiden name). I recently self published a poetry collection on the history of Plymouth and the surrounding area called: Inspeximus: Poetry from the Manors of The Roborough Hundred by Ruth Snell. It followed a life long interest in the manorial organization of the Plymouth area and how it once fell under The Roborough Hundred at Domesday. The research has been lengthy and trying to lock down a poem per manor has been a challenge - but its done. Full thanks to SilverWood Books of Bristol for accepting the manuscript for publication and assistance in putting together my medieval book cover from my scribbles and visions.

So - I live on the edge of Plymouth. I come from a long line of people who are of Devon and Cornwall by heritage (family tree goes back to the late 1400s) and love reading/writing. I work full time in the Civil Service so my writing and reading is somewhat time restricted. Bear with me.

Ruth wrote: "Hello All, Phew - found it. Ian has been supportive in trying to lead me through the maze of interconnectivity (did I spell that right?) so thank you. My name is Ruth Muttlebury although I often..."

A triumph of persistence over adversity, Ruth. You are very welcome. Although now living in Barnstaple I was 12 years in Plymouth and my two girls were born there so fond memories. Don't get down there much these days.

I used to work for social services in the Inner City and always remember the pride of people in Stonehouse who, along with folk from Devonport and Plympton, were of the original 3 villages that gradually merged to form the City - though actually they retain their historical differences as you will know.

your poetry collection sounds fascinating and I look forward to reading it. We have an author's area, where you will find others who are sharing their experience of writing and updating on their work - really interesting to hear about the creative process.

Welcome once again and I hope you will visit often.

Ruth wrote: "Hello All, Phew - found it. Ian has been supportive in trying to lead me through the maze of interconnectivity (did I spell that right?) so thank you. My name is Ruth Muttlebury although I often..."

Hi Ruth, looking forward to chatting to you on the Author page. Your book sounds incredibly unusual. Looking forward to hearing more about it. Have a strong interest in Plymouth as my Dad lived there from the age of 11 and I often visited grandparents there, in St Budeaux. They were Welsh and when the dockyard was closed at Pembroke Dock in Wales, most of the dock workers were transferred to Plymouth. That's why there are so many people of Welsh descent in the city.

A belated 'hello' from Heavitree in Exeter.

I actually read more comics and graphic novels than novels but very rarely read a novel that I regret finishing.

Through my life reading has given me more pleasure than anything else and working for libraries over the pass 22 years has been a complete privilege.

I look forward to getting to know people here - do get in touch if you share a passion for comics and graphic novels!

Colin wrote: "A belated 'hello' from Heavitree in Exeter.

I actually read more comics and graphic novels than novels but very rarely read a novel that I regret finishing.

Through my life reading has given me m..."

Its great to have you with us Colin and I really appreciate the support you have and the library service have already given us. Books have always been a passion for me too - but I cant say every book Ive read has been a pleasure - but part of exploring new work is to test our conventions. Graphic novels havent really been my tyhing but my daughter tells me I should read The Complete Maus - a favourite of yours?

Hi Ian, thanks for the welcome and thanks also for putting your time and enthusiasm into this group.

Yes, Maus is a very important work. Also worth your time is Persepolis. Both books examine the nature of oppression and totalitarian systems very powerfully.

I believe Maus is on the National Curriculum and it wouldn't surprise me if Persepolis joins it one day.

Colin wrote: "Hi Ian, thanks for the welcome and thanks also for putting your time and enthusiasm into this group.

Yes, Maus is a very important work. Also worth your time is Persepolis. Both books examine the ..."

Both are now added to my list - I am going to have to prioritise I think - so many great recommendations from everyone

Yes, prioritising is probably the way to go!

Hello and welcome to the recent new joins, the delay because of catching the latest cold bug which is pretty miserable. I live in Teignmouth, but am originally from Surrey.

Julie wrote: "Hello and welcome to the recent new joins, the delay because of catching the latest cold bug which is pretty miserable. I live in Teignmouth, but am originally from Surrey."

Hi Julie - hope you are feeling better and thanks for the post.

Hello everyone.
I'm a compulsive reader and occasional author living in the bustling port of Brixham. I know Carol from elsewhere on Goodreads and she kindly steered me in this direction.
My wife and I moved down from the frozen north way back in 1972. After ten years in Cornwall, twenty in Plymouth and two in Totnes, my wife and I retired to Brixham seven years ago - and great fun it is, too.

Hi BJ. Lovely to see you here. We have an author section where we've been rabbiting on about our books. Your books are particularly interesting to our group because they are, I believe, set on Dartmoor. If you go to that section I would be delighted to ask you a few questions and find out more.

Hi Carol. Grey, wet and chilly in Torbay today isn't it? A good day for finding a pub with a log fire.

B J wrote: "Hi Carol. Grey, wet and chilly in Torbay today isn't it? A good day for finding a pub with a log fire."

It's my 42nd wedding anniversary today. We were going to go to Greenways, Agatha Christie's house on the Dart, then discovered it is shut. Then decided to go and see Torre Abbey, and when we had parked discovered that it was also shut today. So, we finally ended up in the Riviera Centre next door and had a look at the swimming pool! So now we're back home by the fire and very pleased to be here, as it's very chilly and rainy.

Happy anniversary Carol! Anything planned for this evening? 42 years calls for at least dinner in The Elephant.
It was our 42nd in May - where did all those years go?
Greenway is a delight. We are so lucky to have it and Coleton Fishacre both within a few minutes drive.

Carol wrote: "B J wrote: "Hi Carol. Grey, wet and chilly in Torbay today isn't it? A good day for finding a pub with a log fire."

It's my 42nd wedding anniversary today. We were going to go to Greenways, Agatha..."
I'll wish you Happy Anniversary for a second time (since I've just done it elsewhere on GR!). I think 42 years qualifies for serious congrats.
I believe Saltram House is open all year round but it's a long way from you unfortunately. I'd say that what with the weather etc, maybe November isn't the best month for getting married in, but we got married in June and it poured with rain solidly for two weeks...

B J wrote: "Hello everyone.
I'm a compulsive reader and occasional author living in the bustling port of Brixham. I know Carol from elsewhere on Goodreads and she kindly steered me in this direction.
My wife a..."

Welcome B.J. Great to have you with us. Sounds like you will have lots to share with us. Very muich looking forward to getting to know you. I see you are an inveterate reader. Any favourites?

Carol wrote: "B J wrote: "Hi Carol. Grey, wet and chilly in Torbay today isn't it? A good day for finding a pub with a log fire."

It's my 42nd wedding anniversary today. We were going to go to Greenways, Agatha..."

Many congratulations Carol - I feel like a novice now with just 32 years under my belt. I hope you have a lovely evening.

Ian wrote: "B J wrote: "Hello everyone.
I'm a compulsive reader and occasional author living in the bustling port of Brixham. I know Carol from elsewhere on Goodreads and she kindly steered me in this directio..."

Hello Ian. Always happy to share, but beware - my ignorance is almost boundless. Lots of favourites, including Bernard Cornwell, Ben Aaronovitch, Neil Gaiman, Tom Holt, plus loads of indies - and I frequently go back to P G Wodehouse for the soothing balm of his gentle humour.

B J wrote: "Ian wrote: "B J wrote: "Hello everyone.
I'm a compulsive reader and occasional author living in the bustling port of Brixham. I know Carol from elsewhere on Goodreads and she kindly steered me in t..."

Boundlessness of all kinds welcome - all helps the world to turn in an interesting way

Thanks for the congrats everyone.

Hi, I'm Carole from Kingsbridge Library Reading Group (although something somewhere may give my 'Blogging' name of DrMama ... I've not had much success in changing my profile so far). I heard of this Devon-based 'GoodReads' site when our Librarian circulated the latest Devon Book Group info. Our group has just read 'The Quarry' by Iain Banks: most were not keen. I admired aspects of the novel, but assume it was hastily edited - he was dying - and agree with the lovely man, himself, that it was a shame he went out on a not-so-good book. I'm currently reading 'The Ice Palace' by Terjei Vesaas, 'The Search Warrant' by Patrick Modiano and 'Zeppelin Nights' by Jerry White. I usually read several at a time, some for work and some in different rooms - or for the Book Group.

DrMama wrote: "Hi, I'm Carole from Kingsbridge Library Reading Group (although something somewhere may give my 'Blogging' name of DrMama ... I've not had much success in changing my profile so far). I heard of t..."

Hi Carole - you are very welcome. Great to raise the profile in Kingsbridge. I am delighted to see someone else reading The Ice Palace. I read it earlier this year and thought it was beautiful - such elegant prose and wonderful imagery. Be great to hear your thoughts on it. It was one of those books that left me sitting quietly for a while after reading it. I don't know the others but if they are as good I will add them to my list.

If you want to change your profile, go to the Goodreads bar at the top of the screen and at the far right hand side you'll see a little drop down box. Click on there and you can make changes. DrMama is intriguing - how did that come about?

I am delighted to welcome you to the group and hope you will drop by often. Please also spread the word.

Best Wishes

Ian

Okay, I've just seen the 'add book/author' link. I came back on here especially to ask how to do that, having posted my first comment before reading Ian's advice.
However, I do have another question: what is the 'Books' number against our general info intended to signify? How many books owned? ... or ever read?? ... or read in the Book Group, or since joining this group???
Mind you, I don't think I know any of those.