Devon Book Club discussion

Ian wrote: "Janet wrote: "I am now zipping through Martha Wells' Murderbot series.
Great fun these and she is an engaging writer. I am completely (and so easily) drawn into the world she created for this seri..."
"Now I don't do that. In fact I try to read a new author A-Z every year to ensure I don't get stuck in a particular writers work. Again, interesting how we read so diffeerntly"

I should have mentioned I also read several books at once...
as in, currently, I am in the midst of eight books by eight different authors!
Absurd, I know. But each genre and unique story is like playing at a massive buffet table. Which is most delectable tonight? Hrmmm... that is a good place to stop and let those chapters seep in.... while I get back to this author's tale... or maybe I shall look up some of my favorite science guru's topics right now.
xD

I hope you find that you enjoy Colson Whitehead's book! I definitely sympathise with having several books on the go. I have always tended to do this, but during the current lockdown phase, I find it such a help to have even more available, as there will always be something to tempt me. I too always have a good mix, often with more non-fiction. I enjoy good biographies as well as history, travel, climbing and well-written auto-bio-reportage stuff, like Geoff Dyer's work. I don't think I would be disciplined enough to stick to an A-Z list though!
At New Year I lined up about 100 of my books that I had not read, and alternated them fact/fiction ... hoping to get through at least 1 or 2 a week. 6 months in … and I think I may have achieved the numbers, but I'm definitely not sticking to the alternation … nor to the chosen 100! Happy reading!

DrMama wrote: "I am mainly reading non-fiction Working: Researching, Interviewing, Writing by Robert A, Caro a wonderful biographer. I am writing biography and felt that this would help to keep me..."

Goodness me Carol, not a lot of light reading in there! I still haven't begun The Mirror and The Light yet - will save that one for the darker evenings I think

Janet wrote: "Thanks for this personal share around your reading. I appreciate the subjective touch... makes me feel more like we are in conversation.
As a result of your ruminations, I am going to look into Col..."

That's a lovely response to Carol, Janet. Like you, I enjoy the personal reflections that people read here as reading, for me, is so much more than a good story (though that is often necessary too) but a personal journey.

What do you love to read most?

Janet wrote: "Ian wrote: "Janet wrote: "I am now zipping through Martha Wells' Murderbot series.
Great fun these and she is an engaging writer. I am completely (and so easily) drawn into the world she created f..."

How do you do that! I can only read a max of two at once - one novel and one non-fiction, maybe a third of poetry - but that is all my poor brain can cope with :)

I've currently got 3 very different books on the go:

1. Existentialism: a very short introduction
2. Hitch-22 by Christopher Hitchens
3. A Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

Jordan wrote: "I've currently got 3 very different books on the go:

1. Existentialism: a very short introduction
2. Hitch-22 by Christopher Hitchens
3. A Brave New World by Aldous Huxley"

An intriguing mix Jordan - look forward to hearing more during our theme week

Just finished Trevor NOah's book Born a Crime, which was interesting (great insights int Apartheid) but didn't blow me away and have just started The Conviction of Cora Burns by Carolyn Kirby. Looks like being an easy read. Not sure it is quite my thing but enjoyable nonetheless

I'm reading Bluebird, Bluebird Bluebird, Bluebirdby Attica Locke, recommended writer by Bernadine Evaristo I loved her writing in Girl, Woman, Other. It's a crime/mystery which I read occasionally, but not really my genre. It's a good read though, first in a series called Highway 59, and the second book in the series Heaven, My Home has great reviews.

Finished the Hitch 22: A Memoir audiobook today.
Unfortunately found it quite underwhelming as I was hoping it would have more information about his personal life. Instead, he talks about specific political issues, which I didn't find that interesting, for too long for me.

Karen wrote: "I'm reading Bluebird, Bluebird Bluebird, Bluebirdby Attica Locke, recommended writer by Bernadine Evaristo I loved her writing in Girl, Woman, Other. It's a crime/my..."

Thanks Karen - not a writer I know but sounds interesting

Jordan wrote: "Finished the Hitch 22: A Memoir audiobook today.
Unfortunately found it quite underwhelming as I was hoping it would have more information about his personal life. Instead, he talks ..."

One of those larger than life characters that you expect a lot from. I haven't read much by way of memoir - perhaps I should. Any favourites?

Finished 2 books today; A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson and George Orwell: The Authorised Biography by Michael Shelden.

Being a Bill Bryson book, 'A Short History of Nearly Everything' turned out to be how I imagined it would; fascinating and well-written.

George Orwell's biography was also brilliant, as I was hoping it would be, what with the subject being one of my favourite authors of all time. Michael Shelden did a great job researching Orwells life and found eye-opening bits of information from sources such as Orwell's private letters. I learnt so much about him and in the end I came away from reading the book to find myself somehow really missing someone who died over 40 years before I was born!

Needless to say, both books got 5 stars from me.

Have just finished Circe by Madeline Miller. The book is cleverly crafted, drawing on the Greek/Roman myths and the prose is exquisite, the descriptions beautiful. I enjoyed it but did not find it a page-turner. My knowledge of Greek/Roman myths is a bit sketchy so perhaps that didn't help.
BTW, I couldn't manage to add on properly the book and author- it is not that I forgot!

Jordan wrote: "Finished 2 books today; A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson and George Orwell: The Authorised Biography by Michael Shelden.

Being..."
I also really like Bill Bryson. Have just started watching again the film of his walk along the Appalachian Trail, starring Robert Redford. I don't think it's anywhere near as good as the book, but still very pleasant to watch.

Jordan wrote: "Finished the Hitch 22: A Memoir audiobook today.
Unfortunately found it quite underwhelming as I was hoping it would have more information about his personal life. Instead, he talks ..."

I had never heard of Hitch-22. Have always liked Christopher Hitchens right from the first time I saw him at a political meeting in the dim and distant past, when he entered the room wearing an enormous cavalier-type hat. A very striking presence and a sharp wit. It's strange that the two brothers, Peter and Christopher, should be so intellectually stimulating and interesting to listen to, whilst being worlds apart politically. His early demise has been a great lack to political analysis and social comment, I feel.
Have read Thomas Jefferson by Christopher Hitchens. An interesting and well written book.

DrMama wrote: "I am mainly reading non-fiction Working: Researching, Interviewing, Writing by Robert A, Caro a wonderful biographer. I am writing biography and felt that this would help to keep me..."
What biography are you writing, Carole? I am still writing a biography of Lafayette. I have been doing the references since Xmas. I also find it difficult to read fiction when writing. Non-fiction is OK but fiction has to be very good to hold my attention and often seems rather insubstantial. Historical fiction is also rather difficult if it is about real people from the past, as then the author's view can intrude too much. It is fiction, after all, although written within the confines of real people's actions and events.

Hi Carol,
Sorry! I have not been on here for weeks: too much happening after months of quiet reading, research and writing ... plus knitting & sewing. One of the perils of living in Devon, I guess. Happily, I am now back to work.
My biography is about an academic, with the life spanning - and being involved in - most of the major events of the 20thC. Apologies, but I 'dare not speak the name' as I dread the idea of someone quicker muscling in!!
Lockdown has actually helped me, in that I have been able to submerge into retirement/work, completely. I had already left some groups before Covid hit, but the past months have re-established much quiet time. I have also found that creative ties with old academic friends have re-surfaced, and we are helping each other to re-immerse into old and new projects.
I agree about fiction, although I probably read more, as it helps me to switch off ... and fall asleep! Also, some fiction does provide ideas - and even leads - on settings or people that might be useful! NB: Good luck with the references: I try to keep up as I go along, but sometimes leads crowd in (usually unexpectedly and non-chronologically) so many refs and links have to go into the: 'sort out later' box, complete with (hopefully) detailed links and clues.
Happy research and referencing! Take care.

DrMama wrote: "Hi Carol,
Sorry! I have not been on here for weeks: too much happening after months of quiet reading, research and writing ... plus knitting & sewing. One of the perils of living in Devon, I guess...."

I have also been absent from these pages - partly due to work but more related to moving my 92 yr old mum to Devon. Sometimes family comes first :) Having had a few days off, however, I am now gearing up again and will get more active in our community again.

Your books sounds fascinating Carol(s) and I can't wait to hear more. In the meantime, look out for more book activity in the coming weeks. In a world gone mad, perhaps there lies sanity!

DrMama wrote: "Hi Carol,
Sorry! I have not been on here for weeks: too much happening after months of quiet reading, research and writing ... plus knitting & sewing. One of the perils of living in Devon, I guess...."

I have only just seen your reply, Carole, as Ian's posting came through which I looked at and then saw yours. I can understand your reticence to mention the name of the person you are writing a biography on. I was the same with Lafayette but then threw caution to the winds as there are already quite a few biographies of him (which have mistakes on nearly every page) and also it has taken me so long, and is so detailed, it doesn't seem likely anyone could write it quickly. (over 5 years now). Also, you need to be able to read the original sources in French, which eliminates quite a few people). My biography is written differently to any others have seen. I am writing it in the first person and in the present tense. It is more difficult to do that but it makes the words come more alive. It is also slightly restricting as everything is seen from L's viewpoint and from when he knew it, rather than when it necessarily happened. Interested to hear more about yours. Sometimes it helps to have someone else to talk to when there are writing problems. People who do not write do not always understand.

Ian wrote: "DrMama wrote: "Hi Carol,
Sorry! I have not been on here for weeks: too much happening after months of quiet reading, research and writing ... plus knitting & sewing. One of the perils of living in ..."
Have seen the photos on FB. Hope your Mum has properly settled in.

Carol wrote: "Ian wrote: "DrMama wrote: "Hi Carol,
Sorry! I have not been on here for weeks: too much happening after months of quiet reading, research and writing ... plus knitting & sewing. One of the perils o..."

Thanks Carol - taking time but she's getting there thank you. We had to renovate the bungalow so I spent 4 months shifting rubble for my friend the builder and painting non-stop

I'm about to start Sistersongby Lucy Holland which just arrived in the post. Can't wait. In fact, I'm not going to. Opening the cover now

I'd like to read that sometime, currently working my way through Coat With Long Sleeves, it got packed away for our move so I didn't get to it for a bit.

Great minds - that is also one I want to read. How are you getting on with it?

It's very odd, all about psychological breakdown with a bit of mystery thrown in. Nearly finished and still don't know what to expect. Good writing and keeps you engaged with a thoroughly unlikeable protagonist.

Ley wrote: "It's very odd, all about psychological breakdown with a bit of mystery thrown in. Nearly finished and still don't know what to expect. Good writing and keeps you engaged with a thoroughly unlikeabl..."

It has certainly had some great reviews - I look forward to reading it at some point.

Thanks for the recommendation. I'll add it to my 'to read' list. I've just finished 'Bright Stars' by Sophie Duffy, a Devon author. I loved her quirky style of writing.

Cynthea wrote: "Thanks for the recommendation. I'll add it to my 'to read' list. I've just finished 'Bright Stars' by Sophie Duffy, a Devon author. I loved her quirky style of writing."

Hi Cynthea - I have that one on my TBR list. I have read Betsy and Lilibet which I really enjoyed and was privileged to attend the book launch.

Sophie writes very accessibly

Hi Ian,
I'm sure that was memorable, but had to be before lockdown. Did it take place in Paignton? At present, book launches are very restricted and mundane on-line.
I have to confess, I didn't put 'Betsy and Lilibet' on my reading list. I was put off by the blurb about the plot.
Cynthea

Cynthea wrote: "Hi Ian,
I'm sure that was memorable, but had to be before lockdown. Did it take place in Paignton? At present, book launches are very restricted and mundane on-line.
I have to confess, I didn't pu..."

Yes - was a couple of years ago. An unusual location for a launch - in a funeral directors - but was appropriate for the book. I enjoyed it as I say

I'm just about half-way through Piranesi by Susanna Clarke. I think it is wonderful! Definitely one of the best books I have read for a long time. It is complex, detailed and requires either... great effort and trust in your own imagination/intelligence to get into it, or... just the ability to trust a superb author and allow her to bring you, safely, to the other side. It's one of those wonderful works which doesn't make any sense - even less as you read on - but which is compulsive and demands both your attention and submersion. Half the fun is trying to work out explanations, only to have your ideas dashed. I can't wait to finish - but don't want it to end!

I had that fir Christmas, sitting on my shelves waiting for me to read it. I loved Jonathon Clarke and Mr Norrell so looking forward to it.

Ley wrote: "I had that fir Christmas, sitting on my shelves waiting for me to read it. I loved Jonathon Clarke and Mr Norrell so looking forward to it."
Hope you enjoy it, Ley. I have to admit that many of my pals don't enjoy/cannot get into most of the books I love ... but I do adore this! I really, really don't want it to end - and it's ages since I felt that about a book! I also have 'JC and Mr N'. I bought it when SC gave a talk at a friend's bookshop, years ago, just after the book was published in paperback ... and I've never read it! But I did avoid the TV version, as I knew I'd get round to it eventually.

DrMama wrote: "Ley wrote: "I had that fir Christmas, sitting on my shelves waiting for me to read it. I loved Jonathon Clarke and Mr Norrell so looking forward to it."
Hope you enjoy it, Ley. I have to admit tha..."

I've had this one on my TBR list for a little while - I love the sound of it - must get it closer to the surface!

I'm reading Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi, - Ghana, eighteenth century: two half sisters are born into different villages, each unaware of the other. One will marry an Englishman and lead a life of comfort in the palatial rooms of the Cape Coast Castle. The other will be captured in a raid on her village, imprisoned in the very same castle, and sold into slavery.

The book follows the parallel paths of these sisters and their descendants through eight generations: from the Gold Coast to the plantations of Mississippi, from the American Civil War to Jazz Age Harlem.

I'm loving it

Ian wrote: "DrMama wrote: "Ley wrote: "I had that fir Christmas, sitting on my shelves waiting for me to read it. I loved Jonathon Clarke and Mr Norrell so looking forward to it."
Hope you enjoy it, Ley. I ha..."
I really enjoyed Homegoing and want to read Transcendent Kingdom. This has jogged my memory and it's now reserved at the library!

Karen wrote: "Ian wrote: "DrMama wrote: "Ley wrote: "I had that fir Christmas, sitting on my shelves waiting for me to read it. I loved Jonathon Clarke and Mr Norrell so looking forward to it."
Hope you enjoy i..."

Maybe it was you who recommended it to me then, Carol. It is a wonderful book. I am loving it. Be great to hear what you think about Transcendent Kingdom

I'm reading Love After Love at the moment, and really enjoying it. The language is playful and makes a really interesting read. It's a family drama with good hearted characters, set in Trinidad.

I've just started Maggie O'Farrell's 'Hamnet'. I'm a big fan of hers, but already I have the feeling that this book is going to be rather different from her usual family dramas.

Cynthea wrote: "I've just started Maggie O'Farrell's 'Hamnet'. I'm a big fan of hers, but already I have the feeling that this book is going to be rather different from her usual family dramas."

I'll be very interested to hear what you think of it. I read it earlier this year but shall reserve my view until I hear yours

I'm reading The Beekeeper of Aleppo and listening to Shuggie Bain on audiobook. Anyone read them?

not read either of those, currently just finished Black Summer by MW Craven. Very twisty and ingenious crime novel which keeps you guessing right to the end. Also reading The Something Girl by Jodi Taylor. Light, funny but with a dark thread. Follows on from The Nothing Girl. I love her St Mary's series so thought I'd try this too. Enjoyable.

No, but they are on my list of 'must reads'. On the recommendation of another DBC member, I'm currently reading 'The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao' by Junot Diaz. I'm really enjoying the lively and unconventional style of writing.

Ley wrote: "not read either of those, currently just finished Black Summer by MW Craven. Very twisty and ingenious crime novel which keeps you guessing right to the end. Also reading The Something Girl by Jodi..."

All new to me but loving the variety in your choices

Karen wrote: "Ian wrote: "I'm reading The Beekeeper of Aleppo and listening to Shuggie Bain on audiobook. Anyone read them?"

I've read The Beekeeper of Aleppo and thought it was really good. Wha..."

I was disappointed in The Beekeeper of Aleppo. I've left a review but generally, although it is an important issue and a competently written book, it didn't really come alive for me or move me as I would have thought it would.

Shuggie Bain is great

Cynthea wrote: "No, but they are on my list of 'must reads'. On the recommendation of another DBC member, I'm currently reading 'The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao' by Junot Diaz. I'm really enjoying the liv..."

That one is on my list, probably for the same reason, but not got to it yet

I can't quite believe I'm saying this but I'm reading my first ever Isabel Allende novel - how have I not read her before? My choice? Her latest book A Long Petal of the Sea 100 pages in and I'm loving it

she is brilliant, I was given the task of illustrating one of her books at college so had to read it. Loved it, House of the Spirits if I remember. correctly. Also had to read Jung Chang's Wild Swans and Captain Corelli's Mandolin, loved both but have been disappointed by other De Berniere books.

Currently readin three fantasy stories, The Master Magician, 99p from Amazon as an ebook, YA, Elvenblood, 2nd partof a series, and Reserved for the Cat book 5 of the Elemental Masters series and a sort of retelling of Puss in Boots with a female Dick Whittington. I'm in the mood for silly and fun right now.

How are the first two books you mentioned? I greatly enjoy good fantasy writing.