Hi all - we missed Sue E, Jane and Pat R at Long Jetty today, as we celebrated with a Christmas lunch meeting, catered beautifully by Moy. Ham and Turkey with gorgeous salads, washed down with plenty of bubbly and topped off by a gloriously sinful cheesecake.
Yes, we did talk about the book, American Rust, by Philipp Meyer. Depressing but not as depressing an end as might have been expected. For those who haven't finished it, definitely worth it. Strong characterisations and some wonderful descriptive writing about the beautiful American countryside, as it reclaims the industrial rustbelt of Pennsylvania. Ros filled up her page with comments quite easily even the group was easily sidetracked onto a great range of other topics!
Next book is of course The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri, and we will skip December as usual and meet on 26 January (even though it's Australia Day) at Ros's place.
March book is at Margaret Lackenby's place at Kirribilli. Book is The Golden Notebook, in honour of its author, Doris Lessing, who passed away during the month.
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
October meeting - January book.
Wonderful get together at Maggie's place with a spirited discussion, because we were divided in our response to the book, The Woman Upstairs. Margaret L told us that even the author, Clare Messud, didn't like the protagonist. Margaret heard her speak at the Writers Festival where she said she had written a most unlikeable lead character. However, some of us rather liked her and saw in her quite a bit of ourselves and our good friends. And even those who had reservations about the character found the book to be quite well written, within the narrow point of view. Lively meeting. Great cake. Clare managed to get to book group, although jet lagged after a 3 week trip to London and thereabouts. Good rollup.
A reminder that the November book is American Rust - that's the one by Philippe Meyer. It is at Moy's and because its our Christmas meeting, it will commence earlier than usual, and Moy will provide lunch. that will be 24th November from 11.30am. Thanks Moy. We will car pool to get to the Central Coast. Hope everyone can come.
The January book will be The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri. Jhumpa won the Pulitzer prize for an earlier collection of stories, and was shortlisted for her most recent book for the Booker prize. For ease of availability, we have chosen her earlier work, also well received.
Wonderful get together at Maggie's place with a spirited discussion, because we were divided in our response to the book, The Woman Upstairs. Margaret L told us that even the author, Clare Messud, didn't like the protagonist. Margaret heard her speak at the Writers Festival where she said she had written a most unlikeable lead character. However, some of us rather liked her and saw in her quite a bit of ourselves and our good friends. And even those who had reservations about the character found the book to be quite well written, within the narrow point of view. Lively meeting. Great cake. Clare managed to get to book group, although jet lagged after a 3 week trip to London and thereabouts. Good rollup.
A reminder that the November book is American Rust - that's the one by Philippe Meyer. It is at Moy's and because its our Christmas meeting, it will commence earlier than usual, and Moy will provide lunch. that will be 24th November from 11.30am. Thanks Moy. We will car pool to get to the Central Coast. Hope everyone can come.
The January book will be The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri. Jhumpa won the Pulitzer prize for an earlier collection of stories, and was shortlisted for her most recent book for the Booker prize. For ease of availability, we have chosen her earlier work, also well received.
Sunday, October 13, 2013
September's Summary
Hello Ladies
I have now had a refresher from Pat for achieving a blog entry. So better late than never to summarize September’s book group discussion on The Orphan Master’s Son by Adam Johnson. However just before I go on I would like to mention that we did appreciate Stella’s round up of the Organ Master’s Son, the book she read instead of the former. It sounded like a less controversial read Stella.
First comments on the prescribed read were, it was confusing, tedious, lacked consistency and a bit jumpy. The booked worked in some ways in that it brought up the issue of human rights and the atrocities purported to be carried out in North Korea. A question raised was on what authority did the author speak? It’s difficult to know. A consensus reached was that the book was sinister and brought back memories of books read in the 80’s even if half of what the author wrote is true it was indeed traumatic. The agreed genre was political dystopia, comedic and satirical. Sue W and Clare thought the book warranted the Pulitzer, no one else did.
As Pat S has said, November’s book is American Rust by Philipp Meyer, October’s meeting is at my home.
Cheers,
Maggie
I have now had a refresher from Pat for achieving a blog entry. So better late than never to summarize September’s book group discussion on The Orphan Master’s Son by Adam Johnson. However just before I go on I would like to mention that we did appreciate Stella’s round up of the Organ Master’s Son, the book she read instead of the former. It sounded like a less controversial read Stella.
First comments on the prescribed read were, it was confusing, tedious, lacked consistency and a bit jumpy. The booked worked in some ways in that it brought up the issue of human rights and the atrocities purported to be carried out in North Korea. A question raised was on what authority did the author speak? It’s difficult to know. A consensus reached was that the book was sinister and brought back memories of books read in the 80’s even if half of what the author wrote is true it was indeed traumatic. The agreed genre was political dystopia, comedic and satirical. Sue W and Clare thought the book warranted the Pulitzer, no one else did.
As Pat S has said, November’s book is American Rust by Philipp Meyer, October’s meeting is at my home.
Cheers,
Maggie
Thursday, October 10, 2013
September meeting - November book
News from Ros re the September meeting which I was unable to attend, being in Japan - and too much to do to connect in by Skype - or even read the book, I have to admit.
However, I gather there was a lively mixed reaction - always good - and that the November book is to be American Rust by Phillip Meyer. October meet is at Maggie's place you will recall, for the Clare Messud, which I had better read quick start or be drummed out of the group.
Look forward to a good roll-up and the usual great discussion.
Patricia
News from Ros re the September meeting which I was unable to attend, being in Japan - and too much to do to connect in by Skype - or even read the book, I have to admit.
However, I gather there was a lively mixed reaction - always good - and that the November book is to be American Rust by Phillip Meyer. October meet is at Maggie's place you will recall, for the Clare Messud, which I had better read quick start or be drummed out of the group.
Look forward to a good roll-up and the usual great discussion.
Patricia
Sunday, August 25, 2013
August meeting: October book
Today we met at Sue Wood's place, so many people we had to put the folding table to work! Sue had catered magnificently and we all enjoyed the Leichhardt Ricotta Cake in particular.
Most were positive about the book Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Stroud. A novel made up of a series of stories, loosely linked by the presence of Olive, but a big cast of well drawn characters. Liz didn't like the small town claustrophobia of the setting. We agreed that Olive herself wasn't entirely a likeable character, but do we alway want to read about nice people! Some great writing.
The October book will be Claire Messud's The Woman Upstairs. Margaret has read it and liked it, so there is high praise.
Remember that the September book group meeting is at Stella's place, and the book is The Orphan Masters Son by Adam Johnston.
Cheers from Patricia
Today we met at Sue Wood's place, so many people we had to put the folding table to work! Sue had catered magnificently and we all enjoyed the Leichhardt Ricotta Cake in particular.
Most were positive about the book Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Stroud. A novel made up of a series of stories, loosely linked by the presence of Olive, but a big cast of well drawn characters. Liz didn't like the small town claustrophobia of the setting. We agreed that Olive herself wasn't entirely a likeable character, but do we alway want to read about nice people! Some great writing.
The October book will be Claire Messud's The Woman Upstairs. Margaret has read it and liked it, so there is high praise.
Remember that the September book group meeting is at Stella's place, and the book is The Orphan Masters Son by Adam Johnston.
Cheers from Patricia
Sunday, July 28, 2013
July Meeting at Jane's - September book will be The Orphan Master's Son at Stella's place
We managed to have an almost perfect attendance record today - just Pat R who is travelling and Liz who is welcoming a traveller couldn't be there. Three - yes 3 - new babies! A grandson for Sue W, and two new granddaughters to Maggie. Congratulations to all. We marvelled at the lovely foodstuffs they have at Wollstonecraft - beautiful charcuterie spread! And a yummy cake too.
Didn't get to The Reluctant Fundamentalist till 3pm as a result - too much to tell. But when we got there, we had much to admire about this pithy book in the form of a dramatic monologue.
A few of us had seen the film too and liked it too, but it was of necessity less subtle than the book.
The next book is the Pulitzer Prize winner - a recent one - The Orphan Master's Son, by Adam Johnson, set in North Korea.
We have worked out the places for the new few book group meetings:
August - Sue W - Olive Kitteridge
September - Stella O'R - The Orphan Master's Son
October - Maggie H - TBA
November - Moy - TBA
Cheers to all
Pat
We managed to have an almost perfect attendance record today - just Pat R who is travelling and Liz who is welcoming a traveller couldn't be there. Three - yes 3 - new babies! A grandson for Sue W, and two new granddaughters to Maggie. Congratulations to all. We marvelled at the lovely foodstuffs they have at Wollstonecraft - beautiful charcuterie spread! And a yummy cake too.
Didn't get to The Reluctant Fundamentalist till 3pm as a result - too much to tell. But when we got there, we had much to admire about this pithy book in the form of a dramatic monologue.
A few of us had seen the film too and liked it too, but it was of necessity less subtle than the book.
The next book is the Pulitzer Prize winner - a recent one - The Orphan Master's Son, by Adam Johnson, set in North Korea.
We have worked out the places for the new few book group meetings:
August - Sue W - Olive Kitteridge
September - Stella O'R - The Orphan Master's Son
October - Maggie H - TBA
November - Moy - TBA
Cheers to all
Pat
Sunday, June 30, 2013
June Meeting; August book
Thanks to you all for coming to my place today for book group. I thought The Rosie Project was fun. Not everyone liked it - and it was lightweight - but still it gave us plenty to talk about. Most of us did the quiz to see which character we are like - there were lots of Claudias and a few Dons! Those who weren't there can check it out at:
http://quiz.therosieproject.com.au/character.html
The important thing - the next book... It is Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Stroud, a Pulitzer Prize Winner from a few years ago.
Next book, The Reluctant Fundamentalist, will be at Jane's place, and the one after, in August, at Sue Woods. See you next month.
http://quiz.therosieproject.com.au/character.html
The important thing - the next book... It is Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Stroud, a Pulitzer Prize Winner from a few years ago.
Next book, The Reluctant Fundamentalist, will be at Jane's place, and the one after, in August, at Sue Woods. See you next month.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
May meeting and July book
Today we met at Clare's, feasted on lovely food in Clare's elegant dining room and created conversational chaos! Missed Margaret in Canberra, Moy on the Coast, and Pat who is en route to Iran, and Liz - come next time if you can (Maggie can't I know)!
Today's book was Elizabeth Harrower's The Watch Tower. We found so much to talk about! It wasn't universally liked - Sue Woods loved it enough to read it twice. Jane didn't like it very much at all. We all HATED Felix Shaw, the male protagonist, and wondered where Elizabeth H. found that character - in her life or in her imagination? Our research showed that all her writing seems to focus on controlling men and trapped women - except where women are the controlling characters, ruining the lives of other women. Indeed the mother in The Watch Tower was a pretty awful character. The writing was excellent - 'austere, intelligent, ruthless in its perceptions...'. It was published in 1966 - how did we miss it all this time? I have the job of writing to Elizabeth Harrower and asking her to a meeting -yes, she is still alive and lives in Sydney.
Next book is The Rosie Project at my place on 30 June - and then on July 28th, we read The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid at Jane's place.
Today we met at Clare's, feasted on lovely food in Clare's elegant dining room and created conversational chaos! Missed Margaret in Canberra, Moy on the Coast, and Pat who is en route to Iran, and Liz - come next time if you can (Maggie can't I know)!
Today's book was Elizabeth Harrower's The Watch Tower. We found so much to talk about! It wasn't universally liked - Sue Woods loved it enough to read it twice. Jane didn't like it very much at all. We all HATED Felix Shaw, the male protagonist, and wondered where Elizabeth H. found that character - in her life or in her imagination? Our research showed that all her writing seems to focus on controlling men and trapped women - except where women are the controlling characters, ruining the lives of other women. Indeed the mother in The Watch Tower was a pretty awful character. The writing was excellent - 'austere, intelligent, ruthless in its perceptions...'. It was published in 1966 - how did we miss it all this time? I have the job of writing to Elizabeth Harrower and asking her to a meeting -yes, she is still alive and lives in Sydney.
Next book is The Rosie Project at my place on 30 June - and then on July 28th, we read The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid at Jane's place.
Sunday, April 28, 2013
April meeting - June Book
We had a great meeting at Ros's place, with lots of conversation about Gilead by Marilynne Robinson. A rich and complex book to discuss, framed entirely through the voice of the narrator, the Reverend John Ames. The extent of his unreliability as an informant was debated. It was a topic that raised many others, and we can now read another version of the events in the book, if we read Robinson's book Home, singing Verdi and Pat R getting ready for a big trip.
Our June book was decided from several contenders - including Kate Atkinson, Life after Life, Toni Jordan's Nine Days and Drusilla Modjeska's The Mountain. None of these got the nod this time, it's to be Graeme Simsion's current bestseller, The Rosie Project at my place in June. Clare's place in May.
We had a great meeting at Ros's place, with lots of conversation about Gilead by Marilynne Robinson. A rich and complex book to discuss, framed entirely through the voice of the narrator, the Reverend John Ames. The extent of his unreliability as an informant was debated. It was a topic that raised many others, and we can now read another version of the events in the book, if we read Robinson's book Home, singing Verdi and Pat R getting ready for a big trip.
Our June book was decided from several contenders - including Kate Atkinson, Life after Life, Toni Jordan's Nine Days and Drusilla Modjeska's The Mountain. None of these got the nod this time, it's to be Graeme Simsion's current bestseller, The Rosie Project at my place in June. Clare's place in May.
Friday, April 19, 2013
March 2013
I missed this one, at Stella's place, but am told that Middlemarch proved hard work for some people.
The May book was decided - a 1960s Australian publication that is having another lease of life - The Watch Tower by Elizabeth Harrower and that will be at Clare's place. Ok I'm up to date now. See you at Ros's place for Gilead at the end of April.
I missed this one, at Stella's place, but am told that Middlemarch proved hard work for some people.
The May book was decided - a 1960s Australian publication that is having another lease of life - The Watch Tower by Elizabeth Harrower and that will be at Clare's place. Ok I'm up to date now. See you at Ros's place for Gilead at the end of April.
February 2013 - Dear Life by Alice Munro
This was another winner, and prompted a very lively discussion and it wasn't just that we related to the well-told stories that dealt with ageing. We don't always do well with short stories, but these worked well.
The April book was decided - Gilead by Marilynne Robinson.
This was another winner, and prompted a very lively discussion and it wasn't just that we related to the well-told stories that dealt with ageing. We don't always do well with short stories, but these worked well.
The April book was decided - Gilead by Marilynne Robinson.
January 2013
Still catching up - I missed the discussion of The Dark Room by Rachael Seiffert, a collection of 3 stories linked in theme. I'm sorry I missed it because I loved these stories, and I hear that was pretty much the unanimous view. The March book was set - George Elliot's Middlemarch as our annual classic.
Still catching up - I missed the discussion of The Dark Room by Rachael Seiffert, a collection of 3 stories linked in theme. I'm sorry I missed it because I loved these stories, and I hear that was pretty much the unanimous view. The March book was set - George Elliot's Middlemarch as our annual classic.
November 2012
I've been hopelessly remiss with keeping the blog up to date so will do a quick catch up.
November book at Maggie's place was The Garden of Evening Mists. Ken didn't go to Namibia after all as he was recuperating from an injury! Maggie did a great job as first time host, and the discussion was lively, even if the book was flawed. The places and themes it covered resonated with many of us.
We decided on the February book - Dear Life by Alice Munro, a book of short stories.
I've been hopelessly remiss with keeping the blog up to date so will do a quick catch up.
November book at Maggie's place was The Garden of Evening Mists. Ken didn't go to Namibia after all as he was recuperating from an injury! Maggie did a great job as first time host, and the discussion was lively, even if the book was flawed. The places and themes it covered resonated with many of us.
We decided on the February book - Dear Life by Alice Munro, a book of short stories.
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