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
Sunday, October 13, 2013
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.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Booksnthings: October 2012 meeting, January 2013 book.Lovely da...
Booksnthings: October 2012 meeting, January 2013 book.
Lovely da...: October 2012 meeting, January 2013 book. Lovely day at Sue W's place, lively discussion of Hemingway's The Moveable Feast , comparing the 2...
Ladies
I have now attended 4 of the Book Club meetings and I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I felt a little nervous at the meeting on Sunday when Pat S handed me the hallowed note book and told me to scribe. Apparently it is the person whose home is designated next month's venue to write the notes on the discussion of the day. Re-reading my notes - I am sure I haven't summarized very well the great discussion on EH's book and I can hardly read my own writing. My excuse is that its was my first time and I almost never write these days, not even Christmas cards, but use my computer to type everything. So apologies, I will endeavour to do better next time.
With kind regards to all,
Maggie
Lovely da...: October 2012 meeting, January 2013 book. Lovely day at Sue W's place, lively discussion of Hemingway's The Moveable Feast , comparing the 2...
Ladies
I have now attended 4 of the Book Club meetings and I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I felt a little nervous at the meeting on Sunday when Pat S handed me the hallowed note book and told me to scribe. Apparently it is the person whose home is designated next month's venue to write the notes on the discussion of the day. Re-reading my notes - I am sure I haven't summarized very well the great discussion on EH's book and I can hardly read my own writing. My excuse is that its was my first time and I almost never write these days, not even Christmas cards, but use my computer to type everything. So apologies, I will endeavour to do better next time.
With kind regards to all,
Maggie
Sunday, October 28, 2012
October 2012 meeting, January 2013 book.
Lovely day at Sue W's place, lively discussion of Hemingway's The Moveable Feast, comparing the 2 published versions and discussing the many drafts. We had the Paris Wife version of the story to refer to as well. And Sue and I had had a recent look at The Sun also Rises as well. We were very pleased that we had taken the time for a look at this ground-breaking writer, and think about the importance of this time in art and literature, and of Paris.
Stella - you will be pleased to hear that Pappa's had run out of Ricotta cheesecake, so you didn't miss out. But you did miss out on the yummy apple tart that replaced it.
Maggie took notes because the November book is at her place and Ken is heading off to Namibia to get out of the way - Ken, really you didn't have to!
No meeting in December as usual. The January meeting will look at The Dark Room by Rachel Seiffert, which has been in the news as one it's 3 stories is the basis for the recent Cate Shortland movie, Lore. I've read the book and seen the movie and am recommending it far and wide - though it was Sue W's suggestion. Sue E volunteered to host in January.
Cheers Pat
Lovely day at Sue W's place, lively discussion of Hemingway's The Moveable Feast, comparing the 2 published versions and discussing the many drafts. We had the Paris Wife version of the story to refer to as well. And Sue and I had had a recent look at The Sun also Rises as well. We were very pleased that we had taken the time for a look at this ground-breaking writer, and think about the importance of this time in art and literature, and of Paris.Stella - you will be pleased to hear that Pappa's had run out of Ricotta cheesecake, so you didn't miss out. But you did miss out on the yummy apple tart that replaced it.
Maggie took notes because the November book is at her place and Ken is heading off to Namibia to get out of the way - Ken, really you didn't have to!
No meeting in December as usual. The January meeting will look at The Dark Room by Rachel Seiffert, which has been in the news as one it's 3 stories is the basis for the recent Cate Shortland movie, Lore. I've read the book and seen the movie and am recommending it far and wide - though it was Sue W's suggestion. Sue E volunteered to host in January.
Cheers Pat
Saturday, October 13, 2012
September meeting at Sue E's and November book.
I was an apology for the meeting, but I have a report from Ros. The November book - on my recommendation, apparently - is The Garden of Evening Mists by Tan Twan Eng, at Maggie's place. I did rave about the book based on the first 3rd, before the plot developed a life of its own, so I will have to be responsible. I enjoyed it to the end but in the cool clear light of day, I fear that it is not going to win the Booker Prize. It touches on lots of ideas that interest me. There are no cowboys. I have a copy to share anyway.
Ros also said there was a suggestion that we could read The Sun also Rises as well as The Moveable Feast at the October meeting, which will be held at Sue W's place. There was a review in the SMH Traveller today of a Spanish restaurant we might visit as part of our research!
Cheers
Patricia
I was an apology for the meeting, but I have a report from Ros. The November book - on my recommendation, apparently - is The Garden of Evening Mists by Tan Twan Eng, at Maggie's place. I did rave about the book based on the first 3rd, before the plot developed a life of its own, so I will have to be responsible. I enjoyed it to the end but in the cool clear light of day, I fear that it is not going to win the Booker Prize. It touches on lots of ideas that interest me. There are no cowboys. I have a copy to share anyway.
Ros also said there was a suggestion that we could read The Sun also Rises as well as The Moveable Feast at the October meeting, which will be held at Sue W's place. There was a review in the SMH Traveller today of a Spanish restaurant we might visit as part of our research!
Cheers
Patricia
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
August meeting. October book
Lovely meeting at Jane's place at Wollstonecraft. Six of us there and we made up for smaller numbers with energetic discussion. Lots to say about the book Beyond the Shallows - quite an achievement by a very young writer. We will hear more from her.
Next meeting is at Sue Ellyard's place, when we look at The Paris Wife.
Then the October meeting, we will do a Hemingway: A Moveable Feast.
Venue TBC for October.
Regards
Patricia
Next meeting is at Sue Ellyard's place, when we look at The Paris Wife.
Then the October meeting, we will do a Hemingway: A Moveable Feast.
Venue TBC for October.
Regards
Patricia
Sunday, July 29, 2012
July meeting - September book
Historic event - a full roll-up at book group today! Salvage the Bones was a popular choice, a powerful piece of writing showing a window on a world we don't otherwise have access to.
The August book group meeting is at Jane's place - at Woolstonecraft, that is. The September book group is at Sue Ellyard's place in Beecroft.
The September book is The Paris Wife by Paula McLain. We took a while choosing it, with lots of good possibilities. And here is the recipe for the Persian Love Cake, thanks to Annabelle Crabbe.
Historic event - a full roll-up at book group today! Salvage the Bones was a popular choice, a powerful piece of writing showing a window on a world we don't otherwise have access to.
The August book group meeting is at Jane's place - at Woolstonecraft, that is. The September book group is at Sue Ellyard's place in Beecroft.
The September book is The Paris Wife by Paula McLain. We took a while choosing it, with lots of good possibilities. And here is the recipe for the Persian Love Cake, thanks to Annabelle Crabbe.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
June meeting - August book
The June meeting went well at Stella's with a spirited discussion of Mateship with Birds by Carrie Tiffany, as some enjoyed the book more than others - too much information for some. But everyone found something to like in the descriptions of the animal world and evocation of a 50s country town.
July meeting is at my place, and Ros has contributed a review to listen to beforehand:
http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/booksandartsdaily/jesmyn-ward27s-award-winning-novel/4076882
Radio National interview with Jesmyn Ward 'Salvage the Bones'.
August meeting is at Jane's at Woolstonecraft. The book is Past the Shallows by Favel Parrett, a debut novelist who Sue W caught up with at the Writer's Festival.
A film outing is planned for Wednesday 11th July so if interested, call Sue W or Ros for where to meet, etc.
The June meeting went well at Stella's with a spirited discussion of Mateship with Birds by Carrie Tiffany, as some enjoyed the book more than others - too much information for some. But everyone found something to like in the descriptions of the animal world and evocation of a 50s country town.
July meeting is at my place, and Ros has contributed a review to listen to beforehand:
http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/booksandartsdaily/jesmyn-ward27s-award-winning-novel/4076882
Radio National interview with Jesmyn Ward 'Salvage the Bones'.
August meeting is at Jane's at Woolstonecraft. The book is Past the Shallows by Favel Parrett, a debut novelist who Sue W caught up with at the Writer's Festival.
A film outing is planned for Wednesday 11th July so if interested, call Sue W or Ros for where to meet, etc.
Monday, May 28, 2012
THANK YOU
Dear Ladies
A formal thank you to you all for accepting me into your
rather special book club. I
thoroughly enjoyed meeting you all in March and hearing your individual
thoughts on The Memory of Love. I do apologise for not attending the
May meeting. I have to also admit to
not reading the book selection for that month. However I am whipping through Mateship with Birds at present whilst on a working holiday in
Perth. I look forward to discussing this novel on the 27th and
enjoying your afternoon teas to which I will aspire!
Regards to all
Maggie Hayes
Email: maidenhayes@gmail.com
Mobile: 0413 316
260
Sunday, May 27, 2012
May 2012 meeting, July Book
Great meeting again at Moy's place. Everyone got straight into talking about Julian Barnes' A Sense of an Ending, and we were still talking about it hours later. What a fascinating book that led us a merry dance. We will still be talking about it next month, I'm sure.
Don't forget the next book day on the 24th June is at Stella's place - Mateship with Birds.
July book is Salvage the Bones by Jesmyn Ward, which was one of the most popular books at the Sydney Writers Festival, at least in terms of books sold after the talk. We took ages to agree on the book - nothing seemed to jump out at us, or we'd already done the author, or... Hope this lives up to the standard of the Julian Barnes. Oh, July is at my place.
 |
Don't forget the next book day on the 24th June is at Stella's place - Mateship with Birds.
July book is Salvage the Bones by Jesmyn Ward, which was one of the most popular books at the Sydney Writers Festival, at least in terms of books sold after the talk. We took ages to agree on the book - nothing seemed to jump out at us, or we'd already done the author, or... Hope this lives up to the standard of the Julian Barnes. Oh, July is at my place.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
April meeting, June Book
Thanks Margaret for your hospitality - lovely day, great outlook, yummy food, specially the home-made cakes. Recipes please.
While The Memory of Love wasn't the most popular book we've done - but it provoked plenty of discussion. The book took an age to get interesting, and despite great story potential, it didn't leave us knowing much about Sierra Leone, or caring about the characters.
We welcomed new member Maggie Maiden and had a good roll up on the day.
After The Sense of an Ending at the May meeting (at Moy's), we will be reading Mateship with Birds by Carrie Tiffany, meeting at Stella's place in June.
See you all soon. Have a good Writers Week.
Thanks Margaret for your hospitality - lovely day, great outlook, yummy food, specially the home-made cakes. Recipes please.
While The Memory of Love wasn't the most popular book we've done - but it provoked plenty of discussion. The book took an age to get interesting, and despite great story potential, it didn't leave us knowing much about Sierra Leone, or caring about the characters.
We welcomed new member Maggie Maiden and had a good roll up on the day.
After The Sense of an Ending at the May meeting (at Moy's), we will be reading Mateship with Birds by Carrie Tiffany, meeting at Stella's place in June.
See you all soon. Have a good Writers Week.
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