February Review

February Book Review - All the birds singing by Evie Wyld

Sorry for the late review, no excuses, I'm just slack.

There was a consensus about the book that it posed more questions than it provided answers for and was difficult to keep track of when the narrative moved from previous time periods to the current time.  We all struggled to find anything likeable about the characters and were a bit confused why there were names in it that were mixed gender i.e. Jake and Clare.  Overall another prize winning book that we wouldn't have judged highly.

Scores

Trilby 4- Great scenery was there, unsatisfied

Tahnee 3 - Good evocation of place unappealing, unfinished

Kerry 3 - Confusing narrative filled with pain and lacking fulfilment

Irene 3 - Meaty plost lost to laborious narrative

Hannah 5 - The only thing enjoyed was tour of the island

Avis 2 - Too disconnected to enjoy

Kaye 3 - Too many questions not enough answers

Coleen 5 - Started nowhere going nowhere, Kaye is letting the side down, not finished

Hi All

Here are some questions for 'The Dinner".

• What did you think of the style of the book  (story told in flashback, with a male voice).  How reliable do we believe Paul to be once we are made aware of his condition
• Did you feel frustrated, not knowing the exact nature of his condition and / or Clare's illness.
• What did you think of the venue for the dinner?  How did this act as a driver for the evenings events
• Is the death of the homeless person and the teenagers roles a comment on today's youth?
• Were you surprised by the vastly different views of the parents?
• Did you relate to any of the characters in the book? If so which ones and why?
• How far would you go as a parent to protect your child.
• How did you react to Clare and Michel’s "solution”? 

See you tomorrow night.

Anne-Maree

Feb Meeting

Hi everyone, just a reminder that book club is on at my house tomorrow night. Hope you have all read the book! See you then.
Kaye

Two Brothers by Roger Furphy

Hello Eveyone

I will keep my questions light because I know a few who haven't read the book.

* Did you know the author is a member of the famous Water Cart family.
* Did anyone WHO READ THE BOOK notice a few discrepancy's in the mileage quoted as distances to Melbourne and surrounds from Yering.
* A general discussion on the extreme differences between the two brothers.
* I found Joe to be an excellent poet.  I can be transported to the moment he wrote the work and picture the scene as he wrote.   Does anyone else feel the full of his writing.
* I also feel the author Roger Furphy has a gift for descriptive writing.  I can picture and feel the moment he is writing about.  I think it is very hard to write about the Australian bush because not a lot happens quickly.  It all unfolds slowly and quietly.  'Comments'.

 GOOD BETTER BEST

NEVER LET IT REST

UNTIL YOUR GOOD IS BETTER

AND YOUR BETTER BEST

 

See you all tomorrow night at my place Chandler Road Seville 7.30pm.  I will endeavour to have a Christmas feast for you.

Hello All,

Please see below the questions for the first half of our double whammy December meeting;

The Fictional Woman – Tara Moss

1. Have you read Tara Moss, fiction? Good/Bad/Indifferent.
2. Did you have any preconceptions about the Author prior to reading this book? Did reading this book change them?
3. There is something about Tara Moss that doesn’t sit well with her many detractors, what is it about her persona that attracts so much derision?
4. Has proprietary and predatory behaviour by men towards woman lessened with each generation?
5. Are we all older and wiser, is there anything in this book for us (except perhaps validation of our own experiences)…would young woman benefit from reading this book?
6. Give one positive comment about the book.

We will also discuss Two Brothers - A Bit of a Yarn - Roger Furphy - among other things. 

November Meeting Postponed

Hello Everyone,

Unfortunately, I need to postpone Novembers meeting for 'The Fictional Woman'.
Colleen has generously offered to run a double meeting at her house on Tuesday the 2nd of December where we can discuss both my book and her book 'Two Brothers a Bit of  a Yarn" at the same meeting.
I am attending a book launch on Tuesday the 11th November for a book which I have contributed to and didn't realise that this clashed with book club as book club falls on the second Tuesday this month, due to Cup Day. I apologise for any inconvenience caused and hope that I'm forgiven as it's kind of book club related. See you all for our 'Double December' meeting. Tahnee 

October Meeting - Brief Life of Oscar Wao Review

Hello all,

It was a great book club as per usual.  A big welcome to our newest member Mr Hendrix James - you're welcome anytime, and you were super cute.

The book was not well liked, but Anne-Maree enjoyed it the most.

Somehow the discussion devolved into penises.  Penii? Peni?

Anyhow!

Avis 7/10 - Disfrute de le prose

Irene - 2/1- Not wonderous, on so many levels

Hannah - 6/10 - There was a plus - learning a little bit about Dominican life and penises. (Peni?)

Kay - 5/10 - A dry read

Anne-Maree - Wao Wow

Tahnee - 4/10 - Lack of wonder - failed to hold my attention.

The next meeting is at Tahnee's house.  It will be the second Tuesday due to Cup day- 11th November, 7:30.   The book is 'The Fictional Woman' by Tara Moss. Hendrix is encouraged to attend.


I am a bad host, I did not read the book, nor make the cake.


See you in November.

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz

Hello all,

Book club is at my house tonight, see you there at 7:30.

Here are the questions for the book:

1. Is Wao a political book? Why, or why not?
2. What role does the supernatural play in this novel?
3. Wao attacks the assumption that American identity, or any national or personal identity, is uniform. What other assumptions do you think the novel attacks? Why would it be important for Díaz to unravel these assumptions?
4. Is the novel really about Oscar Wao? If so, what evidence can you cite from the novel to support your answer? If not, what do you think the novel is about, and what evidence can you cite from the novel to support your answer?
5. Why do most of the historical facts about the Dominican Republic and the U.S. appear in the book's footnotes? What does this choice say about the relationship between the individual and history?
6. Do you think that men, and male voices, dominate Wao? If so, do you think this is a mistake on Díaz's part, or is he up to something here? What do Wao's male characters tell us about American culture? Dominican culture?
7. In John Lingham's review of Wao: "Indeed, I can think of no other novel that contains so much brutality, torture, rape, murder, and suicide, yet nevertheless feels fun throughout." Do you agree with Lingham's statement? Is Wao full of disturbing stuff? And does Díaz make it all seem fun and light, in spite of it all? Why do you think Díaz mixes such atrocities with such lightheartedness in Wao?

See you tonight

Trilby!

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Not ''Official'' Book Club Business

Hello Fellow Book Clubbers,
Just wanted to let everyone know that we welcomed Hendrix Mill into our world on Friday morning. All very calm and a gentle introduction by water birth which was awesome. Came home yesterday and we are settling in well. We shall see you at next book club unless new born cuddles drives you towards Reefton.
Irene
P.S I have a new mobile number but reception is intermittent.
5966 8480
0490452860

Coraline and other stories - Neil Gaiman - REVIEW.

Book Club Reviews for Neil Gaimans’ Coraline

This book generated robust debate on what is scary and what is appropriate for kids. I recommend the movie or picking up any of his other books in your spare time.

Anne-Marie   7/10 - Be careful what you wish for…

Trilby-Roux 8/10 - Fantastic imagery.

Tahnee 8/10 - Terrifying in it’s simplicity.

Kaye (absent) 2/10 - Not my cup of tea. Wouldn’t have liked it any bettere if I was eleven.

Colleen 3/10 - It was weird. The author tried too hard to be weird.

Cindy 8/10 - I didn’t read the book, but I had a great time!

Kerry 7/10 - It was a fascinating insight into a young girls mound, with a twist from an old                                    mans’ mind.

Irene 4/10 - Nonsensical musings with an occasional lighter relief.

Hannah 8/10 - It was an enjoyable, scary journey into a childs' imagination.

Julianne 6/10 - There’s no place like home…

Avis 8/10 - This is how I’d like my own daughter to see the world.

Coraline and other stories - Neil Gaiman: posted on behalf of Avis

Coraline is a book aimed at younger readers  - the author wrote it for his 11 year old daughter. At what age would you think it would be suitable to read to kids?

Can scary be good for kids? Has the sanitation of fairy tales impacted on children’s development?

What is the scariest theme from the book?

What do you think about Coraline's Father and his definition of bravery?

Which of the Other Stories did you enjoy, and why?

Niel Gaiman is known for his dark twists on common or classic story elements. How did his stories make you feel?

Address is 4 Lalors Road Healesville. Park on the driveway if you can - the grass is a bit marshy right now. There is a parking spot in front of the letterbox as well.

My mobile is  0430 529 100 if you ladies have any questions.

P.S. There will be much food. Much, much food. You have been warned.

July's Slaughterhouse V.

Thank you to those who came - and for not breaking any of my china teacups!!


Kaye -3/10 - Fanciful rambling

Hannah - 6/10  - Took a long time to get to the point, but don't know what the point was.

Trilby - Hadn't read it and not convinced she shall!!

Avis - 7/10 - Well constructed insight into a breakdown

Tahnee - 2/10 - Prosaic, choppy, unfunny - "So It Goes"

Anne - Marie - 5/10 - For most of the story I was waiting for it to make sense, but maybe in war there is none.

Coleen - Weird. Not Finished. Hope it gets better.

Kerry - 4/10 - I get the underlying story but too convoluted to follow

Irene - 3/10 - Left somewhat bewildered by its' classic listing.

August is courtesy of Avis - Coraline and Other stories by Neil Gaiman
Followed by Trilby with The Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz in September.


And for anyone who wants the cake recipe....
1 cup seeded dried dates
!/4 cup crystalised ginger
1 teaspoon bicarbonate soda
1 cup boiling water
50 g butter
!/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 cup self raising flour
1 teaspoon ground ginger

Combine dates, ginger soda and water in a food processor and leave to stand for 5 minutes.
Add butter and sugar and process till almost smooth
Add eggs, flour  and ginger and process till combined. Pour mixture into a lined 20cm round cake pan.
Bake at 180 for approximately 45 mintues.

Hello Fellow Literary Lovers,
Hope everyone is keeping warm in these wintry conditions.
A few questions to ponder prior to book club on Tuesday.

1. Did the book live up to your expectation?

2. Are we intended to believe Billy's tales of Tralfamadore or do you assume, like Barbara that it is a figment of Billy's brain damaged imagination?

3. How is Slaughterhouse V also a book about America in the 1960's?

4. Why does Billy become 'unstuck' in time?

5. What purpose does Billy's abduction by the Tralfamaforians plot line serve?

6. What irony does Billy's profession bring to the story?

7. How did the saying 'So It Goes' enhance or distract from the significance of death?

8. How do you feel about the idea of a Child's Army - Is this idea still prevalent today?

See you on Tuesday.

Irene
0437358890

The Accidental Apprentice....by Vikas Swarup

June Book Review...The Accidental Apprentice by Vikas Swarup

It was agreed that the book was a reasonable read. With two many unbelievable and unrealistic plots...A book written soley for the movie market...



Tahnee ....       3/10......A Collection of........... (sorry couldn't read my writing.)....stories poorly linked

with unbelievable characters and forced dialogue....

Trilby.......      5/10......A page turner (stolen from Hannah), that failed to meet its goals.

Anne-Marie ..6/10.......really enjoyable read...Bollywood meets Phyrne Fisher.

Kaye..............7/10........Outrageously contrived plot, but really enjoyed it.

Hannah...........7/10........Page Turner.....disappointed in the ending.

Avis................3/10........Obvious full of Troupes.

Irene................4/10........Immersed in disbelieve, and any potential was overshadowed by the    
                                       duplicity of the plot structure.

Deb.................7/10.........loved the book...no pithy comment.....  


Next Month is at Irene's.....book is .....  Slaughter House 5 by Kurt Vonnegut.

August is at Deb's......A Tale for the time being....by  Ruth Oseki...

Deb's new address is.....11 Bamfield Rd.. Mt. Evelyn.

Instuctions as follows.....It is next entry after the big white gates. You enter round the back of house. From the back it is the house on the left because our neighbours are on the property with us.....


apologies from me for July and August.......

Sorry for the late addition of everyone's reviews for last months book, The Orchardist. Seems that while not a favourite everyone found something to enjoy. Kerry - 7/10 - Very melancholic saga Hannah - 7/10 - Bittersweet descriptive Avis - 5/10 - Descriptive language, beautiful story Irene - 5/10 - The plot potential is dwarfed by the superfluous use of language Colleen - 6.5/10 - Authors writing style put me in the story Kaye - 6/10 - no pithy comment Trilby - 7/10 - Instantly immersed. Provocative writing Tahnee - Dreamlike narrative (sorry didn't write the score down) Anne-Maree - 5/10 - Slightly disturbing narrative style contrasted breathtaking landscapes

Is Book Club at Anne Maries on tonight???

The Rosie Project reviews

The Rosie Project was an enjoyable read for most people.  A book, which is lighter than most of the books chosen for this club, pokes fun of a disorder which is very real.  We all agreed not knowing enough about Aspergers, but believe that there are people in our lives who may have this condition( ahem...Ben).  There is a possibility we all have a touch of Aspergers.   Don changing too easily for Rosie was questionable, but many stranger things have happened for sake of love (I moved to Seville).  The way Don narrates this book was discussed which makes the story telling unique.

Anne-Maree: 8/10 loved it. Quirky, funny & shed a tear.

Colleen: 3/10, boring predictable.

Deb; 71/2 out of 10, an unconventional love story, a little far fetched at times, but a thoroughly joyous read.

Tahnee; predictable, but fun, fun, fun, looking forward to the movie.

Cynthia: loved the read, glad it was chosen.

Trilby: 6/10 yet to finish, highly enjoyable holiday rom-com style

Irene: 8/10 three evenings of giggles.

Kay: 7/10 light hearted look at something more serious

Hannah 8/10 enjoyed it.

Next book is at Anne Marie's, "The Orchadist" by Amanda Coplin.

June's meeting is at Kerry's "The Accidental Apprentice" by Vikas Swarup

July's is at Irene's "Slaughterhouse  5" by Kurt Vonnegut.

Have a happy Easter.
Hannah

On a day when I have about ten thousand things, I could do with a bit of Aspergers.  Of course if I did have Aspergers I would be counting the number of things I have to do, it would not add up to ten thousand.  This leads me to my first question...

1.  Have you ever had a first hand experience with Autism? Do you think "The Rosie Project" is a realistic account of a person with Aspergers?

2.  Did you think, as I did, and that Don would make a great PA?

3.  How realistic was the relationship between Don and Rosie?

4.  Do you know of any couples who have or have had an open relationship?

5.  How important to the story was it that Rosie turned out to be "smart"?

6.  Give an example how breaking your routine effects you.  Can be positive or negative.

7.  This book is a comedy based on a serious subject.  Give examples of other such comedies including mediums (T.V shows, film, poetry).

See you tomorrow night
Hannah
0402812945
36 Railway Rd Seville

Their eyes were watching God..Ratings and Reviews

Colleen 7/10
Like eavesdropping on a conversation between two woman.

Hannah 6/10
Sad story about African/American woman breaking out on her own.

Irene 7/10
Timeless story well related for its era.

Kaye 6/10
A tale of Joy and woe.

Meg 4/10
A difficult over complicated read.

Debbie ....it's all too hard.

Cindy 6/10
Great insight into black America culture in that era.

Kerry 7/10
A heart rending story a womans' endurance.

Ann-Marie 7/10
Engaging universal tale of female strength and resilience.

Tahnee - Couldnt finish it.

Our next book....The Rosie Project...Meeting at Hannahs house, the first Tuesday in April.
Aprils reading for the May meeting has already been posted by Ann Marie.
May's reading for the June meeting is The Accidental Apprentice - Vikas Swarup @ Kerry's house.

Enjoy.....Tahnee

Book Selection for May 2014

The Orchardist by Amanda Coplin