Book Loving Kiwis discussion

The two books randomly chosen are:
How to Grow an Addict by J.A. Wright


One Dark Night by Anna Faversham

If you intend reading either, or both, of the two books selected this time, please indicate your interest and add your thoughts/discussion here.

If authors of these books would like to provide some background or information of interest to the reader, lead a discussion, or contribute in anyway, please feel free to do so.

How to Grow an Addict sounds like a book I might read, but it's not available at the Tauranga library or by ebook on Overdrive through Auckland or Gisborne libraries.

Both sound great. I'd like to say I'll read both, but I don't get through books as quickly as I used to. I'll sign up for One Dark Night, and if time permits, read How to Grow an Addict.

Sharlene wrote: "How to Grow an Addict sounds like a book I might read, but it's not available at the Tauranga library or by ebook on Overdrive through Auckland or Gisborne libraries."

I've just had a look on WorldCat holdings. It looks like Hutt City Libraries/Smart Libraries consortium, Upper Hutt, and Tauranga must be just about the only libraries in NZ without a copy of the book!!! I guess that means we need to "Suggest to Purchase", ie do their collection development for them.

If authors of these books would like to provide some background or information of interest to the reader, lead a discussion, or contribute in anyway, please feel free to do so.

Thank you for selecting One Dark Night as one of the Group Read books.

I am happy to attempt to answer any questions you have.

Background - When I was about 13 I visited some smugglers' caves near my home and I was hooked. High chalk caverns running for many miles under unsuspecting modern streets must have gone deep in my mind and there they stayed until I started writing. Much of the action is based on truth and so are the reasons for smuggling. I happen to live now just a mile away from where smugglers were regularly hanged. And if/when you get to the scene where the poor Revenue Officer was killed in the wood - unbelievably that also is rooted in truth.

I downloaded How to Grow an Addict sometime ago based on Kathleen's review, so now is the perfect time to read.

I've just won How to Grow an Addict on GR Giveaways! Hopefully it will arrive before June!

I finished reading it yesterday. It's a page turner!

I begun reading One Dark Night last evening. Right from the opening I was impressed with how descriptive the time and settings are, and how they and the characters are interwoven into the political and social story without slowing down the pace of this historical drama/romance - with mystery.

I am so pleased to have a kindle fire with speech-to-text facility. With this I was able to carry on stripping wallpaper and be entertained - although I must confess at times the stripping slowed down for the story!

Anyone who has a penchant for historical fiction, romance, mystery, adventure should surely pick this book up.

Carol ♔ Type, Oh Queen! ♔ wrote: "I've just won How to Grow an Addict on GR Giveaways! Hopefully it will arrive before June!"

Well done, Carol! I missed out on the Giveaway. However, since none of my five libraries have the book, and to read it on kindle will be around $12.00, it looks like I'll be giving it a miss for this time. I'll keep it on my wish list for if/when one of my libraries decides to purchase it.

Ella's Gran wrote: "I begun reading One Dark Night last evening. Right from the opening I was impressed with how descriptive the time and settings are, and how they and the characters are interwoven in..."

I'm so pleased you enjoyed it; my apologies for holding up your stripping!

Anna wrote: "Ella's Gran wrote: "I begun reading One Dark Night last evening. Right from the opening I was impressed with how descriptive the time and settings are, and how they and the characte..."

It made the stripping so much easier to cope with! :) I loved the ending, but what I really appreciated through the whole book is how your writing not only set the scene, but created an absorbing atmosphere in each scene. My only regret is that I hadn't read it sooner.

Kathleen wrote: "Hi Sharlene and Lesley,
I had to come in to work to check if it is still here, and it is. I can post the bookshop's Reading Copy of 'How to Grow an Addict' to one of you, and then that one can post..."

Kathleen, how kind of you. I'm messaging you. Thank you!

How to Grow an Addict Thank you! Just finished reading. Compelling story and well crafted.

Kathleen wrote: "Ella's Gran wrote: "Kathleen wrote: "Hi Sharlene and Lesley,
I had to come in to work to check if it is still here, and it is. I can post the bookshop's Reading Copy of 'How to Grow an Addict' to o..."

Thanks Kathleen. :) :)

My copy just arrived today - really like the jacket design.

Three days ago I finished reading How to Grow an Addict and I have to say I am so pleased I got to read it.

Not sure how but Randall Grange has found herself in rehab where she is asked to write three things she considers her worst deeds. She doesn't see the point, and can't isolate three things, so writes about her life. Her story is told in her own voice which the author has captured so well.

Often stories of victims of addiction often blame others for their actions, are whinging, and full of self-pity. This book is not written in that tone, but I have to say, while reading I kept getting the feeling that this could almost be a story the author is very familiar with.

I found that I became totally immersed in the book right from the beginning, and every interruption annoyed me! (I was sitting outside in the sun reading while workmen were toiling away with my kitchen reno, and they kept asking me things!)

A solid 4 stars from me.

I have read both Author Member selections this round, and have totally enjoyed both. Looking forward to reading Anna's Hide in Time in the near future.

Thank you, Ella's Gran, for encouraging authors as well as readers.

Ella's Gran wrote: "Three days ago I finished reading How to Grow an Addict and I have to say I am so pleased I got to read it.

Not sure how but Randall Grange has found herself in rehab where she is..."

Yes I have a suspicion that this book is at least partially autobiographical. It certainly felt very real to me. Powerful, well written & highly recommended.