Devon Book Club discussion

Hi,
I have started this group as I am keen to hear from other book-lovers in Devon - to get recommendations, to discuss/debate our perspectives on what we are reading and to have a bit of virtual fun.

I live in Barnstaple and work in social care, read avidly (50+ books per year) and, having just broken my arm, and therefore been grounded, I have decided this is the time to start this group.

Whether you want to have a serious debate about an issue that is important to you or just a light-hearted exchange of views, I hope the group can offer you that space.

I don't have any fixed idea for how to develop the group and would love to hear your suggestions.

I look forward to meeting you

Ian

Hello Ian and every one,
I love Devon, wish I could live there too, but am currently living in Wiltshire. I also work in social care and love books. I don't have a lot of spare time, but hope to be inspired by all of You Devon Dwellers.
Hope you don't mind an outsider!

hi
you are more than welcome and thanks for joining. I hereby grant you the status of honorary Devonian. So, are you reading anything at the moment? Or have you recently read something you wouuld recommend.

If you click on add book/author you can share your choice with us. Angela recommends Gone GirlGone Girl and I suggest One Day One Day- good, fun reads after a hard day at work.

Be interested to hear your top 3 of the year as well.

Visit often

Hi
Joining up after receiving an email via the Devon library book clubs :-) I live in Mid-Devon. The best bit about book clubs is reading books I would never normally have picked up, and surprisingly enjoying them. So roll on the recommendations. I've just finished "Run" by Ann Patchett (Great!) and "Catcher in the Rye" by J.D.Salinger (Didn't enjoy it) and am now on "The lives of others" by Neel Mukherjee.

Ellen wrote: "Hi
Joining up after receiving an email via the Devon library book clubs :-) I live in Mid-Devon. The best bit about book clubs is reading books I would never normally have picked up, and surprisin..."

Hi Ellen - you are more than welcome. Great to know my message via our library service is starting to get out. What is the name of your reading group? Be excellent if you could add it in the Reading Group folder and tell us a bit about it.

Also, if you click add book/author whenever you refer to one or the other it flags them for others an d also shows you who else is reading them and thier comments and recommendations.

I am adding your three hereRun ; The Catcher in the Rye; The Lives of Others.

I am really keen to read Salinger (though he obviously wasn't to your taste. the lives of others looks good too. i'll add to my list. Have you read A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth A Suitable Boy- loved that and can't wait for the much delayed sequel

Hi all,
I was introduced to this group through the reading group that I belong to in Mid Devon. It introduces me to different books that I would not have necessarily chosen myself. Daphne Du Maurier Rebecca is one of my favourite authors as is Sebastian FaulkesEngleby.
I work in the N.H.S. I also love walking, films, gardening and Pilates.
I have just started reading reading Child 44 Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith.

Hi Helen
Welcome. A great selection of books. Not heard of Child 44 - be great to hear your thoughts on it. Perhaps you could post something in the New Currently Reading folder, when you care ready. Also, a note in the Reading Group folder to tell us about your Tiverton group. Best Wishes Ian

Hello - busy life so don't get to read as many books as I'd like :(. Have lived in Devon all my life and love it! Looking forward to some great recommendations and meeting other Devonians.

Hi everyone. Delighted to join the group. Have lived in Devon most of my life. Grew up in Ilfracombe and have lived here in Torquay for 35 years. Am a reader/author, and very interested in books about Devon, whether fiction or non-fiction.

Helen wrote: "Hi all,
I was introduced to this group through the reading group that I belong to in Mid Devon. It introduces me to different books that I would not have necessarily chosen myself. Daphne Du Maurie..."
Daphne du Maurier is also one of my favourite authors, particularly Frenchman's Creek.

I also particularly like The Chrysalids by John Wyndham.

I should have also said that it would be great if you can use the add book/author when you refer to either so that we can see the details, read reviews etc. Our reading group read The House on the Strand The House on the Strand some months ago - an odd book, which got mixed reception. As usual very evocative of Cornwall but the time travelling idea was an acquired taste.

Dont know the ChrysalidsThe Chrysalids - what is it that you particularly like about it?

I really liked the House on the Strand , I read it last year. Daphne Du Maurier wrote such varied stories and I loved the time travelling element in this book, she was such an adaptable author. It was a book set in Cornwall, with a twist.

Ian wrote: "I should have also said that it would be great if you can use the add book/author when you refer to either so that we can see the details, read reviews etc. Our reading group read The House on the ..."
The Chrysalids is gripping and exciting. It's a sci fi story and quite short. John Wyndham also wrote Day of the Triffids.The ChrysalidsThe Day of the Triffids

Can we also have a chat section where we can talk about all sorts of topics related to Devon? Fiction, films, TV, history etc. I don't know how to start a new thread.
A recent story which has interested me is that of the hotel on Burgh Island wanting to install solar panels. It is the art deco hotel where Agatha Christie used to stay and where she set one of her books. Evil under the Sun I think.There has been a lot of opposition to the plan.Evil Under the Sun

A very good non fiction book on Devon is that of Devon by W.G.Hoskins. It is not a quick read. It is extremely detailed and informative about Devon from prehistoric times onwards, and deals with a range of subjects.
The add book/author bit does not seem to work with this book. Have no idea why.

Helen wrote: "I really liked the House on the Strand , I read it last year. Daphne Du Maurier wrote such varied stories and I loved the time travelling element in this..."

Our group loved the setting (one of our members is a huge Poldark fan Winston Graham, so books about Cornwall are often discussed)but the story line was not to everyone's taste. General feeling was that her other books were better.

Carol wrote: "Ian wrote: "I should have also said that it would be great if you can use the add book/author when you refer to either so that we can see the details, read reviews etc. Our reading group read The H..."

Thanks for adding the link. I read Day of the Triffids many years ago. I am not a great lover of Sci-Fi - though I did love Cloud Atlas Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell

Helen wrote: "I really liked the House on the Strand , I read it last year. Daphne Du Maurier wrote such varied stories and I loved the time travelling element in this..."

I loved House on the Strand too! I love the beautiful atmospheric way Daphne Du Maurier writes about Cornwall. I feel like I'm there

Megan wrote: "Helen wrote: "I really liked the House on the Strand , I read it last year. Daphne Du Maurier wrote such varied stories and I loved the time travelling e..."
Have never read The House On The Strand, but will put it on my to be read list. I love Daphne du Maurier, particularly Frenchman's Creek. Also love the Poldark series, as just mentioned. Recently read the Black Moon, by Winston Graham.
Frenchman's CreekThe Black Moon

My favourite Daphne Du Maurier is RebeccaRebecca but I haven't read one of her books that I didn't like. Even her short stories are excellent, such an adaptable author. The House on the Strand The House on the Strand is rather different from her other books in certain ways. Hope you enjoy it Megan.

Hello,
I live in Exeter. I work for the library service but ironically don't get a lot of time to read. When I do I tend towards historical fiction or non-fiction, quite often having a few books on the go at once, dipping in and out.
This year I've been having a WWI focus with My Dear I Wanted to Tell You, Toby's Room and currently A Home Front Diary 1914-18. My summer read was Ostrich - not WWI! Has anyone else read that?

Hi all. Joined on the suggestion of Anna above!

I am afraid I have quite a narrow focus of interest, mainly science fiction (speculative in the case of Margaret Atwood!) and fantasy... though I do occasionally dip into other genres and non-fiction. I particularly enjoy stuff like Bill Bryson's Short History of Nearly Everything!

Anna wrote: "Hello,
I live in Exeter. I work for the library service but ironically don't get a lot of time to read. When I do I tend towards historical fiction or non-fiction, quite often having a few books on..."

Hi Anna, great to hear from you. I read [book:Regeneration|5872 Trilogy this year, which I thought was wonderful. Tobys room on my reading list. Have now added Ostrich - looks intriguing.

Sam wrote: "Hi all. Joined on the suggestion of Anna above!

I am afraid I have quite a narrow focus of interest, mainly science fiction (speculative in the case of Margaret Atwood!) and fantasy... though I do..."

Welcome Sam. I see that other members also read sci-fi and fantasy so hopefully you'll hook up with others with a similar interest. Does Neil Gaiman an fall into that category for you? I read Neverwhere over the summer and American Gods is a favourite. Hope you'll visit often and help shape the direction of the group.

Sam wrote: "Hi all. Joined on the suggestion of Anna above!

I am afraid I have quite a narrow focus of interest, mainly science fiction (speculative in the case of Margaret Atwood!) and fantasy... though I do..."
Yes, really enjoyed Bryson's book as well, particularly liked the part about Thomas Jefferson. Had read Christopher Hitchens' book on him, but he missed out various interesting tit bits about the building of Monticello and Jefferson's financial state.

Ian wrote: "Sam wrote: "Hi all. Joined on the suggestion of Anna above!

I am afraid I have quite a narrow focus of interest, mainly science fiction (speculative in the case of Margaret Atwood!) and fantasy......"
Do you like the Chrysalids, by John Wyndham, Sam? It's one of my favourites.

I have to admit I've not started on John Wyndham books yet, much to my shame! They're on the never reducing list though!

Same with Neil Gaiman... the first I read, or attempted to, was Coraline... but it didn't really do anything for me. I've not gone back since, but I really must. Particularly American Gods.

Hi I've just joined the group via a link either in the staff bulletin or the DCC website can't remember sorry. I work at Barnstaple Library so books are fairly central to my life! By choice I read science fiction and fantasy, Neil GaimanNeil Gaiman is an absolute hero, I belong to a book group in Ilfracombe so have read a lot of stuff I wouldn't usually choose, lots of pleasant surprises. Last book was the Midwich Cuckoos,The Midwich Cuckoos currently reading The Outsider by Albert Camus. Outsider/Plague/Fall/Exile & the Kingdom

Sam wrote: "I have to admit I've not started on John Wyndham books yet, much to my shame! They're on the never reducing list though!

Same with Neil Gaiman... the first I read, or attempted to, was Coraline......"

Din't give up on Neil Gaiman, try American Gods or Anansi Boys, adult books rather than childrens, although I loved the Graveyard Book which is a childrens book. Or check out The Sandman Graphic novels.

Nah, I don't give up on authors (apart from Dan Brown!) that easily!

Besides, Neil Gaiman was responsible for one of the few stories that have been converted to a board game (my primary form of entertainment!) in the shape of A Study In Emerald!

Ley wrote: "Hi I've just joined the group via a link either in the staff bulletin or the DCC website can't remember sorry. I work at Barnstaple Library so books are fairly central to my life! By choice I read ..."

HI Ley - you are most welcome and great to have another book group represented. Hope your colleagues and book group members will also join. I need to come to Barnstaple library tomorrow so will see if you are in and say hello. Does your book group have a name? I love Neil Gaiman, especially American Gods, but I also read Neverwhere on holiday and The Ocean at the End of the Laneearlier this year. Our Pageturners Group read The Graveyard Book last year but I didnt enjoy that so much. I read Camus (The OUtsider) for french A level but not since.

Anyway, great to have you with us and I hop e you wil lenjoy helping us to shape the group

I read The Ocean at the End of the Lane too, absolutely loved it.

It's a bit of a beast... but looks great and very thematic!

Ley wrote: "Sorry not working tomorrow sadly. Our bookgroup is called Monday Bistro group I think, as far as the Library are concerned anyway, we meet at Grassroots Bistro, Ilfracombe on 2nd Monday of the mont..."

Ley wrote: "Sorry not working tomorrow sadly. Our bookgroup is called Monday Bistro group I think, as far as the Library are concerned anyway, we meet at Grassroots Bistro, Ilfracombe on 2nd Monday of the mont..."<
Hi Ley. Welcome to the group. I grew up in Ilfracombe and am very attached to it, particularly its site and its history.

Welcome to Agnieska, a friend originally from Poland but now settled in Devon. Great to see such a diverse mix of people joining the group.

Hi, I live in North Devon and we run our own business which makes it difficult to find time to do anything else! I love getting absorbed in a good book and find it a great way to switch off from 'the day job'. I'm looking forward to trying new recommendations .....

Hi Alison. Lovely to have you in the group.

Alison wrote: "Hi, I live in North Devon and we run our own business which makes it difficult to find time to do anything else! I love getting absorbed in a good book and find it a great way to switch off from 't..."

Hi Alison - me too - am in Barnstaple. Where are you? Great to have you with us and hope you will drop by as much as your business allows.

Hi I'm Victoria, I live in Barnstaple and I'm the 'co-ordinator' of Barnstaple Page Turners. Taken a bit of time to get to this! I have a real passion for the 19th century novel which I like to balance with guilty pleasures such as Clive Cussler (Dirk Pitt = my hero!!!) and M C Beaton. I've just finished reading Private by JamesPatterson - read in one sitting on the train back from London today - beautifully executed trash - perfect for making the train trip fly by and quite a good indicator of my literary tastes!!

Hi, great to meet someone who isn't ashamed to admit to reading 'trash' for fun. Reading doesn't always have to be educational or worthy, fun is good for you.

Ley wrote: "Hi, great to meet someone who isn't ashamed to admit to reading 'trash' for fun. Reading doesn't always have to be educational or worthy, fun is good for you."

I feel a new thread coming on - "Trash for Fun"

Carol wrote: "Hi Alison. Lovely to have you in the group."

HI. I'm Siobhan. I moved down to Devon just over one year ago and started two face-to-face book groups as a way of meeting people. I have circulated this link to my group.
Never done an online reading group before - looking forward to getting lots of recommends...

Ian wrote: "Hi,
I have started this group as I am keen to hear from other book-lovers in Devon - to get recommendations, to discuss/debate our perspectives on what we are reading and to have a bit of virtual f..."

Ian wrote: "Welcome to Agnieska, a friend originally from Poland but now settled in Devon. Great to see such a diverse mix of people joining the group."

Ian wrote: "Hi,
I have started this group as I am keen to hear from other book-lovers in Devon - to get recommendations, to discuss/debate our perspectives on what we are reading and to have a bit of virtual f..."

Hi Siobhan. Welcome to the group.

Siobhan wrote: "Carol wrote: "Hi Alison. Lovely to have you in the group."

HI. I'm Siobhan. I moved down to Devon just over one year ago and started two face-to-face book groups as a way of meeting people. I have..."

Hi Siobahn - you are very welcome. Be great to hear a little about where you are living, names (if you have them) of your reading groups and what you are reading. Hope you'll visit often and help us to shape the goup.

Hi, this is my second attempt to post a comment, so apologies if you see this twice!! So, I'm Ali, I live in Exeter, work with Ian, and read lots! However, I'm definitely a fan if 'trash is fun' as often too brain dead last thing at night for any great literary reads! I've recently read Gone Girl, If I Stay by Gayle Forman, Bones Don't Die by Kathy Reichs and The Distant Hours by Kate Morton. I'm currently reading Just One Day by Gayle Forman. See, I did say I was a fan of trash is fun!

Alison wrote: "Hi, this is my second attempt to post a comment, so apologies if you see this twice!! So, I'm Ali, I live in Exeter, work with Ian, and read lots! However, I'm definitely a fan if 'trash is fun' ..."

Success second time Ali! That's quite a list. I'm adding them using the add book/author link above the comments box - that way people can follow the link and see reviews etc. I saw the film of Gone Girl, which was really good and people say was true to the book I think. Gone Girl; If I Stay; Bones Are Forever; The Distant Hours; Just One Day - that one looks like it's part of a series?

Hi, great to be part of such a diverse group of readers / authors. Most of what I read is in some way work or faith related and I have published a bit too (an insy winsy bit)! Focused on leadership material at the moment and most 'thought provoking'(excuse the pun) writing of Nancy Clines 'thinking environment' and Joyce Meyers 'battlefield of the mind'where of course our thoughts are inspired, nurtured, guideded / misguided.......

Hi Clare, welcome.

Clare wrote: "Hi, great to be part of such a diverse group of readers / authors. Most of what I read is in some way work or faith related and I have published a bit too (an insy winsy bit)! Focused on leadership..."

Hi Clare - I didn't know you had published (even in a small way is impressive). Is that professionally or outside work? I just found Joyce Meyer but not Nancy Clines. If when yopost you add book/author it brings up a link - then you (and we) can see the book or the author's workJoyce Meyer. Very happy to start a thread on leadership/pschology etc; also one on philosophy/faith if that would be interesting to you