Retro Reads discussion

Rules


1 Members who want to select books, please do so by the 31st of December - PST.
2 Anyone else can still join in, but can't add books. There is no obligation to read all the books - or any of the books. This isn't just a fiction book pool - Non fiction, later books in a series, YA & books for older children are all fine!
3 First publication date should be 1920-1980 (although a couple of years either side will be ok)
4 Everyone selects up to 5 books. If someone has already selected one of your choices, please don't select it again.
5 No Georgette Heyer (I moderate a group for her books) https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/... or Mary Stewart (Tadiana moderates a group for her books) https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
6 If you join this group or decide you want to join the book pool after the 31st of December, that will be great, but you can't add books to the book pool.
7 If anyone wants to change their chosen books that is fine, as long as they are changed before the 31st of Dec.

The Books
*

* Looks like this title is aka All For Love

Susan in NC wrote: "#3

Book #1 Auntie Mame: An Irreverent Escapade so glad I finally read this, the book of one of my favorite films. So much fun, even better than the Rosalind Russell film. Finished Ja..."

Susan in NC wrote: "#3

Book #1 Auntie Mame: An Irreverent Escapade so glad I finally read this, the book of one of my favorite films. So much fun, even better than the Rosalind Russell film. Finished Ja..."

Susan in NC wrote: "#3

Book #1 Auntie Mame: An Irreverent Escapade so glad I finally read this, the book of one of my favorite films. So much fun, even better than the Rosalind Russell film. Finished Ja..."

Members taking part

#1 Carol She's So Novel. 13 books read
#2 Abigail - 13 books read
#3 Susan in NC - 8 books read
#4 Carolien - 4 books read
#5 Barb in Maryland - 8 books read
#6 Peggy
#7 Allegra
#8 Lesley -7 books read
#9 Jenn 11 books read
#10 Veronique 4 books read
#11 Jackie
#12 Elinor - 3 books read
#13 Tadiana
#14 Susan
#15 Cindy SR - 4 books read. + 1 DNF.
#16 Wayne - 5 books read
#17 Katy Lou - 5 books read
#18 Kim K -
#19 Karlyne
#20 Tania- 4 books read
#21 Janice
#22 Lynnie 5 books read

Hi Everyone

Sorry not to get this all set up last night - we were invited out to dinner.

How it Works
1/ Anyone can still join, but no more books can be added.
2/ Everyone who has joined has been given a number - for example I'm no 1. When you finish a book, post like this;

#1
Book No 1 Born Free. Finished 3rd January. 5 stars. (if you want to can leave a brief review or link to your review on Goodreads) I will keep a total in message #3. At the end of the year we will see who has done the best (only prize is bragging rights) and which book was the most popular.

That's it! :)

Any questions, feel free to ask!

That's it! At the end of November/beginning of December I will total up to see which was the most popular book.

& does anyone know which book they are going to read first?

I'm going to start with Demelza as Ross Poldark was one of my favourite reads last year.

Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂ wrote: "& does anyone know which book they are going to read first?"

I'm #15! I'll read the five I started with on the list, thanks for this lovely patchwork!

They do look so inviting, don't they. I tried to choose editions where either the title or author was easy to read!

#2 here. Thanks for setting this up! I’m afraid I snuck a march on the challenge and read a couple of the books in December: The Woods In Winter by Stella Gibbons and Corduroy by Adrian Bell. So those probably don’t count.
Reviewed here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... and here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... if anyone else is curious about them.

I have a long list of group reads to start January with, so I’ll check back in when I come up for air and want to find something else to read.

#3 here, I’m in the same boat as Abigail, in the middle of a couple books, one personal choice, one for a group read, but still trying to get my ducks in a row for a new year of reading! I was going to start with the five I nominated, then so many other lovely books were added, my head is spinning…I do own a used paperback of one of my books, Auntie Mame: An Irreverent Escapade, so might start there.

#5 here--oh! decisions, decisions...
Going down the list of books I was surprised at how many of them I had already read over the years. I'll need to see which ones I can get through the various libraries I have access to.
I am currently working my way through my most recent library haul, but I should be able to slip in a book or two after mid-Jan.

thanks for all the work you've put in, Carol. it's amazing how much seeing the covers makes me want to click on the books!

Jackie wrote: "thanks for all the work you've put in, Carol. it's amazing how much seeing the covers makes me want to click on the books!"

Look pretty, don't they? :)

This looks so pretty, but I guess I'm too late to play. But I can still use this for ideas

Allegra wrote: "This looks so pretty, but I guess I'm too late to play. But I can still use this for ideas"

Hi Allegra

You have one book in the pool. & some of the others didn't want to choose books but are going to read the books others have selected.

Do join us!

I'm starting with Death in the Andamans. Such a great selection of books for the year.

Barb in Maryland wrote: "#5 here--oh! decisions, decisions...
Going down the list of books I was surprised at how many of them I had already read over the years. I'll need to see which ones I can get through the various li..."

Yes, thank you so much for setting this up and keeping us all organized!

#9 checking in. Not quite sure what I'm going to start with, but maybe one of the Helen MacInnes? Or perhaps Mrs. Harris, as I've had it kicking around for a while. We'll see!

Barb in Maryland wrote: "#5 here--oh! decisions, decisions...
Going down the list of books I was surprised at how many of them I had already read over the years...."

I've only read 2 on the list! So I won't be reading Frenchman's Creek or Village School, but I rated both 5 stars..

CindySR wrote: "Barb in Maryland wrote: "#5 here--oh! decisions, decisions...
Going down the list of books I was surprised at how many of them I had already read over the years...."

I've only read 2 on the list! ..."

Oh, good to know, I nominated Frenchman's Creek and am waiting on it from my library. I want to read Village School, also!

I'm intending to give Frenchman's Creek another try after not being able to finish it when young. I'm a different reader now, & normally love du Maurier's books, so I'm expecting to enjoy this read.

The other two I have on my physical to-read shelf are;
Ice Station Zebra & The Outsiders

I have already read Out of Africa Picnic at Hanging Rock& Runaway Bride Fairly sure I've read One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, but since I don't remember it, I'm not ruling it out if I can get a copy.

#17 Katy Lou
Book #1 Ross Poldark - Couldn't put this one down and so I finished it in two days. So glad the next one is on our book pool also. 5-stars.

Katy wrote: "#17 Katy Lou
Book #1 Ross Poldark - Couldn't put this one down and so I finished it in two days. So glad the next one is on our book pool also. 5-stars."

Woo hoo our first one! & you have set it out exactly right!

& I am enjoying Demelza so far!

My 5 books aren't showing up yet, but I'll likely start with those. I might sub in Black Narcissus for one of my choices, though. We'll see what I'm in the mood for. :)

I have a sliver of a reading window so I’m going to read Much Dithering first.

Tadiana ✩Night Owl☽ wrote: "My 5 books aren't showing up yet, but I'll likely start with those. I might sub in Black Narcissus for one of my choices, though. We'll see what I'm in the mood for. :)"

Sorry for missing your ones off, Tadiana.

I completely missed the other thread until today, but I'm nice and confused. Will people be posting on this thread as they read the books? So, it won't be an actual discussion group, but more for reviews, etc?

Karlyne wrote: "I completely missed the other thread until today, but I'm nice and confused. Will people be posting on this thread as they read the books? So, it won't be an actual discussion group, but more for r..."

I'm hoping it will become more clear as we get further on.

But as the coordinator, I've done what I do in Message #3 & Katy did what the readers do in #20.

I think probably if a really in depth discussion is wanted maybe start a new thread? But we have been making short comments about the Poldark books here.

could post another example from the BLK group here, but I'm worried that might confuse people, since we are running over a longer time period & I have made a couple of other changes.

Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂ wrote: "Karlyne wrote: "I completely missed the other thread until today, but I'm nice and confused. Will people be posting on this thread as they read the books? So, it won't be an actual discussion group..."

I did go to the link, but it was still clear as mud to me, so I'll just wait and see what happens!

Hi Karlyne!

After you've read a book in the pool, do what Katy did in this thread. It's message #20 above but here it is again:

Katy wrote: "#17 Katy Lou
Book #1 Ross Poldark - Couldn't put this one down and so I finished it in two days. So glad the next one is on our book pool also. 5-stars."

You can write even more that that, I will probably include links to my reviews. I'm not sure you need an assigned number since you haven't chosen books for the pool. Mods?

CindySR#snowday! wrote: "Hi Karlyne!

After you've read a book in the pool, do what Katy did in this thread. It's message #20 above but here it is again:

Katy wrote: "#17 Katy Lou
Book #1 Ross Poldark - Co..."

Ok, I think I've got it. Thanks!

#2, Abigail:

First book, Much Dithering by Dorothy Lambert. This was a disappointment to me, only 2 stars. Reviewed here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show....

Hi Karlyne

I've added you to the participants list. You are #19.*

* Let me know if this isn't what you want. :)

Abigail wrote: "#2, Abigail:

First book, Much Dithering by Dorothy Lambert. This was a disappointment to me, only 2 stars. Reviewed here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show......"

You're on the board! Sorry the book was a disappointment!

& I'm on board!

#1
Book #1 Demelza What a book to start with! I loved it so much it could well end up being my favourite fiction read of the year. Finished 9/1 5★

#3

Book #1 Auntie Mame: An Irreverent Escapade so glad I finally read this, the book of one of my favorite films. So much fun, even better than the Rosalind Russell film. Finished January 9, 5 stars!

Here’s a link to my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Susan in NC wrote: "#3

Book #1 Auntie Mame: An Irreverent Escapade so glad I finally read this, the book of one of my favorite films. So much fun, even better than the Rosalind Russell film. Finished Ja..."

Glad you finally got to read this, Susan!

Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂ wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: "#3

Book #1 Auntie Mame: An Irreverent Escapade so glad I finally read this, the book of one of my favorite films. So much fun, even better than the Rosalind Russe..."

Me, too, I was listening/reading along with a huge grin on my face, laughing out loud a few times - perfect!

#3

Book #2Frenchman's Creek, just finished, 3.5 stars. I read the author said she didn’t write romance, but this certainly felt like one to me! The descriptions of a Cornish summer were gorgeous, some great characters, although I really didn’t like the heroine. Some fun, entertaining adventure scenes. Here is a link to my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Excellent review, Susan! It really gave me a feel for the book. I’ve been wanting to read du Maurier but it sounds like that’s not the one for me.

Abigail wrote: "Excellent review, Susan! It really gave me a feel for the book. I’ve been wanting to read du Maurier but it sounds like that’s not the one for me."

Thanks! No, I wouldn’t start with this book, but the writing is enjoyable. I wasn’t sure what to expect, maybe more swashbuckling adventures - the descriptions of the lush summertime at the Cornish estate were delightful, and there were some exciting, adventurous, cinematic bits - those were fun! I’ve only read Rebecca and The Scapegoat, and those were both engrossing for me. I definitely want to read more of her books, that’s why I threw this one in my book pool.

Carol - thank you for setting this all up :0)

That is a great review, Susan. I read lots of du Maurier three decades ago and I can’t remember much of this one. The ones that are still vivid and beloved are Rebecca, of course, but also The King’s General, The House on the Strand, and Jamaica Inn (and a couple of chilling short stories). Really want to re-read them all and finally get to The Scapegoat.

Poldark seems to be a general favourite! I may need to try the first one :0)

Abigail - pity about Much Dithering. The blurb did make it sound interesting... Hopefully your next read will be a better one.

Susan - never heard of that book or indeed the film, but both sound great! Going to try to find an ebook of it.

RL a bit much (I have an operation next Tuesday) and was about to apologise for not having read anything yet, when I saw a Christie I have just finished :0)

#10 Véro
Book 01 - They Came to Baghdad - 3.75* (read 03 Jan)
This is not your usual Christie. Instead of a murder mystery, we get a crazy spy adventure. It is entertaining if you go along for the ride without expecting too much. I wouldn’t recommend this as a first Christie, but it is fun. She wrote a few of these adventures and my favourite is The Man in the Brown Suit.

Review

Veronique wrote: "Carol - thank you for setting this all up :0)

That is a great review, Susan. I read lots of du Maurier three decades ago and I can’t remember much of this one. The ones that are still vivid and be..."

Thanks, Veronique, for your kind words and recommendations on future du Maurier novels to try. I can imagine feeling that way in a few decades about this book, lovely descriptions of Cornish summer, but that’s about it…When I made my pool list, I scoured her reviews, looking for GR friend reviews, I learn so much from all the smart, open-minded readers here! That’s why I was so excited by the pool idea, the exchange of tips and recommendations - we can all dive down the into the book pool together!

And I definitely recommend Auntie Mame, the book or the film with Rosalind Russell. Not the Lucille Ball musical film - even the very informative introduction of my book said that was awful. I’ve never seen it, but I learned so much in the introduction, that I will gladly take his word! The book was so funny, I listened to the Audible (free with my account), and was so entertained - sheer delight!

And, finally, thank you, thank you, to Carol for setting all this up, I think this will be a highlight of my reading year - not just the books I’m reading, but the experiences of GR friends, it’s like a great international book club, but nobody has to clean and buy all the food to host! ;)

Veronique wrote: "RL a bit much (I have an operation next Tuesday) and was about to apologise for not having read anything yet, when I saw a Christie I have just finished :0)

#10 Véro
Book 01 - [book:They Came to B..."

Terrific review, I read that one last year for the first time, while listening to the wonderful Emilia Fox narration, and I absolutely agree - exciting, entertaining, audacious, but not to be taken at all seriously. Your review brought it right back to me - really gave me a 1950s international thriller vibe - gorgeous, exotic location, too many coincidences, but great fun all the same. I enjoyed “Brown Suit”, too! Thanks for the happy book memories.

Susan in NC wrote: "And, finally, thank you, thank you, to Carol for setting all this up, I think this will be a highlight of my reading year - not just the books I’m reading, but the experiences of GR friends, it’s l..."

I share your sentiments!

Let's see if I get this right.

#4

Book #1 Death in the Andamans
4 stars

I really enjoyed this one, solid plot and characters, but the setting is unusual. My review is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Carolien wrote: "Let's see if I get this right.

#4

Book #1 Death in the Andamans
4 stars

I really enjoyed this one, solid plot and characters, but the setting is unusual. My review is here: https://..."

I'm glad I suggested it! Now to track down a copy for myself...

Carolien wrote: "Let's see if I get this right.

#4

Book #1 Death in the Andamans
4 stars

I really enjoyed this one, solid plot and characters, but the setting is unusual. My review is here: https://..."

Yay, Carolien, you got it - and great review, I really want to read this (and not just because we’re expecting a nasty snow/Ice storm tomorrow, and the location sounds gorgeous, exotic and warm!)

Barb in Maryland wrote: "Carolien wrote: "Let's see if I get this right.

#4

Book #1 Death in the Andamans
4 stars

I really enjoyed this one, solid plot and characters, but the setting is unusual. My review ..."

Same here - you suggested some real honies, Barb! I got to the Furrowed Middlebrow page and went down a rabbit hole with authors I’d not heard of before, and totally forgot about my beloved mysteries! Kicking myself, because I believe I picked up one of the “Death In” titles years ago at a used book sale, but don’t think I ever got to it, and think I swapped it back…but, on to the public library website, fingers crossed!

Yay, they have Death in Kashmir and Death in the Andamans!

Stay safe, Susan and all those in the path of the storm!