Library Bookclub

Polly Burling discussing a book.

The librarians thought we might be more comfortable using the seating provided in the Plunket area, which led to a discussion as to where we should meet. The consensus (democratically arrived at) was that we would prefer to be in the library area. We all love books and being surrounded by them adds to the ambience. Also we can use the librarian’s knowledge when we are trying to recall a book.

The books that caught our attention this month; were “ Bad Blood” by John Carreyrou, this being described as readable,  but  then “Hunting The Truth” was enthused about. The story of a German woman and a French Jewish man and how this unlikely couple  took up the challenge of ensuring former Nazis who had been responsible for many deaths during the Second World War were held accountable for their actions. A true story  that is well worth reading

Next was Isabel Allende’s “ In The midst of Winter”-  from a snowstorm in Brooklyn where three different people from the USA, Guatemala and Chile reveal their histories. Then there is  a body in the boot of a car………….

Barbara Kingsolver’s “Unsheltered” is about academics past and present, who can’t hammer a nail and Willa’s family, four generations living under one roof in Vineland, New Jersey. It was a book of many parts that kept you reading.

John Ansell delighted us with the poem “I Think the Clouds are Cotton Wool”, and then gave us food for thought as he asked, did he add unnecessary verses or should it have been kept to just the initial verse? Interesting! Then  he explained Anapestic pentameter an’aPESTan’a PESTan’a PESTan’PESTan’a PEST -in other words 2 unstressed syllables followed by a stressed one.

Book club always has interesting side paths as Lorna described how she became proficient at reading despite having dyslexia We were all so impressed and her brilliant use of a dictionary. GO Lorna.

“The Forest” Richard Rutherford was one of our members  best reads. It covered Celtic history through to the present day. New Forest, a huge area initially the King’s domain with smuggling and poaching, treachery and witchcraft added into the story.  Teresa loved the book and also said she would love to go there to tramp some of the walking paths

All are welcome at this book club which always seems to cover interesting topics. We meet the second Friday of the month at 10am. Next one is the 13^th of September                                                                               Glenys Hansen