Saturday, April 10, 2021

APRIL READING GROUP UPDATE


 The big news is that one and maybe two of my reading groups will meet in person this month because all members are fully vaccinated! I am excited about every book that will be discussed this month.

One Book At A Time:

I have been on a bit of a Joyce Carol Oates obsession lately and recommended this one for our group. 

Carol's Group:

I am so excited to read this latest book by Kazuo Ishiguro. We may meet on the patio of one of our members.

Bookie Babes:

This is nonfiction but sounds like a good read about a female spy ring in France during the German occupation of France.

Tina's Group:

This group has not met during the pandemic because the leader does not favor meetings on Zoom. Now we are all vaccinated so we will meet at her house to discuss this book about women who use poison to liberate women from men who have harmed them. Sounds good to me!

How is it going with your reading groups? Have you discussed any of these books? 

34 comments:

  1. I'm curious to read your review of The Lost Apothecary as I am on the fence about reading this book.

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  2. It is very exciting that you will be able to meet in person again. This is perhaps the beginning of the end for COVID's grip on our lives.

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  3. The Olson book is on my 'interest' list. I'm definitely a fan of all SOE/Resistance books I can read. I'm in 2 minds about the Ishiguro book so I look forward to your review. I'm always cautious when a non-SF author writes SF...

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    1. I am a fan of anything about spies. I am also a fan of Ishiguro so I am prepared to like it, maybe a lot.

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  4. It sounds like you've got some winners to look forward to. I know Klara is!

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    1. It seems to be one of those months when I am happy to read all the selections.

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  5. Klara and the Sun and The Last Apothecary are on my list as well. Hope you enjoy them.

    How great you can start meeting in person again. I am hoping for nice weather the 4th Wednesday in April as my group will meet in the park instead of on Zoom. Our library is open again without restrictions EXCEPT no formal group meetings indoors yet.

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    1. It is going to be a good month for reading groups, or at least a better one. If my library opened I would be overjoyed. Curbside pickup is great but I miss being with all the books inside.

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  6. What a great assortment! I have not read that Lynne Olson but her book Citizens of London is one of my all time favorites. I should get this one on CD because right now I am having a hard time sitting still for nonfiction.

    My book group is meeting tomorrow and reading The Grammarians by Catherine Schine. This sounded good but went downhill quickly, about two identical twins fascinated by words and language. I wish they'd let me pick the book every month! Not everyone likes historical fiction as much as I do, alas.

    Next week, I am leading a discussion of They Loved to Laugh by Kathryn Worth. This is a great YA title but I am worried most of the group will not have found a copy to read. Oh well.

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    1. What a good report, Constance. I have not read Schine but have been tempted a few times. This month my groups all get a pass on choosing good reads. Too bad that is not always the case right?

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  7. Oooooh, JCO, I love her.

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    1. I know you do. I am glad because not that many readers I know feel the same. I am trying to catch up on some of her earlier novels I have not read, so I am thrilled that my reading group wanted to read this. Also, a bit trepidatious because what if they don't?

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    2. That's always the trouble with recommendations in a book club. I am sure there will be someone who will also love her just as much as we do. Good luck.

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  8. These all look excellent! Klara yes! And I have Lynne Olson's to read too. Lynne was an instructor of mine in graduate school (journalism) in DC! I read her book The Murrow Boys, which was excellent. kudos for that pick.

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    1. Wow! So you are acquainted with Lynne Olson. My reading group friend who suggested her book to the group found it very good. I am so looking forward to Klara!

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  9. I'm glad you're going to be meeting up in person again at last! I'll be interested to hear what you think of the Kazuo Ishiguro - I enjoyed some of his earlier books but I'm not sure if that one appeals to me.

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    1. Some of my fellow bloggers have raved about Klara. I'll soon find out and then post a review. Meeting in person will be great!

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  10. curious to see your thoughts on these. In our group, at each meeting, each member presents a book he/she has read during the past month. I actually shared about Klara and the Sun at our March meeting. And no, my review is not up yet!!

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    1. OK, I will watch for your review! And you can watch for mine.

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  11. The Lost Apothecary's cover is so beautiful!

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  12. An interesting assortment of books ahead, Judy. Because It is Bitter, Because it is My Heart has been on my wish list for years. You can help me decide whether to read that or Bellefleur first.

    Not sure whether I'd be more excited about the new Ishiguro or the possibility of an in person book club meeting!

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    1. If you have both books on your list, Because It Is Bitter... is perhaps a bit more accessible as writing style goes. Though in my mind, nothing beats Bellefleur.
      I am excited by both but I know what you mean, i.e. Ishiguro and meeting in person!

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  13. These look so good.

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    1. Thank you for stopping by today!

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  14. Does this mean you got your vaccine too? Did you have any bad side effects? I'm still on the list in my state and hope to get one soon. Some great books this month! I hop you enjoy them and getting to see a few of your book clubs in person!

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    1. Yes, I have had two shots of the Pfizer vaccine and am considered fully vaccinated. I had a mild reaction to the second shot, though it seems that people in your age group may have a stronger one. Even so, it only last for one day, you can take Tylenol to ease the symptoms. I hope you and your partner can get yours soon! It was so great to see some friends in person this week!

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  15. I have a suspicion that you're not based in the UK - otherwise you wouldn't be able to meet in person for the club. We're only allowed to meet indoors as two households.....
    So am rather envious you can get together with your friends

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    1. You are right. I am in the Los Angeles area of California. We may be stretching it a bit but I think we are mostly following CDC guidelines.

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    2. Yes, you are lucky. We're only allowed one extra person in addition to our household here. We'll have to wait until things get better.

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  16. Those are some exciting books you are reading this month and woo hoo - you'll be discussing books in person - it's been a long wait for sure. Enjoy the books and the book group meet!

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