Cinnamon Posted August 1, 2008 Share Posted August 1, 2008 I am sorry,but I am so deep into the Richard & Judy summer reads, & having been away,that I didn't get around to reading this months selection by Olly - 'The Clothes on Their Backs by Linda Grant ' So I await your comments with interest The book to read (or try to!) is 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time' by Mark Haddon,which is an absolute cracker. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louise Posted August 1, 2008 Share Posted August 1, 2008 I have read this and I was hoping for some other comments before I posted mine but then I wondered if others felt the same I really can't say I liked or disliked this one You might think that is a strange thing to say but it really left me with no impression at all It just kind of happened and it was a few weeks ago I finished it but nothing really springs into my mind which is weird I felt it was about a woman facing a middle age crisis with a bit of her growing up thrown in and that is it I am interested to see others comments I won't be reading it again I don't think I could put myself through it Next month however is a different kettle of fish Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seagazer Posted August 1, 2008 Share Posted August 1, 2008 I'm so glad you said that Louise as that is exactly how I felt about this book. I was trying to explain it to my SIL and said exactly what you did. I didn't hate it but I didn't love it. I just read it. I got to the end and thought 'oh well' and that was it. I didn't feel anything for any of the characters, such a shame. I'm not going to read this month's book as I've tried once before and just didn't like it. (Erica James book for me this month). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted August 1, 2008 Share Posted August 1, 2008 (edited) I'm not going to read this month's book either. I got to about page 48 last time I tried...(Apologies to whoever chose it). I'm still reading The Book Thief, so I'm a good month behind. Will try last months choice when I've finished. Edited August 6, 2008 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louise Posted August 5, 2008 Share Posted August 5, 2008 Has "Ooops, word censored!"ody else read last months book Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogs and chickens Posted August 5, 2008 Share Posted August 5, 2008 Hi There, Yes, I have read last months book I was just waiting for a few more people to reply before I added my thoughts! Basically I think the same as those who have replied, that it did not really do anything for me! I was releived when I had finished it to be honest. It's very interesting reading other people's choices and I'm looking forward to next month. I would also like to do catch up and read the previous months books. Michelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
little chickadee Posted August 5, 2008 Share Posted August 5, 2008 I'm afraid I've not read it, as I have to use audio books and I couldn't find this anywhere on audio. My husband started reading it to me but only lasted a few pages as it didn't interest him. Sorry Olly! Someone will have loved it though. It always fascinates me how different people's tastes are in books. Why did you chose it Olly? Had you read it before? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tessa the Duchess Posted August 5, 2008 Share Posted August 5, 2008 I read it!! I can't say I loved the book, but I quite enjoyed reading it. I did feel that the disasters that happened to vivian were a tad unbelievable, there were just too many of them I found it difficult to believe in her collusion with her uncle. I always ask myself why a writer writes a certain story, what is she/he trying to tell me? I am not entirely sure in this case. Perhaps the point of the book was to show that it is easy to change who we are on the outside by what we wear? Her uncle hypocritically hounded and abused immigrants even though he was one himself, but by wearing smart clothes, on the surface he looked like a man to be respected. Vivian's parents lived in an atmosphere of fear and secrecy, Vivian was told nothing of her past, it's no wonder that she was so unsure of who she was, and that she made some really bad decisions. I also lived in London in the 70's and I clearly remember the Peter Rachman case ( which actually changed many renting laws in the UK) but I failed to recognise many of the references to how London was during that period, which sort of added an air of unreality to the whole thing. I notice that others are holding back on really discussing this book, I can sort of understand it, I found it a book with little you could get hold of, it didn't make me happy, sad or angry. I was left with a feeling that although a lot happened in the story, I didn't really care very much about any of it:oops: Tessa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Couperwife Posted August 5, 2008 Share Posted August 5, 2008 Ive not read this months book or the last couple really but, I have just ordered the next books on the list so, as soon as they come, Im away and reading (sorry kev, you'll have to get your own tea ) sorry cathy x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted August 5, 2008 Share Posted August 5, 2008 Well I chose this book ... and can I say I was quite disappointed in it! I wanted to choose something that was current, and I've read books by Linda Grant before, and so I hoped this would be a good one for discussion. I didn't honestly enjoy it - definitely wouldn't read it again. I too felt that the characters were somehow a bit distant, and their actions didn't seem to connect entirely with their emotions. BUT - since reading this, I watched one of the BBC3 programmes a month or so ago, about Jews in Britain and in particular one interviewing people whose parents had come to Britain as immigrants just before or at the start of the Second World War. I was fascinated to watch interviews with people who almost all said (I'm generalising) that their parents didn't discuss the past, that there was a lot that was held back, and that their parents found it impossible to show emotion because of their own experiences. This made me view this book slightly differently. I'm really wishing I had chosen something else - I've read loads of good books lately, but I wanted it to be one I hadn't already read. It got quite good reviews at the time, but I am sorry if anyone has forced themselves to read it because it was 'Book of the Month'! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ms Marple Posted August 5, 2008 Share Posted August 5, 2008 I have not read it as I joined too late, but from the comments I won't bother. I have already read this month's book.. The Curious Incident.... but wil reread fast in order to comment. I recall enjoying it actually and both my sons read it too. I took the Salman Rushdie book out of the school library last week - looks like hard work! Having just done a little check - I am going to have nearly three years before I have to choose a title - enough time to find a good one or not! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tina C Posted August 6, 2008 Share Posted August 6, 2008 Olly - don't worry about choosing something that is not well-liked that is what this is all about. Most of us, wittingly or unwittingly, have chosen 'typical' book club books (including me) and its nice to see something a bit different on the list Having said that, I have not read it as I just did not fancy it. I also knew I was going to be having a busy month and would not have time to persevere with something I wasn't sure about (like I did with Brick Lane), Still interested in the comments though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted August 7, 2008 Author Share Posted August 7, 2008 I had a thought last night. Maybe I should run a poll at the beginning of January,where we can all vote for our favourite book group read of the year? What do you think? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tina C Posted August 7, 2008 Share Posted August 7, 2008 Good idea Sarah. Yes let's do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seagazer Posted August 7, 2008 Share Posted August 7, 2008 Olly - I wouldn't worry too much that some people didn't like the book. I joined the book club so that I would read 'different' books. Otherwise I would probably end up reading the same type of book all the time. Even on my own I manage to read some stinkers now and again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faye&Ant Posted August 7, 2008 Share Posted August 7, 2008 Thats a good idea about voting for your favourite book Im afraid I didn't read last months as I got caught up in two really good book that I couldn't put down - really sorry. I promise I will read this months Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faye&Ant Posted August 7, 2008 Share Posted August 7, 2008 LOL - I just realised that I get to choose the book for July 2011 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tina C Posted August 7, 2008 Share Posted August 7, 2008 Maybe we should have 2 choices a month and speed things up- to satisfy the avid readers and to provide alternatives if you don't fancy one of the books suggested.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seagazer Posted August 7, 2008 Share Posted August 7, 2008 Oh no - you can't do that - it will take me a long time to find a book to suggest when its my turn - I think I've got about 14 months or so. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tessa the Duchess Posted August 7, 2008 Share Posted August 7, 2008 LOL - I just realised that I get to choose the book for July 2011 Don't worry too much. I just counted 46 people on the book group, a few of them have disappeared from the forum for months now, so will probably pass their book choice. I have been on quite a few book groups, it always starts with great enthusiasm and loads of members, but always dwindles down as people realise they actually have to find a certain book and then read it Not meaning to offend anyone at all just my experience. Tessa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted August 8, 2008 Author Share Posted August 8, 2008 Thats right Tessa, When I pm people for thie choice I am giving them a maximum of 2 weeks to get back to me with it,or I will take their names from the list & go on to the next person. Its the only reasonable way to do it,I think. I might be able to sort out a little prize for the person who picked each years most popular book Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tina C Posted August 8, 2008 Share Posted August 8, 2008 Well judging by comments so far I think its yours (Good point Tessa) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faye&Ant Posted August 8, 2008 Share Posted August 8, 2008 Cinnamon - I am just about finishing No Time for Goodbye on your suggestion and its really good - I cant put it down. I should be picking up this months book in a couple of days and promise to feedback Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MedusA Posted August 8, 2008 Share Posted August 8, 2008 Like otheres have posted, I neither loved not hated this book. Don't worry Olly. My understanding of book groups is not that you have to choose a book that you think everyone will love. I found most of the characters annoying to some degree, but I did like the character of Eunice. See! A positive comment! I too have read The Curious Incident....., but will enjoy re-reading it for August. Please don't think of increasing the numbers of books to two a month. I can hardly keep up as it is! Yes please. The poll for a favourite book of the year is a good idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted September 25, 2008 Share Posted September 25, 2008 I hadn't realised that I had overlooked making a comment on this book which I think proves the point that a lot of people have made, that it wasn't a book that moved people. The main point of a book group is to read books that you may not otherwise read so don't feel bad about choosing it Olly. I am running a bit behind at the moment because i have read a couple of unrelated books in between plus it has been back to school and birthdays etc. I have started this months book but haven't read The Kite Runner or the Book Thief yet I am still trying to find them in my local Red Cross book shop or library. Thank you for posting the link to the previous discussions Cinnamon because it can feel a bit awkward going back to a previous book, but this way we may have all finished them by the time of the poll in January Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
