Town Hall Library

sorry about the confusion

2009-03-02T11:05:00.002Z

Hi!

Firstly, sorry I couldn't make the last meeting - when we met in January and re-arranged the day, I had forgot that I was going to a concert (to see The Cure!!!).

Speaking with my colleague Sue, who ran the group in my absence, I think there is some confusion about next month’s read; I’d written a note, but maybe it wasn’t very clear.

The read for the meeting in March is “The Man in the Dark” by Paul Auster (we chose this in January). It turned out that Cricklewood Reading group was reading this, why I didn’t have enough copies for everyone in time for the meeting. 8 copies are on their way to me; please let me know if you need one (please provide your library card number), and from which library you’d like to pick it up from.

“The Concert Pianist” was also handed out, but this is for the Over 50s tea and coffee mornings author visit event on 17 March (a couple of people from our reading group go to this as well). If you’re over 50, you’re more than welcome to come to this too. Conrad Williams will be attending the second part of the meeting, 11 am – 12 noon. People start trickling in at 10 though for tea and coffee and to catch up. A couple of ladies bring their knitting, so if you’re into craft, please bring it along.

So to summarise and hopefully make it a bit clearer: the read for March is “The Man in the Dark”, and as you never chose a title that I can hand out on the next meeting to read for April, I will order a few options from which you can choose.

If you’re in touch with anyone from the readers group, can you please pass on this message.

Very sorry about the confusion – we’ll be more organised next time!

Best wishes,

Åsa

Change of date for meetings

2009-02-02T12:48:00.002Z

Hi!

This is just to let every one know that because of new opening hours at Town Hall Library, we'll be meeting on the last Thursday as from now on.
I hope you all can still make it!

all the best

Åsa

2008: A Year in Reading Group Books

2008-12-17T12:04:00.000Z

January Germaine Greer’s Shakespeare’s Wife

February Ian McEwan’s Saturday

March Jonathan Trigell’s Boy A

April Indra Sinha’s Animal’s People

May Maggie O’Farrell’s The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox

June Sebastian Barry’s A Long Long Way

July Marisha Pessl’s Special Topics in Calamity Physics

September Hilary Mantel’s Beyond Black

October Diana Evans’ 26a

November Andrea Levy’s Small Island

2008 has been a year of mixed opinions, diverse perspectives and almost entirely good reading. A shame then, that the year began with a strong consensus that Germaine Greer’s Shakespeare’s Wife was a noble yet over-written effort to champion the life of a woman who has undoubtedly been treated unfairly by poor historical writing in the past. Where Greer succeeded in establishing the shortcomings of Shakespeare biographers, her recovery of the life of Anne Hathaway is essentially a compilation of facts and figures. Though the historical accuracy of the research is unquestionable, the results were not felt to be entirely coherent.

From one literary giant to another: I was personally surprised that many of the reading group’s members had not read much – in most cases none – of the works of Ian McEwan. I was glad to hear – though I was absent from February’s meeting – that the circadian Saturday was met with approval by the group, particularly as the novel can justifiably be criticized both aesthetic and political grounds. Similarities emerge between February and March’s books. In the month it won a poll vote for its discursive richness, we read Boy A. Jonathan Trigell’s story follows a young offender vilified in the tabloid press for a horrific crime let out into the world as an adult after an institutionalized adolescence. Boy A was a wellspring of discussion, as well as the time-old nature/nurture debate, we discussed the various well-drawn characters in the novel. Though the open-ending was interpreted in various ways, it was agreed that the blunt realism of Trigell’s debut was a triumph.

For April, the Booker shortlisted Animal’s People was read. The second novel by Indra Sinha was our first foray out of England in 2008 and resulted in many different avenues of praise. The novel’s themes of the injustices of economic and political imperialism, community and India itself were all debated. Indeed, the discussion spilled over into the following months’ meeting. Sinha’s sympathetic and unflinching portrayal of a poisoned community was appreciated greatly by us all.

In May, we read the third novel by former Independent journalist Maggie O’Farrell, The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox. Our attention was drawn more to the eponymous character’s niece, the narrator, and her position in a love triangle involving her step-brother. O’Farrell tackles two contemporary themes with a succinct tenacity, including the central subject matter of a woman institutionalized for her differences. The story of how Esme is eventually released and begins her efforts to recover her life is told with great flare and appreciated as such. Incidentally, a psychiatric institutions is also the backdrop for the latest work by Irish playwright and novelist Sebastian Barry, The Secret Scripture. In a year where his second novel followed his first into Booker shortlist history, we read his debut, A Long Long Way. I was personally gripped from the first page and everyone agreed that an expert balance was achieved between the impending doom of both political history surrounding the boy soldier Willie Dunne and his personal history, a thoroughly good read.

I rallied quite heavily to get the group to read Marisha Pessl’s Special Topics in Calamity Physics and my efforts paid off when it was chosen for our July book. It is with some regret, then, that I convey the group’s collective disappointment in the novel. Refraining from outright judgement, it must be said that most did not finish the book in time for the meeting. Even so, a number of factors were found to be either intimidating or off-putting. The story follows Blue van Meer, a precocious teenage girl – guided by her erudite father – into a new town and a small group of students led by a charismatic teacher. A breakdown of sorts ensues from the murder of the teacher but the consensus amongst the group was that far too many narrative strands are left open, more mystery than murder. The inconclusive denouement had everyone scratching their heads in varying degrees. My own personal view was that Special Topics is a novel for “smart-arses” (myself included) and that not everybody would find it enjoyable.

From a fresh new talent from the States to an unsung British vintage. Hilary Mantel’s Beyond Black was flagged up by many literary luminaries as a choice pick from the books of 2006. Unfortunately, I was not present for the groups meeting; furthermore I got the overall impression that the self-conflicted, indecisive kitchen-sink style characters: the psychic medium Allison and her divorcee sidekick Colette were far from endearing. Endearing in the extreme was the very touching novel 26a written by Neasdenese author Diana Evans, the story of identical twins of mixed-race struggling to gain a balance between one another in their search for a sense of self. Like the Mantel novel, 26a is story with supernatural elements told with the plainest realism. The resulting effect of this style is the full weight of the tragedy of the novel’s concluding event.

It is with particular ruefulness that I state my final absence of 2008, for November the group read Andrea Levy’s Small Island. Another Black British tale, Levy tells the story of a West Indian family arriving in Britain on the SS Empire Windrush in the late 1940s. A famous story re-told for the 2000s – those interested should look to the likes of Sam Selvon for a first-hand fictional account of this generation. Small Island was considered an enjoyable read by all in attendance.

Christmas break

2008-11-29T16:35:00.002Z

Hi,

Very much enjoyed talking about "Small Island". I think it's one of these books that grows on you every time you read it.
As there's no meeting in December, we decided to choose a book which would be difficult to finish in only one month, so we chose Thakeray's "Vanity Fair"...800+ pages (and small font).
I read it year back and loved it - funny, interesting, though provoking and far from straightforward in terms of who is the good or the bad person.

Happy Christmas and hope to see you in January!

all the best,

Åsa

Autumn

2008-10-02T15:23:00.002+01:00

Hi guys,

I really enjoyed the last meeting - thanks for coming!

To those of you who couldn't make it, here's to let you know that we'll be reading "26a" for October instead of Kate Mosse's "Sepulchre" (our supplier is out of stock). Moreover, because of its sheer size, we decided to read "Small Island" for November.

Brent Libraries is currently updating the readers group sets - let me know if there are any titles you think we should add.

thanks and hope to see you at the end of the month!

all the best,

july read

2008-07-12T11:10:00.002+01:00

For those of you who couldn't make it last time, just to let you know that we are reading a debut novel called "Special topics in calamity physics" for the meeting in July (I have a few copies for lending here at Town Hall Library). I reckon it's going to be an interesting book to discuss - it's received such mixed reviews - from "one of the most impressive debut novels [...] ever read" to "geek lit". I have only just started and am finding it a bit forced - or to quote one of the reviews "written more with the head than the heart"...but much can happen.
Very much hope you can make it as there will be no meeting in August. We haven't decided what to read for September yet so suggestions are welcome.

all the best,

Åsa

A Long Long Way

2008-06-06T22:48:00.001+01:00

Hi guys,

Finished A Long Long Way earlier today. I've posted my thoughts on www.myspace.com/bhupashpatel.

See you soon,
Bhupash

"Boy A"

2008-03-10T17:17:00.003Z

Hellos!

As you might be aware, World Book Day was last Thursday. As part of the celebrations, the reading organisation Spread the Word shortlisted 10 titles considered "publishers’ ‘hidden gems’ that haven’t been bestsellers but that deserve to be talked about – and are good to be talked about".

Boy A was one of the shortlisted books and moreover the winner! You'll find more info on the following links:

http://www.readingagency.org.uk/adults/world-book-day-spread-the-word/
http://www.worldbookday.com/spreadtheword/

Thanks,
Åsa

Saturday

2008-02-21T20:02:00.002Z

Hi guys,

I'm afraid its going to be quite impossible for me to attend our next meeting (unless by some miracle LU can get me from Earl's Court to Wembley Park in 0 minutes).

Hope you've all enjoyed Saturday to some degree. It is at times bizarre and unrealistic but I've no doubt you'll find it a thought provoking read.

A thought for discussion though. I read it several times before the 7/7 bombings; in the light of the London bombings, how does Dr. Perowne's argument with his daughter hold up?

Sorry I won't be there myself and have a good time.

Bhupash

First meeting for 2008!

2008-01-22T12:23:00.000Z

Hello all!

I had a little bit of a panic attack today; I got mixed up with the dates and thought for a moment that the readers group meets today and not next Tuesday..good start for me!!!!
I then realised to my releif that it is the last Tuesday of the month...so, I hope you'll all set for next Tuesday 29th!

Well...seems like most people are finding "Shakespeare's Wife" a bit of a chore to say the least...including myself! Doubt I'll be able to finish it by Tuesday, but will do my best. However, disliking a book is not a bad thing for a readers group meeting; the most difficult if everyone is indifferent about the read. At least we've got something to rage about!
One week to go!

Hope to see you all then! Thanks for your book suggestion, Bhupash; let's discuss it next Tuesday! If anyone else has suggetions, please feel free!
Have a good week (and not too unhappy a read!)

all the best!

Åsa

Boy A

2007-12-10T11:19:00.000Z

Hi everybody,
A thought for a future read:

Boy A, by Jonathan Trigell (Serpent's Tail, £7.99)
Jonathan Trigell's story of a juvenile killer, which was originally published in 2004, has been reissued to accompany the recent Channel 4 film. As a 12-year-old, Jack (not his real name) was convicted of a murder which outraged the nation. Now in his early 20s, he is given a new identity and the chance of a fresh start as a driver's mate for a delivery firm in Manchester. Trigell brilliantly depicts the pressures of living with a terrible secret. An average night out with the lads spells disaster as a spiked drink breaches the terms of his probation. And as he's someone who has never known love, it's devastating to witness Jack's developing affection for a girl at the depot, when any relationship is inevitably doomed due to his strange amnesia and the unaccountable blanks in his biography. Above all, the hero emerges as someone who deserves better - there's a teasing ambiguity as to whether he's guilty or not - and it is written with a naive clarity which evokes the unfamiliar wonders of the outside world: telephone wires which "drape like bunting"; church pillars "thick as God's thighs". Alfred Hickling

(http://books.guardian.co.uk/reviews/roundupstory/0,,2223930,00.html)

Am finding Shakespeare's Wife a grievous chore! In the words of Will Ferrell as evil fashion designer and eighties record producer Mugatu in Zoolander: 'I fell like I'm taking crazy pills!'

Have a great festive period,
See you all in January,
Bhupash

Next reading.....

2007-11-20T14:58:00.000Z

For those which do not remember what we are going to read next....

Party Tonight!

2007-11-20T14:49:00.000Z

Hi Guys!

I hope that you are all prepared to have a great time tonight!

We have a special guest. Please come along and let's enjoy it.

Greetings

2007-11-16T13:16:00.000Z

Hello everyone,

Just wanted to introduce myself to you all ahead of next Tuesday's meeting. How's this for the personality of a team player, I have only just managed to get a copy of Reading Lolita... (it came from the nasty people across the pond) and will be hacking away to finish it in time for next Tuesday.

Look forward to seeing you all,
Bhupash

P.S. Pardon the alias, hope it doesn't offend anyone.

Rafael Reig

2007-10-30T16:42:00.000Z

Hi guys,

I hope you are keeping well. It is not long to go for our next reading meeting. If you want to practice your spanish, have a look on Rafael Reig blog: http://hotelkafka.com/blogs/rafael_reig/
It's a good opportunity to have a insight in the authors mind.

See you soon

The Man Booker Prize

2007-10-20T14:08:00.000+01:00

This time is to talk about the winner of the Man Booker Prize. To be honest, it is not really to talk, just to let you know that we winner was announced. Have a look on their web site:
www.themanbookerprize.com
We will be buying sets of books of the short-listed ones. We can pick one for one of our reading adventures. Tell me what you think!

:)

Something about books

2007-10-20T14:02:00.000+01:00

Hi guys,

have a look on this link:

http://books.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,,2155667,00.html#article_continue

you may find it interesting as Xialu Gio talks a bit and also has a little note in Germaine Greer.

Hope that you like and post something to us

:)

Hello!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-10-20T13:57:00.000+01:00

Hi guys! I am missing all of you. I hope that you are keeping well and reading the books. I will be in touch soon to arrange the details for our party. Other good news is that we will have a bigger party in Willesden Green with all reading groups. Isn't nice? Please, don't be shy... let it out! If you feel like posting something, just do it. If you are having troubles just call me for help.

:)

A Pretty Face by Rafael Reig

2007-10-04T13:37:00.000+01:00

Hi guys! I just finished reading the book and I am still thinking what I could say about it. To begin with I probably could say that it was not my cup of tea. It is a very complex style of writing and the fact that it is a translation does not help either. If you haven't read, I would not put you off from reading it but I would warn you that it could be a very daunting task. Anyway, sometimes a book does not fulfill us but it can give small insights of thought for us to digest. I will wait to receive some feedback before I proceed with my impressions about it. I don't want to spoil your reading.

Our current readings

2007-09-28T15:10:00.000+01:00

We are currently reading 3 books. I know that it may sound as a Kamikaze mission but we are not going to meet again until the 20 of November. The books chosen by us are:
A pretty face,
A concise Chinese - English dictionary for lovers and
Reading lolita in Tehran.

Valeria Mizuno Turner
Trainee Reading and Learning Librarian
Brent Town Hall Library

Reading Lolita in Tehran - Asar Nasifi

2007-09-28T14:46:00.000+01:00

By large in our reading group people are very curious about other countries realities. This may be due to the fact that we live in London and be expose to so many different cultures. Nonetheless we all enjoy a good reading and this book has had very good reviews. Do I need to say anymore?

A Concise Chinese - English Dictionary for Lovers - Xialu Guo

2007-09-28T14:33:00.000+01:00

This book was chosen because of the good reviews signaling that it may be a light and humorous reading. We all agreed that would be good to read something to make us laugh for a change.

A Pretty Face by Rafael Reig

2007-09-28T13:58:00.000+01:00

The group did not really choose to read this book. It was more an accident, I kind of stumble into it when looking for another book. But I could see that was a brand new book and it is always good to read something from fresh, without other people’s opinion interfering in your perception.

Welcome

2007-09-28T13:43:00.001+01:00

You are entering Brent Town Hall Library Reading Club Friends Blog experience. I must admit that is a very long name but as matter of fact it's just for blogging identification purposes. Our group meets every month to have a healthy discussion about books that we read. Our next meeting is planned for 20 of November at 18:30. If you are taking some time to read our posting please feel free to come along and join us in our next meeting.