Activity Groups
Summer Reading 2023
Book Reviews for Holiday Reading
Present: Helen Bull, Dorothy Ivatt, Beryl Lishman, Liz Lockwood-Jones, Barbara March, Janine Tibbles, Ruth Westley, David March, Andrew Pennington.
Apologies: June Norris, David Norris, Mikki Wilde.
Bonjour Trisstess by Fransoir Sagon
This was a second reading of a romantic story much enjoyed many years ago but now found to be amoral, disrespectful and very French. Readers daughter also thought it so.
Laughing Through Alzheimers by Kathryn Pownall
This book, though dealing with a difficult subject, has humour and was easy to read. A local family's true personal account. Well worth reading.
The Ascent of Man by J Bronowski
The reader enjoyed dipping into this blast from the past, seemingly a transcript of the much acclaimed TV series, the authors' slow delivery colouring the written page. A personal view of civilisations' progress.
The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman
The third book set in the retirement village and perhaps best read after one of the earlier ones. Enjoyed though there were some leaps in the story. An easy quick read.
Beyond Black by Hilary Mantel
Was this a book where H.M was learning her craft? Thought provoking, convincing, a woman making a living by being a 'medium' and dealing with the spirits. She was pestered by other mediums and there were some difficult, uncomfortable to read patches.
The Giver of Stars by Jo-jo Moyes
A Woman just trying to get along, met a very rural American. A really, really good story. Twice read. Fabulous.
100 Years of Lennie and Marge by Marianne Cronin
The story of a young girl and an old lady, both are in hospital. Not a 'happy ever after' story nor depressing or sad in spite of it being a sad subject.
The Forgotten by David Baldaachi
This was found to be similar to the Jack Reacher books. John Puller, investigates a suspected drowning. Trafficking is involved. Escapism. A good story.
Next in Line by Jeffrey Archer
Detective charged with protecting a member of the Royal family gets onto scrapes that require much foresight. J A tells a good yarn. Easy page turner. Almost believable.
Reviews by Ruth Westley