Reading in Between

 In between reading what's on the booklist for book club, I often read a number of other books on the go. My bedside table is regularly stacked with 'wanna be read' titles that wait patiently for their turn. I'm sure there are many book lovers out there who are just like me.

A couple of books worthy of a mention are the following: One Day by David Nicholls and The Mystery of the Cleaning Lady by Sue Woolfe.

I bought One Day some time ago, pretty much on a whim and the fact that I actually liked the cover of this particular book. I found it very appealing. I know...you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but nevertheless, I found myself drawn to it, simply because of the cover. At the time I purchased my copy, I didn't have time to start reading it, so I added it to my 'to read' pile, which, by the way, keeps growing every time I visit a book store.

Then, one day I was flicking through the movies on FOX and there it was. Usually, I refuse to watch a movie before reading the book, however, I decided for some strange reason to for-go this usual practice and decided I felt like watching, what I thought was a romantic comedy. I wasn't sure what to expect and felt for sure it would be reasonably light-hearted. The movie was a mixture between light-heartedness and many other emotions that accompany relationships. Little did I know I was in for a few surprises. I must admit though, I did enjoy the movie a great deal. It inspired me to elevate the waiting book to top priority of 'a must read - and soon' category. Now I wanted to see how closely the movie followed the book. So glad I did. I really enjoyed the by play between characters more so than the actual characters I think. Even though there were traits that I didn't particularly enjoy in the character of Dex, he still managed to grow on me. I felt a certain empathy toward him, even though I knew he probably didn't deserve it.

I enjoyed the way author, David Nicholls stitched the book together. It was well written and quite plausible. The characters were ordinary people trying, at times, to be extraordinary. And, as life sometimes has it, timing is everything and how many people do you know can relate to the whole out of sync routine? I know plenty. I'm not here to give anyone a blow by blow description of what happens. You can google that information, or read the book. Sometimes, I just like to share my thoughts about an author's work as I am doing here. Reading the book really helped me understand some of the movie that I didn't quite 'get'.

I'm a true romantic at heart and so this book was right up my ally. I loved/hated the near ending. If you've already read the book, you'll understand what I mean. I hated what happened at the end, but I loved the twist of fate - it was unexpected and I really enjoy that in stories. If you haven't read the book and you decide to, I don't think you'll be disappointed if you enjoy reading about love. This book is the journey of two people who were meant to be together, but just didn't seem to get the timing right and all the things in between.

The next book I'd like to share with you is, 'The Mystery of the Cleaning Lady', by Sue Woolfe. I thoroughly enjoyed this non-fiction work about creativity and how novelist, Sue Woolfe worked and created her ideas when writing her book, 'The Secret Cure'. It was an insight to how this particular author thought, came across her ideas, and wrote down obscure things and how they all pieced together like a jigsaw puzzle, eventually. I enjoyed reading this informative book as much as Stephen King's book, 'On Writing'.

I'm sure every writer, at some point, tries to analyse what makes them tick in the creative process department. I know I am fascinated by how creativity works or is born. As a teacher to primary aged creative writing students, I also have a vested interest in finding out as much as I can. I often wonder if you can actually teach creativity or is it that you provide a vehicle/inspiration for it to flourish?

Creativity is baffling. Is it a co-incidence? Is it simply recycled? Is there anything remotely original these days? Lots of questions that require answers. Not all questions will be answered by reading this book, however, I can assure you that many questions will be touched on and some outcomes are very interesting.

If you are a writer, at any stage in your career, or just someone who is curious about creativity, I am sure you will find this book intriguing.

So, until next time,
happy reading

Book Review: Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay

Some stories entertain, some enlighten, some make us laugh out loud, some teach, some make us cry, some tug at our emotional heart strings at all levels, they might keep us up all night, on the edge of our seat, some are forgettable and some leave us truly touched with a memory seared on our heart forever.

Sarah's Key will haunt me for the rest of my days and I add it to a couple of other memorable reads about The Holocaust that I've pored over my life time.

The first book, back in 1984, about the Holocaust was by Nobel Peace Prize writer Elie Wiesel called, Night, and it changed me — forever. It taught me so much about humanity. The words and story were seared to my heart and caused it to ache. It left me sad and, resolute that I never wanted something like this to happen in world again. A few years later I felt ready to read The Forgotten, also by Elie Wiesel and this time I not only learnt more about the Holocaust, but a little about Alzheimer's. I would forever be compassionate to this degenerative condition and something I had to face later on in life with my own mother.

A couple of other memorable reads about the topic include: The Diary of Anne Frank and The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne (visiting author attending 2012 Brisbane Writers Festival) and Irene Nemirovsky's, Suite Francais.

Sarah's Key meets all expectations of a novel foundational upon the Holocaust. The difference to this novel from the others is that whilst it is a work of fiction, it looks more specifically at the great Velodrome d'Hiver roundup, which took place on July 16, 1942 in the heart of Paris.

The author, Tatiana de Rosnay states: 'It is not a historical work and has no intention of being one. It is my tribute to the children of the Vel' d'Hiv'. The children who never came back. And the ones who survived to tell."

Sarah's Key begins with tight tension as the great Vel' d'Hiv' roundup begins and suddenly impacts the life of ten year old Sarah and her family. The reader is suddenly plunged into Sarah's nightmare and it's a nightmare that no one can wake up from. The reader's heart races along with Sarah's as the panic builds and desperation sets in. Is there no end?

During the first section of the book, de Rosnay flicks backwards and forwards from 1916 to 2002, seamlessly. Sometimes this technique can get a little annoying, however, not in this case. Each chapter is over within a couple of pages and this actually helps build tension and anxiety and, forces the reader to turn the page. The pace is quick, yet devastating. The author writes simplistically and the text flows effortlessly, urging the reader on.

Sarah has a dilemma that no ten year old child should ever have to face and the devastating consequences - no child should ever have to endure. But yet, how many children are born into circumstances that require them to endure heartache, heart break and mountains to climb?

What happens in Sarah's life becomes a fabric of the past and is interwoven into the future of others, including Julia, an American journalist living in Paris with her French husband, Bertrand and daughter, Zoe. But the life of this young girl leaves a much larger impact on many others and really brings to light how one person's life can influence many.

Guaranteed to stir the heart, mind and generate tears, this is quite simply, a beautiful strong and determined story of adversity faced by a people, how they survived, if they survived and the repercussions of history.

A highly recommended read.

Book Review: Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See

Snow flower and the Secret Fan is a beautifully written story that depicts the life, times and culture of two extraordinary women in an ancient and feuding China. 

From a very young age, Lily and Snow Flower's lives entwine when the local matchmaker, Madame Wang, sees something special in Lily and decides she should have a laotong , a lifelong female confidante. After Madame Wang examines Lilly thoroughly, she becomes very excited for Lily, her family and of course, herself. Lily has perfectly shaped feet, a prize of great magnitude for a Chinese family and she shares this news with the family. "The girl is indeed very lovely, but golden lilies are far more important than a pretty face. A lovely face is a gift from Heaven, but tiny feet can improve social standing. On this we can all agree. What happens beyond that is really for Father to decide." She looked directly at Baba, but the words that traveled into the air were meant for my mother. "It is not such a bad thing to make a good alliance for a daughter. A high family will bring you better connections, a better bride-price, and long-term political and economic protection. Though I appreciate the hospitality and generosity that you have shown today," she said, emphasising the meagreness of our home with a languid movement with her hand, "fate--in the form of your daughter--has brought you an opportunity. If Mother does her job properly, this insignificant girl could marry into a family in Tongkou."

And so the cruel practice of foot binding is revealed to the reader and the fate of two women are set in motion. Boy children have a much higher standing within Chinese families and their worth is highly regarded and so, for a girl to be elevated to high stature within a family because of her feet is quite remarkable. Lily's family is very humble and this news means much to them. Madame Wang matches Lily to Snow Flower as her laotong. Snow Flower's family is of high standing from the village of Tongkou. 

The the women's friendship and journey is beautifully told through the eyes of Lily. There is an edge to the tale depicting the harshness of the times and how families cope. Lisa See reveals to the reader the art of secret language between men and the adaptation of this language into the secret writings between the women.

This novel is insightful to the ways of Asian culture. It unveils some of the mysteries of hardworking people's lives and customs in remote villages scattered throughout China during feudal times. The author successfully marries fiction with historical facts to create an enlightening story magnifying the intricate relationship between two lifelong friends.

This novel is highly recommended if you enjoy reading about other cultures. If you enjoyed Memoirs of a Geisha, Fallen Leaves or Wild Swans, then you'll love Lisa See's work, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan.

August Book Club Title: Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See

Novel Tea 'n Pages Book Club members are currently reading, 'Snow Flower and the Secret Fan' by Lisa See.

The story is set in China during the 19th Century and encapsulates life in Chinese society for women, including the tradition of foot binding and the life expected of those put through this painful ordeal. The novel addresses the formalities and rankings within traditional families and allows insight into the way women cope and live.

In one remote county, Ms See writes of women who have developed their own secret code, nu shu – "women's writing" – the only gender-based written language to have been found in the world. She speaks of some girls who were paired as "old-sames" in emotional matches that lasted throughout their lives. These women painted letters on fans, embroidered messages on handkerchiefs, and composed stories, thereby reaching out of their windows to share their hopes, dreams, and accomplishments. Her story embraces the special relationships formed between these women that last a life time.


Below are some discussion questions to ponder as you read this month's selected novel.

Book Club Discussion Questions

1. Lily endures excruciating pain in order to have her feet bound. What reasons are given for this dangerous practice?

2. Did See's descriptions of footbinding remind you of any Western traditions?

3. If some men in 19th-century China knew about nu shu and “old same” friendships, why do you think they allowed these traditions to persist?

4. Reflecting on her first few decades, Lily seems to think her friendship with Snow Flower brought her more good than harm. Do you agree?

5. Lily's adherence to social customs can seem controversial to us today. Pick a scene where you would have acted differently. Why?

6. Lily defies the wishes of her son in order to pair her grandson with Peony. Does she fully justify her behavior?

7. Lily sometimes pulls us out of the present moment to reflect--as an old woman--on her youthful decisions. What does this device add to the story?

8. How would you film these moments of reflection?

9. If Lily is writing her story to Snow Flower in the afterworld, what do you think Snow Flower's response would or should be?

10. Did you recognize any aspects of your own friendships in the bond between Lily and Snow Flower?

(Credits for Book Club Discussion Questions:  http://www.lisasee.com/sfbookclub.htm )


For more titles by Ms Lisa See, please visit her website:  http://www.lisasee.com/snowflower.htm

So until next time,
happy reading...

July Book Club: The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox by Maggie O'Farrell

It is such a joy to sit with a novel and discover upon completion, the author has truly mastered their technique and made the experience worthwhile. That is how our book clubbers felt after reading this month's nominated book, 'The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox'. Ms O'Farrell has trimmed the fat and chosen her words and phrases with much thought, consideration and clarity.

She has tackled topics that are as current today as they were back when the story was set in the early 1930s in Edinburgh. Sibling rivalry, mental illness, family relationships, pregnancies out of wedlock, and family secrets, are just a few of the complicated topics Ms O'Farrell tackles in her succinct novel. Her work is a page turner and very easily read. It is a book that can be read in one sitting or savoured over a number of sittings.

Ms O'Farrell's writing technique with this work is intriguing and captivating. She uses more than one voice to tell this tale and leads the reader through a unique reading pattern to shift perspective.

This work was a hit with our book clubbers and a highly recommended read if you haven't read it already. Below are some reading guide questions for those who like to mull things over.

The Reading Guide:

1. When Iris gets the call from the psychiatric hospital, she is put in a very difficult position. What does she stand to gain and lose from the decision she eventually makes? What would you do in her shoes? 

2. How have years of incarceration affected Esme? Has she retained any of the qualities we see in young Esme, before she is committed? Does she seem sane to you?

3. The story contains several twists – what are they, and which did you find the most shocking?

4. Considering all that Kitty has done, all that has happened to her, and the dementia she has suffered in old age, are you able to feel sympathetic towards her?

5. The relationship between Iris and Alex is a complex one. How does it seem to have influenced their relationships with others?  By the end of the novel, do you think they had reached any kind of resolution?

6. How did you find the end of the book? Can you think of any alternative endings that might have worked?

7. What similarities, and what differences do you see between the younger Esme, and the younger Iris?

8. This is a novel with a very complex time scheme. What techniques does the author use to handle this?

9. This has been described as Maggie O’Farrell’s best novel so far. Do you agree?

10. The relationship between the sisters is very complicated. In what ways does it change as they enter adulthood?

11. How do you think people’s attitudes towards unmarried mothers have changed since Esme was a young girl? How different would her life have been had she been able to keep her baby?

12. What do you feel the book tells us about mental institutions? Do you think people’s attitudes have changed since the first half of the 20th Century?

Suggested further reading:

The Yellow Wallpaper - Charlotte Perkins Gilman
Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte
The Wide Sargasso Sea - Jean Rhys
The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath
Hallucinating Foucault - Patricia Duncker
Flesh and Blood - Michèle Roberts
The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins
Rebecca - Daphne du Maurier
The House of Mirth - Edith Wharton
Good Behaviour – Molly Keane
Vanity Fair – William Thackeray

(Credits for Reading Guide: www.maggieofarrell.com/readingguides.html)

So until next time,

happy reading...

June Book Club - 'The House on the Hill' by Estelle Pinney - Wednesday, 6 June 2012

photo by: bibbity bob

Winter Warmers

There's a coolness in the air lately and soon winter will wrap its cold tendrils around our bodies and force us to rug up and take refuge somewhere warm and cosy. Winter is the perfect opportunity to snuggle up with a great book, rug and hot cuppa by the fireside, if you're so lucky to have a fireplace. I'm really hoping winter slows down life's pace and provides a special time to indulge in what I love to do most, write and read.

This month's book club nomination is: 'The House on the Hill' by Estelle Pinney and it took me a little while to acquire my copy, unfortunately. I managed to find a copy using Fishpond.com and now I am attempting to have the book read by our next meeting, which happens to be Wednesday 6 June at 7:30pm. Hopefully our dedicated book clubbers will leave the warm embers of their fireplaces and brave the chill of the night to attend this meeting.

Estelle Pinney is a local Brisbane writer and I always enjoy reading local authors' work. This is the case so far. I am already enjoying Ms Pinney's tale of Belle Dalton. The blurb goes like this:

Author: Estelle Pinney 

"Belle Dalton has stardust in her eyes. It's early 1920s in Far North Queensland, and the three Dalton sisters board with Mrs Sanders in the house on the Hill.

Lovely Belle, the youngest, and talented singer and dancer, tours with a vaudeville troupe as they follow the rodeos and shows of western Queensland. On the romance front, she's being pursued by handsome local Greek, Nicos Alexandros, owner of the swankiest cafe in town. But will she choose marriage with Nicos or a life on the stage?

Penguin Books ~ 2005

Molly reigns as head cook at King's Hotel, and can whip up any stylish gown down to the last bugle bead. However, happiness with her sweetheart Fred is threatened by a terrible twist of fate . . . Josie, the eldest, has bookish ambitions and a strong spirit, which will be tested to the full when her life takes an unexpected turn.

This heart-warming and colourful novel about the power of dreams brings to life Australia's exotic far north of days gone by, with its vibrant mix of cultures and personalities. House on the Hill follows three sisters' joys and heartbreaks - and the difficult choices they have to make that change their lives forever."

~

'Author Estelle Pinney grew up in Cairns and the tobacco growing town of Mareeba, North Queensland. She left school at the age of thirteen to work as a colourist in her grandfather's photographic studio. Estelle's eventful adult life saw her working as an ambulance driver for the US army during World War II; as a beauty consultant; and as a registered deckhand on her husband's crayfishing boat in the Torres Strait. She is the author of Time Out for Living (1995), A Net Full of Honey (1996) and co-author of Too Many Spears (1978) with late husband Peter Pinney. Estelle lives in Brisbane with her daughter Stella.'

Click on the following link for some insight from author Estelle Pinney and the development of her novel, 'The House on the Hill'.

http://www.readersvoice.com/interviews/2004/04/estelle-pinney-describes-the-evolution-of-house-on-the-hill/

Important Update - April Book Club Cancelled due to Easter Holidays

 Hello fellow Book Clubbers,

At our last meeting, (March, 2012), it was decided to cancel our next book club as it falls in the first week of school holidays and many members will be away.

Please continue to read our next title, which is called, Book of Lost Threads by Tess Evans as we will discuss both it, and May's book, Before I Go to Sleep by SJ Watson at our May's meeting.

A link to a reading guide for Book of Lost Threads is included in this post. Using a reading guide can sometimes be useful to help answer questions and empower the process of reading.

http://www.allenandunwin.com/_uploads/BookPdf/ReadingGroupGuide/9781742372334.pdf

We hope you are enjoying your current title and we look forward to meeting up with you all in May. Keep an eye out for new updates on this blog.

So, until next time,
happy reading...

March Book Club: The Secret River by Kate Grenville

Have you ever given a lot of thought to what it might have been like to commit a crime, be given a sentence of death, only to have the sentence commuted to seeing out the rest of your days in a harsh and foreign land, separated by ten thousand miles of water?

No?

Well, that's exactly what the main character, William Thornhill had to endure when Kate Grenville decided to put pen to paper after extensive research for her own family's history.

The Secret River is a solid tale with true Australian grit. It is a novel of substance and Kate Grenville executes a fine account of the harshness of early England and the settlement of Australia. Grenville takes us back to England in tough times of poverty. Readers may notice there are both distinct similarities and differences between Grenville's tale and Charles Dickens' depiction of poverty and moral tone in nineteenth century London in his well known works. Grenville is very proficient at evoking a sense of authenticity to this period. Dickens writes of the industrial age and the hardships of his characters. His portrayal is very bleak. Similarly, Grenville's characters face many hardships that change the course of their lives.

Grenville's style of writing is one that is easy to read. The book is separated into three parts and could almost be read as three separate novels. Throughout the tale we learn that William Thornhill is married to a woman of steely reserve. Her strength enables her to hold the family together during the toughest of times.

Life is both harsh in London, but even harsher in colonial Australia. But, for the effort of endurance, there is reward. Many original Australian families' heritage stem from their convict roots. Many who served their time, received a parcel of land to help them make a genuine start with their new life. This created a problem of mammoth proportions for the indigenous people of Australia - the true First Australians. And so the conflict began.

One of our book club members, who is from another country, enjoyed the story because she felt she learned something historical about life in early colonial Australia. The most significant point for some of our members was the difference between the colonists and the indigenous views on the ownership of land.

Kate Grenville's story was received well by all club members and recommended as a great read.

Thank you to those members who were able to attend tonight's meeting.

Our next month's title is: 'The Book of Lost Threads' by Tess Evans.

So, until next time,
happy reading...

March Book Club: The Secret River by Kate Grenville

The Secret River by Kate Grenville is the current title Novel Tea 'n Pages book clubbers are reading.

This book is the winner of the Commonwealth Writers' Prize in 2006, the winner of the NSW Premier's Literary Award and was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize in 2006.

'In the early nineteenth century William Thornhill is transported from the slums of London to New South Wales for the term of his natural life. He arrives with his wife Sal and their children in a harsh land he does not understand.


Eight years later, Thornhill sails up the Hawkesbury as a free man to claim a hundred acres. Aboriginal people already live on that river and Thornhill will soon have to make the most difficult decision of his life.


Inspired by research into her own family history, Kate Grenville's, The Secret River is a tour de force, a powerful and groundbreaking story about life on the frontier.' Kate Grenville

Date Claimer: Novel Tea 'n Pages ~ March Book Club
                     Wednesday, 7 March, 2012
                     7:30 - 9:30 pm.

Looking forward to seeing you all there...

So, until then,
happy reading...

February Book Club - The Umbrella Club by David Brooks

And so begins another new year of fabulous reading with our February's first title, The Umbrella Club by David Brooks. We enjoyed a good roll up to our meeting, even though the regular night was moved from the Wednesday to Thursday night on this one off occasion.

The first meeting of the year is always one of excitement because this is the time when club members put forward their nominations of titles for the rest of the year. For book lovers, it is always interesting to discover what will be on the menu for the rest of the year. Take a look at this year's tantalising selection on the blog site which has just recently been updated. Having the list posted on the blog allows for all book club members to plan ahead for the year's reading so you have plenty of time to secure the books ready for the month they will be discussed.

Unfortunately, not all members were able to read The Umbrella Club before our first meeting which meant that a generalised discussion was limited to a much smaller number of members. However, the general consensus was taken from the old saying, 'you really shouldn't judge a book by its cover' because the actual story had lots of elements of surprise. Overall, everyone enjoyed the story, although it did not make the list as one of our most favourites.

The story itself was very earthy and would be a great read for anyone who has read Joseph Conrad's classic, Heart of Darkness. There are references throughout the narrative that directly relate to Conrad's work and if you enjoy his style of writing, then you should enjoy Brooks' efforts.

The Umbrella Club begins around the time of World War I when two young fellows, Axel and Edward, meet for the first time and over the course of the events, end up on many occasions together, fulfilling their wartime duties. Their friendship grows on the battlefields of France where they are both inspired by barrage balloons and develop a mutual fascination that embarks a lifetime love of ballooning and changes the course of their lives.

At the end of the war, Axel and Edward endeavour to return to a normal life, however, it soon becomes obvious that life will never return to what they know. Axel, always a free spirit, is consumed by his passion for flight and freedom and pursues this by learning the art of ballooning and forming the Umbrella Club, a group of passionate balloonists. Edward returns to the conventionality of earning a living and commitments to family. Axel's freedom and unconventional lifestyle fascinates him, and at times, Edward feels the pangs of envy. Though their paths are different, they always remain in contact through letters and the occasional Umbrella Club excursions.

After many smaller flights, Axel's passion grows and he decides to try for a much longer flight where others have not dared to go before. After much preparation and letters home to Edward, who has been caring for his dying sister, Axel sets off to balloon across the highlands of New Albion, a largely unexplored island north of Australia. When he fails to return, Edward travels to the island, after the death of his sister, to solve the mystery of his friend's disappearance and retrace his final journey. What he finds there will haunt him for the rest of his life.

'The Umbrella Club is a darkly compelling adventure into the depths of the human soul and to the frontiers of colonial exploration. In the aftermath of war, when there is nothing left to fear, sometimes the only possibility for recovery is flight.' David Brooks

We recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good tale of the wildness of the jungle and the people who exist there.

Most of our members would be powering on, if not finished, reading our next selection for the month of March, The Secret River by Kate Grenville. See the dates on the blog for our March meeting.

So, until next time,
happy reading...

February Book Club - The Umbrella Club by David Brooks

Welcome to the new year, 2012! And it is hoped it lives up to all your expectations. The working year has commenced for most of us and it is back to routine once again. This pleases some, whilst others may cringe.

All I know is I am looking forward to our first book club meeting of the year. Our titles have been selected and they look very tantalising. Please check them out.

Our first meeting has been changed from the scheduled Wednesday 1 Feb evening to Thursday 2 Feb due to some unforeseen work commitments. Hopefully this will not impact too many members, but sincere apologies if it does. We should be back to normal from then on.

I'd love to hear what great titles you read over the holidays? If you'd like to share, please add a comment. Some people tell me they've had difficulties leaving me their comments. Just so you are aware, for security purposes, you need to be a member of google, so just take a minute to sign up. It's free and then you'll be able to leave me your messages. I really enjoy reading them.

This blog is also a great way to discuss the books, so if you have any interesting things to share about the current book you are reading, write a comment and we can start a discussion.

A couple of club members have told me they have had trouble obtaining The Umbrella Club. I've done some research and here are a couple of suggestions: Try Avid Reader at West End or the State Library Bookstore. I got my copy at the Brisbane Writers Festival back in October. Another online place that is selling the book for under $30 is fishpond.com.au Click on the link then type in the title and author and bob's your uncle!


Well I look forward to seeing all our members next Thursday.

So, until then...
happy reading,
Deb