The Railway Man's Wife by Ashley Hay

"It's not what we forget

But what was never known we most regret

Discovery of"

Stephen Edgar 

Welcome to the month of May's book: The Railwayman's Wife by Ashley Hay. I have listed some points for discussion and to think about as you read the journey of Annika, Roy and Frank.

About the book

In a small town on the land’s edge, in the strange space at a war’s end, a widow, a poet and a doctor each try to find their own peace, and their own new story. In Thirroul, in 1948, people chase their dreams through the books in the railway’s library. 

Anikka Lachlan searches for solace after her life is fractured by a single random act. 

Roy McKinnon, who found poetry in the mess of war, has lost his words and his hope. 

Frank Draper is trapped by the guilt of those his treatment and care failed on their fi rst day of freedom. 

All three struggle with the same question: how now to be alive.

Written in clear, shining prose and with an eloquent understanding of the human heart, The Railwayman’s Wife explores the power of beginnings and endings, and how hard it can be sometimes to tell them apart. It’s a story of life, loss and what comes after; of connection and separation, longing and acceptance. Most of all, it celebrates love in all its forms, and the beauty of discovering that loving someone can be as extraordinary as being loved yourself.

A story that will break your heart with hope.

About the author

Ashley Hay is the author of five previous books including Gum, Museum (with visual artist Robyn Stacey) and The Body in the Clouds - her first novel, which was shortlisted for a number of prizes including categories in the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize and the New South Wales and West Australian Premier’s Awards, and longlisted for the 2011 International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award.

A former literary editor of The Bulletin, she contributes to a number of publications including The Monthly, Australian Geographic, and The Australian, and her essays and short stories have appeared in volumes including Brothers and Sisters (2009), various issues of the Griffith Review, Best Australian Essays (2003), Best Australian Short Stories (2012), and Best Australian Science Writing (2012).

She lives in Brisbane.

Reviews & Quotes

‘Ashley Hay’s beautiful romance of grief and love set in the escarpment landscape that once enchanted D.H. Lawrence will come to speak for the south coast in the same way that Delia Falconer’s The Service of Clouds speaks for the Blue Mountains. 

Everything about this novel – sudden loss, unexpected love, misdirected hope and desire, as well as the mysterious power of the written word and the candesence of the coastal landscape itself – is expressed with a profound understanding of every nuance of emotion. An extended meditation on ‘the limitless surprise of being here’, to quote from the poem that is central to the story, The Railwayman’s Wife illuminates the deepest places of the human heart.’ - Debra Adelaide, author of The Household Guide to Dying.

For discussion:

1. 􀂊In Paula Grunseit’s review of The Railwayman’s Wife, she states ‘Many rhythms form the soundtrack to this story – the sounds of the ocean, the words of great poets and writers, the changing views in a kaleidoscope, and the constant presence of trains.’ 

Discuss Grunseit’s comment – how do these sounds and sights punctuate the novel, and bracket the major events within?

2.􀂊 Consider the following quote: ‘...Mac raised his cup and paused – the smallest toast – that was marriage, he thought, remaking yourself in someone else’s image. And who knew where the truth of it began or would end?’ The Railwayman’s Wife, p. 169. 

Do you agree with Mac’s interpretation of marriage?

􀂊3. In response to Isabel’s question about where Mac is after death, along with fallen soldiers, Annika states: ‘It’s probably like your kaleidoscope: you look at one piece of space, and every tiny twist or turn multiplies that into somewhere new – somewhere different. More than enough room for everyone’s version of everyone to fit in somewhere, to be doing different things we all think they ought to be doing.’ The Railwayman’s Wife, p. 175.

Discuss Annika’s thoughts and feelings when confronted with information and anecdotes about Mac after his death.

􀂊4. Both Mac and Roy think of Annika as an angel. Why do you think this is so?

􀂊5. What do you make of the conversation between Dr Frank Draper and Annika in the library, on their first meeting? (pp. 99 – 102)

􀂊6. Consider Roy’s poem, ‘Lost World’ (the poem appears in its entirety pp. 208 – 210). Do you think it is a nexus between the world he has seen torn apart by war, and what he has found in Thirroul.

7. Annika carries Kangaroo ‘like a literary Baedeker’ (page 21), using it to identify places around Thirroul. Discuss 

Suggested Reading

Novels:

Kangaroo – D.H. Lawrence

Jane Eyre – Charlotte Brontë

Foal’s Bread – Gillian Mears

The Service of Clouds – Delia Falconer

In Falling Snow – Mary-Rose MacColl

Currawalli Street – Christopher Morgan

The Body in the Clouds – Ashley Hay

Poetry:

Everyone Sang – Siegfried Sassoon

How Do I Love Thee? – Elizabeth Barrett Browning

On Being Asked for a War Poem – W.B. Yeats

Aedh Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven – W.B. Yeats

History of the Day – Stephen Edgar

‘Over the Brazier – Robert Graves

Credit: Allen & Unwin's Reading Guide

http://www.allenandunwin.com/default.aspx?page=94&book=9781743314449

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...

April 2011 Book Club: 'Eat Pray Love' by Elizabeth Gilbert

Take some tasty, chocolatey mudslide cakes and other small delicacies piled high atop pretty plates as well as gooey chocolate mini Easter eggs brimming to overflow in petite glassware and combine with tinkling china teacups and light conversation and you now have an image of the way this month's book club kicked off. And, what better way to celebrate this month's title, Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert?

We had a small number who turned out for our April's meeting and, whilst the numbers were smaller this month, the discussion and social interaction, (which is a major focus in our club) was large. There are always plenty of opportunities to enjoy light-hearted banter and catch-up socially, but we always manage to balance it with an engaging discussion about the book of the month. How deeply we discuss a book depends upon the dynamics of the group. Each month we allow ourselves to be led by the feel of the group and usually, our reading guides.

Eat Pray Love was generally received with mixed feelings. Some readers loved the book, while others didn't, and still others enjoyed parts of it whilst other parts, not so. It was a mixed bag of thoughts and feelings. This is the type of book that makes for great discussion, especially with such a variety of feelings floating around, and depending upon how strong some of those feelings were.

Eat Pray Love falls within the travel documentary genre and if you've visited the bookstores lately, it doesn't take you very long to figure out that it is a very popular genre. Many writers take the opportunity to combine their love of travel and writing as a way to turn out running commentaries on their experiences. And who wouldn't mind doing that, especially if it became a major seller?

Because of the number of travel writers, it is often hard to choose the exact book you want and, on the flip side, as a writer with strong competitors, you need to have the cutting edge; a unique way that sets you apart from all the rest, namely, the Black Caviar of the field (speaking in horse racing terms).

Eat Pray Love is one of those major sellers I just mentioned.Why? Just what did Elizabeth Gilbert do that set her apart from all the rest?

Well, that question makes for much discussion, but she obviously struck a chord with a large proportion of the western population. Was it the entrapment of marriage, outgrown and now loveless that readers connected with, or was it the chance to travel with the author and visit three countries that they had not visited before? Or maybe readers simply wanted to experience the food, culture, meditation and prayer along with the author, and connected with these aspects. Who knows? But what became obvious from listening to our book club members was that the book, or at least parts of the book meant something different for each of them based on their own experiences, their culture, their views on life and religion, and where they were now in their life. So too, I think, for the general population.

This is a book that you choose for personal reasons and not based on the recommendation by others. This is a book that the author must have the edge; the Black Caviar of the racing field.

I know personally, that with all the hype that surrounded this book, even before the movie came out, I ummed and ahhhhed about it. Oprah and her Book Club (which I respect) had sanctioned and promoted it and the general population raved about it.

For me, it took many visits to a variety of book stores, where it wooed me before I purchased a copy. As I wandered around the stores, looking at new and old titles, it always managed to intrigue me when I found it displayed. I'd pick it up and fondle it, run my fingers over its front cover. I'd hold it and read the back cover then carry it around the store with me, only to return it back to its rightful place on the shelf, edged out by other titles more pressing for me to take home. Finally though, one day I eventually felt sorry enough for it. I'd had enough of it begging me to take it home like an orphaned puppy. I finally decided it was its turn to come home to my place. Why this time? I don't know. Perhaps I was finally curious enough for it.

Was I glad? Was it worth the purchase? For me - definitely. I thoroughly enjoyed it and was glad to have shared some of my time with this author and her tale of self discovery. Elizabeth Gilbert is a writer who is easy to read. She kept the language simple and the themes a little more complex. I enjoyed her writing technique so much so that now I would like to read her other documentary called The Last American Man.

Novel Tea 'n Pages recommends Eat Pray Love to those book lovers where it either 'jumps out at you' (blatantly) or if it woos you. No matter what way - it will get you. Good luck. All I can say is, enjoy it for what it is.

So, until next time,
happy reading...

Introducing an Exciting New Component to Novel Tea 'n Pages Book Club

History:

Novel Tea 'n Pages Book Club celebrates its 1st birthday in April, just a few short months away. We are a fledgling club, but are finding our way and the ride so far has been a pleasant one.

We've found our numbers fluctuate at times, but this is quite natural and to be expected. People get busy with life and can't always attend, but they still manage to pop along when they can. Some slow down and manage their attendance well. Others decide they'll do their best to be committed and attend every month.

That's the great part about this book club. It is open to receive everyone, whether you've read the book or not or whether you can attend every month or not. Coming along for the social aspect helps develop friendships and sometimes members become inspired from listening to discussions and go home and read the next month's book. Some members who have joined initially didn't consider themselves readers, but have become readers since making an effort.

Whatever anyone's situation is, we embrace them and think they are all very important members. We are a very relaxed club and we welcome both established and new members at all our meetings. At this point I'd like to thank the dedicated members who come along and keep us ticking.  I'm really looking forward to what 2011 has in store for us.

New Developments:

From Novel Tea 'n Pages Book Club's inception at the beginning of 2010, I've always had in mind another component that I wanted to implement after the book club became established. I needed a little time to get a better feel for what I was doing. After playing around with some initial ideas, I finally introduced Novel Tea 'n Pages to the world and I hosted its first meeting in April 2010.

However, there is always room for improvement and it is my hope that club members will bring their ideas and suggestions along to the book club so that they can make this club their own. With fresh ideas, the club will not stagnate but grow, develop and change.

A New Concept:

It is with excitement that I introduce a new Writers component to the book club. When I thought up the name Novel Tea 'n Pages there were three components I had in mind; a trinity, so to speak (not of the religious nature, though). The first component was Novel (representing book club). The second component was Tea (representing refreshments and a social aspect) and the third component was Pages (representing a writers springboard).

These components represent three things I am passionate about and wish to share with others as my platform of influence, and they include books, coffee and of course, writing.

Currently, Novel Tea 'n Pages offers two of the three components. Now, I am happy to announce that beginning Saturday 19 February, Novel Tea 'n Pages will host its first Writers component in the form of an initial meeting with interested parties to develop an overview of future Writers' meetings.

The Shape of the Writing Component:

Novel Tea 'n Pages will offer a Writers Club for anyone interested in beginning or developing their personal writing projects. Writers will meet once a month and have the opportunity to engage with other people interested in writing and sharing their projects, sharing feedback and participating in short writing exercises. Both experienced and inexperienced writers are welcome to join. You do not need to be a book club member to join the Writers Club.

From now on the club shall be referred to as Novel Tea 'n Pages Book & Writers Club.

If anyone knows of someone who might be interested in participating in our Writers Club, please send this information to them. I invite all interested parties to contact me via Facebook or email to find out more details. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

So, until next time...
Happy reading & writing everyone...

December Meeting: 'Half of a Yellow Sun' by Chimamanda Ngozi and 'The Secret Life of Pi' byYann Martel

Book Clubbers met for the last time in 2010 at our December meeting where we discussed the two books: 'Half of a Yellow Sun' and 'Secret Life of Pi'. The first part of the meeting was dedicated to 'Half of a Yellow Sun'. The second part of the meeting was dedicated to 'Secret Life of Pi' and the third part of the meeting we divided between eating, socialising and watching, 'The Book Show' a UK program screening on Studio TV Fox.

We enjoyed a few little Christmas type treats while we caught up on everyone's adventures since our last meeting back in October. It was good to see those who were able to make it along. Unfortunately a few were either away for their holidays or had other commitments, but we still managed to enjoy a very pleasant evening, hearing each others' thoughts on the two books up for discussion.

'Half of a Yellow Sun' is currently being enjoyed by our book club members. Not everyone managed to finish reading it, so it limited our discussion to a point. Some who did manage to finish it said they enjoyed it and Sue (one of our South African ladies) shared she had always known something was happening in Nigeria, but just didn't know what and she felt the book, although fictional, enlightened her due to the research carried out by author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. It opened her eyes to the plight of the country.

Another point raised was the different perceptions of the characters. Some readers were surprised to find out the main characters were actually Africans. The author portrayed them in such a way that they 'sounded' white and professional and adaptive to aspects of Western culture. It was also interesting that Olanna's sister, Kainene would take a white lover, which would have been rare in the era this story was set in, and yet the author did not delve too deeply into the complexities of this relationship.

This tale is set in the 1960's in Nigeria, a country blighted by civil war.

'Three lives intersect. Ugwu, a boy from a poor village, works as a houseboy for a university lecturer. Olanna, a young woman, has abandoned her life of privilege in Lagos to live with her charismatic new lover, the professor. The third is Richard, a shy Englishman in thrall to Olanna's enigmatic twin sister. When the shocking horror of the war engulfs them, their loyalties are severely tested as they are pulled apart and thrown together in ways that none of them imagined...'

Those who currently continue to read this work of historical fiction commented that they are enjoying the read and will continue. Those who finished the book, enjoyed it and were glad they read it. It is a book the club members are happy to recommend.

'The Secret Life of Pi' ... 'one boy, one boat, one tiger...after the tragic sinking of a cargo ship, a solitary lifeboat remains bobbing on the wild, blue Pacific. The only survivors from the wreck are a sixteen-year old boy named Pi, a hyena, a zebra with a broken leg, a female orang-utan - and a 450-pound Royal Bengal tiger. The scene is set for one of the most extraordinary works of fiction in recent years.'

Unfortunately not all members were able to complete reading this work of fiction and as a result, it was a little difficult to discuss. Everyone will continue reading this work over the Christmas holidays and enjoy it for what it is. We did manage to discuss a few ideas, etc, however, none of us had progressed too far into the book.

However, I will do my best to blog about it and maybe add some thoughts to help with questions and discussions. If anyone is interested in contributing to the discussion, please add your comments.

I will begin a discussion thread shortly.

The last couple of months have been an extremely busy time for everyone and so I am not all that surprised that members found it hard to keep up with the reading. Does this matter? No! Not at all. That is the whole point of this club, we do what we can, keeping in mind that we are a casual book club and the social aspect is just as important...friends first, books and chats.

I would like to extend my deep gratitude to everyone who joined and came along this year. You have all helped to make the idea of the book club work. What started off as an idea came to fruition and you have all helped to continue to keep it alive. I really hope you have all received something back for your effort in just showing up, because that's all you really have to do...read a book and show up once a month and you receive, for your effort: laughter, stimulating discussions, maybe to make new friends, reconnect with old friends, ideas, delicious treats, drinks and a time for yourself. I know I have had lots of fun hosting the group.

If you have any suggestions on how to make the group more interesting, or more fun, please don't keep it to yourself. I would love to hear from you. Maybe next year, we could sometimes attend poetry readings and set aside some time to attend some sessions at the Brisbane Writers Festival, and maybe take in some author book launches. Tell me what you think? I want this to be 'your' club, so please let us know your ideas.

Home work: Please think about what book you enjoyed reading the most from our 2010 list and email me or let me know in the comments box. Let's take a vote? Write and tell me your top read, and second and third place. I will compile and post the results. Then Novel Tea 'n Pages will have a Top Ten Book List for 2010!

Also, please have ready for our first meeting back a short list of nominations for our reading list in 2011.

Merry Christmas everyone and may 2011 be exciting and rewarding for you and your families. Bless you all and enjoy a safe and happy holiday.

Thanks everyone,
until next time...
happy reading

October Book Club - 'Like Water for Chocolate' by Laura Esquivel

We were down on numbers at October's meeting due to various commitments of some of our members to 'life'. Everyone is very busy and sometimes it is hard to fit everything in. So, if you were unable to come to our October meeting, let me just say, you were missed and we look forward to meeting up with you at our next meeting.


The members who came to discuss Laura Esquivel's, 'Like Water for Chocolate' were very happy with this magic realism novel, with most commenting that they had enjoyed it immensely.


One comment made: "As soon as I started reading it, it reminded me of the similar style of writing as in, 'A Hundred Years of Solitude', by Gabriel Garcia Marquez."


'Like Water for Chocolate is the story of a young woman, Tita, whose mother forces her to take care of her sole needs because of the order in which she was born. Tita is the youngest daughter of Mama Elena, and is prohibited by 'family tradition' from marrying so that she will be free to take care of her mother later in life. She is awarded no life of her own to look forward to and as a result, bases her whole existence on her love of cooking, where every emotion she feels becomes a part of the recipe she happens to be creating.


The book is thought provoking with interesting images landscaped in this telling tale of tortured love for Pedro that develops and endures during the course of Tita's life, and the results of this. The story follows Tita's life from birth to death, focusing mostly on her relationship with Pedro, her angst at her mother and her struggle and eventual triumph in pursuit of love and individuality.


This book is highly recommended, especially if you enjoy magic realism or the works of Gabriel Garcia Marquez.


Until next time,
happy reading...

Brisbane Writers' Festival - September 1 - 5th

The 2010 Brisbane Writers' Festival is upon us next week. Why not pop along and check out some amazing authors and events listed below:

happy hour (or two!) 12-2PM, Friday 27 Aug Two-for-one tickets to Brisbane Writers Festival. Two hours only. Tomorrow from 12-2PM. Call qtix 136 246 to purchase tickets. (Offer not available online. Offer excludes bookend events, Festival First Night and workshops and masterclasses.) BWF Book Raffle Plenty of opportunities for book lovers to indulge at this year's Brisbane Writers Festival! Did you know that BWF will celebrate its 50th birthday in 2012? Show your love and support for the Festival, and help ensure it's around for another 50 years by purchasing a raffle ticket or two from the volunteers in the Knowledge Walk. Your money will go towards bringing more of those internationals we all know and love to next year's Festival. At just $5 a ticket you have the chance to take home the bookshelf and the 100 exceptional Festival books - past and present - that fill it! The winner will be announced Sunday at the Closing Address. Student Rush Tickets BWF 2010 will be offering Student Rush Tickets. 1/2 price tickets will be available for students to purchase (student card required) one hour before every session, from the qtix office at the Festival.Read more. Intimate Conversations Don't miss these one-on-one conversations with extraordinary writers at this year's Festival. The Unexpected Fun of Federal Politics The Australian has labelled Jessica Rudd's debut novel Campaign Ruby'prophetic'; Sydney Morning Herald has called it 'stranger than fiction'. Find out why the press just can't leave this one alone, when Jessica speaks with Ellie O'Gorman about the realities and humour of national politics. Purchase tickets here. I'm Sorry. He's Passed. Tom Jokinen chats to Richard Fidler, revealing the discoveries he made when he quit a good government job to work at a family-run funeral home and crematorium as a trainee undertaker. His book, Curtains: Adventures of an undertaker in training, explores, first-hand, our culture's relationship with the dead, dying and left behind. Purchase tickets here. Christian the Lion: A YouTube Phenomenon You may have seen the video; you've probably heard the story. Christian the Lion shot to celebratory status when a remarkable video filmed in Kenya in 1971 featured on YouTube in 2008. Australian colonial and aboriginal art specialist Ace Bourke will take you back to 1971 to re-tell the remarkable story of his adventures with Christian the Lion. Purchase tickets here. One Book Many Brisbanes at BWF Hear what it's like to be a winner of Brisbane City Council's One Book Many Brisbanes competition. Be inspired by four winning authors from last year's competition who will share their experiences and give their tips on how they approached their short stories. Rosie Fitzgibbon, the editor and mentor of the anthology, will also be there to give industry insights into the competition. Saturday, 4 September, 5.30 - 6.30PM. Breezway Stage. Read more. A Catch of the Breath Co-presented by Metro Arts and Robert Thwaites. Until 4 September at Metro Arts. Brisbane-born poet Michael Thwaites, winner of the prestigious Newdigate Prize and Kings Medal for poetry (putting him in the company of Judith Wright and Les Murray), left behind a body of work that grappled with the themes of his generation. Director and grandson Robert Thwaites breaths new dimension into his verse in a performance of dynamic physicality, original music and powerful spoken word. Read more. For your chance to win one of TWO double passes to see A Catch of the Breath next Monday, 30 Aug, e-mail your name to info@metroarts.com.au with BWF A Catch of the Breath competition in the subject heading. The lucky winners will be notified by Metro Arts to pick up their tickets on the night at the Box Office. Don't miss the A Catch of the Breath ensemble in conversation and performance at BWF on Friday 3 Sept, 3:30-4:30PM. The Australian Writer's Marketplace Industry Masterclass Friday 3 September, 10AM-3PM at Brisbane Writers Festival Here is your chance to meet top industry professionals including Madonna Duffy (Publisher with UQP), Suzanne Babboneau (Publishing Director with Simon & Schuster UK), Sally Collings(Publisher with Red Hill Publishing), Emma Rusher (literary agent), and writers L.A. Larkin andSimon Groth. This industry seminar will introduce you to agents, publishers and writers and take you on a journey from manuscript development to published author promotion. It will cover the role of agents in a writer's life, the publishing process, including developing and submitting your work, and new pathways to publication. You'll learn the tricks of promoting your book and yourself, and the importance of both. This seminar is for emerging writers and those who are just plain curious about books and publishing. Walk away with tools and insider knowledge to help you navigate a pathway in the marketplace. Tickets $100 from qtix. Includes a copy the new edition of The Australian Writer's Marketplace, valued at $49.95. Queensland Brain Institute From the laboratory bench to Brisbane Writers Festival, the Queensland Brain Institute (QBI) is proud to be involved in spreading the word on neurological disorders. On Saturday 4 September, Perminder Sachdev, author of The Yipping Tiger and Other Tales from the Neuropsychiatric Clinic, will discuss 10 fascinating case studies at Brisbane Writers Festival. Professor Bryan Mowry (just one of many internationally renowned neuroscientists working at QBI) will chair the event. Read more. ArtsHub ArtsHub helps industry professionals and up and comers stay connected to the latest jobs, news and events in the arts. As an individual member, you will gain access to the latest arts jobs from over 800 company members as well as the ability to list unlimited events and classifieds. From grass roots not-for-profits to some of the biggest arts companies in the country, we are here to help everyone link together at one central hub. Visit ArtsHub to be a part of it. We encourage all BWF fans to please forward this e-mail to friends, family and members of your community. New subscribers can sign up to our e-news here. Until next time, The BWF Team Brisbane Writers Festival 1 - 5 September 2010 PO Box 3453 South Brisbane Queensland 4101 P: 61 7 3255 0254 F: 61 7 3255 0362 E: info@bwf.org.au www.bwf.org.au

August Book Club - 'The China Garden' by Kristina Olsson

If it feels like I've been away for quite some time and news has been scarce, then you'd be right. Many apologies book clubbers for my absence, but it is for good reason. My eldest daughter Jocelyn recently married her sweetheart Chris, and as everyone knows, weddings are extremely busy times. Certain priorities must change in order for things to happen, and in this case, I took a short vacation from blogging to experience the joy of family and this wonderful occasion. So, I am sure you will all understand and forgive me.

Our August meeting saw us discuss the book, 'The China Garden' by Brisbane author, Kristina Olsson. Whilst most members agreed there were a couple of positives about the book, it was not a favourite amongst us. Many found the writing a little annoying in many places throughout, although occasionally, the author managed to pull off some eloquent and well constructed sentences, which were a pleasure to read.

Some members thought the going tough and tedious, so they decided to call it a day and weren't able to finish the book. Personally I'm glad I finished the book, however, there was little joy in this because it did not feel like it went anywhere and a lot of things were left unexplained. There were a number of places where the text was predictable and quite uninteresting. Many said they could not connect with the characters and so were not able to engage in the story at a deep level.

Overall, book club members felt disappointed by the book because it lacked certain entertaining qualities. There were places within the text when it was obvious that the author tried too hard to show off their writing prowess.

September Book Club - 'The Time Traveler's Wife' by Audrey Niffenegger

September Book Club - 'The Time Traveler's Wife' by Audrey Niffenegger is currently being read by Novel Tea 'n Pages Book Club members and will be discussed at our next meeting on Wednesday, 1st September, 2010.

We look forward to seeing you all. Please check out the events page and click to say if you are attending.

New members are most welcome.

Reminder: August Book Club - The China Garden by Kristina Olsson

Next Wednesday evening, 4 August, is time to snuggle down with our next cosy book discussion, where members will discuss this month's novel, 'The China Garden' by Kristina Olsson. We hope you've popped us into your date claimer and can come along for some insightful discussion, tasty treats and warm cuppas.

The more the merrier ...

The details can be found on the events page listed on this site.

We really hope you can make it. This event is a great place to meet new friends, mix with old friends, catch up, sample tasty treats, and indulge in our common love of books.

If you are coming, please make sure you add yourself as 'coming' to the event for organisation purposes.

Hope to see you there...

until then...

Happy reading...

July Book Club Meeting: 'The Story of a Marriage' by Andrew Sean Greer

What more could one ask for?

The perfect way to spend a lazy wintry Wednesday evening with friends, includes a faux fireplace, a cozy room full of books, great guests, two cute and cuddly puppies running amok for entertainment, a slinky feline, random family members floating around and popping in to say hi, a great story to sink our teeth into, delicious treats and warm beverages to chase away the winter chills.

Novel Tea 'n Pages Book Club had all this, and more, at its third (July) meeting. We had all the trappings of a great novel, including a sub plot: the third and final State of Origin footy match for 2010. Congratulations to the Queenslanders...commiserations to NSW. Better luck next year.

Attendees included:

Elizabeth

Leisle

Caryl

Deb

Apologises from:

Liz (visiting China)

Julie

Cheryl

Kimmy

Jocelyn

We'd like to welcome our new member, Caryl, to Novel Tea 'n Pages Book Club. It is always lovely to welcome new book lovers into the club (there is always plenty of room). Novel Tea 'n Pages is a very informal group of ladies who enjoy mingling socially and discussing their favourite books along the way. The objective is to build friendships and enjoy a social gathering, whilst sharing a common passion. So far, so good.

Book club members enjoyed a stimulating discussion revolving around this month's novel, 'A Story of a Marriage' by Andrew Sean Greer. Members who attended all agreed that the author was clever in his use of devices, such as voice, characters and elements of surprise to craft his story, even though some didn't particularly enjoy the story shared. It was, however, most interesting and very creative.

The group discussed Greer's characters and decided they were very strong and believable. It was interesting the way Greer dealt with the character of Holland, as opposed to Pearl and Buzz. The story revolved around Holland, yet we never got to hear the thoughts of Holland. His character was very passive, whilst all around him were very active. Holland's character was shaped and engineered by the opinions of others in the story. Greer was able to build and layer depth to each character well throughout.

The author was extremely clever in his use of voice for each of his characters. He was very careful not to leave clues behind, ensuring the reader enjoyed surprises along the way. A few of us who pride ourselves on the ability to predict situations or outcomes, were very much taken by surprise throughout this work.

This book was very interesting on so many levels. Many times the author planted a seed of thought, only for the reader to be led down a merry and misleading path. Touché for Greer. It was interesting to note the choices different characters made and the consequences that followed, which is very much mirrored in our own lives. Another interesting point was the author's use of certain superficial and shallow images within the characters' lives to obtain a desired look about a situation.

Questions we asked were: Why did Pearl do some of the things she did? What was her motivation. Was she a reliable narrator? How hard would it have been to be not only gay, but coloured back in the 1950's?

All through the night's discussion, the line: 'How well do we know the ones we love?' was bandied around freely and club members discussed at length the concept of 'seeing things how we choose to see them...

Overall, the book club members summed up the book with two words: fascinating and unpredictable.

Towards the end of the meeting, members selected and sequenced the four remaining novels to take us up to the end of the year. Thank you to the ladies who came along and made Wednesday evening an enjoyable time.

Please see my new page on this blog that details the reading list for 2010.

We look forward to meeting up again on the first Wednesday of August.

Until then,

happy reading...

PS Please feel free to leave a comment or continue the discussion. Please add your thoughts...what did you think about this book?

Reminder: July Book Club - The Story of a Marriage

Greetings everyone,

July's Book Club for Novel Tea 'n Pages is to be held:

Night: This Wednesday evening

Date: 7 July 2010

Time: 7:30pm - 9:30pm

Book Discussion: 'The Story of a Marriage' by Andrew Sean Greer

Looking forward to a relaxing get together to discuss this month's novel.

All welcome...

Novel for the month of August is: 'The China Garden' by Kristina Olsson.

Happy reading...

June Book Club Meeting - Discussion: 'The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Society'

Novel Tea 'n Pages Book Club members recently held their second meeting and discussed the month of May selection, 'The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society' by Mary Ann Shaffer.

The evening began in a relaxing manner where each member gave their overall view of the book, followed by a more in-depth discussion of specific questions that allowed the members to explore the book and author's objectives at a deeper level.

The overall feed back from the majority of members reflected a positive response to the story line, and an affection, especially to its endearing characters. A few members decided that it really was a little 'hard going' for them and not really their 'cup of tea', but decided to persist with it.

During interval, the hostess, Deb, shared out mini Potato Peel Pies (see photograph) she had baked using a recipe found on a web page. Although not an authentic recipe (as the more authentic recipe was extremely basic), the recipe used was still very basic and quite bland. However, the novelty idea gave the book club members a taste of what it might have been like had they been holding their book club meeting post war during the German occupation. The small pies created interesting comments and discussions alone, separate to the book.

After interval, discussion turned to individual elaboration of feelings about the book. Each member discussed why they felt a certain way, ensuring interaction from fellow members who shared their views as well. Discussion of favourite characters stemmed from this conversation. Favourite characters included, Juliette, Dawsey and Isola as well as Elizabeth.

Two points of interest came out of the discussion. The first: when enjoying fiction, book club members enjoy it more if they learn something factual using fiction as the method to discover the knowledge and, secondly, the book works if the author successfully entices us to want to visit the place they are writing about. 'The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society' successfully fulfilled both criteria for the members present.

Members discussed their thoughts on how they felt about reading someone else's 'personal' letters and more so, how everyone felt about reading a whole book made up of only letters. Comments made from the discussion were that it was like 'finding your grandmother's box of old letters' and reading through them and learning about her and her life back then. Most agreed it didn't feel weird that they were reading someone's private letters like it would if they read someone's diary.

Another point made was that it was a great way to learn about each character. Each layer was shown via a different letter, either addressed to the same person or to another person, revealing, little by little, lives woven throughout the story to make a fabric of community. One member felt it was hard work to get to know the characters at first because there were so many of them and it was hard to remember who was who.

Juliette was the favourite character chosen by the attending members.

Other comments flowing from the narrative was that the author managed to teach us about true friendships and how the best friendships interact with one another. Each character was independent, yet interactive between each other. It also revealed the challenges Juliette faced each day as a writer.

An important point made, concerned the trust that some of the characters felt toward others and the betrayal of those least expected, in order to survive. Sadly, it really came down to the 'survival of the fittest' sometimes. Much of the discussion centred around Elizabeth and her role throughout the story.

The members in attendance highly recommend 'The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Society' to others. Overall, most members thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

Our next book for the month of June is: 'The Story of a Marriage' by Andrew Sean Greer. This is a book that will provide some twists for the reader.

Our meeting concluded with refreshments and socialising. Another pleasant get together. If this sounds like something you'd like to be a part of, new members are always welcome.

so, until next time...

happy reading...

Second Meeting of Novel Tea 'n Pages

Novel Tea 'n Pages Book Club members are about to meet up again for the second time. Members have been busy reading other people's letters and listening in to the conversations of some quite interesting and quirky characters. We are all looking forward to hearing each other's thoughts and feelings about the book, 'The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society', by Mary Ann Shaffer.

Meeting starts at 7:30pm

Wednesday, 2nd June 2010

For more information, leave a message via comments.

Happy reading...

'The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society' by Mary Ann Shaffer

Novel Tea 'n Pages Book Club are excited because we are reading 'The

Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society' by Mary Ann Shaffer.

' "I wonder how the book got to Guernsey? Perhaps there is some secret sort of homing instinct in books that brings them to their perfect readers. How delightful if that were true ... That's what I love about reading: one tiny thing will interest you in a book, and that tiny thing will lead you on to another book, and another bit there will lead you on to a third book. It's geometrically progressive--all with no end in sight and for no other reason than sheer enjoyment." '

' "A moving tale of post-war friendship, love and books. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society is a captivating and completely irresistible novel of enormous depth and heart." '

Novel Tea 'n Pages Book Club is a newly formed group of book lovers coming together to meet for our own particular set of reasons. It will be interesting to read about 'The Guernsey Literary' book club, the reasons behind its birth, the differences and similarities to our own club.

The date for our next meeting to discuss this book is Wednesday evening, 2 June, 2010 from 7:30pm till 9:30pm.

We meet the first Wednesday of every month. We welcome new members.

Until then...

happy reading ~

First Meeting Success

Novel Tea 'n Pages Book Club members met for the first time and quickly became acquainted with each other; for most, they were meeting for the first time. We dedicated some of our time to discover a little about each other. A lovely relaxed feeling floated through the room and I am sure some new long life friendships will blossom from our book club. Six ladies attended our first meeting which ensured interesting and mixed discussion based around our current book, 'Water for Elephants' by Sara Gruen. Everyone had many opportunities to speak and share their thoughts. Our long distance member, Bobbie sent along her discussion responses so they could be shared with the rest of the group. Thank you, Bobbie.

Attendees:

1. Deb

2. Elizabeth

3. Julie

4. Liesle

5. Bobbie (from WA via email/with notes)

6. Jocelyn

Apologies:

1. Monique

2. Andrea

3. Cheryl

4. Sue

5. Kimmy

Meet and Greet:

* Refreshments were offered and we settled on sofas ready...

* At the beginning of the meeting, an opportunity was made available for each member to share a little about themselves with the group, including their favourite books and connections.

Discussion:

* The group discussed 'Water for Elephants', selecting randomly from a number of discussion questions.

* Some of the main points discussed included: the voice of the character, ageing and how important memories become, the rawness, naivety, and innocence of the young Jacob and the situation he found himself in.

* Surprise at who 'actually' killed August and the devices used by the author to lead the reader on unsuspecting paths' how Gruen 'set' it all up.

* No one in the group could 'pick up' on the intended layering from Genesis by the author, for Jacob. Sara Gruen discussed this layering in an interview and spoke of her admiration for literary layering, and how she had used the technique in her yarn. Unfortunately, even those familiar with Genesis could not find the subtle thread.

Selected books for upcoming months:

April, 2010

'Water for Elephants' by Sara Gruen

May, 2010

'The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society' by Mary Ann Schaffer

June, 2010

'The Story of a Marriage' by Andrew Sean Greer

July, 2010

'The China Garden' by Kristina Olsson

August, 2010

'The Time Traveler's Wife' by Audrey Niffenegger

Nominated Books for future reading/recommended reading:

Elizabeth Q suggests:

'Like Water for Chocolate' by Laura Esteville

Bobbie D suggests:

'Belly Dancing for Beginners' by Liz Bryski

Elizabeth Q suggests:

'Cloudstreet' by Tim Winton

Elizabeth Q suggests:

'Sacred Hearts' by Sarah Dunant

Bobbie D suggests:

'Miss Bobbie' by Ethel Turner

Bobbie D suggests:

'The House at Pooh Corner' by A. A. Milne

Bobbie D suggests:

'The Loop' by Nicholas Evans

Liesle suggests:

Any of the Classics

Wrap Up:

As you can, many books have been nominated and unfortunately not all will get selected for book club, however, that does not stop you from delving into them yourselves.

Club members, please keep bringing along your suggestions. I will post them on this site as Recommended Reading. At the first meeting the members voted from the nominated books and so we now have our reading program till the month of August.

Afterwards, we settled with coffee, tea, and cake. Discussions continued and the evening was spent in a very pleasant and positive way.

Thank you to the ladies who have decided to make Novel Tea 'n Pages their book club. I sincerely hope you get everything you desire out of it. Since our last meeting, another two ladies have made contact with me and have decided to join our next meeting, the first Wednesday of June.

So, until then...

happy reading ~

Reminder: Launch of Novel Tea 'n Pages Book Club - Wednesday 5 May 2010

Tomorrow night is the launch of Novel Tea 'n Pages Book Club so don't be shy...come along and join us for our very first meeting. During the month of April, our members have been reading 'Water for Elephants' by Sara Gruen. This is a delightful and memorable book and one which I am sure has been enjoyed.

Tomorrow evening will be an informal, relaxing time for everyone to meet and get to know a little about each other before discussing the book. It will also be a time for nominating future books for the club members to enjoy.

So, if you live in Brisbane and joining a book club is something that's been on your list of things to do, then come along. You will be most welcomed.

I look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow night.

Until then,

happy reading...

Getting Closer...

The launch of 'Novel Tea 'n Pages' Book Club is coming up fast and it brings with it, a buzz...something new is in the air...a fresh start and the beginning of a journey. A small group of like-minded people are about to set sail, with book in hand and discover a world of ... more.

The objective of this book club is to develop and grow friendships between people from all sorts of backgrounds who share a common interest. We even have a member who is reading with us from afar...across the other side of the country, in Western Australia. Book Clubs have a way of bringing people together and developing bonds.

We are looking forward to many excursions to poetry readings, book launches, the odd trips to book stores, Writers Festivals and possibly, down the track, retreats. But that is the fun part; the unknown. There are so many possibilities, and that is going to be part of the journey; to explore all our options.

This club is informal and relaxed. The discussion questions and reading guides are prepared for you...all you have to do is enjoy the read, then come along to our meetings which are held on the first Wednesday of every month and share your thoughts. April's book is: 'Water for Elephants' by Sara Gruen.

There is always room for more to join. If you'd like more information, please leave a comment and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

In the meantime,

happy reading...