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
First book for 2011 (for the reading month of February) and discussed at the March book club meeting is 'Mr Rosenblum's List'.
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