September Book Club - 'Shirley, Goodness & Mercy' by Chris Van Wyk

Some of our members found it a challenge to obtain a copy of this month's selection, Shirley, Goodness & Mercy by Chris Van Wyk. Buying online was the quickest, cheapest and best option this time around. Those who purchased their copy from The Book Depository seemed to have the least problems. The books, although second hand, came within the week and all in good condition. Those who ordered the books from the American Bookstore waited weeks and weeks and as a result, weren't able to read the book in time.

As a guess, this is the only book so far that caused the group any grief in procuring.

There were mixed reviews with regard to Van Wyk's work. Most members enjoyed the author's glimpse into life as a young coloured boy growing up in the township of Riverlea, Johannesburg, South Africa. Although the shadow of apartheid lurked the writer did not dwell on this, but shared delightful anecdotes of his special relationships with his family members, both immediate and extended. He also showed the importance of humour and laughter in life.

Accounts such as this are important to one's culture. Stories of what life was like are important to build an overall picture of the life and times. They become mosaics, woven and threaded in the fabric of society.

The importance of this author's work is something we thought about and discussed at length. For those not from South Africa, it was a glimpse into another's culture. However, the bigger picture is that here was a young coloured boy, all grown up, defeating the odds to be a voice for his people and his life blood. When you think like that you gain a deeper perspective.

This book is worth picking up and visiting.

Enjoy...

Until next time,
happy reading...

'The Story of a Marriage' by Andrew Sean Greer

You would think life should be simple. We are born, we grow and develop into the person we were designed to be. Most of us grow up in families and trust what we see, know and hear. Our families and environments shape us. As we age and learn more about ourselves, one would tend to think that life and experience would become more certain.

But how does it often turns out that we are mistaken? For some of us, the longer we live the less we know about ourselves and the ones we count on. Things of certainty can often crumble and cause us to turn inward, take the blinkers off and study our lives and loves more deeply.

"We think we know the ones we love."

And, this is the case for Pearlie...the main protagonist for 'The Story of a Marriage' by Andrew Sean Greer.

Novel Tea 'n Pages book club members are currently reading this book and will be meeting on Wednesday evening, 7 July 2010 at 7:30pm to discuss the intricacies of life and love and Pearlie's world.

If you are reading this and would like to become involved, new members are always welcome. Leave a message for Deb via comments and she will send you details.

But, until then -

Happy reading...