Another fine mess (but a good book!)

On the move again...

Wouldn’t it be nice to have a completely problem-free book group meeting? Once again (and I hope I’m sounding suitably peeved), we seem to have been rendered homeless by the gremlin that follows us around closing cafes as soon as we’re about to use them. Thankfully, you are all old hands at this game now and we found another suitable venue just around the corner so a crisis was averted but I know that this really isn’t the ideal situation and I for one won’t be too happy if it happens again. I’m currently on the hunt for a new reliable home and am following up the suggestions that came up at the meeting and exploring another few. By our September meeting I absolutely promise that I will have somewhere permanent but for our “summer drinks and reads” meeting the plan is to meet at Bar Justice again.

And, though it took us a while to get going, the discussion of the book was well worth the wait. Wide Sargasso Sea was a departure for us- the first time we had tried a “classic”- and I was worried that we might feel a bit wary about criticising it in the way we have some of the newer books we’ve tackled. Thankfully though we had the usual gamut of opinion- everything from loving to loathing- though I think most people could understand how it gained its classic status. Everyone loved the idea of the book- to “re-imagine” a classic text from a different point of view- and really admired the way Rhys had obviously used many of her own experiences in such a unique and creative way. The character of Antoinette also provoked much discussion with most people agreeing it to be a very affecting and disturbing account of the effect of place, history and circumstance on a woman caught in her situation. That terrible, recurring feeling of isolation and of “not being able to win” was widely sympathised with.

How much all of these ideas worked in practice was more in dispute- many people had become frustrated with the Rochester character and done a bit of page skipping through his sections. Some of the themes and the unremitting bleakness of the novel also came under fire, criticised by some as being a bit too laboured. I wonder whether this is because the ideas that Rhys was pioneering- post-colonialism, madness being imposed rather than innate, playing with narratives- have become so commonplace now that it does seem a bit like hard work in its original form? Perhaps. I also thought it was really interesting that we could spend so long discussing what actually happened in the novel- who were some of the characters, what did some things mean, did this actually happen?- and still not really know (though I do know this makes lots of people want to tear out their hair too…). All in all, most people were glad they’d given it a shot but agreed it was not one they’d be rushing to read again.

And, in the spirit of book-loving friendship, we agreed to forgo our summer break and meet at Bar Justice instead for a “summer reads and drinks” party instead. So get re-reading for next month- one you love, a classic that needs debunking or the one which got you reading- and be prepared to tell all in August. See you then. xxxx

Good Clean Fun

Only a week to go before the next book group meeting and I’m already itching to talk about Wide Sargasso Sea, which I’ve been totally absorbed by this weekend. Me and this book have a bit of a chequered history- I did it (twice!!) at university, labouring long and joylessly over two “Jean Rhys and feminism” essays, and so for me the book has a slightly institutional aura. There’s nothing like a series of awkward seminars to strip a book of its appeal… Consequently, I have been putting it off and came to it on Saturday with a slightly heavy heart. Surprisingly though, I’ve found it a really easy read but much more disturbing than I remember. We certainly shouldn’t run out of things to discuss. I’m still not sure whether I actually like it but that’s something I plan on mulling over before next week.

 However, I am really looking forward to our inaugural BOOK SWOP. I’ve  already amassed a “bag for life” full of paperbacks to get rid of and that’s just skimming the surface- a year of reviewing books and you build up quite a surplus. Free, eco-friendly and a crafty way of getting lovely new things- what’s not to like? The future starts in Sunderland!

 Actually, there are a few booky things coming up on our patch. The Read Regional campaign is underway, heralding some rather fabulous North Eastern writers (check the events page for more details). As part of this, some of these lovely authors will be appearing (in a tepee!!) at the International Friendship Festival (that’s the Kite festival to you and me) on the 4^th and 5^th July, along with other book related activities and giveaways. I’ll be going on about it at length next week I’m sure but there’s a bit of advance warning for you folks.

 See you all next week, armed with bags of books and opinions please! Happy reading.

One of those lightbulb moments..

I don’t seem to have been anywhere very long this week. This is not very conducive to reading- rather shamefully, I’ve still not started my recap of Wide Sargasso Sea – but my head has been full of book group business. On Wednesday I went along to a course in Newcastle organised by the Reader Organisation, an organisation based in Liverpool that I hadn’t heard of before last week (http://thereader.org.uk/). That seems quite unbelievable now- it’s one of those strange serendipitous moments when you find out that people on opposite sides of the country are pursing remarkably similar goals. They coordinate all sorts of reading related activities but much of core of their work is a network of reading groups, many in unexpected places (drug rehab, age concern, sure start etc.) and they were catapulted into the spotlight when Blake Morrison wrote a very interesting article about them in the Guardian last year (see link below). Their technique is a bit different to ours- they meet weekly and actually do the reading aloud in the group, a short story, a few poems or they work their way through a novel a chapter at a time. Obviously not all of their method is useful to us (don’t fear!) but I was struck by the common aims; the wonders of reading, concentration on the book and the encouragement of a diversity of views- the idea that a book isn’t a problem to “solve” with a right or wrong answer but something to explore and enjoy. So I might sneak a few new ideas next session and see how they go down. Prizes for those who spot them.

 As I say, I have been sadly negligent and I’m going to get down to some serious Jean Rhys this weekend. I have been flicking through some of the reviews of the new Rhys biography that I gave out last meeting though- she had quite a rock n roll/ tragic life! It might be interesting to think about what effect this knowledge has on our reaction to the book- does it aid or hinder our understanding? Do you like to know background r would you prefer just to read? It’s a vexed question and I’d love to know what you think. 

 Anyway, I’m off to get reading. I just wonder whether this week’s going to let me…

 http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2008/jan/05/fiction.scienceandnature

Alice and Claire and Us

Crikey- that was exciting. A really fun book group meeting and a visit from a lovely author to boot- what a way to spend a Wednesday evening! I think we all really appreciated Alice taking the time to come along- for all we’re a pretty unthreatening lot, it still must be really daunting to sit down with a group of people who’ve got opinions on your work- so many thanks to Alice. I’ve also (finally) got some photos of you all, so here you are in glorious Technicolor…

I think we all got a lot out of the experience as well. Whether you loved or loathed the book, an author’s perspective gave a whole different perspective to Welcome to Life. Who’d of thought that the novel began with polygamy rather than Freya? And that it was almost set in Newcastle? And who had any idea what a literary agent actually does? (And, more importantly, that Barnston was a hotbed of wife-swapping activity??? The confessions a book can elicit…). I was surprised to realise how wedded I still am to that Romantic idea of a writer- that a work somehow emerges complete from a writers consciousness. In reality, it is so much more alive with inputs and possibilities – so many decisions to be made, so many different ways it could go. I think it made us all see that writing is a process rather than a result-  and that it’s achievement that anything ever gets published at all.

 Though we all loved Alice, reactions to the book itself were, as usual, a mixed bunch. Some people enjoyed its light touch and empathised with the characters; others found it superficial and felt many of the characters didn’t quite ring true. As I predicted, there were some strong reactions to Millie (only me sticking up for her- what’s wrong with a woman that wants things, ladies?) and our valiant lone male felt a bit let down by the males in the novel. All were disappointed by the ending but, interestingly, no one could think of another way out. But at least everyone had something to say which puts it higher than Out Stealing Horses in our Top of the Pops chart!

Other end of the scale this month- a Penguin Modern Classic no less. And plenty of weighty issues in this one, if that’s what you’re all after. I read it for university and, while I enjoyed it, it’s a bit tainted by the circumstances, so I’m looking forward to reading it with fresh eyes. Let me know what you all think….

That time of the month…

Beautiful Sunderland (not often I say that..)

Well, things are looking up. After a week of gloom, snottiness and an all round under-the-weather feeling, the sunshine finally appears to have arrived just in time for the weekend. And, unusually, I don’t have a million and one dull things to do, so I might actually get to see a bit of it! What could be better- Sunderland seafront on a warm afternoon with a Frisbee, a book and an ice cream? Bliss.

 And not only that, but it’s only five days until the first Sunderland Book Group Author Event when we shall be visited by the lovely Alice de Smith. So hopefully you have all done your homework- read and paid attention to Welcome to Life- and will turn up in your best frocks (even the blokes…) with questions at the ready. And don’t worry- Alice is going to come along to the group, have a chat with us and then disappear to let us discuss the book, so all shades of opinion still welcome…

Look forward to seeing you all at on 3^rd June at The Place Café (I hope!) at 6pm. And enjoy the sun. xx

Alice in Sunderland (really)!

Coming soon: the lovely Alice de Smith

I have an announcement to make; indeed, I almost feel like a drum roll is necessary. Okay, just imagine…. (Laura clears throat) “I am pleased to announce the inaugural Sunderland Book Group author event! New writer Alice de Smith will be joining us at the next meeting!” Phew- that was good….

But, seriously, I am really excited. Having a living, breathing author there will lend us a whole different perspective on the novel and make us think a bit differently about the whole writer/ reader relationship. I suppose it’s something that, as readers, we don’t usually question. But this has started me wondering- who can say what a book is “about”? Does the person who wrote it really have any more insight than the reader or is it just another perspective? How much does the author’s life/ personality/ experiences influence a book? Does it matter? And just how scary is it for an author to have to deal with 20 people who might just pull their baby to bits??? So many questions- my mind is racing.

And that’s on top of all of the questions that I think the book itself raises- about childhood, parents, class, convention, relationships, what it is to be “a woman”. It strikes me that Welcome to Life can seem quite light but really does make you think about all of those awkward things which adolescence throws into question. And, with all of its talk of recession, it all seems spookily prescient- though I’m a child of the 80’s, so no wonder its all weirdly familiar.

Anyway, we shouldn’t run out of things to talk about with Alice (if it’s anything like usual she’ll be lucky to get a word in edgeways!!). Enjoy the book and have a lovely (wet) weekend. x

White Tiger or White Elephant?

Me on realising my venue faux-pas!

Thanks for a wonderful book group last night! It was a lot of fun- despite my venue muddle!- and great to have some very vigorous White Tiger discussion, encompassing everything from what constitutes a “Booker Prize winner” to the movable definition of civilization. For all we weren’t completely convinced by White Tiger, I think it managed to generate some really interesting discussion.

We’ve got a special treat this month, a sneaky pre-publication peak at a first novel and a hardback. Surely, the definition of luxury! And it’s also quite exciting that this is a regional author. Well, okay, Alice de Smith is originally from Cambridge but we’re certainly claiming her as our own- she’s been based in the Newcastle for a number of years and has written extensively for the Live Theatre, among many other things. She also won a Northern Writers Award in 2007 which helped to bring Welcome to Life into being. So, it will be very interesting to be among the first people to  see what we make of it. And you’re a difficult lot to please- if Welcome to Life wins your approval, it will be better than winning the Booker! Enjoy the read. x

See you soon…

Ross Raisin (on the right)

Well, only a few days to do before the next book club meeting and it seems like a quite a while since the last one. For numerous reasons, it’s seems to have been a particularly weird and wonderful month, with (too!) many unforeseen twists and turns- I’m kind of looking forward to book club to restore a much needed sense of stability…

But before then I’m all set for packed weekend of the finest local (and not so local) culture. I’ve just got back from interviewing the rather lovely Ross Raisin at the Hexham Book Festival- he was extremely sweet, as far away from the malevolent Sam Marsdyke as you could get (phew!) and very interested to hear about out book club discussions on God’s Own Country. I’ll be reporting in full on Wednesday and my interview will be at www.isolationist.co.uk, the North East’s finest websites for all things cultural. I’ll be hanging out at the Book Festival over the weekend as well- can’t wait to see the delightfully bonkers Susie Boyt (talking about Wizard of Oz!)- and am reviewing Queen Bee, the new play about to start a regional tour which sounds a delicious mix of spooky and quirky. Phew. I’m exhausted just thinking about it all. Thank goodness for the bank holiday.

Oh and a quick reminder- New Writing North’s Liv will be visiting the Wednesday meeting with pre-publication copies of the next book Welcome to Life. They will be the bargain price of £6.50 (half price!) and anyone who brings the right change will get a special prize.

Look forward to seeing you all on Wednesday 6pm at The Place to chat about White Tiger. Come armed with opinions. Fingers crossed you like it better than the last one…. x

Easter Tidings

Late as usual, I wanted to wish everyone belated Easter

Easter Chickens

greetings and I hope that the Easter bunny was kind. To be honest, the whole shebang has been vexing me somewhat this year- for example, what’s this business with Easter cards? They seem to be everywhere this year- along with a wide selection of Easter wrapping paper (??) and bonnet-making equipment. Have people always sent them or have I just been missing something for years?

 

The funny thing is my most blissful Easter moment this year was wandering round a sunny Durham on Easter Sunday- with all of the shops closed. It was quite a weird experience actually and something you rarely see; I suppose the only other day shops really close is Christmas day and then everyone’s too busy to notice. But there it was on Sunday- families strolling, gaggles of teenage girls looking in windows, couples eating chips- just without all the rush and carrier bags. I am now toying with the idea of beginning a campaign to bring back Sunday (or any day) closing, though, sadly, I think my zeal may dissipate the next time I really need a book/ pair of tights/ last minute birthday pressie on the day of rest…

 

Still, my dreamy Easter day did give me some space for some White Tiger musings. It seems to be working in reverse for me- I often finish a book and find myself liking it more than I did when I was actually reading it but this one, well, I’m just becoming more and more irritated by it. Very easy to admire but hard to love, maybe?  But I suppose, we’ve still got a few weeks before meeting though, so who knows what will happen by then.

 

Oh and don’t forget to book for Queen Bee (see events page) and Hexham Book Festival. All selling fast..

A mixed reaction…

Per Petterson induced coma hits Sunderland

Hmmm, well Out Stealing Horses wasn’t such a success. In fact, never has a book club book been so universally underwhelming. I’ve got to hand it to you all though- even despite my best efforts to convince you of the book’s many charms (subtle ones, I admit), you darn well stuck to your guns! Eek.  All except Linda- God bless her- who loved it so much she is hunting down Petterson’s other books. You never can tell…

 

 White Tiger is (thankfully, I think) much different. I only started it today but I’m already hooked- it’s pacy, surprisingly easy to read and really funny, albeit with a certain darkness. I think fans of God’s Own Country might be pleased. And don’t let the fact that it won the bloody Booker put you off.

It was also good to get the July selection sorted- for those who couldn’t make the meeting, we decided by democratic vote (!), to go with Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys. An oldie but a goodie. It might be nice to do a book swop that session too- I’ve always got loads of paperbacks around the house which I am loathed to get rid of (who chucks out books??) but also will never read again. I suspect I’m not the only one to be in this position, so maybe we could  pool resources and do a bit of  book bartering (“I’ll give you a Maggie O’Farrell and an Ian McKeown for that Raymond Carver”, that kind of thing). Perfect for bagging a summer read and ultra environmentally-friendly to boot (surely worth a few guilt free air miles?).  

 I hope that’s encouraged you all to come back (!!). Thanks, as always, for coming and see you soon. x