Tuesday 1 February 2011

Bexley Book of the Year 2011 - part one


                  

Our shortlist has been announced and we'll be chatting about four of the books this month and the other four next month. We'd love to hear what you think:

  • Have you read any of them?
  • Did you enjoy them?
  • Do you have a favourite?
  • Will you try to read all of the books on the shortlist?
  • What do you think of the shortlist?
Just click on 'comments' below and follow the instructions. We look forward to chatting with you.
 
The shortlist (click on the links below to find copies of the books in Bexley Libraries):
 
 
You can vote for your favourite on Bex-L (closing date 30th April 2011).
 
This month's moderator: Sharon

148 comments:

Bex-Read said...

Well, I may be a bit biased but I think it's a great shortlist.

I've just finished Generation A. It really made me think about what we're doing to our world and I like a book that makes me think.

Sharon

Will said...

Following all the recommendations of the Erith Library Reading Group, I’ve just started `The House of Special Purpose`, a historical novel set partly in the last years of Tsarist Russia, partly in England years later (where our hero works as…a Librarian!)

I must admit, I found the first few pages a bit `syrupy` and wasn’t sure if I was going to enjoy it…But, like all John Boyne’s books, it’s a real page-turner, the story line will hook you, and – like all good novels – you think about it while you’re away from it, and can’t wait to get back to it – despite the slushy bits. I`m gripped!

Jill said...

I haven't had a chance to read Generation A yet but I think it looks to be a really interesting futuristic novel.
I'm reading Still Alice - about a woman with Alzheimer's disease. It really gives an insight to the problem, as the author did a lot a research with real suffers and their families.

Bex-Read said...

Hi Will

I've just started The House of Special Purpose. The British Library descriptions at the beginning are very appealing.

Haven't got to any syrupy bits yet - will let you know when I do!

Sharon

Bex-Read said...

Hi Jill

I read Still Alice with my reading group at North Heath Library. We found it very moving and unsettling.

There are a couple of scenes that have stayed with me (and I read it months ago) - I'll just say 'ice cream' and 'catching up on unread books' for now in case you haven't got there yet. Let me know when you do.

Sharon

Ann said...

Hurrah for the 'syrupy' bits in The House of Special Purpose. I loved them. Just about to start Generation A. Only 'syrupy' bits are likely to be the honey that the last bees in the world produce. Not my usual read, but I am sure it will give me a 'buzz'.

Bex-Read said...

Hi Ann

I think you'll be surprised - and disturbed - by the many changes that happen as a result of having no bees. I liked the way Douglas Coupland dropped in the details in a matter of fact way without making a big fuss about them. It made what had happened all the more unsettling.

Sharon

Bex-Read said...

Has anyone read The Hand That First Held Mine yet? Maggie O'Farrell is one of my favourite authors and I think this is one of her best books. Be prepared to have a good cry, though!

Sharon

Bex-Read said...

Our shortlisted authors have sent us some lovely feedback. This is from Katharine McMahon, author of The Crimson Rooms:

"I'm delighted to be on the short-list, especially with such a great collection of other authors. I had the pleasure of meeting Maggie O'Farrell last week so it's lovely to be in the same selection as her.

Thank you so much for promoting my work in this way, and I'll look forward to getting involved with readers' thoughts about the book,

Very best wishes,
Katharine"

Why not comment here to let Katharine know what you think of The Crimson Rooms?

Jill said...

Back to Alice - I'm just thankful that I can still remember the test address that Alice was given to remember when she was assessed for her memory problems!

Bex-Read said...

That's interesting, Jill. At my reading group,we couldn't remember the address straight after we'd read it - it got us all a bit worried!

Sharon

Ann said...

Just picked up Still Alice to take on the bus to read, but can't bring myself to actually start it. Alzheimers is such an emotive subject, and one that plays to my worst fears. Does anyone out there feel the same?

Val said...

The Bexley and Bostall reading groups have both read Boyne The House of Special Purpose and throughly enjoyed it. Some of us guessed the ending quite early on though! It was cleverly told although one person found it too slushy with not enough history in it. I liked the way it started in the present day and went back in time as the story unfolds. Be warned though there is a lot of sadness in it. The title makes sense later on . I agree with Sharon that its a great list and can't wait to read the others Val

Bex-Read said...

Linwood Barclay's response to being on our shortlist:

"This is wonderful. Thanks so much for letting me know. The UK has been very good to me! I live in Canada, but my books do better in Britain than anywhere else (thanks largely to Richard and Judy).

I'm delighted to learn that Fear the Worst has been shortlisted for Bexley's Book of the Year. I had a lot of fun writing that book, and it's great to hear that so many of you have enjoyed reading it."

Bex-Read said...

Hi Val

I'm finding the present day part of the book very poignant - the relationship between Georgy and his wife is so beautifully written. And the flashbacks to the death of their daughter are very moving, too. It's also really sad reading about the Romanovs when you know what's going to happen to them. So, yes, as you say - a lot of sadness (but I do like a good cry when I'm reading!)

Sharon

Bex-Read said...

I know what you mean, Ann, about not being able to bring yourself to read Still Alice. It's quite terrifying in places and I keep remembering scenes that were incredibly disturbing.

There's one where Alice, having been forced to give up work because of Alzheimer's attends a lecture and asks an intelligent question entirely appropriate to the subject of the lecture. You start to think there's hope for her - she's 'still Alice' - but, five minutes later she asks the same question. She's forgotten she asked the question and forgotten the answer.

Sharon

Bex-Read said...

John Boyne's response to being shortlisted:

"I'm delighted to be included on this year's Bexley Book of the Year shortlist in the company of 7 other great novels. THE HOUSE OF SPECIAL PURPOSE was a real labour of love for me - I wrote large sections of the novel in the Winter Palace where much of the story is set - and I'm pleased that it will reach a wider audience through this recognition."

Jill said...

What struck me about Still Alice is that it is written in such a way that you are there with Alice from page one, in a familiar world of normal life. Along with Alice you feel memory lapses must be due to overload - you hope - but we all also fear the possibility of something worse, which is what makes it unsettling.

Bex-Read said...

Blake Morrison's response to being shortlisted:

"As someone who has lived in south-east London for over thirty years, I'm thrilled to be on the shortlist for the Bexley book of the year."

Rachel said...

I haven't read any of these four books yet but would like to read Maggie O'Farrell as I always hear very good things about her!

I'm so glad The Crimson Rooms made the shortlist though. I really enjoyed reading it. It's such a thought provoking book too - it's so easy to take for granted that women should be allow to train for a particular profession - this book makes you appreciate the pioneers that made it all happen!

Val said...

I started reading Generation A last night.The implications of losing all our bees are so scary that it doesn't bear thinking about. I saw a documentary about the disappearance of bees last year and this book comes too close to the truth. I think I'll be raiding the gerdening section in the library next for ideas on bee friendly plants for my garden this spring. No bees ! No honey ! No fruit trees ! Its just unthinkable!I can't wait to read some more tonight!

Sue said...

I have read Linwood Barclay - Fear the Worst. Found it a really good read, great page turner. Would really recommend this book.

James said...

I've just spoken to Sue, and listening to her recommendation, I am now going to take out Linwood Barclay's Fear The Worst. Sounds like my sort of book.

Emma Highland said...

This looks like a very exciting list. I haven't had a chance to read any of them yet, but after reading the synopis of each book I think I will most certainly be working my way through the list. Starting with Fear the Worst by Linwood Barclay as I do enjoy reading a good crime novel.
Generation A also looks like it would be a very exciting and dustrubing read. Looking forward to getting stuck into them all.

Emma

Bex-Read said...

Jill - that's where I think Still Alice is a very powerful book. It's the everyday things in Alice's life that she starts to struggle with that really have an impact - the simple act of getting dressed, for example. Another of the scenes I remember vividly.

Sharon

Bex-Read said...

Hi Rachel

I'm sure you'll enjoy Maggie O'Farrell's books. Be prepared though - she's very good at creating characters that you adore and then breaking your heart with what she does to them! I haven't quite forgiven her yet for two things that happen in The Hand That First Held Mine!

She's one of my favourite writers, though, because of her skill at creating characters.

Sharon

Bex-Read said...

Val - the loss of fruit trees is one of the things that really hit home for me when I read Generation A. A couple of the characters manage to find some apples and they're thrilled even though they're in really poor condition.

Have you got to the story telling part yet? I'll be interested to hear what you think of it.

Sharon

Bex-Read said...

Hi Sue

I really enjoyed Fear the Worst too. Linwood Barclay's books are definitely page turners. I made the mistake of taking one with me when I stayed with friends for the weekend and I was horribly anti-social because I just wanted to find out what happened next!

Sharon

Bex-Read said...

Hi James

Let us know what you think of Fear the Worst - I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

Sharon

Bex-Read said...

Hi Emma

Really glad to hear you like the shortlist. Let us know when you think of them when you've had time to read them.

Sharon

Bex-Read said...

Dorothy Koomson's response to being shortlisted:

"I'm thrilled to be nominated for Bexley's Book of the Year. Libraries are incredibly important to me and helped on my journey to becoming a writer. It is such an honour to be recognised by their readers."

Davjd said...

So many to choose from? I might not be the greatest Fiction reader - but when titles are picked by people who've actually read the books they're definitely worth a look. I think the Ice Cream Girls sounds intriguing - and everyone likes a bit of ice cream!!

Bex-Read said...

Hi David

We're really proud of the shortlist - let us know what you think of The Ice Cream Girls.

(Sorry to disillusion you - I can take or leave ice cream. Would much rather have a bar of chocolate...)

Sharon

Mary said...

Hello from Blackfen Reading Group
We read The Crimson Room last month and the members loved it.I read out the comment from Katharine McMahon to them after our Arnold Bennett morning.We had read some of the "Five town" novels and found them rather hard going.I'm looking forward to reading the Maggie O'Farrell and the Blake Morrison after positive comments from members of the Sidcup group
Mary

Bex-Read said...

Hi Mary

I'm really looking forward to reading The Crimson Rooms and I know you'll enjoy the Blake Morrison and Maggie O'Farrell books - let us know what you think of them...

Sharon

Val said...

Well I finished Generation A over the weekend. About half way through the characters start telling stories and the novel takes a whole new turn. The twists at the end were unexpected too - I won't say too much more or I'll give the game away! All in all this book was well worth reading. Definitely something different to try even for those readers who don't usually read sci fiction.A book worth its place on the Book of the Year shortlist.

Bex-Read said...

I agree totally Val - well worth its place on the shortlist.

I found the storytelling fascinating. Often I'm tempted to skim through stories within a book, but these were a perfect length and very revealing of the characters' fears re what was happening to their world.

Having enjoyed this so much, I think I'll go back to reading more sci fi (which I haven't really done since I was in my 20s).

Sharon

Bex-Read said...

I finished The House of Special Purpose over the weekend.

I think I'd have liked more of a build up to the relationship between Georgy and the young girl (trying not to give too much away). It seemed to come from nowhere and I'm not sure I really bought into it.

Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and was really moved by it. It prompted me to want to read some non fiction about the Romanovs and I love it when fiction does that.

Sharon

Ros said...

Can't wait to read House of Special Purpose as i have enjoyed other John Boyne books

Angela said...

I would recommend the "Crimson Rooms". It was an excellent thought-provoking read which I could not put down.

Bex-Read said...

Hi Ros

The House of Special Purpose was my first John Boyne and I'd definitely read more.

Hope you'll come back and let us know what you think of it.

Sharon

Bex-Read said...

Hi Angela

That's really good to hear - I love a thought-provoking book. I'm looking forward to reading it.

Sharon

Lisa said...

I loved The hand that first held mine by Maggie O'Farrell. I'd say it was my favourite of hers so far although After you'd gone would have to be a very close second. As soon as I read the first sentence I knew that I was going to enjoy it and I was really sorry to end it and kept thinking about the characters for days afterwards. I can't recommend this book highly enough.

Bex-Read said...

Hi Lisa

I started re-reading The Hand That First Held Mine yesterday and I'm loving it just as much the second time round. Like you, I knew I'd enjoy it from the first sentence. I adore Lexie and Innes.

Reading it again is harder in some ways because I know what's going to happen - I'll make sure I'm on my own for certain parts of it, otherwise I'll be sobbing in public!

Sharon

Val said...

John Boyne is the author of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas - another very memorable book which some of you may have read? House of Special Purpose is very different but a book that stays with you long afterwards just the same.I'd like to try other books by him too - Mutiny on the Bounty has been recommended to me more than once.

Sharon M said...

I think I would like to read the Ice Cream Girls looks like my sort of book

Bex-Read said...

Val - perhaps we could have Mutiny on the Bounty as a future choice for Bex-Read? I've heard lots of good things about it too.

Sharon

Bex-Read said...

Hi Sharon M

I like the look of the Ice Cream Girls too. Hope you'll let us know what you think of it.

Sharon

Val said...

I've just found a copy of The Hand that First Held Mine on the shelves at the Central Library. I've not read any of her other books but after all the good recommendations I can't wait to get started on it!

Andy said...

I am just over half way through The House of Special Purpose and intend to finish it although it's not the type of book I normally read. I would like to know if it has any basis on an actual person or if it purely a fictional notion. I'm not so pleased with the way writers these days seem to think they can show off by using foreign language without translating it, in this case Russian.Thank goodness he did not use the Cyrillic alphabet!

Anonymous said...

I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Crimson Rooms by Katherine McMahon. It was such a lovely, thought-provoking story which I couldn't wait to get back to as soon as possible. Evelyn was a wonderful character to follow with all that was going on in her life.
Barb

Lorraine said...

Am looking forward to reading 'The House of Special Purpose' although from reading the blogs, I now fancy reading 'The Crimson Rooms'.

Hilary said...

May try reading
'The Hand that First Held Mine'
having read the comments on the site.
Fancy a nice weepy !!

Bex-Read said...

Hi Andy

Like you, I really wanted to know how much of The House of Special Purpose was based on fact. Would a servant really have been allowed to get that close to the Romanovs, would Nicholas have revealed so much of how he was feeling to a servant, etc. Fascinating - let me know if you find out!

Sharon

Bex-Read said...

Hi Barb

It's really good to hear that you enjoyed The Crimson Rooms. I love a thought-provoking book and definitely want to read this after all the positive comments.

Sharon

Bex-Read said...

Hi Lorraine

I think you'll really enjoy The House of Special Purpose - hope you'll come back and let us know.

Sharon

Bex-Read said...

Hi Hilary

If you like a nice weepie, The Hand That First Held Mine is perfect. Wait till you get to page 54 (of the paperback) - that upset me just as much second time round.

Sharon

Bex-Read said...

Some more thoughts on The Hand That First Held Mine...

I love the description of what Ted wants for his baby son - all the things he missed out on in his own childhood:

"Ted wants sledging for this child, and dens and fairs and bonfires. He will take him to the zoo and he will not look at his watch once.." - and lots more.

I'm really enjoying both stories - Lexie/Innes and Elina/Ted - but in the first half of the book it's the Lexie/Innes story that grabs me most. When we switch to the other story I feel as if I'm being dragged unwillingly away from Lexie and Innes each time.

Sharon

Will said...

Well, I’ve just finished John Boyne’s `House of Special Purpose`, and – like all good books – it makes you think about it, even after you’ve read it. (I actually re-read the first chapter, which is something I never usually do).
It’s definitely a page turner, and the construction of it (reverse chronology) was brilliant. Having said that, I must admit that I enjoyed his `Mutiny on the Bounty` even more (no slushy romance there!) and – like others – I did wonder about just how feasible the story was.
And, like everyone else, we guessed the `twist` long before the end; not that it mattered. This is a great novel (but maybe not great history?) Still, who cares – read it! You won’t regret it.

Sue said...

I have read the ice-cream girls and found it to be quite a strange book. I did persevere with it to the end and actually quite enjoyed it

Karen said...

I am reading Fear the Worst and really enjoying it, it's gripping. I will definitely read his other books.

Will said...

Ooh! Nearly forgot.
Fact or fiction?
If you want to read more factual stuff about Russia, Rasputin and the Romanovs, don’t forget that Bexley Libraries have a great selection of histories and biographies…one I`d particularly recommend (although it is a bit unsettling) is `The Romanovs and Mr Gibbes: the Englishman who taught the children of the last Tsar` by Frances Welch.

Lisa said...

Think I will read 'The Hand That First Held Mine' as I have never read anything by this author. Also looking forward to 'The Ice Cream Girls'.

I have read 'Fear The Worst' and, although I am a Linwood Barclay fan, I wasn't feeling this book. I felt it was very slow in comparison to his other books ('No Tine For Goodbye' and 'Too Close To Home').

Bex-Read said...

Will - I wasn't sure whether it really was a twist. Was it too obvious to be a twist? Would anyone reading it not have known? It's difficult for me to tell as someone told me about it before I read it.

Sharon

Bex-Read said...

Hi Sue

I'd be really interested to know what you mean by 'strange' - I haven't read The Ice Cream Girls yet.

Sharon

Bex-Read said...

Hi Karen

'Gripping' is definitely the word for Fear the Worst. You can easily imagine it as a film, I think (the same for all of Linwood Barclay's books).

Sharon

Bex-Read said...

Will - I'm definitely going to read more about the Romanovs. I realised how little I know about them - I didn't even realise the royal families in so many countries were all related.

Sharon

Bex-Read said...

Hi Lisa

I think No Time For Goodbye is my favourite Linwood Barclay book so far but I did enjoy Fear the Worst. A real page-turner.

Sharon

Rachel said...

From all the enthusiasm about The House of Special Purpose I'm really looking forward to reading it when I get a chance - sounds like a great story.

Bex-Read said...

The Hand That First Held Mine -

The middle section of this book is heartbreakingly beautiful. It made me cry again, even though I've read it once and knew what was coming!

Sharon

Bex-Read said...

Hi Rachel

Let us know what you think of The House of Special Purpose - it's a really moving story.

Sharon

Bex-Read said...

Author Lisa Genova on being shortlisted:

"I'm so thrilled to hear that Still Alice has been shortlisted for Bexley's Book of the Year!

Thank you for this amazing honor and for bringing Still Alice to so many readers."

Bex-Read said...

Just finished re-reading The Hand That First Held Mine - such a beautiful book...

Sharon

Pearl said...

Looks like a great shortlist, think I'll try Fear the Worst as I like a good thriller and Sue said it was a great page turner!

Mary W said...

I have read The House of Special Purpose and Still Alice. I liked them both - very different books but each was memorable in their own way. Still Alice, very well written and poignant. House of Special Purpose. easier to read, historically based with some romance thrown in.

Marian said...

I loved The House of Special Purpose, it made me want to go to Russia to see the Winter palace.
It is a great list and a friend has read Still Alice and said it was brilliant so I think I will try that one next

Jill said...

Glad to see that Still Alice is coming back into the discussion. I was just about to remind people about it and encourage them to be brave enough to try it. Have you started it yet Ann? It really is an absorbing book to read.

Bex-Read said...

Hi Pearl

It is a good shortlist, isn't it?

I don't think you'll be disappointed with Fear the Worst - hope you come back in March to let us know what you thought of it.

Sharon

Bex-Read said...

Hi Mary W

I agree - both The House of Special Purpose and Still Alice are memorable in very different ways.

The characters really moved me and I always like a book where I feel something for the characters.

Sharon

Bex-Read said...

Hi Marian

Oh, I'd love to see the Winter Palace too. John Boyne's descriptions really brought it to life. I found the later scene where Georgy revisits it really poignant - all those memories, all that loss.

Sharon

Bex-Read said...

Jill - where are you up to with Still Alice? Have you got to the ice cream scene yet or the part where Alice plans to catch up on all the reading she hasn't had time to do or the part later in the book where she asks a question at a lecture? Quite chilling...

I'm planning to re-read it this week - it'll be interesting to see if it has the same impact second time round.

Sharon

Bex-Read said...

I finished re-reading The Hand That First Held Mine over the weekend and was just as devastated by it on a second reading.

It took me longer to warm to Ted and Elina - for me they were overshadowed by the sheer brilliance of Lexie's personality and by Innes's charisma. Maggie O'Farrell uses the present tense for the Lexie parts and I wonder if that was partly why I enjoyed them so much - they were more immediate, more alive.

Having said all that, I liked Ted and Elina - just not as much. And I might have mentioned a few times - I love this book.

Sharon

Susan said...

Having glanced at some of the comments 'The House of Special Purpose' sounds like the one for me!
What a great shortlist!

Caroline M said...

Hi all,

I have just finished reading Still Alice, it was really absorbing and I read it in a few hours because I really wanted to know what happens to Alice as her illness progresses.
I thought the scenes quite early on where she gets lost in Harvard Square and forgets how to make the pudding were really poignant bacause they were like surreal moments in a life that was otherwise pretty much normal, and therefore made me think about what it would be like if I experienced them myself.
Also I found the way the illness changed her relationships with her husband and children very touching.
The other thing I thought was good was the way the language used in the book changed towards the end to reflect how Alice's grasp on words and meanings was changing.
I wasn't sure if I was tempted by any of the other books on the shortlist, but after reading other people's comments, I think I will try Generation A, The Hand that first held mine and maybe the Crimson Room.

Bex-Read said...

Hi Susan

I'm so glad you like the shortlist - we're very proud of it.

Hope you enjoy The House of Special Purpose!

Sharon

Grace said...

I've taken a copy of The House of Special Purpose home to read--in between the books I need to read for my regular Reading groups!-and I am looking forward to reading it. I was very moved by The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas when I read it a couple of years ago and have been told The House of Special Purpose is a good read.

Jill said...

Hi Sharon
Anna and Tom have just been tested for Alice's inherited gene, so I've a way to go to catch up with Caroline but you can really feel for the family as they digest the impact of Alice's illness.

Mary D said...

I have read The House of Special Purpose, on the recommendation of a colleague. It was a great read-unputdownable!

Helen said...

Always been interested in the mystery of the Romanovs. Would love to read the House of Special Purpose because of this.

Bex-Read said...

Hi Caroline M & Jill

Yes, those early scenes were really frightening - I can't imagine how terrifying it would be not to know where you are. And later Alice doesn't understand why she's living in a house with strangers. That's my biggest fear - not recognising my own sons one day.

How did you feel about the reaction of Alice's husband? I understood how hard it was for himto cope but it's difficult not to judge him.

Being tested for the gene - would you rather know or not know what's coming? Very difficult.

Sharon

Bex-Read said...

Hi Grace, Helen & Mary D

I must get round to reading The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. It's on my 'to read' list. That could be a good topic for us in future months - what's in your pile of books waiting to be read?

Unputdownable is a good word for The House of Special Purpose.

If you're interested in the Romanovs, this won't disappoint - although as some of us have been discussing earlier, we're not sure how accurate it is. We'll just have to read more to find out...

Sharon

Jill said...

Alice has had her peanut and chocolate ice cream now - and started deciding what is important to her.
So far I have not felt the desire to judge her husband, I can understand his fear.

Bex-Read said...

Jill - is that the first ice cream scene or the second?

Ann said...

I read the House of Special Purpose some time ago. Without giving the whole story away, I thought that the end was really poignant. It made me think about how I will cope as I get older.

Really enjoying Generation A, but from the documentary I watched last night on the disappearance of the honey bees (must have been the same one that Val saw last year)you can hardly class the book as science fiction. Its happening. I'm not a gardener, but I felt like rushing out to the garden centre and madly start planting for the bees.

Jill said...

It's the first ice cream, she remembers she usually has frozen yogurt because it is healthier.

Judith R. said...

I did enjoy "The House of Special Purpose", but found it very obvious right from the start. The title gives it away to anybody who has read about that particular historical event. Sorry to be a lone spoilsport here!

Rachel said...

Hi Judith,
It's really interesting to hear a slightly different viewpoint on this book - particularly as it seems to be a favourite here! Even so, glad to hear that you still enjoyed reading it.

Still Alice sounds both chilling and thought provoking...

Bex-Read said...

Hi Ann

What with coping with getting older and no bees, we've certainly given ourselves a lot to think about with the shortlist!

Sharon

Bex-Read said...

Jill - wait until you get to the second ice cream scene. I think that was probably the most disturbing scene for me.

Rachel - it really is chilling. But also very uplifting in parts, particularly in terms of how some of the family cope.

Sharon

Bex-Read said...

Hi Judith R

You're not a spoilsport at all. It would be really boring if we all agreed!

I haven't read anything in depth on the Romanovs. Was 'The House of Special Purpose' a term actually used at the time?

As you can see, I really need to do some background reading on this...

Sharon

Anonymous said...

I am a real fan of Maggie O'Farrell's books. I find them really powerful in their depiction of relationships, particularly those involving the female characters. Her plots often resemble those of Kate Atkinson in some ways as you are presented with what appear to be unrelated characters or situations which are then joined, often in very poignant ways. This one is so moving in its depiction of the intensity of being a mother. There is one scene which although I guessed something of that nature was going to happen I was still blown away by the narrative style in which it was told. It has proved quite haunting and is still with me a few months after completing the book. I keep recommending her books to everyone with whom I talk books! i haven't read any of the others on the list but will try.

Will said...

Right, I`m just about to start Douglas Coupland’s Generation A…
Not sure what to expect, it’s not my usual type of book; will it shock? Or surprise?. Let’s find out…

Bex-Read said...

Hello, Anonymous

I agree - Maggie O'Farrell writes female characters so well.

When I read The Hand That First Held Mine the first time, I kept trying to work out how the two stories were connected - I was quite wrong! The second time I read it, it was even more poignant even though I knew.

I, too, was haunted by this book - I couldn't start another one for a good few days afterwards.

I hope you enjoy some of the other books on the list - let us know if you do.

Sharon

Bex-Read said...

I started re-reading Still Alice over the weekend - it's even more chilling second time round.

In the early part of the book, it's difficult at times to like Alice, especially in her relationship with her younger daughter. I'm not sure if that's what Lisa Genova intended. That's not a negative observation, though - the fact that she isn't perfect makes her far more interesting.

Sharon

fiona said...

Hello Sharon and everyone else, glad I found you since I can no longer come to the reading group. I loved The Hand that First Held Mine, and didn't guess the connection until quite near the end. Also loved The Icecream Girls, quite different from her other books - more depth to it. I've just put in a reservation for Still Alice, so looking forward to reading that. Will be back soon! Fiona

Bex-Read said...

Hi Fiona!

I'm so pleased you found us here - we really miss you at the reading group.

Maggie O'Farrell's After You'd Gone was the first book we chatted about as a group all those years ago - do you remember? I think The Hand That First Held Mine may just about have taken over from After You'd Gone as my favourite of her books. It's very close, though.

I finished The Ice Cream Girls at the weekend - we'll be chatting about that one next month and I'd be really interested to hear more about what you liked about it.

I hope you enjoy Still Alice - come back and let us know. So good to hear from you!

Sharon

Bex-Read said...

Will

I think it'll do both - shock and surprise. Let us know!

Sharon

Janice said...

Anne Robinson has been publicising her new tv series, My life in books, which starts tonight on BBC2 at 6.30pm. She's said in one interview that "I feel you are wasting your time on fiction, whereas with non-fiction you are learning something new".

I'm sure she would change her mind if she tried reading any of the books on this shortlist.

I've just started reading The House of Special Purpose and already I'm gripped and, what's more, I'm learning something new!

Bex-Read said...

Hi Janice

Wow - I was already wary of Anne Robinson's new show and comments like that about fiction don't help (if they're accurately reported of course).

I love reading fiction that makes me want to find out more about what really happened. And some of us have been debating here the historical accuracy of The House of Special Purpose - which, for me, has just made it all the more interesting.

Think I'll give the new show a miss and happily continue to enjoy reading fiction...

Sharon

Lisa said...

Hi Fiona
I'm so glad that you have joined in the on line discussion we do miss you at the reading group. I'm pleased that you also enjoyed The hand that first held mine, I think I could quite happily vote for it as my favourite book of the last five years!

Lisa

Lisa said...

Hi Janice & Sharon
After reading your comments I don't think I'll bother with Anne Robinson either, don't you think people can sometimes become very snobby when it comes to what you should read, surely reading is about enjoyment and everyone has different tastes, so Anne you are the weakest link Goodbye!

Bex-Read said...

Hi Lisa

That made me laugh.

Reading, for me, is definitely about enjoyment. And if I learn something at the same time, it's an added bonus. See you later at the North Heath Reading Group meeting. Looking forward to a good book chat!

Sharon

fiona said...

thank you for the welcome. I think I still prefer After You'd Gone, but probably only because it was the first of hers I read, and it does bring back memories of joing the reading group for the first time! I think I might order The House of Special Purpose for my Kindle (sorry Sharon I know you don't approve! but it means I can always have something to read in my bag or tucked in the hood of the buggy! and Lisa can tell you my borrowing hasn't gone down!). I'm not usually a fan of historical fiction but it sounds interesting. Or might look at Generation A - decisions, decisions.

Bex-Read said...

Hi Fiona

Having chatted about the Kindle at the reading group last night, I think I'd probably get hooked on it very quickly. The idea of never being without a book is very tempting. I'm not ready quite yet, though...

I enjoyed both Generation A and The House of Special Purpose. Two very different books but both are fascinating.

Keep in touch - it's great to hear from you.

Sharon

Janice said...

Dear all

Have just finished reading The House of Special Purpose. and although I guessed who Zoya was (it wasn't hard)and even though I kept thinking she couldn't really be I was totally caught up in the story.

My next book will be Blake Morrison's The Last weekend.

Will said...

Well, I`m three quarters of the way through `Generation A` and am in two minds…It’s very good, isn’t it? But very odd, too?
Brilliantly written, humorous and thought-provoking…BUT…Is it for me?...Not sure.
I must admit, I felt very old reading it; all the characters in it are from Generation A, and made me feel very much part of Generation Z.
Still, I`ll enjoy finishing it, and be interested in hearing what others have to say…

Bex-Read said...

Hi Janice

One of the problems I had with The House of Special Purpose was that I kept thinking Zoya couldn't be who she turns out to be because of the historical facts. Does that make sense without me giving too much away?

Maybe we'll assume everyone's read it now and not worry about giving anything away - so we can discuss it properly?

Sharon

Bex-Read said...

Hi Will

Yes, I must admit to feeling a bit old too when I read Generation A. But it also reminded me of how much I enjoyed science fiction years ago. I'm not sure why I stopped reading it really.

I remember loving the Julian May Saga of the Exiles series and the Thomas Covenant series. And many more...

Sharon

Bex-Read said...

I finished rereading Still Alice yesterday and it left me feeling very sad and thoughtful for the rest of the evening.

Her speech towards the end of the book when she's urging people to treat her as a human being is so moving:

"I will forget today, but that doesn't mean that today didn't matter."

It's interesting that her relationship with her daughter improves as her memory deteriorates - she can give advice to her without all the hopes and fears of being a parent. Very interesting.

Sharon

Rosa said...

Looks like a good short list and I think I may try the historical/hysterical as I like that kind of book.
House of special purpose sounds like it might fill the bill.

Val said...

Well I've finished reading The Hand that First Held Mine and I can see why it has been so highly recommended. The weaving together of the stories of the two couples is skillfully done and although I started to guess the connection I didn't get it quite right and the ending came as a shock. Its a book I'll remember for a long time and I came to care about the characters. As to my first choice for Book of the Year I'm reserving judgement just yet as I've still got a few left to read but this is definitely one of my top 2 at the moment!

Maureen said...

All the books have flown off the shelves at Blackfen Library. Can't wait to hear readers comments.I'll keep you posted

Maggie said...

At Blackfen Library one of our readers has just commented on The Crimson Rooms. She said that it was a "must" read and thoroughly enjoyed it. Has anyone else read it yet?

Caroline M said...

I started The Crimson Rooms a few days ago, and I'm finding it a bit hard going. It hasn't grabbed my attention in the same way that Still Alice did, so progress is rather slow at the moment! Did others find this one a slow burner? Does it pick up pace as you get into it? I'm just at the bit where Evelyn and Breen go to the house of Stephen Wheeler. I am finding Evelyn to be an interesting character, but at the moment don't feel that interested by either of the clients, however their characters have not really been developed much yet. I will persevere for a while, and see how it goes!

Bex-Read said...

Hi Rosa

I'm so pleased you like the shortlist. I'm sure you'll enjoy The House of Special Purpose - hope you come back to let us know.

Sharon

Bex-Read said...

Hi Val

It's great to hear that you enjoyed The Hand That First Held Mine so much. Maggie O'Farrell writes characters so beautifully, doesn't she? It's high on my list too but, like you, I haven't decided quite yet.

Which one are you reading next?

Sharon

Bex-Read said...

Hi Maureen & Maggie

It's great to hear that the books are flying off the shelves at Blackfen Library - it's the same at Central Library and Sidcup Library.

And it's really good to hear what your customers think of them. I've just started The Crimson Rooms - I'll let you all know what I think of it when I've read a bit more.

Sharon

Bex-Read said...

Hi Caroline M

That's interesting. I've just read the first few chapters of The Crimson Rooms and I knew from the first page that I was going to like the writing.

I like Evelyn, too, but I haven't read enough to know whether I find her clients interesting. I'll let you know when I've read a bit more!

I'd definitely be interested to hear if the pace picks up.

I'm finding the descriptions of Evelyn's relationship with her brother very moving so far.

Sharon

Val said...

I've just picked up a copy of Fear th Worst. I enjoyed his other novel No Time for Goodbye - it was a great page turner with a good twist at the end so I'm looking forward to this book.

Rachel said...

I have to admit that I found the Crimson Rooms quite slow to start with too, but I'd definitely recommend continuing with it as once I got into the story I really enjoyed it. I also didn't like Meredith at all when I started reading, but I warmed to her as the story went on...
I'll be interested to hear how everyone gets on with it.

Bex-Read said...

Hi Val

I really enjoyed No Time For Goodbye too - it would make a great film.

I look forward to hearing what you think of Fear the Worst.

Sharon

Bex-Read said...

Hi Rachel

I think I liked Meredith from the start - she's so refreshing compared to Evelyn's stuffy family.

I'm about to post the March entry - will say more there.

Sharon

Grace said...

I have just completed The House of Special Purpose and on the whole I did enjoy it, but I found it a bit disjointed and rather far fetched. I have read The boy in the striped pyjamas and I found it incredibly moving and disturbing, but I am not quite so impressed by this book. However, it has increased my desire to return to St. Petersburg. I went there when I was a schoolchild in 1963 and I can remember visiting the Hermitage Museum --a magnificent place, which was the former Winter Palace. I shall probably think of this book if and when we visit again!

Grace said...

I watched the Anne Robinson programme for the first time last night and the books discussed did include fiction as well as non fiction. The actress who played the mother in Downton Abbey chose Middlemarch as her favourite book and said it was a life changing experience ! I have also been watching the TV Book Club on Channel 4 and have enjoyed listening to the discussions about their books. Members of the Central Reading group are reading The immortal life of Henrietta Lacks this month, which has had terrific reviews. I hope to read it on my way to Scotland to-morrow!

Lisa said...

I've just finished The ice cream girls and it really was a "page turner" like the quote on the front cover said. I really enjoyed it and without the shortlist I probably wouldn't have picked it up so thank you and I'll be looking out for more by Dorothy Koomson. So that's 2 down and 6 to go! I might try The house of special purpose next.

Bex-Read said...

Hi Grace

I found The House of Special Purpose a bit far-fetched in places too - but I still enjoyed it overall.

As a result of reading the book, I'd love to go to the Hermitage Museum and the Winter Palace too - the power of reading!

Sharon

Bex-Read said...

Hi Grace

I've caught parts of Anne Robinson's show. I really enjoyed the one with the Snows because they were such entertaining guests. I'm not hugely keen on Anne Robinson as a host but that might be because she's having to stick to the formula - five books, then choose your favourite, then talk about what your selections say about you. It doesn't leave any space to follow up on what the guests are actually saying - I've found that quite frustrating because it forces Anne to cut them off when they're saying something really interesting.

Sharon

Bex-Read said...

Hi Lisa

I'll reply to your comment on our March entry (the Book of the Year part 2) as we're now chatting about The Ice Cream Girls there. See you there in a minute.

Sharon

Jill said...

What did I not like on the first page? Her imagined image of her brother's dead body at his death in the First World War. [Gory descriptions being the reason I don't read certain types of crime novel, horror etc.]

Bex-Read said...

Hi Jill

I'm with you on that - the threat of gory images puts me off trying a lot of crime writing. And I'm probably missing out on some great books. I'm looking forward to some recommendations next month when we're chatting about favourite fictional detectives - I'll go for the 'nice' rather than the 'nasty' ones though!

Going back to The Crimson Rooms, the war images were very disturbing and really brought home the incredible waste of so many young lives.

Sharon

Jill said...

Has anyone read a novel which has the theme [or includes in some way] evacuees? Suggestions welcome. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

Has anybody else read The swan thieves by Kostova? Just started it and finding it strangely compelling.My RG book is The help which I think is, so far, my number one book. Can't believe the things that took place in the Deep South within my own lifetime. Lots to discuss at BL next week.
Mary

Bex-Read said...

Hi Jill

Sounds interesting. You might want to post this again on the Bexley Book of the Year part two entry - it could get missed on this one.

I'll try to think of some examples.

Sharon

Bex-Read said...

Hi Mary

I loved The Swan Thieves - one of those books that makes you want to ignore family and housework for! I thought it fizzled out slightly towards the end but I still loved it.

I loved her earlier book, The Historian too. Have you read that?

Sharon

Grace said...

I have just read "Still Alice " and I have to say I found it an incredible read --very moving and thought-provoking. There are scenes in the book which keep coming into my head and every time I forget or lose something I think about how awful it would be for someone like Alice to know she would lose more and more of her mind. Very disturbing.
One aspect which I identified with was the way people--especially her work colleagues--start to avoid her and just don't know what to say to her. This is so typical of what happens to people with mental health problems. We do not cope well with these people as a society and it is very sad both for them and their families.

Bex-Read said...

Hi Grace

I agree - Still Alice is such a powerful read.

There's one image (among many) I can't get out of my head - the ice cream dripping down the cone because Alice no longer knows she needs to turn it round as she eats it.

I think the worst time must be the in-between stage - where you know what's going to happen and you're still aware.

Quite terrifying.

Sharon

beth said...

Have just been told about the site and viewed it for the first time. Looking forward to trying some new authors, will let you know how I get on.

Bex-Read said...

Hello, Beth ~ and thanks for this.
We’re delighted that you’ve discovered Bex-Read , and we’ll look forward to hearing your thoughts on any of our featured books or topics.

Best wishes, from the Bex-Read team.