Another enjoyable chat about books we have read. Apples Never Fall, by Liane Moriarty, a family saga enjoyed by Helen, although The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho, was found to be somewhat convoluted. The latest fiction by Lucy Foley, The Midnight Feast, was a winner. The Quest for Anna Klein, by Thomas H Cook, is a reminiscence of an old man in 2001 as he relates an operation in pre-war Germany in 1939 to a resentful young man. Highly recommended was Nothing to Envy by Barbara Demick, an insightful overview of 1990’s in North Korea.
We had another discussion on Murder on Easy Street by Helen Thomas - after all these years a suspect has now been found in Italy. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, our reader enjoyed this book finding the story had been told truly. Batavia by Peter Fitzsimmons is a well written historical book about the ship Batavia wrecked off the coast of WA in 1629. As usual Peter has done his research meticulously. Wed by the Wayside by Alana Valentine, the shared stories of the community of Kings Cross in Sydney, where everyone was welcomed, this book was highly recommended. Bodies of Light by Jennifer Down, an award-winning novel of tragedy and heartbreak based on various children in care, in particular Maggie Smith.
Not only books were discussed. An ABC series on Iview, The Assembly, showcases 15 autistic students interested in pursuing journalism careers interviewing famous Australians, mentored by Leigh Sales. This is a heartwarming series worth watching. An interesting article appeared in The Age written by Maggie Beer, who set out to transform meals and dining experiences in Aged Care with wholesome and delicious food.
Back to books, the series Portraits in Blue by Penny Field-Schneider was inspired by her love of art and grew into the series of historical fiction books. John Cleese, So Anyway was entertaining and Alan Alda’s memoir Things I Overheard While Talking was candid and amusing. Princess More Tears to Cry, a new book by Jean Sasson and Saudi Princess ‘Sultana’, reveals what it means to be a Saudi woman today. A Cargo of Women, by historian Babette Smith, is the story of 100 women transported together in 1829 from England to Australia. Past Tense, by Lee Child, seemed to be very long and convoluted.
There was something for everyone this month. See you all in December for our last gathering for 2024.
Geraldine.
We had another discussion on Murder on Easy Street by Helen Thomas - after all these years a suspect has now been found in Italy. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, our reader enjoyed this book finding the story had been told truly. Batavia by Peter Fitzsimmons is a well written historical book about the ship Batavia wrecked off the coast of WA in 1629. As usual Peter has done his research meticulously. Wed by the Wayside by Alana Valentine, the shared stories of the community of Kings Cross in Sydney, where everyone was welcomed, this book was highly recommended. Bodies of Light by Jennifer Down, an award-winning novel of tragedy and heartbreak based on various children in care, in particular Maggie Smith.
Not only books were discussed. An ABC series on Iview, The Assembly, showcases 15 autistic students interested in pursuing journalism careers interviewing famous Australians, mentored by Leigh Sales. This is a heartwarming series worth watching. An interesting article appeared in The Age written by Maggie Beer, who set out to transform meals and dining experiences in Aged Care with wholesome and delicious food.
Back to books, the series Portraits in Blue by Penny Field-Schneider was inspired by her love of art and grew into the series of historical fiction books. John Cleese, So Anyway was entertaining and Alan Alda’s memoir Things I Overheard While Talking was candid and amusing. Princess More Tears to Cry, a new book by Jean Sasson and Saudi Princess ‘Sultana’, reveals what it means to be a Saudi woman today. A Cargo of Women, by historian Babette Smith, is the story of 100 women transported together in 1829 from England to Australia. Past Tense, by Lee Child, seemed to be very long and convoluted.
There was something for everyone this month. See you all in December for our last gathering for 2024.
Geraldine.
