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The Book Club
(Marion Hunt is a 29-year-old single civil servant who has just bought a brand-new apartment is Dublin s Smithfield and needs something to while away the long cold winter nights. So she decides to start a book club. She quickly gathers around her a group of disparate individuals. There is Nick Barry, a young writer who has been mauled by the media but is determined to produce a critically-acclaimed novel. There is Liz Broderick a young widow of 33 whose husband Tim has been killed in a tragic road accident and whose friends are telling her she has to get out and meet new people. There is Robbie Gray a 45-year-old accountant whose wife has just left him for another man after 16 years of marriage. There is Christy Grimes a pensioner from Phibsboro and his wife Ellie who is recovering from a stroke but is determined to recover. And then there is Alan McMillan, a successful lawyer and an old boyfriend of Marion's who will stop at nothing to get her back. As the book club gets under way, strange things begin to happen...)
390 pages, Paperback
First published October 29, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
April 7, 2020
I like reading books about Book Clubs and have read several. They all have their own style of how to run their club. This one is a different take on it. First off, the setting is Dublin, Ireland. A lonely woman decides to start a book club because there are none locally for her. She loves reading and wants to be able to discuss her books with other people and get her mind off her own sad life.
I started our book club much the same way she did, in 2002 by setting up a sign up sheet at our gym. We had just moved here to this town that had no book clubs. I wanted one, so I decided to start my own. Actually book club opened us up to novels we might not have read if we hadn't had to read for club, so it broadened our options and opinions. We are still together, I might add, though we have dwindled down some from the original count.
This starts with an introduction to each of the characters, with a little back story on each of them who will join this book club. The detail is not fleshed out well, but enough so you get the gist of their personality and why they each have a need for interaction with other readers. As an American I was not familiar with much of the jargon, and the Irish words they use for certain things, but I enjoyed looking them up, some of them referring to food. This club has both male and female members, and they started with 8 members. Their first book was Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier. I found it interesting that all but one man really enjoyed it. He spoke up and said he didn't like it and was only there because his wife dragged him and he prefers action in his reading in the style of James Bond :) She is recovering from a stroke but still reads. I may re-read Rebecca myself. Their 2nd book was The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, which our book club did as well.
I was entertained by the story, and though I found the romantic situations between 2 couples a bit premature after one date, and not a lot of foundation laid for the relationships, one could still see the attraction based on what you know of the characters. It had a lot of humanness if you will, a little mystery, a stalking situation with one member, and some badly needed inspo for an aspiring writer.
Although not a literary masterpiece by any means, it was entertaining to unwrap the story of all the members and how Book Club changed their lives for the better. It wrapped up rather quickly and neatly, a bit rushed and predictable, but appropriate. The last sentence made me smile. I found it an enjoyable read and the price was certainly right for the e-book on Kindle.
I started our book club much the same way she did, in 2002 by setting up a sign up sheet at our gym. We had just moved here to this town that had no book clubs. I wanted one, so I decided to start my own. Actually book club opened us up to novels we might not have read if we hadn't had to read for club, so it broadened our options and opinions. We are still together, I might add, though we have dwindled down some from the original count.
This starts with an introduction to each of the characters, with a little back story on each of them who will join this book club. The detail is not fleshed out well, but enough so you get the gist of their personality and why they each have a need for interaction with other readers. As an American I was not familiar with much of the jargon, and the Irish words they use for certain things, but I enjoyed looking them up, some of them referring to food. This club has both male and female members, and they started with 8 members. Their first book was Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier. I found it interesting that all but one man really enjoyed it. He spoke up and said he didn't like it and was only there because his wife dragged him and he prefers action in his reading in the style of James Bond :) She is recovering from a stroke but still reads. I may re-read Rebecca myself. Their 2nd book was The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, which our book club did as well.
I was entertained by the story, and though I found the romantic situations between 2 couples a bit premature after one date, and not a lot of foundation laid for the relationships, one could still see the attraction based on what you know of the characters. It had a lot of humanness if you will, a little mystery, a stalking situation with one member, and some badly needed inspo for an aspiring writer.
Although not a literary masterpiece by any means, it was entertaining to unwrap the story of all the members and how Book Club changed their lives for the better. It wrapped up rather quickly and neatly, a bit rushed and predictable, but appropriate. The last sentence made me smile. I found it an enjoyable read and the price was certainly right for the e-book on Kindle.
September 8, 2019
If you could do halves, I would give it a 2 1/2 as I didn't have trouble reading to the end, but seemed a little unrealistic to me. I haven't been in the dating game for many many years, but found it hard to believe the "magic" in the people that came to the book club - kind of like a soap opera.
Read
September 6, 2019Very stilted writing. Pedestrian characters that were both totally mundane yet unrealistic at the same time. Rather unlikely plot and just overall not particularly good.
August 31, 2019
I started this at the airport and read it on vacation, so it was a decent beach book-type read, but completely predictable. Like reading a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie. Can’t say I would recommend it to any of my friends.
July 26, 2015
Easy to read and an ok plot but time scale of the storyline made the whole thing unrealistic. They all meet and fall madly in love in 6 weeks only having two meetings of the club!!! Seriously one couple had met the children after one date and a grieving widow was in the sack with a relative stranger on the second meeting practically. I had to put the book down in disgust at the "you poor little rabbit" line. Felt the male dialogue was totally unrealistic don't know any irish guys that would come out with so many "darling" quotes so quick!!! Overlook this and it's not bad but a tad irritating.
February 25, 2021
Unexpected & Fun Read
The unexpected turn of events made for a fun read. You have to love when life's wrongs are righted. Enjoyed immensely!
The unexpected turn of events made for a fun read. You have to love when life's wrongs are righted. Enjoyed immensely!
August 28, 2019
It was a very enjoyable and fast read. I never thought that I can hate a character in a book as much as I hated Alan McMillen in this story. I was hoping that he will get his just reward, and he did!!!!!
August 23, 2019
The story itself could have had promise but overall the writing missed the mark. Everything happened in far too short a time frame and the dialogue was very stilted. I almost put it down several times but decided to finish after all. I needn't have bothered since I was able to predict every character's outcome before the end of the story. The saving factor was that it was a very quick read.
September 4, 2019
The story itself was interesting, but the book was way overwritten. I understand the need for backstory, but McCabe took too long to get to the meat of the story, devoting an entire chapter to each character before delving into the action; further, she never missed an opportunity to restate things – to the point of distraction (e.g., Marion's desire to get away during the dreary month of January, and how "dishy" Matt and Nick were). The overall premise was interesting, and I found myself rooting (a little too fervently, I admit) for the antagonist's demise (and it was delicious when it happened!); however, despite the chapter-long introductions of each character at the outset, the players remained largely two dimensional. My favorite characters were Liz and Matt, whom I felt were the most realistic and sympathetic characters.
September 20, 2019
The book started out good with excellent character development but then descended into a bunch of tripe and unrealistic storylines. Many of the characters became totally unlikeable, and not just the villains. It became a slog to finish.
October 13, 2019
Most of the characters in this book met each other at the first meeting of the book club. Other than that, very little of the book actually takes place at the book club. It was alright.
February 16, 2020
Well, it passed the time on a long flight. That’s about all I can say for it.
September 5, 2019
Brief synopsis from the book cover:
Looking for a way to pass the cold winter nights – and take her mind off her lying ex – Marian Hunt decides to start a book club. And pretty soon, it begins to take off …
Christy Grimes thinks the book club will help his beloved wife in her recovery from a stroke, but little does he know the effect it will have on him.
Liz Broderick hopes the book club will distract her from her grief. But a greater distraction than books lies in store.
Caught up in working hard to support his ex-wife, Matt Bollinger reckons the book club will be a good way to meet new people. But while romance beckons, sabotage is not far behind.
Disgraced poet Nick Barry is in search of the perfect story to re launch his career, and he expects the book club will be the perfect place for some market research. But Nick finds a bigger story than he bargained for.
With sadness, joy, money, sex, betrayal – and a few novels thrown in for good measure – those cold winter nights are about to heat up...
My rating:
Plot: 3.0 out of 5 stars
Writing: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Character development: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Overall: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Recommended for readers of:
General Fiction
Women’s fiction
Review:
This is a nice story. The plot is set up nicely and each of the characters which are the members of the book club is described in great detail. The first few chapters of the book are dedicated to an individual character explaining their background. Sadly towards the end of the book the plot becomes a bit rushed and the story is wrapped up a bit too quickly. This made the end of the book feel a bit rushed and predictable. This book deals with subjects such as loss and loneliness and overcoming it. The main characters are a nice interesting group of people which made this book enjoyable to read despite the ending being a bit abrupt. Overall this is a enjoyable relaxing read, that allows you to forget about life for a while.
Looking for a way to pass the cold winter nights – and take her mind off her lying ex – Marian Hunt decides to start a book club. And pretty soon, it begins to take off …
Christy Grimes thinks the book club will help his beloved wife in her recovery from a stroke, but little does he know the effect it will have on him.
Liz Broderick hopes the book club will distract her from her grief. But a greater distraction than books lies in store.
Caught up in working hard to support his ex-wife, Matt Bollinger reckons the book club will be a good way to meet new people. But while romance beckons, sabotage is not far behind.
Disgraced poet Nick Barry is in search of the perfect story to re launch his career, and he expects the book club will be the perfect place for some market research. But Nick finds a bigger story than he bargained for.
With sadness, joy, money, sex, betrayal – and a few novels thrown in for good measure – those cold winter nights are about to heat up...
My rating:
Plot: 3.0 out of 5 stars
Writing: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Character development: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Overall: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Recommended for readers of:
General Fiction
Women’s fiction
Review:
This is a nice story. The plot is set up nicely and each of the characters which are the members of the book club is described in great detail. The first few chapters of the book are dedicated to an individual character explaining their background. Sadly towards the end of the book the plot becomes a bit rushed and the story is wrapped up a bit too quickly. This made the end of the book feel a bit rushed and predictable. This book deals with subjects such as loss and loneliness and overcoming it. The main characters are a nice interesting group of people which made this book enjoyable to read despite the ending being a bit abrupt. Overall this is a enjoyable relaxing read, that allows you to forget about life for a while.
December 6, 2019
Loved this book!
A woman in search of someone to discuss books with, cannot find a book club near her, so she starts her own. The people who answer her advert are a diverse group in age, interests, professions, and personal baggage, yet somehow they jell. The resulting impact of the bookclub on their lives makes for a very enjoyable, compelling read! Very well written, well edited, well developed characters. It held my interest to the very last page! I was sorry that it ended because I felt as if I was losing a circle of friends. E-book includes a sample from another book by McCabe, as well as teasers about some of her other books. I will definitely read this author again!
A woman in search of someone to discuss books with, cannot find a book club near her, so she starts her own. The people who answer her advert are a diverse group in age, interests, professions, and personal baggage, yet somehow they jell. The resulting impact of the bookclub on their lives makes for a very enjoyable, compelling read! Very well written, well edited, well developed characters. It held my interest to the very last page! I was sorry that it ended because I felt as if I was losing a circle of friends. E-book includes a sample from another book by McCabe, as well as teasers about some of her other books. I will definitely read this author again!
September 7, 2020
WOW!
I absolutely loved this story. This is the second book by this author I have read and I like her style of writing. If you are a serious reader like me you will really enjoy this book. Marion starts a book club which turns out to be successful (after she worries about finding people interested in joining). Several people join and they are all followed throughout the story. Marion and Alan are the main characters and I have to say they are the ones to watch the most.! A very interesting book that I would definitely recommend.
I absolutely loved this story. This is the second book by this author I have read and I like her style of writing. If you are a serious reader like me you will really enjoy this book. Marion starts a book club which turns out to be successful (after she worries about finding people interested in joining). Several people join and they are all followed throughout the story. Marion and Alan are the main characters and I have to say they are the ones to watch the most.! A very interesting book that I would definitely recommend.
September 16, 2020
Go for it
I read this straight off the back of 'The beach bar' another of Kate McCabe's novels. I'm so glad I did. This one is set I Dublin and is the story of an unlikely group that get together for a book club.
I really liked the characters and I quickly felt I knew them. There are a few twists in the book and a fair bit of breath holding to see what happens next to the characters.
I like getting each person's perspective and Kate McCabe's has sewn their voices together well.
Off to find another of Kate McCabe's books.
I read this straight off the back of 'The beach bar' another of Kate McCabe's novels. I'm so glad I did. This one is set I Dublin and is the story of an unlikely group that get together for a book club.
I really liked the characters and I quickly felt I knew them. There are a few twists in the book and a fair bit of breath holding to see what happens next to the characters.
I like getting each person's perspective and Kate McCabe's has sewn their voices together well.
Off to find another of Kate McCabe's books.
October 1, 2019
This book is set in Dublin and covers a year in the life of seven members. The initial chapters each cover the backstory of the characters, and it begins to seem a little overwhelming keeping them straight. The challenges and changes each face are not out of the ordinary and all end well (except for a nasty character who satisfyingly gets what is deserved). It's a pleasant enough read, with some of the stories more interesting than others. Nothing complex in this one.
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December 15, 2019I couldn't finish reading this story. While there are characters I wanted to learn more about, where their journey would take them in this story, the superficial, materialistic nature and childish behavior of Marion and Alan was too much for me. I know their totally opposite feelings for each other create a side story that could be engaging or even entertaining, it was too much. I think this was a great story idea, but the characters were too much for me.
June 4, 2018
Started off well enough with good introductions to the characters. Then it all kind of melded into one predictable mess. I skipped whole chapters because I couldn't bear to read through the whole "romance" angle. I really liked the older couple & the stalker-ish angle. If there had been more focus on these sides, maybe I would've enjoyed the story better.
August 24, 2019
Cute story of a young lady who starts a book club to overcome her loneliness. The group of people who apply to join are very interesting except for the ex-boyfriend who is determined to win her back. She detests him but he perseveres in his attempts to woe her.
A quick read and interesting characters.
A quick read and interesting characters.
August 27, 2019
Wonderful Characters
Very nice distribution of multiple characters with diverse qualities. Each chapter is devoted to an individual, which is as an easy way to read and connect with them. The 'Book Club' is basically about people who are strangers that connect by something as simple as a Book Club.
Very nice distribution of multiple characters with diverse qualities. Each chapter is devoted to an individual, which is as an easy way to read and connect with them. The 'Book Club' is basically about people who are strangers that connect by something as simple as a Book Club.
September 12, 2019
Interesting characters
I enjoyed reading the Book Club. In fact it made me want to reread Rebecca by Daphne du Mareria all over again. I liked the way all the members of the book club were introduced and they all felt like friends very shortly. We saw some of them fall in love and saw them through troubles and trials. All in all an enthralling read.
I enjoyed reading the Book Club. In fact it made me want to reread Rebecca by Daphne du Mareria all over again. I liked the way all the members of the book club were introduced and they all felt like friends very shortly. We saw some of them fall in love and saw them through troubles and trials. All in all an enthralling read.
June 12, 2020
An interesting story about persons who joined a book club each with a different reason.
Each of the characters had special problems. The members find friends in the club to become a part of their lives. Of course there is the nasty person, the former wife, a failed carrer, and much more. Well written and a happy ending for all.
Each of the characters had special problems. The members find friends in the club to become a part of their lives. Of course there is the nasty person, the former wife, a failed carrer, and much more. Well written and a happy ending for all.
November 20, 2021
A surprise! I started this book over a year ago and didn't think it would be a book I would enjoy so I put it aside. I then came across the book on my Kindle and decided to give it a second chance. I am so glad that I did. While I was not pulled in from the beginning the book did grab me and kept me wanting to read about a fifth of the way in. Good read :)
January 29, 2022
I was a little hesitant to read this book, due to the poor reviews here. To my surprise, I found it very enjoyable. It's a comfortable book, and has a satisfying ending. I happy that the resident jerk in the story got his comeuppance, and that the rest of the characters got their happy ending. A nice, lazy summer type read.
August 24, 2019
My new favorite book!
Couldn't put it down, stayed up long past my bedtime to find out how each member of the book club wrapped their stories. McCabe is definitely my new favorite author!
Couldn't put it down, stayed up long past my bedtime to find out how each member of the book club wrapped their stories. McCabe is definitely my new favorite author!
August 27, 2019
I enjoyed this mellow story!
Great with words, the author painted a picture of all the main characters so well, you'd have thought you were looking at them. This story had a very satisfying ending. Perfect to read while it's raining out, which it happened to be doing here!
Great with words, the author painted a picture of all the main characters so well, you'd have thought you were looking at them. This story had a very satisfying ending. Perfect to read while it's raining out, which it happened to be doing here!
September 16, 2019
This book is very delightful.
Feeling blue from the dreary January Dublin weather, Marion decides to join a book club to occupy her time and mind. Unfortunately, the nearest book club is full and has a waiting list. She decides to start her own book club and makes many friends in doing so.
Feeling blue from the dreary January Dublin weather, Marion decides to join a book club to occupy her time and mind. Unfortunately, the nearest book club is full and has a waiting list. She decides to start her own book club and makes many friends in doing so.
September 17, 2019
Liked the first part
I really liked the plot and the first part, but in the second half it started getting really weird. So I didn’t finish it.
Sorry to say that because it started out good.
I really liked the plot and the first part, but in the second half it started getting really weird. So I didn’t finish it.
Sorry to say that because it started out good.
September 20, 2019
Reading is good for you
The Book Club May have started out a little slow, but once it got rolling it had a great story line, engaging characters that you wanted to find happiness. Book takes place in Dublin and I also enjoyed the brief references to local places.
The Book Club May have started out a little slow, but once it got rolling it had a great story line, engaging characters that you wanted to find happiness. Book takes place in Dublin and I also enjoyed the brief references to local places.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews