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The Reading Group #1-6
The Reading Group
Grace, Anne-Marie, Kate, Jojo and Serena are as different as can be but each month they meet in Serena's beautiful cliff-top cottage to discuss a good book - and their lives, which are sometimes stranger than fiction! Between new loves and old flames, cheating husbands and wayward children, there's always a surprise around the corner...
- GenresFictionBooks About Books
528 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 2, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 28, 2018
2.5 stars
This is a case of a reader and a book not making a connection. This is just not my genre. I think people who like Nora Roberts or Danielle Steele or that type of novel would really enjoy this. Unfortunately, I am not that person. This is the story of five friends who make a book club so you would suspect that the subject of books would figure into it. Not really. It's more the story of young people who are just starting out in life and trying to make their way. Frankly, I am not interested in the 17 year old girl getting engaged to the head "chef" at McDonalds or the twenty something girl who is too "busy" to read only the first page of the group's selection of Jane Austen's "Emma."
In total honesty, I did not finish the book. I gave it 100 pages and then gave it up. There are too many books on my to be read pile that I actually wasn't interested in giving it any more time. Still for those who enjoy chick-lit or this type of book, you might enjoy it. I just object to a book about a book club that has nothing to do with books,
This is a case of a reader and a book not making a connection. This is just not my genre. I think people who like Nora Roberts or Danielle Steele or that type of novel would really enjoy this. Unfortunately, I am not that person. This is the story of five friends who make a book club so you would suspect that the subject of books would figure into it. Not really. It's more the story of young people who are just starting out in life and trying to make their way. Frankly, I am not interested in the 17 year old girl getting engaged to the head "chef" at McDonalds or the twenty something girl who is too "busy" to read only the first page of the group's selection of Jane Austen's "Emma."
In total honesty, I did not finish the book. I gave it 100 pages and then gave it up. There are too many books on my to be read pile that I actually wasn't interested in giving it any more time. Still for those who enjoy chick-lit or this type of book, you might enjoy it. I just object to a book about a book club that has nothing to do with books,
March 16, 2018
Grace, Anne-Marie, Kate, Jojo and Serena are as different as can be but each month they meet in Serena's beautiful cliff-top cottage to discuss a good book - and their lives, which are sometimes stranger than fiction! Between new loves and old flames, cheating husbands and wayward children, there's always a surprise around the corner...
--My thoughts. Well, do you think any of them actually read? I am not so sure! They just get together and yak I am thinking. Which, for this reader was a HUGE bummer! I ADORE books about BOOKS. Not the character in each chapter being like "the book of the month"... Then it isn't really a reading group per se.
The characters were fun, each with their own personalities and issues, which of course was like a character in the book they were "reading". I think everyone will have a favorite.. I think Grace was my favorite.. If you are looking for something light-hearted, then this is the book to pass some time to read with!
--My thoughts. Well, do you think any of them actually read? I am not so sure! They just get together and yak I am thinking. Which, for this reader was a HUGE bummer! I ADORE books about BOOKS. Not the character in each chapter being like "the book of the month"... Then it isn't really a reading group per se.
The characters were fun, each with their own personalities and issues, which of course was like a character in the book they were "reading". I think everyone will have a favorite.. I think Grace was my favorite.. If you are looking for something light-hearted, then this is the book to pass some time to read with!
December 6, 2017
I received this book through the Goodreads giveaway programme and have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's the first novel I've read by Della Parker and won't be the last!
I loved how the base story was around the reading group but all the characters got a month each to tell their stories. I found the mix of characters really interesting and didn't want to put the book down. It's quite a long book but by no means a chore to read.... It was an absolute pleasure! Thank you Goodreads!
I loved how the base story was around the reading group but all the characters got a month each to tell their stories. I found the mix of characters really interesting and didn't want to put the book down. It's quite a long book but by no means a chore to read.... It was an absolute pleasure! Thank you Goodreads!
December 2, 2017
Compulsive reading. Could not stop reading this book.
September 8, 2018
Loved this book!
December 2, 2017
All reviews can be found on my blog: thecosiestcorner.blogspot.com
I absolutely love these type of books, I love novels that take us through months at a time, so we get different descriptions of the seasons: the festivities and mince pies at Christmas, the fates in Summer and the crisp leaves in Autumn. I love reading all about it, so it's not a surprise that this novel has been on my TBR pile for some time now!
The book itself, is actually very long, it is over 500 pages and I loved that it was so long as I didn't want the story to end. I will admit that I'm glad that I waited until the full book was out, as I've mentioned before with part series is that I'm so impatient I don't want to wait! It didn't feel this long though, it was such an easy and enjoyable read that I found myself flying through it.
I loved that with each month you read about a different friend, and their story and life. It was so interesting to get to know them personally and I loved how the story carried on and went through the months of the year. Each story was so fascinating that I just couldn't wait to read more. There was drama throughout and it was also so lovely to see the kind relationships the girls had with each other.
I've never read a novel by Della Parker before and I definitely wasn't disappointed when I finished this one - I was sad when it was over! I loved Jojo, she was so friendly and kind and Serena always seemed to be so loving and caring. Their friendships were lovely to read about. The descriptions of the location of the Reading Group were also beautiful - I'd love to live somewhere overlooking the sea!
Overall, a really enjoyable novel with lots of drama and a lovely story about friendship. I loved this story and I'm so glad I waited until the full one was out. I would recommend giving it a read if you haven't already.
I absolutely love these type of books, I love novels that take us through months at a time, so we get different descriptions of the seasons: the festivities and mince pies at Christmas, the fates in Summer and the crisp leaves in Autumn. I love reading all about it, so it's not a surprise that this novel has been on my TBR pile for some time now!
The book itself, is actually very long, it is over 500 pages and I loved that it was so long as I didn't want the story to end. I will admit that I'm glad that I waited until the full book was out, as I've mentioned before with part series is that I'm so impatient I don't want to wait! It didn't feel this long though, it was such an easy and enjoyable read that I found myself flying through it.
I loved that with each month you read about a different friend, and their story and life. It was so interesting to get to know them personally and I loved how the story carried on and went through the months of the year. Each story was so fascinating that I just couldn't wait to read more. There was drama throughout and it was also so lovely to see the kind relationships the girls had with each other.
I've never read a novel by Della Parker before and I definitely wasn't disappointed when I finished this one - I was sad when it was over! I loved Jojo, she was so friendly and kind and Serena always seemed to be so loving and caring. Their friendships were lovely to read about. The descriptions of the location of the Reading Group were also beautiful - I'd love to live somewhere overlooking the sea!
Overall, a really enjoyable novel with lots of drama and a lovely story about friendship. I loved this story and I'm so glad I waited until the full one was out. I would recommend giving it a read if you haven't already.
May 10, 2018
*** Note: I received this book through the Goodreads Giveaways page. ***
So I'm not 100% sure that I enjoyed this book from start to finish, it had a decent-ish plot but kinda ended up a little bit predictable (and a little too much like The Jane Austen Book Club with the basic premise). I liked the characters but I don't think anything really made each of them stand out much, though I did love Serena and Jojo's chapters and out of them all these two were my favourite.
I was just a little bit disappointed and expected a little bit more and I was kinda hoping for a full length novel rather than a collection of short stories which join together by "The Reading Group" that the book is named after. This book is great if you want a quick, easy read (especially if your going on holiday) but not the best thing I've read and it probably won't really stand out compared with other books I've read.
So I'm not 100% sure that I enjoyed this book from start to finish, it had a decent-ish plot but kinda ended up a little bit predictable (and a little too much like The Jane Austen Book Club with the basic premise). I liked the characters but I don't think anything really made each of them stand out much, though I did love Serena and Jojo's chapters and out of them all these two were my favourite.
I was just a little bit disappointed and expected a little bit more and I was kinda hoping for a full length novel rather than a collection of short stories which join together by "The Reading Group" that the book is named after. This book is great if you want a quick, easy read (especially if your going on holiday) but not the best thing I've read and it probably won't really stand out compared with other books I've read.
December 29, 2017
It’s Christmas time and things are bad for Grace and her family. Her husband tells her to go to her book club, hoping that this will get her mind off things at home. Her friends at the book club can tell there’s something wrong and each in their own way, ask. After she breaks down, she tells them everything going on and they immediately jump into action.
This is a great book if you are looking for a pick me up. You might be wondering where that comes from, with the situation Grace and her family is in, but bear with me. The power of true friends is very strong and it comes through loud and clear in this charming tale. I will definitely be looking into this series. Thank you for such a great short story.
This is a great book if you are looking for a pick me up. You might be wondering where that comes from, with the situation Grace and her family is in, but bear with me. The power of true friends is very strong and it comes through loud and clear in this charming tale. I will definitely be looking into this series. Thank you for such a great short story.
October 6, 2018
Non è una lettura che mi ha partiolarmente preso o dalla quale non volessi staccarmi, anzi, non ero molto invogliata a continuare a leggerlo, infatti, diversamente dal mio solito, ci ho messo molto tempo a finirlo e nonostante questo, a un centinaio di pagine dalla fine, ci ho rinunciato.
Parliamo delle storie di cinque donne diverse che comunque vanno a rapportarsi, magari ci sono storie più interessanti e altre che invece è quasi impegnativo continuare a seguire perché non proprio avvincenti.
Se si vuole leggere qualcosa di carino e leggero, ci sono alternative più valide, a mio parere.
Parliamo delle storie di cinque donne diverse che comunque vanno a rapportarsi, magari ci sono storie più interessanti e altre che invece è quasi impegnativo continuare a seguire perché non proprio avvincenti.
Se si vuole leggere qualcosa di carino e leggero, ci sono alternative più valide, a mio parere.
September 3, 2018
I loved this book. Interlocking stories, each based on a member of a book group as their real lives start to echo the plots of the books they choose to read. Warm, very real, packed with romance and friendship, difficult decisions and drama. A definite pageturning five stars from me!
March 16, 2019
My fault when I tried to find an easy book so I could train myself to read again. Damn instant gratification when scrolling social media. Stupid plot. Bye I think I am going to stick reading Maeve Binchy or Cecelia Ahern maybe.
September 2, 2019
This is another great book by Della Parker. Her characters are so real they step off the page. If you like Sophie Kinsella then you will probably like this author`s style. A pacey, easy read. I loved this.
February 22, 2018
Yay
I really enjoyed this. It was a nice easy read and I loved the characters so muvh, feel like they were really well developed
I really enjoyed this. It was a nice easy read and I loved the characters so muvh, feel like they were really well developed
April 28, 2018
Disclaimer: I received this book from Pansing in return for my honest review.
This book revolves around five women, Grace, Anne-Marie, Kate, Jojo, and Serena. They are what makes the reading group. They meet up every first Thursday of the month to discuss a book. But they tend to discuss more their lives.
So when the new year began Serena suggested that they should start reading classics and discuss them.
This book is divided into five sections, and each section is dedicated to each character named above.The story starts in the month of January, this part of the book features Anne- Marie's story. The book they chose to read was Emma by Jane Austen.
The following month they chose to read Lady Chatterley's Lover by D. H. Lawrence. This time the book revolves around Kate. In March they chose to read Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier and this part of the book revolves around Jojo. In April, the story revolves around Serena and the book they chose to read was Jane Eyre. Somehow, all these books which they chose to read somehow tied-up to their lives. So to break the "curse" the final month, they chose to read the Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
My Thoughts
In all honesty, I requested for this book because the title somehow reminded me of The KL Book Appreciation Club (KLBAC). And I thought it would be good to read about something that happens in a book/reading club. There was less discussion of the chosen books and more of the five women's personal life.
But what I really liked was how the book of the month tied up with the said character of the month. It's something which happens to readers. That we pick up a book and some parts of the book really hits close to home. Some quotes, something the character might have said, or what the character is going through could be something that the reader is going through in his/her life.
The first and the last chapters were kinda draggy but, I really loved the parts that revolved around Kate, Serena, and Jojo. It makes me want to pick up Jane Eyre again and revisit the infamous Mr. Rochester again. I am also drawn towards, Rebecca and Lady Chatterley's Lover. I might actually pick these books up.
I really started liking this book towards the middle parts of it. I wanted to see how the books they chose is going to play its part to them.
"Wouldn't it be wonderful, if real life were a little bit more like fiction?"
What I would have liked more is if they had a bit of the discussion of each chosen book elaborated, not expansively but to a certain degree. We do get an overview of what the chosen book is about, but it would have been nice to see what the other four readers (whose lives are not exactly impacted by the book) views are.
This book is available in bookstores. If you are looking for a light read and if you love classics you may want to give this book a go because the author has somehow very smartly intertwined each classic book with a character from her own writing.
This book revolves around five women, Grace, Anne-Marie, Kate, Jojo, and Serena. They are what makes the reading group. They meet up every first Thursday of the month to discuss a book. But they tend to discuss more their lives.
So when the new year began Serena suggested that they should start reading classics and discuss them.
This book is divided into five sections, and each section is dedicated to each character named above.The story starts in the month of January, this part of the book features Anne- Marie's story. The book they chose to read was Emma by Jane Austen.
The following month they chose to read Lady Chatterley's Lover by D. H. Lawrence. This time the book revolves around Kate. In March they chose to read Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier and this part of the book revolves around Jojo. In April, the story revolves around Serena and the book they chose to read was Jane Eyre. Somehow, all these books which they chose to read somehow tied-up to their lives. So to break the "curse" the final month, they chose to read the Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
My Thoughts
In all honesty, I requested for this book because the title somehow reminded me of The KL Book Appreciation Club (KLBAC). And I thought it would be good to read about something that happens in a book/reading club. There was less discussion of the chosen books and more of the five women's personal life.
But what I really liked was how the book of the month tied up with the said character of the month. It's something which happens to readers. That we pick up a book and some parts of the book really hits close to home. Some quotes, something the character might have said, or what the character is going through could be something that the reader is going through in his/her life.
The first and the last chapters were kinda draggy but, I really loved the parts that revolved around Kate, Serena, and Jojo. It makes me want to pick up Jane Eyre again and revisit the infamous Mr. Rochester again. I am also drawn towards, Rebecca and Lady Chatterley's Lover. I might actually pick these books up.
I really started liking this book towards the middle parts of it. I wanted to see how the books they chose is going to play its part to them.
"Wouldn't it be wonderful, if real life were a little bit more like fiction?"
What I would have liked more is if they had a bit of the discussion of each chosen book elaborated, not expansively but to a certain degree. We do get an overview of what the chosen book is about, but it would have been nice to see what the other four readers (whose lives are not exactly impacted by the book) views are.
This book is available in bookstores. If you are looking for a light read and if you love classics you may want to give this book a go because the author has somehow very smartly intertwined each classic book with a character from her own writing.
February 23, 2021
This Book is based round a Reading group of Four Women , who one by one find themselves living a similar life to the main character of the Book that had been chosen for that months Reading such as Emma by Jane Austin , Lady Chatterly's Lover by D.H. Lawrence , so if you like the classics then you will enjoy this heart warming read about friendships, family & love . Plus Books no matter how old or new can give us new insights into life & even save lives & keep us sane especially during these times of the Pandemic .
September 27, 2026
Read this as a book club read, definitely not my normal choice of book.
Whilst at Ocean Views, I rummaged in my bag for the book. A beat. I found some of it repetitive, some too twee my lovely/honey bunny, but overall, it was alright! Shame their last read wasn't American psycho, might have livened it up a touch.
Whilst at Ocean Views, I rummaged in my bag for the book. A beat. I found some of it repetitive, some too twee my lovely/honey bunny, but overall, it was alright! Shame their last read wasn't American psycho, might have livened it up a touch.
April 26, 2021
A reading group peopled with different characters whose lives uncannily mirror their books of choice...makes for great reading 😄Some of their situations are relatable to our own so I find this novel a pleasure to peruse after a long day.
January 1, 2026
In the audiobook, the narrator reads the 38-year-old woman like a granny in her 80ies, that was very annoying, and offended me a bit :D
Overall, some nice story lines, but also nothing terribly deep.
Overall, some nice story lines, but also nothing terribly deep.
January 14, 2019
Bella storia d'amore...costruita in modo intelligente. Poi si parla anche di libri, ok dei classiconi. Un libro che si legge piacevolmente.
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