Megan’s Comments (group member since Oct 23, 2014)

Megan’s comments from the Devon Book Club group.

Yes please Ian, I’d like to be entered. Hope all is well with you both

Oh just seen this! Shame. Have added to my to be read list. Looks just my kind of book, thanks Ian

I'm enjoying The Invention of Wings
A really interesting story about slavery. Alternative chapters by a white girl and her black slave. Beautifully written. I'll be sorry when I've finished it

I'm reading the invention of wings by Sue Monk Kidd. It's about slavery, a story of a white girl and her slave. Partly based on historical fact which for me makes a book more enjoyable. Beautifully written. I enjoyed secret life of bees by her too

Carol wrote: "I gather there's going to be another 3 series of Poldark. Hooray!"

What happy news! Thanks Carol for sharing that

Carol wrote: "Finally managed to watch the last 2 episodes of Humans last night. Both entertaining and thought-provoking, like the rest of the series. Was somewhat disappointed to discover the ending was a cliff..."

I thought Humans was the best TV series I've watched in absolutely ages. Totally gripped by it and the acting was incredible. The last episode was, for me, the weakest but that is my only criticism. Very much looking forward to series 2

I listened to Jo Nesbo on the World Book Service podcast (thanks Ian for getting me onto that!). I found him very interesting. He was talking about his book The Redbreast and how his Dad had influenced this book (he was a Norwegian Nazi). I loved the Snowman, not so keen on The Bat so am going to give The Redbreast a go. What is your favourite Sue?

Yes, that's right. I've started to read this, and it's lovely. The innocence of childhood during dark times of war.

I wasn't sure where to post this so apologies if not in the right place. I've just listened to a really interesting Radio 4 Book Club with James Naughtie. It was with Judith Kerr regarding her book When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit / Bombs on Aunt Dainty. This book is on my wishlist but has now risen to the top. Judith Kerr was so interesting and a very witty lady who is in her 90s - I recommend listening to this.

Well Ross Poldark certainly didn't disappoint! I too loved the scenery - some fantastic sunsets particularly. I thought there could have been some stronger Cornish accents, but agree it was clear. I hope that Demelza is a bit more fiery in the next episode though. Elizabeth already needs a good slap which is exactly how she should be. Yes, will definitely continue to watch with interest. Still prefer the books though but that's as it should be I think.

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=a...
Ian, can we post images?

Carol wrote: "Yes, also love the Poldark novels. Have just finished rereading Warleggan. I gather that there will be a new Poldark series starting at perhaps Easter. Can't wait!"
Carol, I can't wait either! Especially as Aidan Turner is playing Ross - him from Being Human. Rather pleasing on the eye. I look forward to boring my book group with updates :)

I was disappointed by Wolf Hall. I had attempted the book and struggled to be honest so was looking forward to a more palatable version on TV. I found it slow and didn't grab me. I really enjoyed the Philippa Gregory Cousins War series on TV, much more pacey, racy and my cup of tea! Saying that, I enjoyed Damien Lewis as Henry and will continue to watch the series to see if it improves.

Carol wrote: "As the novel is set in East Devon in 1839, have been a bit disappointed not to find any Devon dialect, only a few 'yers' and 'youse'. Lily Rose is a poor, illiterate woman, but she speaks impeccabl..."

This is a really interesting point. Having read the Poldark series (and as my book group readers will know thoroughly enjoyed it!) I found the Cornish dialetic in that incredibly easy to follow and very authentic - I'm local myself having been born on the Cornish / Devon border (not literally!!!). I felt The Royal Lacemaker lacked that authenticity, and felt that the author was saying that readers we weren't quite up to understanding it.
Far too many clichés, sayings and similes thrown in, well peppered actually. It was an easy to read book and normally I quite like an 'aga saga' on a cold winters evening but this just lacked any depth of story. I too would have like to have known Mrs Bodley's history, that would have been interesting. I would have liked more detail on the actual dress as well as interested in craft and Queen Victoria. I was expected a visit to London as well, if not from Lily then an account from Mrs Bodley. More detail please. I liked the idea of giving our review on a postcard, a clever marketing idea.

I'd been reminded of another childhood favourite this week - Burglar Bill. "I'll have that said Burglar Bill". Anyone else enjoy

Just read Sense & Sensibility which was a fantastic modern version of this classic tale. If you're an Austen fan (Ian!) then I totally recommend. I've not read any Joanna Trollope before but will certainly be giving her a try again, any recommendations gratefully received.

Thank you everyone. We also have Guess How Much I Love You and We're Going on a Bear Hunt. You know for some reason I really didn't like The Cat in the Hat. Funny isn't it?! What I really like is that when left to her own devices my daughter will go to her bookshelf and take random books off and flick through them by herself so already she has a love of books. I'm looking forward to reading Twas the night before Christmas. Perhaps a thread on Christmas books Ian?

Hi all, I have a 17 month daughter and I really hope she loves reading as much as I do. I was wondering if anyone had any books they'd recommend - particular classics that you enjoy reading with your children / grandchildren or even books you remember as a child. Here's a few to start us off:
Hungry Caterpillar
The Gruffulo (or anything by Julia Donaldson)
Dear Zoo
Each Peach Pear Plum (beautiful illustrations)
The Merry Marmots - this was read to me by my Dad so has special memories and I've still got it now

Helen wrote: "I really liked the House on the Strand , I read it last year. Daphne Du Maurier wrote such varied stories and I loved the time travelling element in this..."

I loved House on the Strand too! I love the beautiful atmospheric way Daphne Du Maurier writes about Cornwall. I feel like I'm there