London Bookgroup welcomes you 2009

[Spark]

I'm pleased to say that I'm actually getting into the book now and finding it less hard going - whether i'll have finished in time is another matter

 

[Guineveretoo]

For other prospective bookgroup members as well, you don't have to like the book or even finish it, part of bookgroup is reading books that you normally wouldn't pick up. The other part - cheese and wine - is compulsory.

I don't agree!



Only the wine is compulsory (I don't eat cheese!)

 

[Mainframeguy]

and the cake!

 

[Orang Utan]

I've given up on it and I LIKE Dickens. I think the internet has spoiled my ability to read classic literature.

 

[colacubes]

I expressed my interest about joining on the other thread but have just realised I didn't on here so haven't had the PM with details

That said it turns out I can't come tonight anyway, but would like to know what next months book is to see if I can be more successful than I have been with the Dickens - I tried but he still really gets on my tits and I haven't got very far with it consequently!

 

[Biddlybee]

I read ten pages, and fell asleep after 5mins of the audio book I'm still not sure whether I'm coming tonight, I'm shattered.

Next book should be posted up here some time tonight nipsla.

 

[Mainframeguy]

I've given up on it and I LIKE Dickens. I think the internet has spoiled my ability to read classic literature.

That's sad. If that were a general phenomenon it would have happened to me too - I can vouch for this being one of Dickens more gripping works (I've also read the popular ones plus Bleak House and Barnaby Rudge (which drove me nuts, ironically!).

I expressed my interest about joining on the other thread but have just realised I didn't on here so haven't had the PM with details ...

I was just about to PM you the details (since I have them) when I read on... Let me know if you want them anyway in case things change for you tonight or for future ref. (n00b so no idea if ***** will host next). Also being a n00b no idea if choice is finalised before we leave tonight!

But I shouldn't be posting - I should be baking! At least you guys know the cake will be tip top fresh! I'm going to make two, so hopefully there will be plenty to go around... Anyone else not drinking feel free to take coffee to go with it!

 

[Biddlybee]

Shouldn't use people's real names in posts

Also, it's probably up to the person hosting to pass on their personal details... not having a go (because I know he knows nipsla), just saying like

 

[Crispy]

I edited your post mainframeguy...

 

[Mainframeguy]

editted - my bad :blush:

no no - I got there first - least that is what the board tells me?

But thank you crispy

Now that is enough editing - this is stopping my baking!

 

[Biddlybee]

You're making cake... all will be forgiven

 

[han]

I'm not gonna make this tonight. Am still at w*rk and knackered. Have a good un, folks.

 

[Mainframeguy]

yes - but cake still in oven - will late cake also be forgiven? Maybe because piping hot and yummy cake smell - least I am hoping so!

 

[Mainframeguy]

The evening made one of the best book groups I've attended. If I've got it right then this is the next book selection. Have to say OneMonkey (not ****** as above) was a great host and I was truly impressed by their ability to pull out books by authors as their names came up! Not to mention the person who repeatedly named authors, given only the title or the odd desciption - quite impressive, wish I could remember their nick to give credit where it's due, no doubt someone else can fill that detail in?

Sign me up for the next one, hopefully it'll be a date I can make (Wednesdays tend to work well for me, if that's normal). Next time I'll come bearing cake that is hopefully uncompromised by the need for speed.

 

[zora]

That was a very flamboyant start to Bookgroup 2009!

An abundance of cheese and wine, a very strong list of suggestions* for next months' book and some epic pitches for these.

In the end, a book by Raymond Chandler won the day: The Long Goodbye.

Date was set for Thursday, 26th Feb. To be held at sleaterkinney's, if he get's round to buying a sofa before then (though I'd personally be more than happy to sit on his floor).

Big welcome to Spark and Mainframeguy, and a big thank you to onemonkey for hosting and hospitality tonight.



*here's the full list for bookgroup anoraks and as an aide-memoir for me if I ever run out of ideas of what to read - they were all great suggestions!:
1974 by David Peace
Foe by J.M.Coetzee
On the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin
Exterminate All the Brutes by Sven Lindqvist
Welcome to Wellville by T.C.Boyle

 

[Mainframeguy]

... if he get's round to buying a sofa before then ...

He did say he has one, but the place needs another. I'd happily make do with the floor too - if there's no sofa we can always bring our own cushions and it'll mean there's more space in case the book's so popular it's crammed! His is a bit nearer for me too , and I've marked the date, thanks for that as I need notice to make a Thursday

PS - since I mentioned it, for the curious, here is the link to my blog review of "The Believers"

 

[trashpony]

Ooh if next bookgroup is on a Thursday, I can come

 

[zora]

I think the was the date that was decided...it was the only date I heard mentioned all evening and assumed it must refer to next bookgroup.

What do the other attendees remember (memories including my own might be somewhat hazy )?

Would be great though if you could make it, Trashpony.

 

[Guineveretoo]

Ooh, good choice of book for the next one. It's been decades since I read it, and I am up for reading it again.

What was the verdict on Tale of Two Cities? Did many people actually finish it?

 

[colacubes]

Ace - can definitely attend the next one and heard good things about Raymond Chandler but never got round to reading any

 

[onemonkey]

Not to mention the person who repeatedly named authors, given only the title or the odd desciption - quite impressive, wish I could remember their nick to give credit where it's due, no doubt someone else can fill that detail in?

That would be Zora.. using some of her professional bookseller's skills. And yes, there were some impressive bits of deduction.

It was a great start to the bookgroup year.. quite impressed with the amount of cheese there was and by how much red wine i managed to spill.

 

[Spark]

I had a really good time.

did i leave my copy of the book at yours onemonkey?

I can't remember dates being discussed, but unfortunately can't make 26th february (or any of that week)

 

[Ms T]

It's definitely the 26th, and if Sleaterkinney doesn't get a sofa in time, it will be at mine.

I've started the book already, and am really enjoying it....

 

[Agent Sparrow]

Apologies for missing the last one, we were both exhausted. I take it Brainaddict passed on our apologies. We're free for the next one so should be there.

 

[Biddlybee]

It's definitely the 26th, and if Sleaterkinney doesn't get a sofa in time, it will be at mine.

I've started the book already, and am really enjoying it....

Will put it in the diary.

Have ordered this at the library, and will make more effort than I did with Dickens

 

[Ms T]

Aaaagh.

Can't make the 26th now. Is there any chance of having it on the 25th?

 

[zora]

People have already put this in their diaries I'll have you know.

I'm easy either way. How about everyone else?

 

[Crispy]

easy both ways for us two too

 

[Guineveretoo]

Me too.

 

[Mainframeguy]

I'm easy .... And it IS in my diary, so whatever happens it better be decided and stuck to...