Standon and Cotes Heath WI is a member of Eccleshall Library Reading Club. This means that we can borrow multiple copies of books for a small fee. We have decided that we are happy with a 'lottery' approach to the loans as it enabled us read books by authors we not have normal have chosen. Being a member of a book club is a new concept to some and it can feel like having to finish the book in time for the meeting, however, there is no pressure to do this. We meet in members' homes and whilst the evening is to discuss the book we have read it also allows us to indulge in tea, cake and chat.
For more information please contact Annie Tel. No. 01782 791779
February 23rd
The books we discussed are;
The Lyme Brook Mist Author: Anton Corvus Score 6 The Author Tony Farrell is a local writer who attended the Book Club meeting in person. He explained to the members how he had composed a story with imaginary characters which he relayed to his 12-year-old son each night. This imaginary land was based in the old town of Newcastle Under Lyme. Tony described how he had researched the old maps for road names and shops of Newcastle, to give the story some authenticity. The group found this side of the book very interesting but recognised that the story was composed for young adults and felt that it would have an attraction to say 10 to 12 year old's. There was quite a section of the group who enjoyed the book and talked about reading the sequel which the author said was still being written.
The Dandelion Years Author: Erica James Score 9 This book was set around a family who had been through a very tragic period but had built up their lives together to with some success. The family business of selling secondhand books leads the story to follow up on a notebook found in an old book. The notebook tells a heart rendering tale of wartime love. All the members really enjoyed this book.
Predator Author: Wilbur Smith Score 4 This testosterone charged book is about an ex-SAS officer, a now Private security officer who has a vendetta against a terrorist psychopath who killed his wife. This terrorist is on Death Row but he escapes and the ex-SAS officer is hard wired to snare the killer. The members felt that this book had very unbelievable characters, it was boringly violent and had no depth to the story.