Stoke Book Chat March
For more information on our book groups,see our website.
Spy Hook by Len Deighton1st book in the Hook Line and Sinker trilogy.
Our reader really enjoyed re-reading this much-loved title. Wikipedia gives a little background…
Spy Hook is a 1988 spy novel by Len Deighton. It is the first novel in the second of three trilogies about Bernard Samson, a middle-aged and somewhat jaded intelligence officer working for the British Secret Intelligence Service (MI6).
Without Reservations by Alice Steinbach
Autobiographical in nature this work is a travel diary of sorts and covers a year in Steinbach’s life during which she travels through Europe and finds herself. Although enjoyable, our reader tired of it ‘got a bit fed-up with it’.
Would that be Funny? : Growing up with John Clarke, by Lorin Clarke.
Lorin Clarke tells the story of growing up with her famous father, known to most of us as Fred Dagg. Lorin is author of the celebrated podcast The Fitzroy Diaries, and her book is about her idyllic, funny, and loving childhood, and importantly about being able to laugh at yourself. Her writing paints an intimate portrait of an iconic man.
Pioneer Passengers : to Nelson by Sailing Ship, March 1842 – June 1843 by June Neale
This is a continuation of Neale's ‘Landfall Nelson’; charting the journeys and subsequent fortunes of settlers who sailed into Nelson on the fifteen ships that followed the first four New Zealand Company ships.
The Blue Castle by L. M. Montgomery
After receiving bad news from her doctor Valency Stirling (29 years of age) finds the courage to rebel against her strict family, and the label of ‘old maid’, to strike out on her own adventures.
Escape to the River Sea : Inspired by the World of Eva Ibbotson, by Emma Carroll
It’s 1946, and Rosa, originally a child Evacuee to England, is still waiting for her family to claim her when she is swept up into an adventure in the Amazon rain forest by friend of the family Yara Fielding.
This work features places and characters known by fans of Journey to the River Sea by Eva Ibbotson.)
Anne’s Tragical Tea Party by K. George, illustrated by Abigail Halpin. Anne Chapter Book, 4. [Illustrated adaptation of L.M Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables]
A delightfully illustrated adaptation of part of Anne of Green Gables.
The Air Raid Book Club by Annie Lyons
Set in London in 1938; Bingham Books, doesn’t feel the same to Gertie Bingham since the death of her husband Harry. Gertie is considering giving up the book shop when refugee Hedy comes to stay with her. Hedy is wilful and fearless and reminds Gertie of herself as a young woman. When the blitz starts Gertie and Hedy hatch a plan to start an air raid book club.
Our reader was a boy in England during the Second World War and reported that reading this book was exactly like it all happened.
The Other Side of Beautiful by Kim Lock
A house fire would be a challenge for anyone, but for Mercy Blain, who hasn’t left her house for two years, it appears to be catastrophic. It’s said that every cloud has a silver lining, and this disaster sets Mercy and Wasabi – her support dog, on a road trip and journey of self-discovery.
Three Women and a Boat by Anne Youngson
This is the story of three unlikely and completely inexperienced boat-mates, who embark on a journey through the canals of England. A delightful read by the author of Meet Me at the Museum.
Jason Bourne Series – first in the series: Bourne Legacy by Robert Ludlum. (The series has had various authors: Robert Ludlum, Eric Van Lustbader, Brian Freeman)
Jason Bourne has retrograde amnesia and must seek to discover his true identity.
Wild Mountain Thyme by Rosamund Pilcher
Rosamund Pilcher’s works are about people and relationships, with a strong sense of place. In this one Oliver Dobbs shows up with his toddler son, on the doorstep of his long ago ex-girlfriend Victoria Bradshaw, and persuades Victoria to take a trip with him.
