The Memory Keeper’s Daughter by Jodie Picoult

The Memory Keeper's Daughter

'Interesting'

....  The reading group thought this was an interested idea, very believable, very Jodie Picoult!

....  An enjoyable Chinese at Artisam in Corbridge.  

....  A non-fiction choice for next month.  Join us and let us know what you think of the voyage of

Shackleton in ...

ENDURANCE by ALFRED LANSING

 

30 April 2008

The House at Riverton by Kate Morton

The House at Riverton

'Family Saga'



....  Another long book, 500 pages to be exact.  A good family saga, very readable, but not memorable.

....  Ventured out to Ponteland tonight.  The Old Smithy.  Very good food and very good service.  We all enjoyed this bistro very much, but alas, it is now a Chinese Restaurant.  Same owner as Artisam in Corbridge.  We may give it a try soon!

....  Join us next month and let us share view on the very popular ...

THE MEMORY KEEPER'S DAUGHTER by KIM EDWARDS



18 March 2008

The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet

The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett

'Epic'

....  Poor reading performance this month. Many were overwhelmed by the sheer size of the book.  The ones that read it, on the other hand, thought it to be an epic novel.  Full of history.  Very well written both on the descriptive side and the suspense side.   You'll never look at a church or castle in quite the same way again!

....  We tried the Valley in Hexham tonight and found it to be every bit as good as the Valley in Corbridge.  

....  Join us for another long read next month when we will be commenting on ...

THE HOUSE AT RIVERTON by KATE MORTON

22 January 2008

Slam by Nick Hornby

Slam by Nick Hornby

'Disappointing'

 

 

 

 

....  This book was very disappointing.  The premise was good, but poorly achieved.  Quite depressing really. Although we may have reached that conclusion because we are all middle aged women with teenage sons. Hornby does manage to write from the teenagers point of view quite convincingly, perhaps losing the sympathy of the older reader, its hard to remember how you think at that age, but its definitely different to the way we think at forty! Read this book with a pinch of salt and try not to relate it to your own life, after all it is aimed at teenagers. It would be interesting to hear the views of anyone under twenty who has read this book, please leave a comment 

 

....  Bouchon, French Bistro in Hexham was to venue for tonight.  Most thought the meal to be a disappointment.  You have to be careful to choose wisely.  Also, if we drive we like a lot of water.  We don't like to pay for mineral water.  Water was definitely in short supply.  No carafes available, poor waiter kept very busy filling glasses.

 

....  Book choice for next month is a recommendation  ...

 

 

THE PILLARS OF THE EARTH by KEN FOLLET

 

 

 

 

 

12 December 2007

Alone on a Wide Sea by Michael Morpurgo

Alone on a Wide Sea by Michael Morpurgo

'Interesting Story'

....  An interesting, pleasant story. Very believable, but not gripping enough.  The first half of the book is better than the second half.

....  An Indian for a change.  Booked a table at the Di Wan E Am in Hexham.  Very nice curry.

....  Choice of book for this month is ....

SLAM by NICK HORNBY



November 2007

Dissolution by C J Sansom

Dissolution by C J Sansom

'Historical Whodunit'

....  This was a popular, historical whodunit.  The majority of the group enjoyed this book.

....  We didn't make a note of where we dined, maybe, it wasn't memorable!

....  Another children's author this month ...

ALONE ON A WIDE SEA by MICHAEL MORPURGO

4 September 2007

The Complete Pratt by David Nobbs

The Complete Pratt by David Nobbs

'A Promising Triolgy'

....  This book was a bit too long and a bit too slow to start, but stick with it ... a promising trilogy.

....  We discussed the Complete Pratt and The Wellington in Riding Mill.  Quite an extensive menu which is very worrying - microwaves and freezers come to mind.  Although we must admit, we did have a good meal.  We must have chosen wisely!

....  Join us next month to tell us what you think of the next choice - a historical whodunit ...

DISSOLUTION by C J SANSOM

10 July 2007

Small Island by Andrea Levy

Small Island by Andrea Levy

'Well Written, but Slow'

....  This book was well written, but very slow.  It was interesting to see how we treated the people who came to help us during the war and the beginnings of cultures coming together.

....  We decided to take a trip over to Barrasford and dined at the Barrasford Arms.  Good food on offer tonight.  Well worth the journey.  Small and cosy.

....  Another David Nobb's book on offer tonight. Please join us in a constructive critique next time..

THE COMPLETE PRATT by DAVID NOBBS

15 May 2007

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne

'Chilling Short Story'

....  We are loved this Chilling Short Story.  Firstly, because it was quite short and secondly, this story had a chilling twist.  Excellent read.  The book was also made into a film which, again, was very good.  A few slight changes, but, on the whole, very good.

....  Back to the General Havelock for a lovely meal and the same wine we had last time.

....  Join us next month to critique our next choice ...

SMALL ISLAND by ANDREA LEVY

1 March 2007

The Officer’s Ward by Marc Dugain

The Officer's Ward by Marc Dugain

'A Worthwhile Read'

....  We all enjoyed this very short, powerful novel.  A good insight into the aftermath of the first world war.  Very commendable. An excellent choice.

....  Can't believe, we are off to the Carts Bog Inn at Langley again.  We keep being drawn to the cosy fires and good, value for money, food, in the winter months.

....  A children's book with an adult subject is the next choice ....

THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PYJAMAS by JOHN BOYNE

23 January 2006



My Sister’s Keeper by Bernadine Kennedy

My Sister's Keeper by Bernadine Kennedy

'How was it Published'

....  We are at a loss for words.  Absolute Rubbish!  How it was given 5* on Amazon we will never know.  Bad writing, bad story, bad, bad, bad.  How was it every published, we ask?

....  Back to the Errington Arms, Stagshaw, one of our favourite haunts.  Always a good fire going, good ambiance and good food at a reasonable price.

....  For 2007, its back to the First World War for our next read.  Comments please for ...

THE OFFICER'S WARD by MARC DUGAIN

November 2006

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

'Frighteningly Educational'

 

 

 

 

....  This book became a real page turner after the first third of the book. Again, as with the last book, Of Human Bondage, it has a very unattractive central character.  There were lots of tears and it was quite harrowing at times.  Thought provoking, educational and frightening are the words which spring to mind.  This book very soon became a film which, we thought, was very true to the book.  We all enjoyed the film which brought a tear to our eyes!

 

....  The food tonight was provided by Danielles's Bistro in Hexham.  Our first visit to this Bistro and the food was very good, especially the starters.  Due to the quietness of a mid-week night out, a hovering waiter was a bit off putting.

 

....  A unusual choice of book for the next read.  The theme was to go for books with different stories, but the same title, ie ....

 

 

MY SISTER'S KEEPER by BERNADINE KENNEDY

 

 

 

 

 

 

19 September 2006

Of Human Bondage by Somerset Maughan

Of Human Bondage by Somerset Maughan

'Emotional Rollercoaster'

....  This book was very well written which made it a joy to read. However, the group felt it had no wow factor. The main character was not liked by all.  It was a bit miserable, heavy and pretentious at times.

....  The Angle Inn in Corbridge was our choice of venue for tonight. A popular choice even though we feel the service lets the place down somewhat.  No wine tonight, driving, fizzy mineral water very good though!

....  Join us next month and let us know if we share the same views on the, very popular ...

THE KITE RUNNER by KHAED HOSSEINI

15 August 2006

House of Stone by Christina Lamb

House of Stone by Christina Lamb

'Non-Fiction needed more Fiction'

....  This non-fiction book was very informative and very well balanced .  I certainly was a very good read on the whole, but would have benefited from a little more fiction.

....  We really splashed out tonight ...  Langley Castle, very up market!  A little intimidating, but a fantastic setting and exceptional service.  Quite expensive, but worth it.  Our chosen wine was a Sauvignon Blanc, Marquise de Chaisse - very nice.

....  Back to the classics for next month's read.  Tell us what you think of ....

OF HUMAN BONDAGE by SOMERSET MAUGHAN

28 June 2006



My Sister’s Keeper by Jodie Picoult

My Sister's Keeper by Jodie Picoult

'Lots of Emotional Issues to Deal With'

 

 

 

 

 

 

....  This book turned out to be very good.  It was a very easy read, a good pager turner.  Factually, it was incorrect but that did not detract from the twists which followed and the surprisingly sad ending.  The book was then made into a film which was harrowing if you have children, but very true to the book.

 

....  We visited the Robin Hood Pub on the Military Road.  Usually a good pub with good food.  However, we must have chosen the 'OFF NIGHT', very disappointing.  However, we always give the benefit of the doubt and, good or bad, we will be visiting again, to compare.  No wine again.  The pub is a little out of the way, we were all driving.

 

....  A non-fiction book has been put forward for the next read.  Why don't you join us with your views next time ...

 

 

HOUSE OF STONE by CHRISTINA LAMB

 

 

 





                                                                                                                                               1 May 2006

The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella

The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella

'Trashy Page Turner'

....  This, indeed, was a very easy read, a real page turner - rather trashy though!   A very forgettable book and not written particularly well.

....  Our dining experience was to be in Artisam, the Chinese restaurant in Corbridge, previously, 

Al Ponte, Italian.  The food was exceptionally good, very fresh tasting.  No wine tonight.

....  Join us next month, for what, we hope, will be a page turner!  Another Richard and Judy bookclub recommendation ..

MY SISTER'S KEEPER by JODIE PICOULT

1 March 2006 

The Time Traveller’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

The Time Travellers Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

  

 Exploring the Space Time Continuum at The Carts Bog Inn

....  This was a thought provoking read that required a large degree of concentration to understand the rules of time travel, we felt that in some parts the author did not  exploit the concept fully. The book has since been made into a movie which seems to add clarity to the plot.

....  On this occasion we made a return trip to the Carts Bog where we received a warm welcome and enjoyed some good home cooking, pleased to see the coal fire burning. Nothing worse than a cold restaurant!

Join us again and share our views on .....

THE UNDOMESTIC GODDESS by SOPHIE KINSELLA

 

24th January 2006

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin

'A Classic'

....  Plenty of parallels regarding class.  A real favourite with one in our group.  We also enjoyed the TV series, or should I say we all enjoyed Colin Firth !

....  Couldn't dine out tonight.  Husbands working again.  Had a curry takeaway, spicy!

....  Something new recommended by other book groups is to be our next choice ..

TIME TRAVELLER'S WIFE by AUDREY NIFFENEGGER

Late November/Early December 2005

Mary Mary by James Patterson

Mary Mary by James Patterson

               A cliche on every page ............

....  We all finished this book, mainly because it was so easy to read, lacking in any real twists it was instantly forgettable. A unanimous verdict .... rubbish.

....  Our meeting took place at The General Havelock in Haydon Bridge, a surprisingly large pub restaurant that served quite an interesting menu. Last months wine was so good that we were pleased to see it on the wine list of the General Havelock and all enjoyed a glass of Gran Hacienda , Sauvignon Blanc 2005, Chilean , Santa Rita. Had no luck finding it in supermarket!

....  Dont forget to tune in next time when we will discuss an English classic that couldn't be further removed from the above. We all know we're in for a good read over the next few days as we enjoy

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE by JANE AUSTEN

   

11 October 2005

Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell

Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell

'Highlights Class Divides'

 

 

 

 

 

....  It was a 'so far so good' read.  Good comments, but nobody had finished the book.  It was very long.  It certainly highlighted the class divides.

 

....  A new restaurant opened in Hexham.  The Green Room located at Hexham Station - the old waiting room.  A lovely menu and a lovely plate of food.  Excellent service.  Worth every penny of the £30.00 per head.  Gran Hacienda, Sauvignon Blanc, 2005, Chilean, Santa Rita, was so good, we all complimented and agreed it was worth a mention so we could look out for it in the supermarket.

 

....  We've decided to turn detective for the next choice ...

 

 

 

MARY MARY by JAMES PATTERSON

 

 

 

 

 

 

14 September 2005

Past Mortem by Ben Elton

Past Mortem by Ben Elton

'A Quick and Easy Read'

 

 

 

 

 

....  This was a definite page turner.  We all found it to be a quick and easy read, but, not profound. We will certainly remember the dirty sex scene!

 

....  We dined at the Errington Arms, Stagshaw.  Always a firm favourite.  Good pub food with a twist.  Warm and friendly, so we can chat until late.  Remember to take your glasses for the blackboard menu!

 

....  Back to the classics for our next read ....

 

 

                  WIVES AND DAUGHTERS by ELIZABETH GASKELL

 

 

 

 

 

10 August 2005

Charlotte Gray by Sebastian Faulkes

Charlotte Gray by Sebastian Faulkes

'A Page Turner - Just'

....  We all enjoyed the story and agreed it was a page turner, but not a 'couldn't put it down' page turner!

....  Our venue tonight was The Travellers Rest near Slaley.  A reputation for grumpy management!  Nice food, no grumpiness to report!

....  The next installment takes a lighter tone ..

PAST MORTEM by BEN ELTON

 

28 June 2005

Far from the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy

Far from the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy

'Lovely Atmospheric Writing'

....  This was nominated as the best book to date.  A real page turner and as the quote above states, 'lovely atmospheric writing'

....  We met at Dalchini's in Hexham.  A new Indian Restaurant.  The food was good and a little different from the usual Indian Restaurants in Hexham, however, their success was short lived as it was closed down not long after. 

....  Something a little more serious has been chosen for next month's offering  ...

CHARLOTTE GREY by SEBASTIAN FAWKES

Behind the Scenes at the Museum by Kate Atkinson

Behind the Scenes at the Museum by Kate Atkinson

 

'Good Historical Setting'

 

 

 

 

....  It was agreed that there were too many characters, although they were interesting.  Good historical scene setting, but too many flashbacks.

 

....   We dined at Victuals in Corbridge which we really enjoyed but, alas, is no more.

 

....  The next instalment will be  ..

 

 

 



Sex and Other Changes by David Nobbs

Sex and Other Changes by David Nobbs

'Lightweight but Good Entertainment'

....  Everyone enjoyed this humorous book.  The characters were good, as was the plot.  Can't wait to see if this one ever becomes a film!

....  We dined at Roue.

....  The next book, for your information, is

BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE MUSEUM by KATE ATKINSON