Embedded Files
Meeting on Tuesday, 17th June 2025
Meeting on Tuesday, 17th June 2025
Gabriel’s Moon by William Boyd
Gabriel’s Moon by William Boyd
Click here for full meeting notes by Fiona
Twelve members met in the garden at the Alexandra Arms public house. It was a warm and sunny day so we were able to sit in the garden for the first time.
Twelve members met in the garden at the Alexandra Arms public house. It was a warm and sunny day so we were able to sit in the garden for the first time.
Before the meeting we had voted on the next books to read which are listed at the end of the notes.
The next meeting on 15th July will be the Glittering Prizes 15th birthday. The Alexandra Arms will allow us to bring in some cake to celebrate this fantastic achievement. Thank you in advance to Sarah for making the cake.
Irene had nominated the book and very kindly lead the meeting.
Irene showed us a photo of Blaise Metreweli who will become the head of MI6 later this year.
VOTING (twelve in person)
9 x 1
8 x 3
7 x 3
6 x 1
5 x 1
4 x 2
3 x 1
Average 6.33
Goodreads 4.05
Amazon 4.3
LITERARY AWARDS
Amazon Best Book of the Month (Mystery Thriller)
Quizlit Book of the Month 2025
...
Meeting on Tuesday, 20th May 2025
Meeting on Tuesday, 20th May 2025
The Vegetarian by Han Kang
The Vegetarian by Han Kang
Click here for full meeting notes by Fiona
Nine members met in the garden room at the Alexandra Arms public house. It was a sunny day but a little chilly so we stayed in the garden room. Irene has booked the room for the meeting in June.
Two books were added to the suggestions list: ‘Clear’ by Carys Davies and ‘James’ by Percival Everett.
Anne had nominated the book and very kindly lead the meeting.
VOTING (nine in person and two by email)
10 x 1
9 x 3
8 x 1
7 x 4
6 x 1
5 x 1
Average 7.64
Goodreads 3.64
Amazon 3.7
LITERARY AWARDS
Man Booker International Prize 2016 winner
In July 2024, the novel was placed 49th in The New York Times’s 100 Best Books of the 21st Century.
Meeting on Tuesday, 15th April 2025
Meeting on Tuesday, 15th April 2025
My Friends by Hisham Matar
My Friends by Hisham Matar
Click here for full meeting notes by Fiona
Ten members met in the back room at the Alexandra Arms public house since the garden room had already been booked (Irene has booked the garden room for next month). It had rained heavily in the morning and was still overcast at the time of the meeting so we were not able to sit outside. The back room was quite noisy but the music had been turned off and we were a small group so it was fairly easy to hear the discussion.
Unfortunately, one member is no longer able to commit to the group and has resigned. We are now back to 15 members.
Sharon had nominated the book and very kindly lead the meeting.
VOTING (ten in person and two by email)
10 x 1
9.5 x 1
9 x 6
8 x 2
6 x 2
Average 8.46
Meeting on Tuesday, 18th March 2025
Meeting on Tuesday, 18th March 2025
Thunderclap A memoir of art and life & Sudden Death by Laura Cumming
Thunderclap A memoir of art and life & Sudden Death by Laura Cumming
Click here for full meeting notes by Fiona
Fourteen members met in the garden room at the Alexandra Arms public house. It was a sunny but cold day and we were wonderfully warm in the heated garden room. We also celebrated the birthday of one of our founding members. Many happy returns!
Kevin had nominated the book and very kindly lead the meeting.
VOTING (in person only)
10 x 3
9 x 5
8 x 3
7 x 1
6 x 2
Average 8.429
Goodreads 4.18
Amazon 4.4
LITERARY AWARDS
Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction shortlist 2024
The Writers’ Prize Non-Fiction winner 2024
The Saltire Society – Scotland’s National Book Awards winner 2024
...
Meeting on Tuesday, 18th January 2025 notes by Fiona
Meeting on Tuesday, 18th January 2025 notes by Fiona
River East, River West by Aube Rey Lescure
River East, River West by Aube Rey Lescure
Click here for full meeting notes by Fiona
Ten members met in the garden room at the Alexandra Arms public house (our new regular venue). It was a beautiful sunny but very cold day and we were wonderfully warm in the heated garden room. Thank you Anne for sorting that for us.
Sarah had nominated the book and very kindly lead the meeting.
VOTING (ten in person and three by email)
10 x 1
9 x 1
8.5 x 3
8 x 2
7 x 6
Average 7.88
Goodreads 4.02
Amazon 4.3
LITERARY AWARDS
Women’s Prize for Fiction shortlist 2024
The Maya Angelou Book Award shortlist 2024
International Dublin Literary Award longlist 2025
...
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
Meeting on Tuesday, 21st January 2025 notes by Fiona
Meeting on Tuesday, 21st January 2025 notes by Fiona
Click here for full meeting notes by Fiona
Twelve members met in the garden room at the Alexandra Arms public house due to a power cut at the Cambridge Blue. We have decided to use the new venue (or previous venue for those long standing members of the book group) for our meeting in February as we were able to hear each other and also order food!! It was a cold, grey day and the garden room was not heated but should be for our next meeting. Thank you Anne for having a chat with the barman who will arrange that for us.
We had a discussion about the Prize Lists criteria:
It was agreed to add the Nero Book Award (started in 2023) and remove the Costa Book Awards which stopped in February 2022.
We all agreed not to include the GoodReads Choice Awards.
It was also agreed to add the Nobel Prize in Literature and remove the two years restriction for this award.
We also discussed whether we should only read fiction books but it was agreed that since we all vote on the books we read as a group to keep non-fiction book suggestions.
If anyone knows of any other book awards we can add to the lists please mention it at future meetings. The current list of Prize Lists is at the end of these notes.
Irene had nominated the book and Richard very kindly lead the meeting.
VOTING (eleven in person, two by email and one abstention)
8 x 3
7 x 4
6 x 3
5 x 2
3 x 1
Average 6.38
Goodreads 3.96
Amazon 4.2
...
Meeting on 10th December 2024
The Glittering Prizes Christmas Party
Click here for full meeting notes by Fiona
Meeting on 19th November 2024
Old God’s Time by Sebastian Barry
Meeting Notes by Fiona
Click here for full meeting notes by Fiona
Ten members met on a cold, wet day inside the Cambridge Blue public house.
Valentina had nominated the book but was not able to attend the meeting and so Irene very kindly stepped in to lead the meeting.
We discussed Christmas plans and Irene and various members will be in contact with further details of our annual year end reviews, quizzes, games and food. Unfortunately, the pub will not allow us to bring our own food (not even a cake) and so the party will now be held in Irene’s home on Tuesday, 10th December.
We also discussed the next books to be read by the group (details at the end of these notes).
VOTING (ten in person and four by email)
9 x 3
8 x 7
7 x 2
5 x 2
Average 7.64
Goodreads 3.84
Amazon 4.0
LITERARY AWARDS
2024 Dublin Literary Award shortlisted
2023 Booker Prize longlisted
...
Meeting on 15th October 2024, Meeting Notes by Sharon
Click here for full meeting notes by Sharon
Soldier Sailor by Claire Kilroy
Ten of us met at the Cambridge Blue and one member sent her comments and score.
Fiona had proposed the book and kindly led the meeting with Sharon taking notes.
Voting:
9 x 5
7 x 2
6 x 3
5 x 1
Average score 7.45
Click here for full meeting notes by Sharon
...
Meeting on 17th September 2024
Enter Ghost by Isabella Hammad
Click here for full meeting notes by Fiona
Thirteen members and two new members met on a warm and sunny day in the garden of the Cambridge Blue public house.
Mary had nominated the book and very kindly lead the meeting.
We welcomed Anne to the group who has previously been with Talk About Books. We also welcomed Meaghan who was introduced to the group by a previous member.
We agreed to move the December meeting to Tuesday, 10th December. Irene has discussed the Christmas party plans with the manager of the Cambridge Blue pub and it has been confirmed we are allowed to bring our own food to share on the day.
Voting (fifteen in person)
9 x 3
8.5 x 3
8 x 3
7 x 2
6 x 1
5 x 1
4 x 1
3 x 1
Average 7.23
Goodreads 4.09
Amazon 4.1
...
Meeting on 20th August 2024
The House of Doors by Tan Twan Eng
Click here for full meeting notes by Fiona
Ten members met outside in the garden of the Cambridge Blue public house. It was a warm and sunny day when we arrived but it rained heavily during the meeting.
Jill had nominated the book and very kindly lead the meeting.
We voted for the December book to be Old God’s Time by Sebastian Barry suggested by Valentina
Voting (ten in person and one by email)
10 x 1
9.5 x 1
9 x 6
8.5 x 2
8 x 1
Average 8.95
Goodreads 4.14
Amazon 4.5
...
Meeting on 16th July 2024
What You are looking for is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama
Click here for full meeting notes by Fiona
Ten members met inside the Cambridge Blue public house. It had rained heavily the night before and although dry at the start of the meeting it began to rain by the end. Raincoats and umbrellas were needed when we left the pub.
Irene had nominated the book and very kindly lead the meeting.
Marion has resigned from the group and there is now a vacancy for a new member.
We voted for our next reads, which will be:
September – ‘Enter Ghost’ by Isabella Hammad
October – ‘Soldier Sailor’ by Claire Kilroy
Voting (ten in person and one by email)
10 x 1
8 x 1
7 x 2
6 x 2
5 x 2
4 x 3
Average 6.0
Goodreads 4.10
Amazon 4.3
BESTSELLER:
Two million copy bestselling international novel
The Top Ten Times bestseller
A Time Magazine Book of the Year
...
Meeting on 18th June 2024
Cuddy by Benjamin Myers
Click here for full meeting notes by Fiona
Nine members met on an overcast but warm day (after a very wet spring) outside in the garden of the Cambridge Blue public house.
Irene had nominated the book and very kindly lead the meeting.
Maxine has resigned from the group and there is now a vacancy for a new member.
We voted for our August read which will be House of Doors by Tan Twan Eng
Voting (nine in person and one by email)
9 x 1
8 x 3
7 x 1
6 x 2
5 x 3
Average 6.7
Goodreads 4.36
Amazon 4.4
LITERARY AWARDS:
The Goldsmiths Prize winner 2023
The Winston Graham Historical Prize winner 2024
Royal Society of Literature Ondaatje Prize shortlist 2024
The Walter Scott Historical Fiction Prize longlist 2024
Book of the Year 2023: The Times, Guardian, Telegraph and New Statesman
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
Meeting on 21st May 2024
Click here for full meeting notes by Fiona
Ten members met on an overcast and not very warm spring day inside the Cambridge Blue public house.
Paola had nominated the book and very kindly lead the meeting.
Voting (ten in person and two by email)
9 x 8
8.5 x 2
8 x 1
7 x 1
Average 8.67
Goodreads 4.51
Amazon 4.6
LITERARY AWARDS:
Pulitzer Prize for Fiction winner 2023
British Book Award for Pageturner shortlist 2024
Orwell Prize for Political Fiction shortlist 2023
Women’s Prize for Fiction winner 2023
Goodreads Choice Award for Fiction 2022
James Tait Black Prize for Fiction winner 2022
An Oprah’s Book Club Pick
Book at Bedtime on BBC Radio 4
A Ghost in the Throat by Doireann Ní Ghríofa
Meeting on 16th April 2024
Click here for full meeting notes by Fiona
Thirteen members met on a dull, chilly day in April inside the Cambridge Blue public house. We welcomed Maxine to the group.
Mary had nominated the book and kindly lead the meeting.
Voting (in person)
10 x 2
9 x 2
8 x 2
7 x 1
6 x 5
5 x 1
Average 7.38
Goodreads 4.04/5 (75% 4 and 5 stars)
James Tait Black Memorial Prize for Biography (2020) - winner
Desmond Elliott Prize (2021) - longlist
National Book Critics Circle Award for Autobiography (2021) - finalist
Republic of Consciousness Prize (2021) – shortlist
Irish Book Awards Non-Fiction Book of the Year (2020)
Foyles Non-Fiction Book of the Year (2020)
The Restless Republic: Britain Without a Crown by Anna Kea
Meeting on 19th March 2024
Click here for full Meeting Notes by Fiona
Eleven members met on a dull day in March with spring just around the corner. It was still chilly so we met inside the Cambridge Blue public house. We welcomed Jill back to the group.
Fiona had nominated the book and Irene very kindly lead the meeting.
Voting (eleven in person and two by email)
10 x 2
9 x 1
8 x 6
7 x 3
6 x 1
Average 8
Goodreads 4.38/5
Amazon 4.6/5
Winner of the Duff Cooper Prize for Non-Fiction, 2022
Shortlisted for the Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction, 2022
The Sunday Times History Book of the Year, 2022
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin notes by Fiona
Meeting on 20th February 2024
Click here for full Meeting Notes by Fiona
Eleven members met on a dull chilly February day inside the Cambridge Blue public house.
Julie had nominated the book and Paola very kindly lead the meeting.
Voting (eleven in person and three by email)
9 x 4
8 x 7
7 x 1
5 x 2
Average 7.79
Goodreads 4.19/5
Amazon 4.3/5
New York Times Best Seller
Sunday Times Best Seller
Goodreads Choice Award 2022 Winner
Waterstones Fiction Book of the Month for July 2023
The Books Are My Bag Reader’s Awards Fiction Winner 2023
Radio 2 Book Club Pick
Jimmy Fallon Book Club Pick
Grazia Summer Reading Pick
...
The Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris, notes by Fiona
Meeting on 16th January 2024
Click here for full Meeting Notes by Fiona
All fourteen current members met on a sunny but very cold day inside an equally chilly Cambridge Blue public house on Gwydir Street for the first book discussion meeting of the year. Valentina brought along some pastries and chocolates to share.
Sarah had nominated the book and very kindly lead the meeting.
Voting
10 x 1
9 x 4
8 x 6
7 x 1
6 x 1
5 x 1
Average 8.0
Nathan Harris is from Oregon but moved to San Francisco after graduating from the University of Oregon. He now lives in Texas. This is his first novel and it was published in July 2021 when he was 29 years old.
Booker Prize for Longlist (2021)
Dylan Thomas Prize. (2022)
Goodreads Choice Award for Historical Fiction and Debut Novels (2021)
RUSA CODES Reading List for Historical Fiction (2022)
Ernest J. Gaines Award for Literary Excellence (2021)
New York Times Bestseller
Oprah Book Club Pick
Barack Obama Summer Reading 2021 Selection
DECEMBER Tuesday 12th 2023
Glittering Prizes 2023 Christmas Literary Event
Click here for full Meeting Notes by Fiona
Thirteen members met on a grey damp day (with occasional glimpses of sunshine). Irene very kindly hosted us at her house. There were two apologies.
Food and drink were supplied by members of the group (the food being especially noteworthy).
The agenda of the meeting was as follows:
Review this year’s discussions
Awarding the year’s Glittering Prize🏆
The Conversation Jar
Barn Tub Lucky Dip
Famous Last Words
The Alphabet Challenge
Picture Quiz
Starting Points
Off Piste – best books you have read this year
Next Year
2023 Off Piste - Personal Favourites
NOVEMBER Tuesday 21st, 2023
The Bass Rock by Evie Wyld, suggested by Mary
Click here for full Meeting Notes by Fiona
Eleven members met on a grey drizzly day inside the Cambridge Blue public house on Gwydir Street for the last book discussion meeting of the year. There were four apologises. Mary had nominated the book and very kindly lead the meeting.
Voting (11 at the meeting and 2 on email)
9 x 2
8 x 2
7 x 3
6 x 1
5 x 4
4 x 1
Average 6.54
Click here for full Meeting Notes by Fiona
...
OCTOBER Tuesday 17th 2023
Motherwell: A girlhood by Deborah Orr
Voting
8 x 3
7 x 3
6 x 2
4 x 1
3 x 1
Average 6.4
Click here for full Meeting Notes by Fiona
SEPTEMBER Tuesday 19th, 2023
Lessons by Ian McEwan
Click here for full Meeting Notes by Fiona
⬇️9 members met on a windy end of summer day inside the Cambridge Blue public house on Gwydir Street. There were six apologises. Irene had nominated the book and very kindly lead the meeting.
Voting (8 at the meeting and 1 on email)😐
9 x 4
8 x 1
7 x 3
6 x 1
(one member came to the meeting but had not finished the book and did not vote)
Average 7.89
...
AUGUST Tuesday 15th, 2023
The Sentence by Louise Erdrich
Click here for full Meeting Notes by Fiona
11 members met outside on a beautiful warm sunny day after a month of rain in the garden of the Cambridge Blue public house on Gwydir Street. There were four apologises. Kevin had nominated the book and very kindly lead the meeting. He also sang some Johnny Cash for us all.
Voting (11 at the meeting and 1 on email)
10 x 1
9 x 1
8.5 x 2
8 x 1
7.5 x 1
7 x 3
6 x 1
5 x 2
Average 7.38
JULY 18th 2023
Small Things LIke These by Claire Keegan suggested by Sharon
Ten club members met in the sunny garden of The Cambridge Blue on 18th July 2023. Sharon had nominated this book and very kindly ran the meeting.
Votes by fourteen members:❤️
10 x 9
9 x 4
8 x 1
Average 9.57❤
JUNE 20th 2023 Tuesday
The Island of Missing Trees
By Elif Shafak
Ten club members met in the muggy garden of The Cambridge Blue on 20th June 2023. Kevin very kindly ran the meeting.
Votes by thirteen members:
9 x 3
8 x 5
7 x 4
6 x 1
Average 7.7
MAY 16th 2023 Tuesday
Lesson in Chemistry
By Bonnie Garmus
👍Twelve club members met in the sunny garden of The Cambridge Blue on 16th May 2023. Julie very kindly ran the meeting
Votes by eleven members:
9 x 5
8 x 4
5 x 1
4 x 1
Average 7.82
APRIL 18th 2023 Tuesday
Love and Other Thought Experiments by Sophie Ward
Voting
Out of the 15 members of the book group:
3 didn’t finish the book (one did vote)
2 didn’t read the book
2 made no comment
9 members of the group made the following votes:
8 x 1
7 x 2
6 x 1
5 x 2
4 x 1
3 x 1
2 x 1
Average 5.22❌
Meeting Notes by Fiona
MARCH 21st 2023 Tuesday
Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason
Voting
10 x 1
9 x 2
8 x 4
7 x 3
6 x 1
5 x 1
4 x 1
Average 7.38
Meeting Notes by Fiona
FEBRUARY 21st 2023 Tuesday, Cambridge
The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne suggested by Mary
Voting
10 x 3
9.5 x 1
9 x 5
8 x 1
4 x 2
Average 8.375✅ ✅
Meeting Notes by Fiona
JANUARY 13th 2023 Tuesday, Cambridge
Great Circle, by Maggie Shipstead, suggested by Victoria
Voting: 9 voters (1 by email)
10 x 1
9.5 x 1
9 x 2
8.5 x 3
7.5 x 1
6.5 x 1
4 x 1
Average 8.1 ✅
Meeting Notes by Fiona
DECEMBER 13th 2022 Tuesday, Christmas LIterary Event
...
NOVEMBER 15th 2022 Tuesday Zoom
The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley
Voting: 13 voters (3 by email)
7 x 4, 6 x 5, 5 x 3, 4 x 1
Average 5.9
OCTOBER 2022 Tuesday 18th Cambridge Blue
Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
11 voters:
Voting 8 x 5, 7 x 5, 5 x 1 ( 1 vote by email)
Average 6.9
SEPTEMBER 2022 Tuesday 20th, Cambridge Blue and two on Whatsapp
The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles
12 voters:
Voting 10 x 1, 9 x 5, 8 x 4, 6 x 2 (DNF x 1)
Average 8.25
AUGUST 2022 Tuesday 16th, Cambridge Blue and one on Whatsapp
A Room Made of Leaves by Kate Grenville
11 voters:
Voting 9 x 2, 8 x 4, 7 x 1, 6 x 1, 5 x 3
Average 7.09
JULY 2022 Tuesday 19th, Zoom
The Years by Annie Ernaux
8 voters:
Voting 9 x 1, 8 x 3, 7 x 2, 6 x 2
Average 7.4
JUNE 2022 Tuesday 21st, Cambridge Blue
The Promise by Damon Galgut
10 voters (1 by email):
Voting 9 x 3, 8 x 4, 7 x 1, 5 x 1, 3 x 1
Average 7.4
MAY 2022 Tuesday 17th, Cambridge Blue/WhatsApp
Still Life by Sarah Winman Suggested by Mary
Eight of us had a lovely sunny meeting in the garden at the Cambridge Blue, along with Irene on WhatsApp ( Apologies: Richard, Kevin and Sarah)
9 voters (2 by email):
Voting 10 x 3, 9.5 x 2, 9 x 2, 8 x 2, 7 x 2
Average 8.82
APRIL 2022 Tuesday 29th, Cambridge Blue/Zoom
Trio By William Boyd Suggested by Irene 27/10/2021
8 members met in the garden of the Cambridge Blue and were joined by 2 more on zoom.
12 voters (2 by zoom, 2 by email):
Voting 9 x 1, 8 x 3, 7 x 5, 6 x 1, 4 x 1, 3 x 1
Average 6.75
MARCH 2022 Tuesday 15th, Cambridge Blue/Zoom
Where the Crawdads Sing By Delia Owens Suggested by Fiona 13/11/2021
12 voters (2 by zoom): 9x4, 8x2, 7x3, 6x3,
Average 7.58
...
FEBRUARY 2022 Tuesday 15th, Zoom meeting
The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel suggested by Irene
11 voters (2 by email): 9x1, 8x7, 7x3
Average 7.8
...
JANUARY 2022 Tuesday 18th, Zoom meeting
Serotonin by Michel Houellebecq suggested by Irene
13 voters
LIKED : 8x1, 7x1, 6x3, 5x3, 3x3, 2x2
Average 4.7
WRITTEN : 10x1, 8x4, 7x3, 6x1, 5x1, 4x3
Average 6.6
...
DECEMBER 2021 Tuesday 14th, Zoom meeting
Book Recommendations from our Christmas Literary Festival
Valentina: The Art of Happiness (The Dalai Lama and Howard Cutler)
Sarah: Conundrum (Jan Morris)
Sharon: The Promise (Damon Galgut)
Victoria: The Glass Castle (Jeanette Walls)
Rosemary: Entangled Life (Merlin Sheldrake)
Richard: The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet (David Mitchell)
Mary: Still Life (Sarah Winman)
Kevin: The Pull of the Stars (Emma Domoghue)
Kaija: The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (Anne Brontë)
Fiona: Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell (Susanna Clarke)
Ashley: The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane (Lisa See)
Julie: The Road Trip (Beth O’Leary)
Irene: Serotonin (Michel Houellebecq)
Dorothy: I am, I am, I am (Maggie O’Farrell)
NOVEMBER 2021 Tuesday 16th, pub meeting
'Small Pleasures by Clare Chambers'. Kevin suggested this novel.
14 voters: 9x1, 8x6, 7.5x1, 7x3, 6x2, 4x1
Average 7.25
...
OCTOBER 2021 Tuesday 19th, pub meeting
'The Midnight Library' by Matt Haig, suggested by Sarah
13 voters: 8x5, 7x2, 6x3, 5x1, 4.5x1, 4x1
Average 6.6
...
SEPTEMBER 2021 Tuesday 21st September, Zoom meeting
'The Vanishing Half' by Brit Bennett, suggested by Victoria
13 voters: 9x1, 8x5, 7x6, 6x1
Average 7.5
...
AUGUST 2021 Tuesday 17th August, Zoom meeting
'Hamnet' by Maggie O'Farrell, suggested by Fiona
14 voters: 10x4, 9.5x1, 9x8, 8x1
Average 9.25
....
JULY 2021 Tuesday 20th July, Zoom meeting
'Spring' by Ali Smith, suggested by Irene
Voting: 9x2, 8x3, 7x4, 2x1, 1x2
Average 5.6 - which doesn’t really reflect the polarity of the vote and how popular it was. A marmite sort of book.
...
JUNE 2021 Tuesday 15th June, Zoom meeting
'10 Minutes 38 Seconds in this Strange World' by Elif Shafak, Suggested by Fiona
Voting: 10 x 1, 9 x 4(1 by email), 8 x 3, 7 x 4
12 voters: Average = 8.2
..
MAY 2021 Tuesday 18th May, Zoom meeting
'Shadowplay' by Joseph O'Connor
Voting: 9 x 5, 8 x 3, 7 x 3 (1 by email), 6.5 x 1, 6 x 1
13 voters: Average = 7.9
..
APRIL 2021 Tuesday 20th April, Zoom meeting
'Real Life' by Brandon Taylor Suggested by Sarah, 12/11/2020
Voting: 10 x 1, 8.5 x 1, 8 x 4 (1 by email), 7 x 5, 6 x 1, 4 x 1, 3 x 1 -
14 voters: Average = 7
..
MARCH 2021 Tuesday 16th Februrary, Zoom meeting
'On Chapel Sands: My Mother and Other Missing Persons' by Laura Cumming suggested by Richard
Voting: 10 x 2, 9 x 2, 8 x 5, 7 x 4, 6 x 2, 5 x 1.
16 voters = average 7.7
FEBRUARY 2021 Tuesday 16th February, Zoom meeting
The Confessions of Frannie Langton by Sara Collins
Voting: 9x1, 8x1, 7x3, 6x1
6 voters, average = 7.3
The Man who Saw Everything by Deborah Levy
Voting: 8x1, 7x3, 5x3, 4x1
8 voters, average = 6
The Five (The Untold Lives of the Women Killed by Jack the Ripper) by Hallie Rubenhold
Voting: 9x3, 8x2
5 voters, average = 8.6
..
JANUARY 2021 Tuesday 19th January, Zoom meeting
To Calais, In Ordinary Time - James Meek
Voting 10 x 1, 9 x 2, 8 x 1, 7 x 1, 5 x 1
6 voters, average = 8
Drive Your Plow Over The Bones of the Dead
Voting 10 x 1, 9 x 2, 8.5 x 1, 8 x 2, 7 x 1
7 voters, average = 8.5
Giver of stars by JoJo Moyes
Voting 10 x 2, 9 x 3, 8 x 1, 7 x 1, 6 x 1, 4 x 1
9 voters, average = 8
..
DECEMBER 2020 Tuesday 15th December, Zoom meeting
Christmas Party.
..
NOVEMBER 2020 Tuesday 17th November, Zoom meeting
The Memory Police' by Yoko Ogawa
Voters: 13 : 10 x 2, 9 x 3, 8 x 4, 7 x 1, 6 x 2 = 106
Average: 8.2
..
OCTOBER 2020 Tuesday 20th October our first Zoom meeting!
Night Boat to Tangier by Kevin Barry
Voters 12 : 10x2, 9.5x1, 8x3, 7x2, 6x1, 4x2, 3x1
Average: 7.1
SEPTEMBER 2020 Tuesday 15th September on the Lawn at St Matthews Gardens
Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams
11 voters : 6 + 6 + 7 + 8 + 7 + 6 + 7 + 6 + 9 + 7 + 8 = 77
Average = 7
Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo
13 voters :
5 + 9 + 9 + 7 + 6 + 7 + 8 + 7 + 9 + 7 + 8 + 5 + 7 = 94
Average = 7.23
AUGUST 2020 Tuesday 18th August on the Lawn
'Confession with Blue Horses' by Sophie Hardach, Shortlisted for the Costa Book Award 2019.
Voting: 9 x 5, 8 x 3, 7.5 x 1, 7 x 4, 5 x 2 = 15 voters
Average: 7.6
JULY 2020 Tuesday 14th en plein air
'Celestial Bodies' by Jokha Alharthi Winner of the Man Booker International Prize 2019
'The Friend' by Sigrid Nunez WINNER OF THE 2018 NATIONAL BOOK AWARD and a NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
'Swan Song' by Kelleigh Greenberg-Jephcott WINNER OF THE McKITTERICK PRIZE
No Voting
FEBRUARY 2020 Tuesday 11th, 'Meet Me at the Museum' by Anne Youngson SHORTLISTED FOR THE COSTA FIRST NOVEL AWARD 2018
Voting : 9 x 5; 8 x 6; 7 x 2; 5 x 3
Average : 7.6
JANUARY 2020 Tuesday 14th, 'Idaho' by Emily Ruskovich : Winner of the International Dublin Literary Award 2019
Voting : 9 x 1; 7 x 5; 6 x 2; 5 x 4; 4 x 1 (1 vote by email)
Average : 6.2
NOVEMBER Tuesday 12th, 'Normal People' by Sally Rooney : **Winner** Costa Novel Award 2018
Voting : 9 x 4; 8 x 5; 7 x 6; 6 x 2 (2 by email) Average
Average : 7.6
OCTOBER 2019 Tuesday 8th October, 'The Mars Room' by Rachel Kushner : shortlisted 2018 Man Booker Prize; received the 2018 Prix Médicis Étranger; received a Gold Medal for Fiction from the California Book Awards
Voting : 9 x 6 ; 8 x 4 ; 7 x 4 ; 6 x 2 (4 by email 2 not voting)
Average : 7.9
SEPTEMBER 2019 Tuesday 10th September, 'A Long Way From Home' by Peter Carey : Nominated for the International Dublin Literary Award 2019
Voting : 9 x 1, 8 x 5, 7 x 3, 6 x 1 10 votes (1 by email)
Average : 7.6
AUGUST 2019 Tuesday 13th August. 'The Cut Out Girl' by Bart Van Es WINNER OF THE COSTA BOOK OF THE YEAR 2018, and WINNER OF THE SLIGHTLY FOXED BEST FIRST BIOGRAPHY PRIZE 2018
Voting : 10 x 1, 9 x 7, 8 x 3, 7 x 1. 12 votes (2 by email)
Average : 8.67
JULY 2019 Tuesday 9th July, 'The Running Hare' by John Lewis-Stemple winner of the Thwaites Wainwright Prize
Voting : 8 x 1, 7 x 5, 6 x 2, 5 x 1, 4 x 3 : 12 votes (1 not read)
Average : 6.0
NE 2019 Tuesday 11th June, 'The Gallows Pole' by Benjamin Myers, Winner of the Walter Scott Prize for Historic Fiction 2018
Voting : 8 x 2, 7 x 2, 6 x 3, 5 x 1, 3 x 1, 2 x 1 : 10 votes (3 by email)
Average : 5.8
MAY 2019 Tuesday 14th June, The Long Take’ by by Robin Robertson, Shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2019.
Voting : 10 x 1, 9 x 3, 8 x 4 : 8 votes (2 by email).
Average : 8.69 x 6 ; 8 x 4 ; 7 x 4 ; 6 x 2 (4 by email 2 not voting) Average = 7.9
APRIL 2019 Tuesday 9th April 'The Italian Teacher' by Tom Rachman Shortlisted for Costa Award 2018
Voting : 10 x 1, 9 x 4, 8 x 5, 7 x 1 : Eleven votes (2 by email )
Average : 8.45
MARCH 2019 Tuesday 12th March 'The Salt Path' by Raynor Winn, Shortlisted for the Costa Biography Award 2018
Voting : 8x1, 7x5, 6x4, 5x1, 4x1, 3x2 (one vote by email)
Average : 5,9
FEBRUARY 2019 Tuesday 12th February 'Milkman' by Anna Burns WINNER OF THE MAN BOOKER PRIZE 2018
Suggested by Jenny 02/12/2018
Voting : 10x2, 9x6, 8x3, 7x2 = 13 voters (1 by email)
Average : 8.6
JANUARY 2019 Tuesday 8th January 'My Name is Lucy Barton' by Elizabeth Strout - longlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2017. New York Times BestSeller.
Voting : 10x2, 9x3, 8x5, 7x4, 6x1, 5x1 = 16 voters (2 by email)
Average : 7.88
DECEMBER 2018 (Christmas extravaganza) Tuesday 11th December 'Less' by Andrew Sean Greer - WINNER OF THE PULITZER PRIZE FOR FICTION 2018
Voting : 9x3, 8x5, 7x2, 6x3, 5x1, 4x2 = 16 voters (1 by email)
Average : 7
NOVEMBER 2018 'The English Patient' by Michael Ondaatje **Winner** Golden Booker 2018
Voting : 10x4, 9x4, 8x2, 7x1, 6x2, 5x1 = 14 voters (2 by email)
Average: 8.3
OCTOBER 2018 'The High Places' by Fiona McFarlane **Winner** 2017 Dylan Thomas Prize
Voting : 8x1, 7x1, 6x3, 5x5 = 10 voters (2 by email, 1 not voted)
Average: 5.8
SEPTEMBER 2018 'Elmet' by Fiona Mozeley, shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2017
Voting : 8x3, 7x1, 6x5, 5x1 = 10 voters (1 by email)
Average: 6.6
AUGUST 2018 'The Dry' by Jane Harper Winner of the CWA Gold Dagger Award 2017
Voting :10x2, 9x1, 8x2, 7x1, 6x2, 5x1
Average: 7.7
JULY 2018 'Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine' by Gail Honeyman Sunday Times Best Seller 2017
Voting : 10x2, 9x6, 8x3, 7x1, 5x1 (3 votes by email, 1 person left before voting)
Average :8.4
JUNE 2018 A Country Road, A Tree' by Jo Baker Shortlisted James Tait Black Memorial Prize 2017
Voting : 9x1, 8x2, 7x4, 6x2, 5x1, 4x1 = 11 voters (2 by email)
Average 6.73
MAY 2018 'Home Fire' by Kamila Shamsie, New York Times Book of the Year 2017 New York Times Book of the Year 2018
Voting : 9x4, 8x5, 7x3, 6x1 (1 not read) = 13 voters
Average 7.5
APRIL 2018 'In the Days of Rain' by Rebecca Stott, Winner of Costa Biography Award 8x4, 7x2, 6x6, 5x3 = 15 voters
Average: 6.47
MARCH 2018 'Fever Dream' by Samanta Scheweblin, Shortlisted for the Man Booker International Prize 2017
Voting : 10x1, 9x2, 8x1, 7x6, 6x2, 2x1, 1x1 (1 by email) = 14 voters
Average: 6.64
FEBRUARY 2018 'The Underground Railroad' by Colson Whitehead Pulitzer Prize for Fiction 2017
Voting : 10x1, 9x2, 8x3, 7x5, 6x1 (3 by email) = 12 voters
Average: 7.75
JANUARY 2018 'Horse Walks Into a Bar' by David Grossman Man Booker International winner
Voting : 8 x 6 (1 vote by email), 7 x 2 (1 vote by email), 5 x 3
Voters : 12
Average : 6.42
DECEMBER 2017 'The Power' by Naomi Alderman WINNER OF THE 2017 BAILEYS WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION
Voting : 9x1, 8x4, 7x2, 6x4, 5x3, 3x1, 2x1, 0x1 (1 by email) Voters : 17
Average : 5.82
NOVEMBER 2017 Lenin on the Train by Catherine Merridale THE TIMES, THE FINANCIAL TIMES AND ECONOMIST BOOKS OF THE YEAR 2016 8x5, 7x4, Voting : 6x2, 5x1,4x1, 3x2, 2x4 (1 abstained, 1 by email) = 19 voters
OCTOBER 2017 The Return :Fathers, Sons and the Land in Between' by Hisham Matar Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Biography or Autobiography 9 x 1, Voting : 8 x 1, 7 x 5, 6 x 2, 5 x 1 (1 left before voting)
SEPTEMBER 2017 'Days Without End' by Sebastian Barry Winner Costa Book of the Year Award 2017
Voting : 10 x 5, 9 x 4, 8 x 1, 7 x 1, 5 x 1 (1 by email, 1 left before voting)
AUGUST 2017 'Given Away : A Sicilian Upbringing' by Marianna Randazzo, Winner of The Sons of Italy Literary Award, 2016 8 x 2, 7 x 1, 4 x 3, 2 x 1, 0 x 2 (1 by email, 2 didn't vote)
JULY 2017 The Words in My Hand by Guinivere Glasfurd Costa First Novel Award 2016
Voting : 8 x 1, 7 x 1, 6 x 1, 5 x 3, 4 x 3, 3 x 1
JUNE 2017 The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry
Costa Novel Award Shortlist 2016
Voting : : 9 x 1; 7 x 1; 6 x 3; 5 x 2; 4 x 2; 3 x 2 (3 by email, 1 left before voting)
MAY 2017 "Dadland: A Journey into Unchartered Territory" by Keggie Carew Costa Biography Award Winner 2016
Voting : 10 x 1; 9 x 2; 8 x 3; 7 x 3; 5 x 3. (1 not read)
APRIL 2017 'His Bloody Project' Graeme Macrae Burnet Man Booker Prize Shortlist 2016
Voting : 9 x 3, 8 x 2, 7 x 3, 6 x 1, 5 x 3 (1 vote by email)
MARCH 2017 'Golden Hill' Francis Spufford Shortlisted for Costa First Novel 10x4, 9x4, 8x1, 6x1, 4x1 (2 votes by email)
FEBRUARY 2017 'Grief is a Thing with Feathers' by Max Porter, ***Winner*** 2016 International Dylan Thomas Prize 9x5, 8x4, 4x2 (2 votes by email)
JANUARY 2017 'The Sympathizer' by Viet Thanh Nguyen Winner, Pulitzer, 2016 Voting : 10x3, 9x3, 8x3, 7x3
DECEMBER 2016 The Outrun by Amy Liptrot WINNER of The Wainwright Golden Beer Prize 2016 Voting : 10x1, 9x3, 8x6, 7x2, 6x3, 5x2 (3 votes by email)
NOVEMBER 2016
The Mark and the Void' by Paul Murray WINNER OF THE EVERYMAN WODEHOUSE PRIZE 2016 7x4, 6x3, 5x1,4x4. 3x1, 2x1 (2 votes by email)
OCTOBER 2016 'The Green Road' by Anne Enright ***Winner*** Irish Novel of the Year 2015 9x2, 8x2, 7x4, 6x2, 5x1, 3x1 (4 votes by email)
SEPTEMBER 2016 ' A God in Ruins' by Kate Atkinson ***Winner*** Costa Novel Award 2015 9x6, 8x5, 7x3, 6x1, 5x1, 4x1
AUGUST 2016 'A Whole Life' by Robert Seethaler shortlisted for Man Booker International Prize 14 Voters : 10 X 5, 9 x 4, 8 x 2, 5 x 1, 4 x 2
JULY 2016 'Signs for Lost Children' by Sarah Moss Shortlisted for the Wellcome Prize 2016 9x3 (including 1 by email), 8x7, 7x2 ,5x1 (1 had not read)
JUNE 2016 'Spill, Simmer, Falter, Wither' by Sara Baume Shortlisted for the Costa First Novel Award 2015 9x3( one by email), 8x3, 6x1, (2 had not read)
MAY 2016 'Our Endless Numbered Days' by Claire Fuller Winner Desmond Elliott Prize 2015 8x1(by email), 7x2, 6x5 (one vote by email), 4x1
APRIL 2016 'A Spool of Blue Thread' by Anne Tyler Shortlisted Man Booker and Bailey's Prize 9x4, 8x3, 7x2, 6x1, 5x3 (Kevin had to leave early and 1 vote by email)
MARCH 2016 Kamel Daoud's 'The Mersault Investigation'. Prix Goncourt for 1st Novel, 2015. 9x1, 8x1, 7x3, 5x1, 4x1, 3x1 (by email), 2x2 (one vote by email) and 0x1 (by email)
FEBRUARY 2016 'Lost For Words' by Edward St Aubyn Winner - 2014 Wodehouse Prize 9x1, 8x1, 6x4, 5x3, 4x1, 1x2
JANUARY 2016 "All The Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr Winner 2015 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction 9x5, 8x1, 7x3, 2x1 (Kevin left before voting)
DECEMBER 2015 ' Outline ' by Rachel Cusk Short listed for the Folio and Baileys Prizes 2015 10x1, 9x4, 6x1, 5x2, 4x2, 3x5 (2 notes by email)
NOVEMBER 2015 'Elizabeth is Missing' by Emma Healey Winner of the Coast First Novel Award 2015 10x1, 9x5, 8x4, 7x1, 6x1, 5x1, 4x1 (2 votes by email)
OCTOBER 2015 'The Incarnations' by Susan Barker Winner Jerwood Fiction Prize 10x2, 8x4, 7x2, 6x1, 5x2, 1x1 (1 vote by email)
SEPTEMBER 2015 'How to be Both' by Ali Smith. ***WINNER*** of the Bailey's Prize for Fiction 2015
10x1, 9x3, 8x1 , 6x1, 3x1, 2x1 , 1x1, 0x1 (1 vote by email)
AUGUST 2015 'In The Light Of What We Know' by Zia Haider Rahman Shortlisted for the Goldsmiths Prize 2014 8 x3, 7x3, 6x3 , 5x2, 4x1, 2x1 (1 vote by email)
JULY 2015 'Missing Persons' by Patrick Mondiano Pulitzer Prize 2014 average of 5.46 with a large range from 8 ( 2 votes ) to 2 ( 1 vote )
JUNE 2015 'Station Eleven' by Emily St John Mandel Finalist 2014 National Book Award 8x4, 7x3 ,6x2, 5x2 (1 vote by email).
MAY 2015 'H is for Hawk' Helen MacDonald Winner 2014 Samuel Johnson Prize 10x3, 9x3, 8x2 , 7x2, 6x1, 5x1
APRIL 2015 'Everything I Never Told You' by Celeste Ng, Amazon.com's #1 Book of the Year 2014 9x1, 8x2 ,7x3, 6x3, 5x2, 4x3 (1 vote by email, some also had to leave early, so missed voting).
MARCH 2015 'The Miniaturist' by Jesse Burton Waterstones Book of the Year 2014 8x7, 7x8 ,6x2, 2x1 (6 votes by email).
FEB 2015 'Andrew's Brain' by E.L.Doctorow Winner of 2014 Library of Congress Prize for American Fiction . 8x4, 7x2, 6x2, 5x1, 4x1, 3x1
JAN 2015 The Spinning Heart’ by Donal Ryan ***WINNER*** of The Guardian First Book Award 2013 9x1, 8x4, 7x1 6x3 2x2 (one vote by email).
DEC 2014 All the Birds Singing by Evie Wyld *Winner* Miles Franklin Award, the Encore Award, the Jerwood Fiction Uncovered Prize. Shortlisted for the Costa Novel Prize, and others 8x7, 7x4, 6x2 (one vote by email).
NOV 2014 ‘The Flame Throwers’ by Rachel Kushner shortlisted for the Folio 2014 prize. 8x1, 7x1, 6x3, 5x2, 4x2, 3x1 (one vote by email).
OCT 2014 ‘The Sound of Things Falling’ by Juan Gabriel Vasquez ***WINNER*** of the IMPAC Dublin Literary Prize Award 2014. 7x8, 6x1 = 9 voting including 3 by email
SEPT 2014
‘The Goldfinch’ by Donna Tartt .
*** WINNER *** of the Pulitzer Prize 2014
10x7, 9x2, 5x1 = 10 votes including 3 by email
AUG 2014
’The Detour’, by Gerbrand Bakker
*WINNER* Independent Foreign Fiction Prize 2014
9x1, 8x3, 7x3, 6x4, 5x1 = 12 voters including 2 by email
JULY 2014
‘Stoner’ by John Williams
Waterstones Book of the Year 2013
10x1, 9x6, 8x2, 7x2, 6x1, 5x2, 4x1 = 15 voters including David, Kate by email
JUNE 2014
‘Almost English’ by Charlotte Mendelson
Longlisted Man Booker Prize 2013
8 x3, 7x2, 4x3, 3x1, 2x1, 0x1 = 11 voters including Kate and Annabel by email
MAY 2014
‘Harvest’ by Jim Crace
Shortlisted Man Booker Prize 2013
10x1, 9x2, 8x2, 7x2, 6x2, 5.5x1, 5x1 = 11 voters including Ana by email
APRIL 2014
‘Shock of the Fall’ by Nathan Filer
*Winner* Costa 2013 Book of the Year
10x2, 9x1, 8x5, 6x1, 4x1, 2x1 = 11 voters including Ana by email
MAR 2014
‘Life After Life’ by Kate Atkinson
shortlisted for Women’s Prize for Fiction 2013 and winner of the Costa Novel Award 2013
10x1,9x1,8x4, 7x1,6x1,5x1,4x3
FEB 2014
‘The Dream of the Celt’ by Mario Vargo Llosa
2010 Nobel Prize for Literature
8x3, 7.5x1, 7x2, 4x2, 1 abstention
JAN 2014
‘The Testament of Mary’ by Colm Toibin
Shortlisted 2013 Man Booker Prize
8x4, 7x2, 6x2
DEC 2013
‘A Tale For the Time Being’ by Ruth Ozeki
Shortlisted 2013 Man Booker Prize
8x3, 7x2, 6x1, 5x1, 4x1
Nov 2013
‘Flight Behaviour’ by Barbara Kingsolver
Shortlisted 2013 Women’s Fiction Prize
8x1, 7x6, 5x2, 4x1
Oct 2013
‘The Traveller of the Century’ by Andres Neuman
Shortlisted 2013 Independent Foreign Fiction Prize
8x2, 7x2, 6x2, 4x1, 3x1
Sept 2013
‘The Silent House’ by Orhan Pamuk
Shortlisted Man Asian Prize
9x1, 8x2, 7x1, 6x2, 5x1, 3x1
August 2013
‘Canada’ by Richard Ford
Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction 2013
10x5, 9x2
July 2013
‘The Garden of Evening Mists’ by Tan Twen Eng
Shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2012
8x3, 7x2, 6x4, 5x1, 3x1. And 2 thought it was tedious and did not vote as not finished.
June 2013
‘The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry’ by Rachel Joyce
Shortlisted Commonwealth Book Prize 2013
7x6, 6x2, 5x2
May 2013
‘Home’ by Marilynne Robinson
MR nominated for the 2013 International Booker Prize
9,9,8,7,6,6,6
Apr 2013
‘The Fear Index’ by Robert Harris
*Winner* Golden Dagger Award 2012
10,9,9,8,8,7,6,4,3
Mar 2013
‘All That I Am’ by Anna Funder
Miles Franklin *Winner* 2012
10 x 5, 9 x 4
Feb 2013
‘The Lighthouse’ by Alison Moore
Shortlisted for the Man Booker 2012
10,8,8,8,7,7,6,5,2
Jan 2013
‘Bel Canto’ by Ann Patchett
*Winner* Orange Prize 2002
8,8,6,6,5,4,4,4
Dec 2012
‘The Night Circus’ by Erin Morgenstern
Longlisted Booker 2012 Prize
9,9,8,8,8,3,3,3
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