Reading group online

Would you like to join a reading group with a difference? Too busy to make a venue each month? If you enjoy reading but you’re short of time and can’t make a particular venue every month then join the online reading group.

The Shirehall Reading group meets once a month to discuss a book and online readers are invited to read and discuss the same book. Add your comments to theirs (which will be posted on this website) - all without having to meet up at a certain time and place. What could be easier?

The group met in June to discuss A Wedding in December by Anita Shreve.

Members of the group were divided in their opinion of this novel which deals with lives which have been deeply influenced by one tragic event whilst all of the main characters were at college. Some felt it was rather shallow and lacking in character development, whereas others found it more satisfying.

Here are some comments from the group:

'I thought the author was more concerned with product placement than character development. You knew exactly what the furnishings in the room were like and what Harrison ate for breakfast, but didn't find out anything about what motivated him.'
'It was hard to be sympathetic with some of the characters. There didn't seem to be one that really stood out from the others.'
I wasn't sure I was going to like reading about people stepping out of limousines at exclusive country hotels, but it did become more interesting as the story developed.'
'For me, the sub plot about what happened to the people of Halifax during the First World War was more interesting than the main thread of the story. It was such a terrible tale that it could have made novel in itself.'
'I would be interested to read some other novels by Anita Shreve, if only just to see if they all follow a similar pattern.'

Other books read recently and recommended by group members include the following:

Fire and Steam by Christian Wolmar
Selected Short Stories by Guy de Maupassant
The Mystery of the Yellow Room by Gaston Leroux
Mister Pip by Lloyd Jones
Thief of Time by Terry Pratchett
Lollipop Shoes by Joanne Harris
Mirrors of the Unseen by Jason Elliot
School's Out by Christophe Dufosse
George Gissing: a Life by Paul Delany

The group's next meeting will be on 23 July 2008, when they will be discussing Atonement by Ian McEwan:

'A young girl's overactive imagination leads her to accuse a family friend of a crime which has far-reaching effects on everyone involved. Considered by many to be Ian McEwan's best novel so far.'

If you would like to join in, copies of this book are available through your local library service. Whilst reading, you may like to consider whether the characters are believable, what was the most convincing part of the story, if you have read any similar books and whether you would recommend it.

E-mail your comments, or find out more, by contacting the Senior Librarian, Bibliographical Services by following the link on this page to Bibliographical Services. This will take you to an online e-mail form and full telephone, fax and postal details. Your comments (along with your name if you wish) will be posted on this website.