Hello reader…
Our June gathering was a delight! We made new friends and welcomed back a few who have been missed. As we enjoyed our summer snacks under the warm sunshine, a dynamic array of book recommendations was shared…
How to Be Human: An Autistic Man’s Guide to Life by Jory Fleming
A thought-provoking book primarily presented in interview format, the author shares his experiences growing up with autism, as well as his current views on life. As the first documented Rhodes Scholar with autism attending Oxford University, Fleming offers a unique perspective on how thinking differently and understanding our inner processes can lead to shared empathy and improved quality of life.
The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley
This British beach read is about a group of strangers who develop a friendship through a mysterious notebook that holds “life truths” about each of them. Zoe enjoyed this easy, breezy fun read.
The Improbability of Love by Hannah Rothschild
Partly a satire on wealthy art collectors, this entirely readable story stars a painting that gives this book its title. The painting makes comments throughout the story and tells a lot about the famous people who have owned it. Mieke said that it was funny and hard to put down!
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
Bernice is in the middle of this humorous tale of a group of four friends, living in a retirement home, who meet once a week to discuss unsolved murders. Then a man of their acquaintance is murdered so the quartet decide to investigate the murder themselves.
The Butterfly Lampshade by Aimee Bender
Of the magical realism genre, this book is centered on a woman who is worried that she might inherit her mother’s mental illness. She remembers three peculiar moments where a 2D object turned 3D; one of which was a butterfly that she caught when it flew off of a lampshade of painted butterflies. Throughout the book, the woman continues to revisit these three moments.
The Whistle Blower by Robert Peston
Written by an outstanding UK political journalist, the central character of this novel is a political editor whose sister is killed riding a bicycle through London. He suspects foul play and follows a trail to uncover the truth. The political detail is superbly done and kept Poppy’s attention all the way through.
State of Terror by Hillary Clinton and Louise Penny
The central character of this thriller is the Secretary of State in the post-Trump era, following a lead against time to uncover who was behind three bombs that go off in buses in different countries, and what it may mean for the US. There are several fictionalized real-life characters, including a former president who appears at his Florida ‘palace’, thinly disguised.
The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin
An easy read set in wartime London, recommended at an earlier Book Lovers Coffee Hour gathering. Poppy liked the attention to detail and the way it depicted living in London during the Blitz.
*Poppy also has a wonderful bookshop called The Book Room in 1940s London in Second Life.
White Tears by Hari Kunzru
Fleming just started this one but thinks he’ll enjoy it a lot.
The Books of Jacob by Olga Tocarczuk
For lovers of historical fiction, this is about a very weird historical self-proclaimed Messiah-figure. Fleming noted that it was a fascinating but laborious read. Tocarczuk recently won the Nobel Prize in Literature, though for a different title.
Light Chaser by Peter Hamilton and Gareth Powell
A likely DNF (did not finish) that might appeal to a different reader, Sierra commented that she liked the main character and the universe that was being set up.
Strange Hote by Eimear McBride
Sierra recently picked this one up but noted that the writing style is bugging her some. We talked a bit about the timing of the reader reading a particular book and being in the right state of mind to be receptive to a work.
Redhead by the Side of the Road by Anne Tyler
A novel about an eccentric guy whose company name is ‘Computer Hermit’. He visits people’s homes when they can’t get to their email. He’s very routined – jogs every morning and is near-sighted…and sees the same fire hydrant every morning but thinks it’s a redhead.
A short list of these books may be found here.
Our next gathering will be on Sunday, July 10 at 1pm SLT. All are welcome – bring a friend!
The Reading Room 