Currently, we have just five in our monthly book discussion group, but we talk about a LOT of books, and we do it over a meal that none of us has to cook! Here are some of the books we discussed (ie, those not on devices).

Leslie’s notes from CFUW Reading Group, March 13/23

Four attendees: Marsha, Leslie, Marion and Norah

Books discussed: (‘show and tell’..2nd in person meeting!)

Marion: 1) “Prisoners of the Castle” by Ben MacIntyre- Colditz, famous Nazi Prisoner of war prison in former castle, several escape attempts and successes

2) “A Guest of the Reich” by Peter Finn -concerning British spy and socialite Gertrude Legendre, dramatic account of captivity and escape from Nazi Germany

Marion requested these books from her daughter who works for Book City, Toronto (lucky her!)
She has not finished these, but reports they are quite interesting.

Thanks, Marion!

Norah: Norah brought an old volume of “ Rob Roy” by Walter Scott, part of a gift on matriculation from secondary school in 1923 (age 17) Norah’s father, George O’Leary(top in class!) She has not yet read this, but plans to do so. She also reports that she plans to bring us an old copy of “Les Miserables” (translated into English)
2) “The Book of Awesome” by Neil Pasricha-she found this book at a little library at Fairview Church. The author had been feeling a bit low contemplating the state of the world about ten years ago. He started a website to compile 1000 awesome things, and has now published 4 volumes related to this theme. This was the first. An example: removing one’s bra after many hours, another-removing one’s shoes in the car. Many everyday “awesome things”! She noted that this was very easy to read in short bites in between other books.

Thanks, Norah!

Leslie: 1) “The Wonder” by Emma Donahue ->wonderful gradual revelation of pieces of the story by protagonist, an English nurse, trained by Florence Nightingale, on a 2 week assignment to observe an 11 year old Irish girl who apparently had no solid food for several months. Interesting depiction of rural Irish life under the overpowering influence of the Catholic church (and account of family drama..)
Several members of the group also enjoy Emma Donahue. Marsha recommended the more recent “Haven” and an older “The Pull of the Stars”.
2) “Butter Honey Pig Bread” by Francesca Ekwuyasi This was a very sensuous portrayal of family history and relationships between a mother and her adult twin daughters, originally from Lagos, Nigeria but following them to London, England, Montreal, Halifax and finally back to Lagos. Wonderfully rich descriptions of plants, bees, food and love! Folklore, coming of age, mental illness, trauma all play important roles. The title is based on the divisions of the book represented by the preparation of food.
(Marsha mentions another book published by same press, Arsenal pulp Press, “Dandylion” by Jamie Chai Yun Liew-also sounds interesting)
3) “Let Your Mind Run” by Deena Kastor (and Michelle Hamilton, a sports writer). This is a memoir of Deena’s life and career as an American Olympic marathoner-“a memoir of thinking my way to victory”. At one time I gave up on this book because the subject seemed to be having too easy a life, however I am glad that I finished it. There were more stories to tell!

4) “The Light We Carry” by Michelle Obama. “Overcoming in Uncertain Times” This is a great account of her approach to her life. She is a strong role model to many young black women. She lets us into her family circle and gives us glimpses of the sources of her strength. I was particularly impressed with her descriptions of her mother.

Thank you, Leslie

Marsha: 1) “Everyone Here is Lying” by Shari Lapena. This is a new thriller which will be released in August/23. Marsha has reviewed this book and has given it 5 stars! (and she says that she is very picky!) It starts as a man has left his mistress, returned home and has an argument with his 9 yr old daughter. He hits his daughter and later she disappears. The novel follows the investigation from inside the heads of the individuals who might be suspects and all have something to hide. Marsha says this is very tightly written and compelling.

She also recommends other books written by the same author, including “The Couple next Door”.
2) “The Drift” by C.J.Tudor. Marsha is reading this now and has difficulty putting it down! (always a good sign!) It is set in the future, but it resembles the current state of the world. There are three groups of people, all becoming snowed in. There is a deadly pandemic and things turn creepy! Marsha also recommends “The Chalkman” by the same author.

3) “Eight Days” by Teresa Toten. This is a children’s book, Canadian and the story is set in a low income, multicultural neighbourhood in Scarborough. There is a child working through a family tragedy involving her mother, drugs, alcohol and a journey to NYC. Marsha found this very well-written and recommends it.

Many thanks, Marsha!

Great day!

Submitted by Leslie Leach