Book Group 1
Convenor: Kevin Tel: 01661 843 347
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The members of Book Group 1 are avid and friendly readers and we would happily welcome new members. Our programme of selected books is diverse and wide-ranging, including fiction, both classic and modern, from across the world, non-fiction and biography. We set the programme in December for the following year and take turns to lead each meeting, generally if the book under discussion is the one we have suggested. This is a comfortable, happy group and everyone joins in with the lively discussion, though there is no pressure to do so.
In 2022 the book most enjoyed by members was A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles, an amiable fantasy set in the years of the Soviet Union.
We usually meet on the last Wednesday of each month at 10.30am in Core Music, 14 A/B Gilesgate, Hexham, NE46 3NJ. There is a car park opposite.
The 2023 programme is as follows:
anuary 25th The Wonder by Emma Donoghue . In nineteenth century rural Ireland it is claimed that an 11 year old girl has not eaten for months yet is alive and well. An English nurse is engaged to verify the story. Chosen by Frances.
February 15th Oh William! By Elizabeth Strout, chosen by Lynne.
March 29th The Thursday Murder Club 1 by Richard Osman. Chosen by Lizzie.
April 26th The Rising Man by Abkir Mukherjee. Chosen by Pauline.
Set in 1919 in India. This is a detective story in Calcutta during unrest. The victim was a senior official with a note left saying leave India or else.
May 24th Saturday by Ian McEwan. Chosen by Alison.
Where the life of Neurosurgeon Henry Perowne is compressed into a metaphor of a single day.
June 28h The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls. Chosen by Barbara.
July 26th The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot, chosen by Pauline.
This is nonfiction. The story of Henrietta who was a poor woman in the USA whose tissue cells were taken for her cancer treatment. Although she died her cells were found to be unusual in that they were used to help other patients. They are replicated to this day and known as the HELA cells.
August 30th (this date may change) Year of wonders by Geraldine Brooks. Chosen by Alison.
Set in 1666. When the great plague arrives in the Derbyshire village of Eyam.
September 27th Eric Ambler: The Mask of Dimitrios (1939) chosen by Ken.
October 25th Mornings in Jenin. Susan Abulhawa. Chosen by Frances.
The devastating story of four generations of a Palestinian family.
November 29th L’Assomoir by Emile Zola, Penguin edition, chosen by Kevin
December 13th The Girl from the Channel Islands by Jenny Lecoat, chosen by Barbara.