Another enjoyable chat about books we have read.  Apples Never Fall, by Liane Moriarty, a family saga enjoyed by Helen, although The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho, was found to be somewhat convoluted. The latest fiction by Lucy Foley, The Midnight Feast, was a winner. The Quest for Anna Klein, by Thomas H Cook, is a reminiscence of an old man in 2001 as he relates an operation in pre-war Germany in 1939 to a resentful young man.  Highly recommended was Nothing to Envy by Barbara Demick, an insightful overview of 1990’s in North Korea. 
​We had another discussion on Murder on Easy Street by Helen Thomas - after all these years a suspect has now been found in Italy.  To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, our reader enjoyed this book finding the story had been told truly. Batavia by Peter Fitzsimmons is a well written historical book about the ship Batavia wrecked off the coast of WA in 1629. As usual Peter has done his research meticulously. Wed by the Wayside by Alana Valentine, the shared stories of the community of Kings Cross in Sydney, where everyone was welcomed, this book was highly recommended.  Bodies of Light by Jennifer Down, an award-winning novel of tragedy and heartbreak based on various children in care, in particular Maggie Smith. Not only books were discussed.  An ABC series on Iview, The Assembly, showcases 15 autistic students interested in pursuing journalism careers interviewing famous Australians, mentored by Leigh Sales.  This is a heartwarming series worth watching. An interesting article appeared in The Age written by Maggie Beer, who set out to transform meals and dining experiences in Aged Care with wholesome and delicious food. ​ Back to books, the series Portraits in Blue by Penny Field-Schneider was inspired by her love of art and grew into the series of historical fiction books.  John Cleese, So Anyway was entertaining and Alan Alda’s memoir Things I Overheard While Talking was candid and amusing.  Princess More Tears to Cry, a new book by Jean Sasson and Saudi Princess ‘Sultana’, reveals what it means to be a Saudi woman today.  A Cargo of Women, by historian Babette Smith, is the story of 100 women transported together in 1829 from England to Australia.  Past Tense, by Lee Child, seemed to be very long and convoluted. There was something for everyone this month.  See you all in December for our last gathering for 2024.

Geraldine.

Our usual chat began with deception and mystery with Operation Mincemeat, taking place during WW2 to disguise the 1943 Allied invasion of Sicily, by none other than Ian Fleming of James Bond fame, followed by the biography of Hermann Goering and lastly Everyone in my Family Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson, everyone in the family is a killer or a suspect, which one is a murderer​?  The Spirit of Progress by Steven Carroll, the new age train speeds through the French Countryside with an Australian writer on board, the story brings together various characters and places back to Melbourne in 1946, an enjoyable read. The Philosopher’s Dog by Raimond Gaita was different; whilst Rough Music by Patrick Gale, an autobiographical novel, a family showing two defining points in time and the realities of being a gay child.   Death at the Sign of the Rook by Kate Atkinson is a clever twist on a classic murder mystery, whilst Wartime Book Club written by Kate Thompson is a heart-warming story from WW2 of bravery, resistance with romance thrown in, an excellent read.  A new book by author Gina Chick, ‘We Are the Stars’,  is a powerful memoir of her life.  Gina was the inaugural winner of Alone Australia.  The Milliner of Bendigo by Darry Fraser, was enjoyed for its historical value.  Our reader has been reading the Waltzing with Matilda series of 9 books by Jacki French up to the 4th in the series To Love a Sunburnt Country. Laughter greeted our next book Everything Men Know About Women by Alan Pease when opened had only blank pages, comments from the group were classic.  Under the Polar Star by Stef Penney, this book relates the story of exploration and romance crossing the Artic Circle.  Brain on Fire by Susannah Cahalan, the true story of a promising journalist who suffers a rare neurological disorder and her fight to regain her health, was also made into a movie.  The Dressmaker’s Secret by Rosalie Ham, all agreed that this book was not as good as her first.  The Book Club by CJ Cooper, a psychological thriller with revenge the motive, was well written.  Lastly, I’ll Leave You With This by Kylie Ladd, a warm story of a brother’s legacy and the bonds of sisterhood.  Enjoy your reading, we meet again in November. 


Geraldine

Our discussion opened with Lola in the Mirror by Trent Dalton.  Trent has written several successful books, but our reader found this one very long, frustrating, wordy and far-fetched; in other words, disappointing.  Very much enjoyed was The Unlikely Voyage of Jack De Crow by A.J. McKinnon, several of our group have read this delightful book.   In the Australian Newspaper in August this year, novelist Rodney Hall aged 88 sat down with historian Geoffrey Blainey, who is 94, to talk about writing, would have been very interesting.  The latest book by Dervla McTiernan What Happened to Nina? was hard to put down, the reader kept guessing until the end.  Stone Yard Devotional by Charlotte Wood, tells of a woman who leaves her child and city life, retreating from the world to enter a remote convent in New South Wales.  This book was long listed for the Booker Prize.  Normal Rules Don’t Apply by Kate Atkinson is a collection of linked short stories, fairy tales, romance and fantasy, in other words `a bit weird’.  A little mystery, our reader read The Murmur of Stones by Thomas H Cook with a quote from The Highway Man in the front, some years later the same book with a different title and a different publisher, but with the same quote in the front.  Very odd.  Lying Beside You by Michael Robotham is the third book in the Cyrus Haven and Evie Cormac series, a good writer.  His latest book Storm Child, full of suspense until the end.  The Nazis Knew My Name by Magda Hellinger, a personal and rare account of SS guards and their prisoners.  This was followed by When There is Nowhere Else to Run by Murray Middleton.  A collection of sad but `real’ stories of people who find their lives unravelling.  Murray was a survivor of the Black Saturday bushfires.  The Secret Son by Australian author Jenny Ackland, what happens when an Australian soldier is accidentally left behind in Gallipoli, an enjoyable debut novel.  Absolute Power by David Baldacci, who always pleases, this book was made into a film.  Trafficked by Sophie Hayes, when a 24-year-old English girl is used as a sex slave and left traumatised, any wonder!    Line in the Sand by Dean Yates and also The Last Mile Home by Di Morrissey were both enjoyed, as was The Redgum River Retreat by Sandy Docker and The French Gift by Kirsty Manning.  Joan is working her way through the Agatha Christie books, whilst on a different tangent, Heather has read Startrek Memories by William Shatner. Keep reading and enjoying.
 
Geraldine McCorkell
​

​We opened our book chat with Line in the Sand by Dean Yates, a war time correspondent.  Dean writes of his time in war zones, including the Bali bombings and the Boxing Day tsunami, and his subsequent struggle with PTSD.  He now speaks to groups and looks at Duty of Care across different levels of service. 

Hanna’s Daughters, written by Marianne Fredriksson, is a beautifully written book which spans the lives of three remarkable women, this was enjoyed.   From Under the Overcoat by New Zealand author Sue Orr, a collection of short stories. very well written. 

Our history reads this month included The Last Princess by Matthew Dennison, which gives an insight into the relationship between Beatrice, the youngest of Queen Victoria’s nine children, and her mother.    Beatrice eventually married and became Princess Henry of Battenberg, outliving all her siblings and dying in 1944. The Last Princess gives a good overview of life in the Victorian era.  Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantell, this is a big book that our reader enjoyed. 

On the crime side Good Girl Bad Girl - popular author Michael Rowbotham doesn’t disappoint with a multi-layered story and fascinating characters.  Pheasants Nest by crime reporter Louise Milligan, a recent publication of fiction that seemed to take a long time to get to the solution; her other books are of true crimes committed in Victoria.  Death in a Lonely Place, a new crime thriller by Stig Abell, Detective Jake Jackson moved to the country for a quiet life and found it anything but quiet, a riveting read.  The Wife and the Widow by Christian White, a real crime thriller with a twist at the end that doesn’t please everyone. Based on fact and fiction, The Apollo Murders by Chris Hadfield is a cold war thriller from the Space Race.   ​Popular crime writer John Grisham made an appearance with The Litigators, as did Chris Hammer with Silver. 

We had a laugh at our next two books - The Best Way to Bury your Husband by Alexia Casale a darkly funny story about four women; followed by Knife Skills for Beginners by Orlando Murrin involving a Master Chef finalist with murder on the menu. 

We then moved to Politics with Too Much is Never Enough by Mary L. Trump, a family member willing to speak out about a divisive and unnerving person - a good discussion followed with this book.  

Some good reads were, The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton, Dust and the Land by J.H. Fletcher.  Woman of Courage by Rita Bradshaw, and Normal Rules Don’t Apply by Kate Atkinson. 

​Lastly, Balcony over Jerusalem, a memoir by Australian journalist John Lyons on his personal journey through the wonders and dangers of living in Jerusalem. 

Enjoy your reading until we meet in September.

Geraldine McCorkell

A small group gathered on the 1st July to talk about `books’. 

Shirley R entertained us with the difficulties and quirks of the English language. i.e. fill in a form can also be filling out a form etc., so we had a few laughs to start our session. 

A few of us attended the Vikki Petraitis author talk at the Library.  Vikki is a true crime writer based in Melbourne and, as well as her fiction book The Unbelieved, has written a number of books on the Frankston murders, the Phillip Island murders among others.

Some more books enjoyed were The Wartime Book Club by Kate Thompson this was about the occupation of the Channel Islands during WW11.  The Dressmaker of Dachau by Mary Chamberlain spans the war years.  Normal Rules Don’t Apply by Kate Atkinson, 11 interconnected short stories, was very well received, whilst Wifedom: Mrs Orwells Invisible Life by Anna Funder, was very wordy and raised the question what does it take to be a writer and what it is to be a wife?  Stalin’s Englishman: The Lives of Guy Burgess written by Andrew Lownie was interesting and a good read.  A Memoir My Name is Why by Lemn Sissay is described as extraordinary, beautiful and shattering, a story of neglect and determination, a very good read.  December to Remember by Jenny Bayliss three sisters who rekindle their broken relationships described as a nice read.  The Flying Vet by Dr. Amelia Scott, this outback Vet spends her time flying to remote outback places to tend to animals in trouble, Dr. Amelia is based in Broken Hill.  The Milliner of Bendigo by Darry Fraser, set in Bendigo in 1898, was described as a twisty historical mystery.  Moira read an article by Maggie McKellar from the Country Style magazine, beautifully written and leads into the explanation of her book The Graft.  Author Phillip Kerr has written The Other Side of Silence, a Bernie Gunther mystery involving a former Policeman and British spies, a true story involving none other than Somerset Maughan. 

To finish our discussion Mary Balogh wrote Someone to Honour the 6th instalment in the Westcott series, a delightful easy read to end the report. 

See you all on the 5th August.
Geraldine

Great discussion group this month.  Richard Osman, The Last Devil of the Thursday Murder Club Mystery series was enjoyed and we agreed this series is a good light read, with a film being made on an earlier book in the series.  Also enjoyed were Dervla McTiernan, The Ruin and The Wren by Irish author Anne Enright, a multigenerational novel worth reading.  Heather enjoyed A Long Stitch Goodnight by Amanda Lee, part of a series.  White Coolies by nurse Betty Jeffrey this is a memoir of her experiences as a nurse during World War 2.  On the theme of War Peter Fitzsimons wrote Kokoda whilst Christopher Hitchins' book titled Arguably  comprises essays on Politics and cultural topics.  We agreed Peter and Christopher have large ego personalities.  On a local front former Benalla detective Ron Irwin has written Blackened Tanner, the Denis Tanner story.  A big read was Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantell.  Three books deserve special mention as most enjoyed books of the month Go As a River by Shelley Read this book is set in the wilderness of the Colorado mountains, The Woman on the Ledge by Ruth Mancini unpredictable with lots of twists, and No Church in the Wild by Murray Middleton, following migrant violence in an inner Melbourne school, a police led trip to hike the Kokoda trail hopes to build trust.  An emotional book was The Five Wishes of Mr. Murray McBride  by Joe Siple, a 100 year old man and a 10 year old boy both have medical problems, this is a good one.  Beth joined us this month and has read  My Life as a Jew by Michael Gawenda a book of rare honesty and personal life journey and also A History of Zionism how media influences our thoughts, both current topics at the moment.  The Red Room by Nikki French and The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides were enjoyed as was the autobiography Parky by Michael Parkinson, some funny stories in these pages. The Axeman’s Carnival by Catherine Chidery was regarded as ridiculous and weird.  Another memoir was Liz Hayes, a history of her career.  The Australian Code breakers by James Phelps the untold story of how an Australian headmaster and a team of women cracked a complex code of the German army.  A good choice of books this month see you all on Monday 3rd June at 2 p.m.  Happy Reading.


​Geraldine

Our group enjoyed discussions of various books on many topics in March. 

The Unbelieved by Vikki Patrakis was again mentioned.  The Friends of the Library have contributed to the cost of having Vikki visit the Library in the near future, a very popular writer. 

Australian author Natasha Lester wrote The Three Lives of Alex St. Pierre 1943 New York PR Wizard Alix was recruited into US Intelligence in Paris, following the War she became involved with the fashion house Christian Dior. Natasha researches and writes well.  Award winning book Solitary: An autobiography Albert Woodfox spent 4 decades in solitary confinement in Angola Prison, Louisiana USA for a crime he didn’t commit, eventually freed, the laws on solitary confinement were assessed worldwide.

On a lighter note was The Woman Next Door by Australian author Liz Byrski a story of lasting friendships and love.  Award winning Journalist Grantley Kieza has written some wonderful historical memoirs about Mathew Flinders, Joseph Banks, an incredible self taught Botanist,  Banjo Patterson to mention a few, a worthwhile read. 

Enjoyed by our reader, was a biography of actor Liz Taylor, who although obsessed with fine jewellery, also supported AIDS patients.   Short magazine articles from various sources provided talking points in our group.  Moira commented that the authors of these articles research their subject thoroughly. 

The Taste of Success the Cadbury story which then led into Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, another item of interest was by David Campbell, To Drum or not to Drum. 

In the 1950’s a six year old boy and his family moved from Melbourne to Perth where a serial killer randomly murdered eight people, thirty years later as a journalist Robert Drewe has written about these murders in The Shark Net.    

Always worth the read Kathy Reichs wrote The Bone Collection, four novellas in this book.  Anne had read some interesting books Back to Banka by Georgina Banks, searching for the truth about the wartime massacre on the Island of Banka. 

Following a theme were Ghosts of the Orphanage by Christine Kenneally, Convicts Orphans by Lucy Frost and Tell No One by Brendan Watkins.  Amy Tan writes well, and this one is no exception The Bone Setters Daughter.. 

Helen recommended The Australian Book of Great Trials by Jeremy Stoljar and a crime story Reykjavik by Katrin Jakobsdottir.  Judy Nunn’s latest offering Black Sheep was recommended as was Last Seen Alive by Claire Douglas. 

Finishing on a lighter note was Patron Saint of Lost Dogs by Nick Trout. 

As our April meeting falls on Easter Monday please text me if anyone would like to meet.

Geraldine

It was lovely to see everyone at our first gathering for 2024.  We welcomed a new member Melody Finnerty to our group. 

The usual wide variety of books have been enjoyed over the Christmas break.  Corrie read The Goodbye Cats, although childishly written was enjoyed as well as Story Tellers by Leigh Sales an excellent writer Leigh interviews Australian Journalists about their craft. 

Moira enjoyed Collected Poems by Denis Byrne and also told us about her sister who is in care but always wrote little snippets about her day.  Her daughter gathered up all the little bits of paper with her writing on and had them published into a book, giving an insight into her daily life for many years.  All Her Fault by Andrea Mara is a suspense thriller about a missing 4 year old boy.  Joan our lover of mysteries has read Sherlock Holmes presumably by Watson; Australian Book of Great Trials by Jeremy Stoljar and When a Child Kills by Paul Mones. A most interesting read was Memoir: Her Mother's Daughter: Nadia Wheatley a very well written book.  The three Richard Osman books beginning with The Thursday Murder Club were enjoyed but probably not everyone’s choice.  Twelve Red Herrings by Jeffrey Archer is a collection of short stories and our reader found Big Little Lies by Lianne Moriarty delightful reading.  Leigh Sales rated another mention with Any Ordinary Day.  An uplifting and funny debut novel was The Wakes by Diane Yarwood, one to look out for.  Anna Funder, author of Stasiland, received the thumbs up - this book records the stories of East Berliners from behind the Berlin Wall, written in her usual excellent manner.   The true crime of Teachers Pet: Tell Us Where Mum Is: Chris Dawson who murdered his wife to be with the baby sitter.  An entertaining read, Behind the Shoulder Pads by Joan Collins.  Disappointing was the verdict on Phillipa Gregory’s new book – Normal Women: 900 Years of Making History, a very long and boring book.  A light read was a debut novel The Whalebone Theatre by Joanna Quinn and worth the read was The Talented Mrs Greenway, wife of feted colonial architect Francis, by Tea Cooper.  The question asked was Whose Hand Really shaped Sydney?  The Blacksheep by Judy Nunn received a mediocre review from our reader.  Shirley read her usual interesting books Serial Killers of Russia; Criminal Minds and Hitlers Horses by Arthur Brand, the true story of the theft of statues of Hitlers favourite horses.  American Politics written by Bernie Sanders, who is the longest serving Independent in US Congressional history.  This would be an informative read.  Homecoming by Kate Morton we decided was a bit long winded, but The Girl from Botany Bay by Carolly Erikson held our readers interest. Dorothy had a sport fix listening to memoirs from Trent Cotchin and Ash Barty. 

Keep reading and we will catch up on the 4th March at 2 pm at the Seniors.

Geraldine

I hope you have all read lots of interesting books and anything else our group would be interested in hearing about.  There is a little pile of books on my desk ready to be talked about, swapped or given away.

​I am looking forward to catching up with everyone and I am sure we will welcome some new members to begin 2024.

See you on Monday 5th February. 

​Geraldine

​Helen enjoyed novels by Margaret Hickey.  Margaret is an award-winning author and playwright from North East Victoria whose rural crime books include Cutters End, Broken Bay and Stone Town, if you are looking for a good read include these in your list of must reads.  Another good read was Glitter and the Gold,  the memoir of Consuelo Vanderbilt, a trans Atlantic marriage where a wealthy bride was sold to the bidder with the best title that being the 9th Duke of Marlborough.  I will Find You by Harlan Coben a thriller that Harlan is very good at writing.  On the same theme our reader enjoyed Deadly Intent by Lynda La Plant, Cross Country by James Patterson, A Time for Mercy by John Grisham and The Last Hours of Paris by Ruth Drurat.  Murder Most Fancy by Kellie McCourt a humorous crime novel  who also wrote Heiress on Fire.  Some old favourites appeared in Pride and Prejudice, A Street Cat Named Bob by James Bowen and Daphne Du Maurier.  Michael Trent, author of No Trace, lives in Perth WA.  No Trace is an outback thriller.  Michael's first book Wild Dogs was also enjoyed by our reader.  Prettier if She Smiled More by Toni Jordan is a light hearted, funny book looking at family life and the role of the eldest child.  A beautiful little book by Alan Bennett, author of the Lady in the Van, is titled The Uncommon Reader a quirky story line about the Queen borrowing books from the Library van that visits the Palace, beautiful.  Donna Leon has written Transient Desires, the new Commissario Brunetti novel, in her inimitable stye.  Just Me by Sheila Hancock, about becoming a widow and life with and after her marriage to John Thaw.  Don`t read this one if you are off in a plane any time soon, Falling, written by former flight attendant TJ Newman, is a thriller.  The Rush by Michelle Prak is an outback thriller with a ferocious storm as the background.  Thrillers written about outback Australia are fertile ground for authors at the moment. 
​
Our next meeting on December 4th will be our last for 2023, what a lot of wonderful books and discussions we have had over this year.  Thankyou for your company and I am sure we will catch up in 2024.  
​

Geraldine McCorkell  

A small group this month, but plenty of reading to discuss as well as a robust discussion that was enjoyed by all. 

​The Forgotten Book Store in Paris by Daisy Wood, a WW11 historical fiction book,  is being enjoyed and we all agreed that quite a few books seem to be Paris centred these days, particularly WW11 timeframe.   Ann the Unbelieved by Vikki Petraitous a new voice in crime fiction, this book won the A & U Crime Fiction Prize.  A Melbourne senior detective returns to Deception Bay from Melbourne and discovers a wall of silence, a chilling and timely read.  Sins of the Father: The untold story behind Schapelle.  Our reader found this a most interesting read around the circumstantial evidence presented at Schapelle Corby’s trial.  One Woman’s War by Christine Wells a novel of intrigue and suspense set once again in WW11.  Operation Mincemeat was made into a film that rated well, set in 1943 when the Allied Forces were about to launch an all-out assault on Europe.  Channel Islands by Damian Barrett interviews Channel Islanders who were British subjects living on the Islands under Nazi rule during WW11.  Away from the War now to Jane Austen A Life by Claire Tomalin takes us into the everyday life of the Austen household, interesting for Jane Austen fans.  Faces in the Water written by Janet Frame tells of a young woman (considered by some to be Janet herself) who is sectioned in various mental health institutions throughout her life.  This later became a film An Angel at My Table recounting the early life of New Zealand author Janet Frame.  Parisian archivist Helene Gestern places an advertisement with a picture of her mother, who died when Helene was three, and the two men also in the photo taken at a tennis tournament, a very enjoyable read.  Access Road by Maurice Gee, a novel of family secrets and tensions written by one of New Zealand’s finest authors, was worth reading. A very interesting book was Books Do Furnish a Painting by Jamie Camplin, exploring the relationship between the development of books and artists.  How many pictures in books or book covers do we see with books as background scenery?  Another book that piqued the interest was Wifedom: Mrs Orwell’s Invisible Life that demonstrated how men exploited womens unpaid service, another example was the wife of John Gould.  Very relevant in the present time is The Men Who Killed Quantas by Mathew Benns, a full and frank history of Australia’s National Airline and the greed that has taken place. 

So, a bit of controversy and discussion this month, let’s see what November brings. 


Geraldine

Thank you Patsy for another poem from your Comic and Curious Verse book, we do look forward to, and enjoy your recitation every month.  Patsy also read the memoir of Alan Bennett Keeping On and Keeping On, Alan wrote The Lady in the Van which was made into a film and stage play.  Amanda Heart wrote The Moongate a story covering 3 generations of love, war and mystery between Tasmania, London and Kerry during 1939, 1975 and 2004.  Jack de Crow by AJ MacKinnon was a delightful book.  AJ MacKinnon took off from the school where he was a teacher and rowed a dingy, aptly named Jack de Crow from Yorkshire to the Black Sea with many adventures along the way.  Richard Osman author of The Thursday Murder Club was discussed and recommended the first book be read before the 2nd and 3rd.  Lyn has been dipping into Utube with great interest and we do enjoy the magazines Lyn brings along to our group.  John Grisham, James Patterson and Harlem Coben, occupied our reader along with Before You Judge Me: Being David by David Oldfield former Australian politician from the One Nation party, interesting reading and written more in the style of conversations.  Murder and mayhem took the interest of our reader with Drugs, Guns and Lies by Keith Banks and Murder Mayhem thrown in for good measure.  Double Shot of Happiness is Tim Sharp’s extraordinary journey from being diagnosed with Autism to becoming an international renowned artist, and his mother’s struggle to support him.  Dear Dolly by  Dolly Alderton and the many letters written to her in her career as an agony aunt journalist,  Anthony Callea: Behind the Voice gave the reader an insight into his life.  Lipstick Bureau by Michelle Gable, proved a very good story about a real life female spy who challenged convention and boundaries.  A Nearly Normal Family is a novel by M.T. Edvardsson, when a teenage girl from a respectable family is accused of murder, where does that lead?  Award winning Australian author Vikki Petraitis has written The Unbelieved, well worth the read as was River Sing Me Home by Eleanor Shearer, a mother’s journey across the Caribbean to reclaim her stolen children.  Rough Justice by Robin Bowles revisits the mysterious Falconio murder in the N.T. and Phillipa Gregory has made an appearance in The White Queen, always enjoyed.   I can’t wait until October to hear what everyone has read this month. 

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Geraldine

We were delighted to have Patsy recite a poem to us about Jim who was eaten by a lion. You could hear a pin drop during her recitation and a round of applause followed. Thank you, Patsy!  You add another dimension to our group.

Books read this month were The Dry by Jane Harper, enjoyed the book not the movie.  The Goldminers Sister by Alison Stuart, Alison recently appeared at the Benalla Library for an author’s talk.  Twilight of a Goddess by Christopher Nicole, the romantic adventures of a notorious woman in 1835!!  One of our readers has had a busy time with crime novels, her reads were A Time for Mercy by John Grisham, River Sing Me Home by Eleanor Shearer, Catching Air by Sarah Pekkenan, Deadly Cross by James Patterson, I Will Find You by Harlan Cobden, and last but not least The Dolls House by M. Arlidge. Shirley enjoyed Anzac Girls by Peter Rees about the heroic nurses who served in the Great War, A Pocket Full of Happiness by Richard E Grant, a lovely read but sad.  Recommended are books by John Douglas, a criminal profiler with the FBI, who maintains people are not born murderers,they choose to be.  Troy by Stephen Fry was disappointing and not finished.  Montsalvat, the story of the artistic colony set up by Edmund Jorgensen, was a look at history of this beautiful area.  Wilding by Isabella Tree is the story of the `Knebb’ experiment, rewilding a farm in West Sussex, this book is very popular.  The Whole Day Through by Patrick Gale, a beautifully written novel and thoroughly recommended.  Rough Justice by Robin Bowles unanswered questions from the Australian Courts, raises questions and doubts along the way.  The Australian Lighthorse by Roland Perry recounts the bravery of this group in Arabia during World War 1, worth reading. Isabelle Allende wrote Of Light and Shadows, her usual good work and The Unbelievable by Vikki Pentrastis, a well written first novel.  The Grandest Bookshop in the World by Amelia Mellor, 1893 in Coles Book Arcade in Melbourne mysterious adventures happen, well worth reading.  Cautionary Tales for Young Children by Hilaire Belloc written nearly a century ago, contains seven stories that are very entertaining.    So read on during August and we will meet again in September.

Geraldine

Our murder mystery reader this month has read Death Sentences: Stories of Deathly Books, containing 15 short stories with an introduction by Ian Rankin.  The Caxton Lending Library and Book Depository by John Conolly a delightful short story winner of literary awards.  Karen enjoyed an ebook version of The Kennedy Curse.  A winner of the Stella Prize and nominated for the Miles Franklin was Exploded View by Carrie Tiffany.  The Bookbinder of Jericho is doing the rounds of our group and enjoyed.  An avid watcher of the TV show Vera, our reader found Anne Cleeves the author of the series hard to read but did draw comparisons between The Scandalous Exile of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor by Andrew Lownie and the current debacle with Harry and Meghan.  As always Lucinda Riley was appreciated in The Murder at Fleat House, also The Girl on the Rocks, and whilst on Lucinda Riley, the much anticipated final book in the Seven Sisters saga, written in collaboration with her son Harry Whittaker Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt, has begun to circulate around our group. Found in Benalla Library was From Windmills to Wangaratta the autobiography of Corry Jacobs who immigrated from Holland.  Our own Corrie told us of her experiences arriving as a newlywed to our shores.  Not Just the Wife of the General Manager by Sally Warrinder, her story of life on an outback station in the 1980’s and condescendingly referred to as `just the wife’, is a good read.  Written by Australian author Sarah Schmidt is See What I Have Done a look inside the mind of Lizzie Borden accused of murdering her father and step-mother in 1892.  We then had a vigorous discussion on the making of compost, a lot of advice and laughs. A delightful read was The Red Dog by Louis deBernieres, described by our reader as a jolly little book.  The Ladies of Missalonghi by Colleen McCullough. A crime novel The Man Who Died Twice by Richard Oman and  A Glorious Way to Die by Russell Starr were good reads, as was a collection of short stories by Ann Crawford Women of Spirit.  A parents worst nightmare Saving Zali by Lisa Venables was a sad one, but worth reading was The School Teacher of Saint Michel by Sarah Steele, a story of hope in the USA during WW11.  Enjoy your reading on these cold winter days and see you all in August.
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Geraldine McCorkell

​Our first winter gathering on the 5th June saw our usual wide ranging selection of books.  A current best seller, Homecoming by Kate Morton, was well written and enjoyed as was The French Photographer by Natascha Lester.  An eagerly anticipated Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt.  Author Lucinda Riley wrote the Seven Sisters series and died in 2021, this is a work of collaboration with her son Harry Whittaker that brings the series to a conclusion, written a little differently but still a very good read.  The 50th anniversary of Catch 22 by Joseph Heller was a continuation of the original, our reader was a little disappointed in this one.  The Blue Nowhere by Jeffrey Deaver is a fictional story of a computer hacker, fairly relevant in the current climate.  Chris Hammer, author of Treasure and Dirt and also Scrublands is a new favourite.  Dressed by Iris, Mary Anne O’Connor a romantic story of Sydney in the 1930’s depression, also by Mary Anne O’Connor was Gallipoli Street.   Richard Osman made an appearance with The Thursday Murder Club, where a group of senior citizens find themselves in the centre of a murder investigation.  Our reader found The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart by Holly Ringland sad but a bit boring toward the end.   The Edge of the Solid World by Daniel Davis Wood was too long and too wordy.  Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson is a family saga where siblings delve into their mother’s past, a multigenerational story.  The Horse by Geraldine Brooks, a discarded painting in an attic and a great racehorse weave a very readable book.   Our history reader enjoyed Eureka by Peter Fitzsimmons and also Kokoda.    If you didn’t understand Greek history Troy by Stephen Fry was a bit complicated.  The Anzac Girls by Peter Rees is a must read.  A Pocket Full of Happiness by Richard E Grant is a memoir written about his wife’s illness and the support the family received.  Bitter Harvest by Ann Rule, a true-life account of a manipulative murderess.  Written about the 1986 fire at the New Orleans Central Library, The Library Book by Susan Orlean, was an interesting read.  Finally, Peggy Guggenheim, it seems no amount of money can buy love or happiness!
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Geraldine McCorkell

Patsy once again delighted us with a poem St. Bridgid The Giveaway from Reflections at Dawn by Phyllis McGinley.  Patsy also had a beautifully illustrated book Wine Dogs of Australia. 

Enjoyed among our group were Calabrian Daughter by Tania Blanchard set in the mountains above the Ionian Sea, The Jam Queen by Josephine Moon, a warm inviting story about a Barossa Valley café owner, published in 2022. Another book by Tania Blanchard Suitcase of Dreams inspired by a true story.  A family leave Nazi Germany at the end of the War and arrive in Australia in 1956 looking to start a new life.  The War Nurses by Anthea Hodgson is based on her own family story showing friendship and courage during the Bangka Island Massacre, a sad story but one to never be forgotten. The Stranger Beside Me by Ann Rule is the biographical true crime story of serial killer Ted Bundy.  To Love a Sunburnt Country by Jackie French is a tale set during the War in 1942.  Lucinda Riley, Girl on a Cliff, doesn’t disappoint.  Much enjoyed was the Peter Brocklehurst story Finding My Voice whilst So, Anyway by John Cleese didn’t rate a mention.  Kokoda by Peter FitzSimons  is a gripping story of brave young men.  Some ancient history Troy: The Siege of Troy Retold by Stephen Fry was a little different whilst The School by Brendan James Murray bought us back to present day.  Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi was written in his own inimitable style and Lisa by Lisa Curry is her own story.  Back to crime, Silent Death: The story of Julie Ramage by Journalist Karen Kissane, whilst Catch 22, a satirical novel by American Joseph Heller, received a tick of approval.  On the humour side Men are from Wagga and Women Wish they Weren’t by Steve Myhill and Dinkum Dunnies Down the Back by Fred Hillier, bought out some memories from our group.   We finished off with the story of Peggy Guggenheim the American Art Collector, and The Traitor King Edward the 8th by Andrew Lownie. 

Keep reading and see you all on Monday 5th June.
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Geraldine McCorkell

Our group in April were entertained by Patsy reading us a poem Reflections at Dawn by Phyllis McGinley.  Phyllis captures the mood of suburban housewives perfectly.  Dorothy also read a lovely letter from a friend saying how meeting Dorothy led her to a better life.  So, we don’t all have to read great books to come to our group. 

Among books enjoyed this month were Daughter of the Home Front by Jennie Jones, young women who had the misfortune to be taken advantage of and the consequences.  Alice in Prague by Tanya Heaslip, showed how war affected people’s thinking and The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart by Holly Ringland was a very different read.   Ann Patchett didn’t disappoint with The Patron Saint of Liars, whilst Thea Cooper’s book Butterflies was enjoyed.  The Butterfly Room by favourite author Lucinda Riley filled a spot and on a more serious note Australia’s Great Depression by Joan Beaumont was heavy reading.  Of course, The Spare by `Harry’ has been dissected and the verdict decided that the book was not well written and he comes over as very childish and needing help. Death Row at Truro by Geoff Plunkett, a dark true version of sad events.  A very different book Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi, four visitors each hoping to make use of the café’s time travelling offer, this has to be completed before the coffee gets cold.  From Japanese writer Soseki Natsume, ‘And Then’, a very insightful book.  Some good reads were Haruki Murakamyi  who has written many essays and short stories,  Peggy Guggenheim Collection, a very important art museum in Venice.  Lessons in Chemistry by Peggy Garmus, a funny well written story.   Silent Invasion, a 2018 book by Clive Hamilton on the growing influence in Australia of the Chinese Communist Party.  Lionel Schriver has written We Need to Speak About Kevin, whilst Ian McEwan has beautifully written Lessons. 

What a grand mix of reading covering so many stories and informative reads for our group.

​Geraldine McCorkell

A great variety of books this month including Edna Walling and her Gardens a remarkable woman ahead of her time, Edna died in 1983, her gardens live on.  We had some poetry from Patsy with a promise of more at our April gathering.  Botany Bay and the First Fleet by Alan Frost.  A full authentic account of 11 ships carrying 1400 people who set out in 1787 for Botany Bay.  Platform 7 by Louise Doughty a chilling thriller for those who love crime stories, meanwhile Maxine enjoyed Amor Towles and The Lincoln Highway.  A DVD was a laugh Good Luck to You Leo Grande, starring Emma Thompson, a retired schoolteacher is looking for adventure and some sex.  On a different level The Mermaid from Jeju by Sumi Hahn set on Korea’s Jeju Island is a tale of love/loss and history, worthwhile reading.  Dorothy enjoyed the third book in the Series by Ginny Bell The Dover Café Under Fire the café endured as firebombs fell on Dover during WW11.  The Madonnas of Leningrad by Debra Dean, Marina now an elderly woman remembers taking refuge in The Hermitage during the siege of Leningrad in 1941.  The paintings and artifacts are gone, packed away and shipped out of reach of the German bombs. An excellent read.  On a lighter note, Her Mother’s Secret by Natasha Lester, historical fiction from England to Manhattan in the 1920’s to 1940’s Natasha rarely fails to deliver a good story.  The Cyrus Series by Michael Rowbottom, if you enjoy suspense thrillers then criminal psychologist Cyrus Haven is for you.  Before the Coffee Gets Cold – Tales from the Café by Japanese writer Tashikazu Kawaguchi is a delightful story.  An unusual read was Jane Austen’s Sewing Box by Jenifer Forest, craft projects and stories from Jane Austen novels.  Noelle kindly researched the pros and cons of self-publishing for our group, very interesting information.  Keep reading and we will catch up again on Monday 3rd April for another Let’s Talk Books. 
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Geraldine McCorkell

It was lovely to see everyone back and welcome some new members. 

Many books were read over the holiday period, some of those mentioned were In Search of Moby Dick by Tim Severin a British explorer and historian. Finding my Voice The Peter Brocklehurst Story, the autobiography of this talented tenor.  Peter Fitzsimons wrote Kingsford Smith and those Magnificent Men, an aviation hero, this book was full of interesting facts for those interested in anything to do with flying.    The Dark Flood Rises a very fluent writer in Margaret Drabble.  The Angry Women’s Choir by Meg Bignel is a heartlifting story about some remarkable women.  Worth the read this one.  The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocum. Ray McMillan a black classical musician undeterred by the prejudice in the world of classical music. A couple of films enjoyed were The Fablemans a Steven Spielberg film and The Lost King – Richard 111 whose body was found under a Leicester car park.  An historical novel, The Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis, named for the world renowned pair of marble lions that guard the entrance to the New York public library.  The Wife Stalker by Liv Constantine was as the name suggests a bit scary as was The Night Stalker.  In the A-Z Guide to Humans, George the cat brings us the hilarious guide for cats to navigate the world of humans.  Another film enjoyed was A Man Called Otto.  To join the latest `Paris’ bookshop stories was The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris a tale of love, loss and betrayal.  The Countess From Kirribilli born in Sydney in the 1930’s the literary writer captivated the literary circles of London and Europe.  Writing under the pseudonym Flynn, Sydney Hopkins wrote Mister God This is Anna a mischievous 4 year old runaway.  Erna Walraven gives us Sunset In Spain a couple’s search for new challenges.    The Salt Path by Raynor Winn a self-affirming tale of a couple who lost everything, a true story.    Elizabeth the First the most educated royal, by Helen Carter, and whilst on the Royals The Spare didn’t curry any favour, a load of hogwash and repetitive was the verdict.  A few more to enjoy were Arthur Phillip by Michael Pembroke, The Dover Café of War by Ginny Bell, the first book in the WW11 Saga series brilliantly written and researched.  Suggested reads were The Guncle by Steven Rowley, and Fury at Bent Fork by B.S. Dunn.  The Art of Forgery explores the intrigues of famous forgeries around the world.  Riveting and page turning describes the crime novel The Housemate by Sarah Bailey.  A local Benalla girl Sue Watts has written A Lesson in Love which has received good reviews.  Sue also visits at the Freemasons Home in Benalla.  Last but not least was The Orphans by Fiona McIntosh an historical adventure. 

Keep reading! See you all in March. 

Geraldine McCorkell