This year’s four shortlisted Summer Reads were all high-calibre page turners, with an enthralling mix of literary thrillers, mysteries and political intrigues. After an intense discussion on each of them, “My Father’s House” was voted Best Summer Read by a majority of readers. “My Father’s House” by Joseph O’Connor (Ireland) was chosen as Best Summer Read 2023. Set in Rome in the 1940s, it is … Continue reading Best Summer Read 2023 – My Father’s House
“Ceremony” by Leslie Marmon Silko (USA) One of Nicola’s 100 Best Books for Inspiration in the 21st century! Book Club Favourite of Season 23 Review Although readers struggled with the non-linear narrative to begin with, they quickly got into the story and were immersed in it. They warmed to the protagonist and liked the diversity of other characters: from his family members to the medicine … Continue reading Ceremony
The four shortlisted Summer Reads this year were all novels by black authors. When readers reserved their spot, they had the possibility to make a donation in memory of George Floyd and all the other Black Lives lost because of the systemic racism in our societies. We are delighted to say that we raised €125 and would like to thank all our readers for their … Continue reading Best Summer Read 2020 – Girl, Woman, Other
“Lila” by Marilynne Robinson (U.S.) Synopsis Lila, homeless and alone after years of roaming the countryside, steps inside a small-town Iowa church – the only available shelter from the rain – and ignites a romance and a debate that will reshape her life. She becomes the wife of a minister, John Ames, and begins a new existence while trying to make sense of the life … Continue reading Lila
“The Underground Railroad” by Colson Whitehead (U.S.) Review “The Underground Railroad” by Colson Whitehead (U.S.) is set in the pre-Civil war era in the southern states of America and tells the story of a slave’s journey to freedom using the eponymous route. There were mixed reactions to this book with most readers liking it whereas some found the subject matter too hard to handle for … Continue reading The Underground Railroad
“Slaughterhouse 5” by Kurt Vonnegut (U.S.) In February 2017, as one of the Author Specials that were a part of the Story Connector Literature Circle, we had a lively discussion on Kurt Vonnegut‘s quirky books, original ideas, and views on American society! Readers said that they would so love for him to be around now so they could hear him wax satirical about current affairs. … Continue reading Slaughterhouse 5
“The Joy Luck Club” by Amy Tan (United States) Review For a couple of readers it was the second time they had read this book and they remembered liking it more the first time around. Everyone agreed that it was an enjoyable read but they said that the alternating stories from the eight protagonists caused them confusion: they had difficulty remembering who was who as … Continue reading The Joy Luck Club
“Unaccustomed Earth” by Jhumpa Lahiri (U.S.) Review Readers loved this collection of short stories, which they described as a gentle and easy read. One reader couldn’t put the book down, reading one short story after the other! They liked the fact that each story dealt with day-to-day issues of family life, work and relationships. They found it easy to transpose themselves into the different characters’ … Continue reading Unaccustomed Earth
Nicola's Book Club 