“Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Power of Positive” by Jack Canfield, et al Review There are 101 true stories in this book divided into 11 sections, each one dealing with a different power: from Attitude to Dreaming and Gratitude, from Challenging Yourself to Watching Others. Members of the reading group liked the fact that each story was short, so they could dip into it … Continue reading The Power of Positive
“The Yacoubian Building” by Alaa Al Aswany (Egypt) Review Readers loved this book! They warmed to the different characters who they described as vivid and well developed. They liked how each one evolved throughout the story as either their situation improved or deteriorated. They also liked the contrasts between the secular and religious lifestyles of the characters. Readers loved the setting of the building with … Continue reading The Yacoubian Building
“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
“By Night the Mountain Burns” by Juan Tomás Ávila Laurel (Equatorial Guinea) Review There were mixed feelings about this book as some readers struggled with the stream-of-consciousness style of writing. Those who enjoyed it loved the flow of the story describing it as lyrical and dreamlike. They said it felt like listening to a friend telling them about their childhood and they could relate to it. … Continue reading By Night the Mountain Burns
“One Night, Markovitch” by Ayelet Gundar-Goshan (Israel) Review Readers enjoyed this book describing it as an intriguing and refreshing read. They found it easy to get into and sympathised with most of the characters. They liked how the two protagonists develop from caricatures to individuals with depth and substance. Readers agreed that the story was both funny and annoying at the beginning due its exaggerated … Continue reading One Night, Markovitch
“The Thing Around Your Neck” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (Nigeria) In November 2016, as one of the Author Specials that were a part of the Story Connector Literature Circle, we had a discussion on Adichie’s novels and collection of short stories, and her inspiring views on culture and feminism. Readers agreed that she is a master storyteller. Synopsis In ‘A Private Experience’, a medical student … Continue reading The Thing Around Your Neck
“The Narrow Road to the Deep North” by Richard Flanagan (Australia) Book Club Favourite of Season 19 Review Readers loved the book, describing it as beautifully written with clean and polished prose. They found it easy to get inside the heads of the different characters, and enjoyed the changing voices and different perspectives from chapter to chapter. They loved the vivid descriptions that brought the … Continue reading The Narrow Road to the Deep North
Nicola's Book Club 