Book Club Choice for April

OK, so no-one read 'The Handsome Man's Deluxe Cafe.'  That's OK, considering the blog was only published last week, you didn't exactly have a lot of time! Of course there's no deadline so comment away if you wish. 

I am hoping for more success with April's choice which you will find under the page entitled 'Monthly Book Club.'   But I will tell you here, because I am nice like that. It is 'Elizabeth is Missing.' by Emma Healey. You will, however, find out more on said page.

I appreciate it will take time to build a little following and enjoy some discussions, but I am one for perseverance, so I hang on, knowing you are out there, having a sneaky peak and then wandering off.
One day I know, you will see/read something that you will feel  inspired to comment on!  I look forward to hearing from you then.

As usual I am overwhelmed with too many books.  I go to my local library every Friday and spend a glorious hour browsing the shelves and trying not to come away with the maximum amount allowed, which I think is 10 books. I try to limit myself to 3, but alas I usually leave with 5 or 6 tucked under my arm.  There is a lovely system with the libraries here, where after 3 weeks if you are not ready to return the books, you can simply renew online.  They even send you a nice little text to remind you, so that you don't have to pay any penalties.   The problem is one of guilt.  I renew and then wonder if someone is desperately waiting for the very book I have sitting unread beside my bed.  It's too much for a girl to cope with, so I often end up returning unread books to the library.  I know - I  need help!

Anyway on my Friday visit I borrowed two books by Virgina Woolf.  'Mrs Dalloway.' and 'A Room of One's Own.'  They are both quite short so I am hoping will not take too long to read, and I plan to enjoy them over Easter, when instead I should be studying for my upcoming journalism exam.   Anyone read any Virginia Woolf?  I felt it was about time the great lady was added to my list of, 'books I really must read for my ongoing literary enjoyment and education.' We shall see.  Till next time. 

Review of Monthly Book Club Choice for March

This month's book club choice was The Handsome Man's De Luxe Cafe by Alexander McCall Smith.

This is the 15th book in the series of the Number 1 Ladies Detective Agency.  I have read them all!
For me this is easy and pleasurable reading at its best.  It's like stepping into a warm bath - comforting, relaxing and you don't want to get out!

McCall Smith describes the beauty of the Botswana landscape and the kindness of the people with such charm and joy that you know he genuinely feels a real affection for them both.

What I love most about this book is the humour.  The characters never fail to be surprised at the wickedness of  others, Mma Makutsi's shoes talk to her and you can visualize her eyes behind her big thick glasses widening in surprise which happens often.

The characters sail through their days drinking redbush tea and commenting on the oddities of life.
The only criticism I would have is that we are now very familiar with all of the characters and many of the themes are becoming a bit repetitive.  I always have a good long break between reading each of the books and only pick it up when I know I need something soothing and ultra light to read.   I think perhaps it may be time for the series to draw to a close?  

Overall though I think the story is pure escapism and I found it a charming book.   What did you think?
Have you read any of the No 1 Ladies Detective Agency?  Do you have a favourite one? 

I promise something totally different for next month!

Welcome to The Book Club Cafe!

If you are not a reader, you might as well move along.  There's nothing here that is going to please you.  If, on the other hand, you love to read and you love books then you are definitely in the right place. My name is Justine McGrath and I am a total bibliophile. 
If life didn't get in the way, I would spend all day curled up with a good book, a cup of tea and a cupcake. 
 
So I thought I would share my passion, as there's nothing I love more than a good chat about books.  
The plan is this - each month I am going to share my opinions and a short review on my book club choice. This is where you come in.  I need your input.  Did you like the book, or hate it or think I am an idiot.  It's ok, I can take it.  Just share your thoughts. I will even let you suggest a book for a future month (but only if you are good and bake me a cupcake.)  From May onwards I am also going to share my thoughts on the books I read for the other book club I attend, the non-virtual book club, otherwise known as the Third Thursday book club at the Gutter bookshop in Dublin.
I will also be writing about my various writing projects and how I am progressing, so if you write too then there's an added incentive to pop by and say hello. 

So let's talk books.  Reviews, opinions, recommendations.  Share the love!

At the Book Club Cafe there will be weekly discussions on what books have inspired you, what books you love to re-read, who are your favourite authors and much much more!
Grab yourself a cuppa and come and shoot the breeze about anything reading or writing related.