ACTIVITY DETAILS AND FURTHER INFORMATION
| Activity | BOOK GROUP |
|---|---|
| Leader | TBC |
| Admin | TBC |
| Contact E-mail | e.irene.ross@gmail.com |
| Contact Phone | 07714502232 |
| Meeting Day | 3RD TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH |
| Meeting Time | 11.00 AM – 12.00 NOON |
| Venue | HOLMES MEMORIAL HALL |
| Activity Description | In a relaxed atmosphere we discuss books and reading books choosen by our members |
| Current Arrangements | ZOOM based Readers Group - organised by Irene Ross and Mary McCusker. 3rd Tues of the month. Contact Irene Ross for further details. Zoom meetings will cease when things return to normal. |
28 July 2021
The book discussed by the group on 20th of July was ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’ by Delia Owens.
A story within a story set in a North Carolina Marsh. It centres around Kya, also known as the Marsh Girl, who had been abandoned by everyone who knew her and covers her life from age seven. She has a passionate love for the area in which she lives and of everything living in it. Kya is taught to read by Tate, a friend of her brother, who mentors her and encourages her to document, along with her artistic skills, everything she sees and loves.
Parallel to this is the murder of the nearby town’s favourite quarterback, Chase Andrews, who for a time ‘courted’ Kya. This is a story of immense and heartbreaking loneliness but also one of endurance and hope. Brilliantly written, in places breathtaking, memorable characters, especially Jumpin’ and Mabel, with descriptions of the marsh and wildlife which are almost tangible, all culminating in a heartbreaking and perfect ending.
Discussion.
This book was well received by all the members of the book group.
Karen loved it. Felt the movement between the two timelines was excellent as were the descriptions of nature. Altogether engrossing. How did she manage? Thought the surprise ending was strange.
Elaine also loved it. Spoke about the fantastic imagery especially when she was exploring her sexuality and the comparisons were made with the bullfrogs and fireflies. It was amazing and very well written.
Mary was into the book from the beginning when she was watching her mother walk away. She enjoyed the constant comparisons between nature and human behaviour. Kya became like the animals. She loved it from beginning to end. Kia observed and got completely wrapped up in nature. Felt that domestic violence was well portrayed.
Francis enjoyed it and this was the second time of reading and agreed with everything that had been said so far. She loved that Kya fed the gulls.
Irene read the timeline of the publishing of this book. A book that was not expected to do anything, 28000 copies published initially and going back to the printers so often until 4.5 million copies were sold in 41 countries.
Irene felt the book was beautiful and poetic.
Favourite characters apart from Kya herself was Jumpin’ and Mabel and the shop lady whose name none of us could remember (Sarah).
I would love to be able to report everything that was said about this book but would probably be as long as the book itself! I don’t think there are sufficient words for me to describe how this book impacted us. A book that we would all recommend to our friends.
The book chosen for 20 September discussion is ‘Hamnet’ by Maggie O’Farrell.
The book discussed by the group on 20th of July was ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’ by Delia Owens.
A story within a story set in a North Carolina Marsh. It centres around Kya, also known as the Marsh Girl, who had been abandoned by everyone who knew her and covers her life from age seven. She has a passionate love for the area in which she lives and of everything living in it. Kya is taught to read by Tate, a friend of her brother, who mentors her and encourages her to document, along with her artistic skills, everything she sees and loves.
Parallel to this is the murder of the nearby town’s favourite quarterback, Chase Andrews, who for a time ‘courted’ Kya. This is a story of immense and heartbreaking loneliness but also one of endurance and hope. Brilliantly written, in places breathtaking, memorable characters, especially Jumpin’ and Mabel, with descriptions of the marsh and wildlife which are almost tangible, all culminating in a heartbreaking and perfect ending.
Discussion.
This book was well received by all the members of the book group.
Karen loved it. Felt the movement between the two timelines was excellent as were the descriptions of nature. Altogether engrossing. How did she manage? Thought the surprise ending was strange.
Elaine also loved it. Spoke about the fantastic imagery especially when she was exploring her sexuality and the comparisons were made with the bullfrogs and fireflies. It was amazing and very well written.
Mary was into the book from the beginning when she was watching her mother walk away. She enjoyed the constant comparisons between nature and human behaviour. Kya became like the animals. She loved it from beginning to end. Kia observed and got completely wrapped up in nature. Felt that domestic violence was well portrayed.
Francis enjoyed it and this was the second time of reading and agreed with everything that had been said so far. She loved that Kya fed the gulls.
Irene read the timeline of the publishing of this book. A book that was not expected to do anything, 28000 copies published initially and going back to the printers so often until 4.5 million copies were sold in 41 countries.
Irene felt the book was beautiful and poetic.
Favourite characters apart from Kya herself was Jumpin’ and Mabel and the shop lady whose name none of us could remember (Sarah).
I would love to be able to report everything that was said about this book but would probably be as long as the book itself! I don’t think there are sufficient words for me to describe how this book impacted us. A book that we would all recommend to our friends.
The book chosen for 20 September discussion is ‘Hamnet’ by Maggie O’Farrell.
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20 April 2021
The book discussed by the Zoom Readers on Tuesday, 20th April was The Night Olivia Fell by Christina McDonald.
Abi Knight is a single mother whose life revolves around her teenage daughter Olivia. Abi has a stable, happy life until one night she gets a call from the local hospital telling her that her daughter has been in a terrible accident!
The narrative alternates between mother and daughter and is split over two timelines. Abi narrates the present story, where she is frantically trying to unravel her daughter’s secrets in the months leading up to the accident. Olivia’s story begins six months earlier as she slowly tries to come to terms with her mother’s secret past and the lie that now stands between them.
“They said it was an accident, her mother knows they’re lying. But the truth comes at a price”.
The Night Olivia Fell is a twisty suspense thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end.
This is Christina McDonald’s debut novel and it generated a lively discussion in our group. Everyone thought it was a very enjoyable read.
Our next read is Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart.
We are a very friendly group and anyone wishing to join us would be made most welcome.
You can contact us on groupsbu3a@gmail.com quoting Zoom Readers.
Review by Karen Keenan
The book discussed by the Zoom Readers on Tuesday, 20th April was The Night Olivia Fell by Christina McDonald.
Abi Knight is a single mother whose life revolves around her teenage daughter Olivia. Abi has a stable, happy life until one night she gets a call from the local hospital telling her that her daughter has been in a terrible accident!
The narrative alternates between mother and daughter and is split over two timelines. Abi narrates the present story, where she is frantically trying to unravel her daughter’s secrets in the months leading up to the accident. Olivia’s story begins six months earlier as she slowly tries to come to terms with her mother’s secret past and the lie that now stands between them.
“They said it was an accident, her mother knows they’re lying. But the truth comes at a price”.
The Night Olivia Fell is a twisty suspense thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end.
This is Christina McDonald’s debut novel and it generated a lively discussion in our group. Everyone thought it was a very enjoyable read.
Our next read is Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart.
We are a very friendly group and anyone wishing to join us would be made most welcome.
You can contact us on groupsbu3a@gmail.com quoting Zoom Readers.
Review by Karen Keenan
23rd March 2021
The book discussed by the Zoom Readers on Tuesday 23rd March was The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman.
The Thursday Murder Club consists of four members who meet in the Jigsaw Room, on Thursdays, in a peaceful retirement village where they all live. They get together every Thursday to discuss and solve ‘cold cases’. The members of the club are Elizabeth, who was a spy, Joyce, a nurse, Ibraham, a psychiatrist and Ron who was a union leader.
So imagine the thrill when they are faced with a real-life murder. In the story there are many misdirections and the characters are an absolute delight. There is lots of humour and some brilliant and worth remembering comments:
“in life you have to learn to count the good days. You have to tuck them in your pocket and carry them around with you. So I am putting today in my pocket and I’m off to bed”.
Richard Osman was considered, by the members, to be a good writer with good vocabulary. He was definitely tuned in to the ways of the elderly. The book was uplifting in these difficult times. In general the book was enjoyed by all, it was easy reading and more than one of us felt that this was somewhere that we would like to live and have a Thursday Murder Club.
Our next read is The Night Olivia Fell by Christina McDonald.
A list of potential reads was sent out to members on the 26th February and members were reminded to list these in order of preference for a future read.
We are a lovely group and everyone contributes to the discussion and anyone wishing to join us would be made most welcome.
Contact us at: groupsbu3a@gmail.com… quoting Zoom Readers in the subject line.
Irene Ross
The book discussed by the Zoom Readers on Tuesday 23rd March was The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman.
The Thursday Murder Club consists of four members who meet in the Jigsaw Room, on Thursdays, in a peaceful retirement village where they all live. They get together every Thursday to discuss and solve ‘cold cases’. The members of the club are Elizabeth, who was a spy, Joyce, a nurse, Ibraham, a psychiatrist and Ron who was a union leader.
So imagine the thrill when they are faced with a real-life murder. In the story there are many misdirections and the characters are an absolute delight. There is lots of humour and some brilliant and worth remembering comments:
“in life you have to learn to count the good days. You have to tuck them in your pocket and carry them around with you. So I am putting today in my pocket and I’m off to bed”.
Richard Osman was considered, by the members, to be a good writer with good vocabulary. He was definitely tuned in to the ways of the elderly. The book was uplifting in these difficult times. In general the book was enjoyed by all, it was easy reading and more than one of us felt that this was somewhere that we would like to live and have a Thursday Murder Club.
Our next read is The Night Olivia Fell by Christina McDonald.
A list of potential reads was sent out to members on the 26th February and members were reminded to list these in order of preference for a future read.
We are a lovely group and everyone contributes to the discussion and anyone wishing to join us would be made most welcome.
Contact us at: groupsbu3a@gmail.com… quoting Zoom Readers in the subject line.
Irene Ross
16 February 2021
The book discussed by Zoom Readers this morning was ‘10 Minutes 38 Seconds in a Strange Land’ written by Elif Shafak. This book was shortlisted for the Booker Prize.
10:38 is a journey with Leila who has just been murdered. She was a sex worker known as Tequila Leila in Istanbul. It is a story of her life as her mind shuts down. Her brain is still working even though her heart has stopped.
The book is divided into three parts, mind, body and soul. The first part being the minutes of her memory, sense and smells are the catalyst for her memories and the people she met and loved. As she recalls the event surrounding the ‘scent’ It also leads to the introduction of her friends into the story.
The second part is about her friends and the horror they share at knowing she is buried in the ‘Cemetery of the Companionless’ which is a real place and in the book is described as being ‘reserved for three types of dead: the unwanted, the unworthy and the unidentified‘.
If I share the third part it would spoil the book for anyone wanting to read it.
This is a book about the sex trade in Turkey, relationships that are formed and friendships that will last forever, as one reader commented ‘ out of darkness real friendships were formed’. There are some amazingly beautiful passages which require reading more than once.
In general the readers liked the book even though in places it was a bit hard going.
Our next monthly meeting is 10:00am 16 March 2021 when we will discuss ‘The Thursday Murder Club’ by Richard Osman.
New members are always welcome.
The book discussed by Zoom Readers this morning was ‘10 Minutes 38 Seconds in a Strange Land’ written by Elif Shafak. This book was shortlisted for the Booker Prize.
10:38 is a journey with Leila who has just been murdered. She was a sex worker known as Tequila Leila in Istanbul. It is a story of her life as her mind shuts down. Her brain is still working even though her heart has stopped.
The book is divided into three parts, mind, body and soul. The first part being the minutes of her memory, sense and smells are the catalyst for her memories and the people she met and loved. As she recalls the event surrounding the ‘scent’ It also leads to the introduction of her friends into the story.
The second part is about her friends and the horror they share at knowing she is buried in the ‘Cemetery of the Companionless’ which is a real place and in the book is described as being ‘reserved for three types of dead: the unwanted, the unworthy and the unidentified‘.
If I share the third part it would spoil the book for anyone wanting to read it.
This is a book about the sex trade in Turkey, relationships that are formed and friendships that will last forever, as one reader commented ‘ out of darkness real friendships were formed’. There are some amazingly beautiful passages which require reading more than once.
In general the readers liked the book even though in places it was a bit hard going.
Our next monthly meeting is 10:00am 16 March 2021 when we will discuss ‘The Thursday Murder Club’ by Richard Osman.
New members are always welcome.
19 January 2021
The monthly (?) meeting of the Zoom Readers took place at 10:00am Tuesday 19 January 2021.
The book being discussed was Black Eyed Susans by Julia Heaberlin. This book tells the story of Tessa who is found in a field, barely alive, and buried with other young girls who collectively become known as The Black Eyed Susans. The author moves back and forth, from the past to the present, over a period of twenty years with ease. The characters are likeable. Her relationship with her daughter is wonderful. Is the right person in prison? Tessa is questioning herself as someone is now terrifying her by planting Black Eyed Susans under her window. She is now working against time to save a possibly innocent man.
It is a good psychological thriller but was not enjoyed by everyone.
The timespan between reading this book and our meeting today definitely impacted negatively on our discussion. We decided that we will endeavour to always have our monthly meeting!
Our next read is ‘10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World’, a 2019 novel by Turkish writer Elif Shafak. This is available on Libby, The Library App.
We have also chosen our March read which is 'The Thursday Murder Club' by Richard Osman. Available from as little as £1.00 on eBay as a download.
To add to the fun of reading we are adding Little Women by Louisa M Alcott as an ‘inbetween’. No pressure then!!
Any member who would like to join in will be made most welcome. Contact on groupsbu3a@gmail.com with ‘Zoom Readers’ in the subject line.
The monthly (?) meeting of the Zoom Readers took place at 10:00am Tuesday 19 January 2021.
The book being discussed was Black Eyed Susans by Julia Heaberlin. This book tells the story of Tessa who is found in a field, barely alive, and buried with other young girls who collectively become known as The Black Eyed Susans. The author moves back and forth, from the past to the present, over a period of twenty years with ease. The characters are likeable. Her relationship with her daughter is wonderful. Is the right person in prison? Tessa is questioning herself as someone is now terrifying her by planting Black Eyed Susans under her window. She is now working against time to save a possibly innocent man.
It is a good psychological thriller but was not enjoyed by everyone.
The timespan between reading this book and our meeting today definitely impacted negatively on our discussion. We decided that we will endeavour to always have our monthly meeting!
Our next read is ‘10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World’, a 2019 novel by Turkish writer Elif Shafak. This is available on Libby, The Library App.
We have also chosen our March read which is 'The Thursday Murder Club' by Richard Osman. Available from as little as £1.00 on eBay as a download.
To add to the fun of reading we are adding Little Women by Louisa M Alcott as an ‘inbetween’. No pressure then!!
Any member who would like to join in will be made most welcome. Contact on groupsbu3a@gmail.com with ‘Zoom Readers’ in the subject line.
17 November 2020
The book reviewed by the Zoom Readers at the meeting on Tuesday, the 17th of November on Zoom was ‘The Midnight Library’ by Matt Haig.
The principal character is Nora Seed and she is having a really bad day! Not only was she mugged, her cat got run over by a car and she lost her job. This seems to be the way her life has been going and she decides enough is enough and attempts suicide. But even this is not going too well for her.
Nora wakes up to discover that she is in the Midnight Library, where she is given the opportunity to visit the ‘lives’ she didn’t choose and undo her regrets. Through the the books of the ‘possible’ life choices not made she gets to experience these other lives. What she finds is that these lives aren’t any better that the one she has and learns that in order to live, one must push aside their regrets and embrace their potential. There were some excellent dialogues in the book. Mrs Elm “I think you might have lost your way a bit” Nora responds “Isn’t that why I came to the Midnight Llibrary in the first place because I had lost my way”? Mrs Elm “Well yes but now you are lost within your lostness”!
This book was enjoyed by the majority of the members and discussions that took place afterwards were in my opinion, illuminating.
A discussion took place regarding suicide and depression and how one might feel when death is staring them in the face. While this might sound a little bit macabre and dark it was very interesting and one member who had worked with very vulnerable people was able to give us a better insight into situations like this. A follow on discussion regarding our own lives during the current pandemic, the possibility of personal depression, issues regarding the ‘vaccine and choices we make made for lively conversation.
Our next read is Black Eyed Susans by Julia Heaberlin and we hope to meet again on Tuesday 15 December. New members are always welcome.
Irene Ross
The book reviewed by the Zoom Readers at the meeting on Tuesday, the 17th of November on Zoom was ‘The Midnight Library’ by Matt Haig.
The principal character is Nora Seed and she is having a really bad day! Not only was she mugged, her cat got run over by a car and she lost her job. This seems to be the way her life has been going and she decides enough is enough and attempts suicide. But even this is not going too well for her.
Nora wakes up to discover that she is in the Midnight Library, where she is given the opportunity to visit the ‘lives’ she didn’t choose and undo her regrets. Through the the books of the ‘possible’ life choices not made she gets to experience these other lives. What she finds is that these lives aren’t any better that the one she has and learns that in order to live, one must push aside their regrets and embrace their potential. There were some excellent dialogues in the book. Mrs Elm “I think you might have lost your way a bit” Nora responds “Isn’t that why I came to the Midnight Llibrary in the first place because I had lost my way”? Mrs Elm “Well yes but now you are lost within your lostness”!
This book was enjoyed by the majority of the members and discussions that took place afterwards were in my opinion, illuminating.
A discussion took place regarding suicide and depression and how one might feel when death is staring them in the face. While this might sound a little bit macabre and dark it was very interesting and one member who had worked with very vulnerable people was able to give us a better insight into situations like this. A follow on discussion regarding our own lives during the current pandemic, the possibility of personal depression, issues regarding the ‘vaccine and choices we make made for lively conversation.
Our next read is Black Eyed Susans by Julia Heaberlin and we hope to meet again on Tuesday 15 December. New members are always welcome.
Irene Ross
21 January 2020
Ballymoney U3A Book and Creative Writing Groups Workshop
On Tuesday 21 January, Ballymoney U3A Book and Creative Writing Groups joined forces for a workshop facilitated by well known and award-winning local author, Bernie McGill,who has written the acclaimed books “The Butterfly Cabinet”, “ The Watch House” and “Sleepwalkers” (a series of short stories).
The groups met in the Brown Trout complex at Aghadowey and were greeted to a warm welcome with refreshments in front of a blazing log fire and although the day was gloomy itdid not dampen the spirits of the enthusiastic U3A members.
Both groups gave a very warm welcome to Bernie who immediately put everyone at ease with her friendly reassuring manner and to say that the morning passed quickly was an understatement. Bernie, using her talents as a writer and mentor, interacted with members and under her guidance wegained confidence and learned new skills which we will be able to utilise in future work.
After the workshop the groups enjoyed a delicious lunch and plenty of conversation followed. This was a very worthwhile, enjoyable and useful time, the verdict of which was “we want to do this again soon”.
A warm vote of thanks was given to Bernie for making it such a pleasurable experience and also to “Awards for All” who provided the funding to cover the U3A workshop costs.
If you would like to know more about Ballymoney U3A and the activities offered, please get in touch via the U3A Website:- www.ballymoneyu3a.com or e-mailmembershipbu3a@gmail.com
Ballymoney U3A Book and Creative Writing Groups Workshop
On Tuesday 21 January, Ballymoney U3A Book and Creative Writing Groups joined forces for a workshop facilitated by well known and award-winning local author, Bernie McGill,who has written the acclaimed books “The Butterfly Cabinet”, “ The Watch House” and “Sleepwalkers” (a series of short stories).
The groups met in the Brown Trout complex at Aghadowey and were greeted to a warm welcome with refreshments in front of a blazing log fire and although the day was gloomy itdid not dampen the spirits of the enthusiastic U3A members.
Both groups gave a very warm welcome to Bernie who immediately put everyone at ease with her friendly reassuring manner and to say that the morning passed quickly was an understatement. Bernie, using her talents as a writer and mentor, interacted with members and under her guidance wegained confidence and learned new skills which we will be able to utilise in future work.
After the workshop the groups enjoyed a delicious lunch and plenty of conversation followed. This was a very worthwhile, enjoyable and useful time, the verdict of which was “we want to do this again soon”.
A warm vote of thanks was given to Bernie for making it such a pleasurable experience and also to “Awards for All” who provided the funding to cover the U3A workshop costs.
If you would like to know more about Ballymoney U3A and the activities offered, please get in touch via the U3A Website:- www.ballymoneyu3a.com or e-mailmembershipbu3a@gmail.com
