Wheatley Book Club
The club was formed in 2003, and presently comprises 12 members – 9 women and three men. We meet every month in each other’s homes for a “coffee” (red or white). We discuss and rate the previous month’s choice then the host offers three books to choose from and the members select one for the following month’s reading. The eclectic choices have ranged from crime, adventure, history, biography, travel and indeed many subjects.
By necessity our numbers are limited to 12 and interested readers may like to be placed on a waiting list. For further details contact our chairman Mrs. Margaret Burton at mag55burton@gmail.com
Out of interest we list below some of the books we read as a group over the last year or so – some of which we wish we hadn’t. (First printed in "Clays Contact" Magazine)
June 2011 This months choice was "Infidel" by Ayaan Hirst Ali. Covering the author's early life in Somalia and other countries, it describes abuse, mutilation, deprivation and brain washing which took place in this radicalised area of the world, (and still persist today). Escaping it all, she moves to Europe and in Holland relishes the freedom of western societies, and achieves a major success in Dutch politics. Members were, as usual, divided in their opinions on this thought-provoking book, and voted it 71/2 out 10 as a worthy read.
July's choice was a "Classic", Decline and Fall by Evelyn Waugh. This, the first novel by this now-famous author was written in 1928 and typified the period in an amusing, if mind=stretching tale of upper-class society and the downright bad, and good fortune of the main character. An amusing plot which is, thank goodness, free of today's political correctness. As usual, loved and unloved by the club members in equal measure. Rated 7 out of 10 overall.
September's choice was "When God was a Rabbit" by Sarah Winman. For a debut novel this was brilliant. It had everything - typical family, childhood friendships, homosexual brother, perverted neighbour, historical connections including 7/11, and a lot of familiar reminders of post-war Britain as well as (naturally), a rabbit called "God". For the first time in a long time members were in agreement that it was a very good read, voting it 9 out of 10.
Time for a party -Christmas dinner for the members at Margaret’s