Reading Groups - Housebound Reading Group

Most of it was heartbreaking, and very, very sad, but unfortunately true to life and times. Is there a sequel to this? If not, there should be.

Robert Douglas is a born storyteller. I am in the same age group as he is and he writes as it was. The book is full of laughter and sadness, the pages about his mums illness brought tears to my eyes. I am sure he has a lot more to write about his life. I hope he does it. I am going to buy a copy of his book, it is the kind you can read more than once.

Robert described his childhood very vividly, especially his various emotions, and descriptions and characters of his pals. The disappointment at the reality of his father's limitations, his love and need for his mother have never been portrayed more convincingly also his background. His natural optimism lightened the whole book.

Enjoyed "Night Song" very much - it was sad but also very funny - I laughed out loud. A very good read.

Didn't think I was going to like this book! But it was superb. I haven't laughed or cried so much whilst reading a book. The author has a wonderful memory for detail. I enjoyed this book so much I couldn't put it down. My husband kept wondering why I was laughing so much so I read some of it out loud! I hope the author writes another book - he has left the reader wanting to know more.

Although set in Glasgow, the descriptions of life in the 50's for a youngster growing up could relate to Dundee. An easy read, short chapters, there is humour and sadness, a lighter version of "Angela's Ashes".

I found it very hard to keep up with the characters and the story took too long to get started to much time describing surrounding etc.

Did not like this book.

Only managed to listen to three tapes. Story to far fetched.

This book held my interest - quite gripping in places. It is a detective story with a plot delving into the occult so it quite informative in places.

Overloaded with details about ancient texts and myths. Not enough details about the characters and therefore I found it difficult to identify with any of them. I also found the concept of 'The Mephisto Club' too big a stretch of the imagination.

Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden

I have read most of Tess Gerritson books and enjoyed them but this book was a disappointment. The setting and characters were good but the latter part of the book were more Stephen King than James Patterson.

This book didn't appeal to me!

Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden

Although I finished this novel I found it boring. The location in Japan was interesting and different from my usual books, I have always thought Geisha were trained in polite chat and the ceremonies not in the sex industry. The women in the book were just slaves. It was dull (sex was only hinted at in a way very odd to Westerners).

Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden

Although different from my usual book, I found this fascinating and enjoyed it very much. The characters were fascinating, and the setting and times described so well. It was sad in a way, but so realistic.

This story was different; not the usual book I would pick up, however I really enjoyed the characters and the setting of the story perhaps because it was different.

Unforgettable - simply told yet powerful with characters beautifully drawn.

So many emotions are portrayed from loyalty and bravery to jealousy and animosity, against the Afghan background, vividly described. A remarkable first novel.

A well written book, the writer makes you understand Afghanistan as it was. It was interesting to read about the habits and the customs such as kit flying. I felt sorry for the little boy Hassan.

These Foolish Things by Deborah Moggach

Enjoyed the insight into life in Afghanistan. I would recommend this book to anyone. I really enjoyed it. The reader of this talking book was excellent.

I found the subject matter and most of the characters boring - the two elderly characters were the most interesting. The story begins quite well but I then had to force myself to finish reading it.

These Foolish Things by Deborah Moggach

Didn't enjoy this book on the character "Norman".

Found this story confusing as it jumped around in time a great deal. Events were presumed to have taken place but no explanation as to how they had happened were given.

Enjoyed the story being told as the memories of a 98 year old. She brought the whole world of a servant in the 1920's to life. The secrets keep you reading right to the end.

The characters are well written and give you an insight into two entirely different worlds. It was great to discover that a "menial" servant could find such success and happiness later in life.

The settings were extremely good, and the characters very good indeed.

Really enjoyed it, but actual book difficult to handle. Too heavy!

An enchanting story of the characters and life at Riverton during the twentieth century. Guiding you is a brilliant protaganist who once worked ar Riverton and holds its secret.

Compulsive, highly intelligent and elegantly constructed and always intriguing.

Too long. Typeset difficult to read

I enjoyed the setting of this book, and the way the characters developed throughout the story.

Set in Edwardian Britain, there is a great deal of description to set the scene. Story also unfolds in modern Britain. It is a good "summer read" (Richard and Judy choice) but enjoyable but not gripping.