Friday 30 September 2016

September Reading at Book Chat

Stones in the Road by E B Moore

Set in an 1860s Amish community in Pennsylvania, this story follows eleven-year-old Joshua, whose father is an elder and as such in demand for advice and direction. Secretly, however, Joshua’s father drinks and beats his son until one night, a terrible accident ensues forcing Joshua to flee. The community eventually believes he must be dead, while Joshua makes his way to California. Moore recreates the Amish way of life with a sure hand, her characters are sympathetic while the story has a subtle twist. Recommened.

Yanto’s Summer by Ray Pickenell

The era of post-war England is brought to life in this novel about a young man who misses the thrill of battle as he settles back into civilian life in small-town Gloucestershire. There’s fishing and dock-work and not much else to break the boredom. Things hot up when an old flame returns to town, oozing glamour from her time spent in America. A nostalgic and evocative read that will please fans of books like Cider with Rosie.


For the Glory: by Duncan Hamilton

You may remember Eric Liddell as one of the athletes whose running career featured in the movie ‘Chariots of Fire’. Unwilling to run on Sundays because of his religious beliefs, he refused to race in the 100m at the 1924 Olympic Games but won gold in the 400m. There is so much more to his life than the movie, however, with his life as a missionary after the war and from there to an internment camp where his principals would prompt him to make the ultimate sacrifice. An inspirational story, exceptional and moving.

The Olive Route by Carol Drinkwater

The Olive Route stretches from Gibraltar to Syria, an age old path which evokes the history of a precious commodity. Drinkwater makes this journey, discovering stories dating back to the Cretans, Phoenicians, the Greeks and Romans, until she makes her way back to her own olive farm in France where her 400 year old trees first inspired her adventure. Anyone not already in awe of olives, their cuisine and health-giving properties, will find a new appreciation when reading of their history. An enjoyable and informative read.

Love From Boy: Roald Dahl’s Letters to His Mother

Sophie Magdalene was Roald Dahl’s mother with whom he corresponded for forty years, beginning as a boy sent to boarding school at the age of nine. She kept every one of his letters, a selection of which is reproduced here. Two things stand out: the intimate and candid details Dahl writes show a very loving relationship between mother and son; the second is the glimpse of the writer Dahl was to become, even during his school days. It’s a brilliant book; a great read.



Posted by Flaxmere Library Book Chat

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