The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold read by Ballinamore Readers Group
Unusual angle on how to cope with the loss of a teenage daughter, brutally murdered at the opening of the story. A simple style which holds your interest and includes funny episodes. Wide range of age groups with different attitudes to the problem.
The Time Traveller's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger read by Ballinamore Reader's Group
Weird love story involving many episodes of time travel to recent past. Some amusing incidents and many brainteasers. Best to go with the flow without analysing too much.
Mixed reception from the group
Atonement by Ian Mc Ewan read by Ballinamore Readers Group Feb/March 2011
Absorbing tale which follows a 13 year old from a disastrous mistake made in her childhood through to her last years.
Vivid portrayal of family life, the army's retreat from Dunkirk and what it was like to be a nurse in a wartime hospital.
All in all, a jolly good read
To Cut a Long Story Short by Jeffrey Archer read by Carrigallen Group, March 2011
This is a book of short stories giving the reader a sample of the author's work. In this collection of stories the author relies more on the tales based on true incidents as only five of
the fourteen stories are completely fictional.
It was a very good read and the Group would like to read more by this author in the future.
Skippy Dies by Paul Murray Read by Carrick on Shannon Reading Group March'11
This is a gripping book with a good strong story and lots of well scripted humour in a school setting. It is mainly about the death of one young boy (Skippy) and how it comes to
pass but also addresses most of the contemporary issues that surround teenagers and young adults today. Has many characters and wonderful writing and most of the group
enjoyed reading it.
Brida by Paulo Coelho read by Carrigallen Readers Group, April 2011
It is an unusual form of literature for the discerning reader. It deals with witchcraft, ties in Christianity, reincarnation and finding your soul mate. It lacks the inspirational impact
which some of his other books portrayed such as The Alchemist.
The story takes place in Ireland during 1993 and 1994 and is based about Brida who feels that she has 'the gift' and wants to become a witch.
It would be a challenging read for some!
The Help by Kathryn Stocket read by the Ballinamore Group.
Gripping read - enjoyed by all.
Believable characters with dialogue that rings true. Amusing anecdotes.
Thought provoking description of racial attitudes in Mississippi.
Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen read by the Ballinamore Group.
Amusing tale of would-be heroine who has read too many novels.
Her youth and inexperience leave plenty of scope for Austen's satirical comments on society manners.
Everyone enjoyed the novel and agreed it should be better known.
Brooklyn by Colm Toibin read by Manorhamilton Readers Group, February 2011
An easy read portraying village life in Ireland in 1950’s, the lack of employment thus the necessity to emigrate. We get a look at attitudes and social status
It deals with an Irish family in Enniscorthy, Eilish the daughter emigrates to US and her adapting to life in Brooklyn, the Irish population there and how they “looked after their own”,
Most people liked the book, suggested it was along the lines of Maeve Binchy. One person thought it was “too predictable ¬ engaging”.
Overall nice book, easy to pick up where you left off!
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte read by Ballinamore Reading Group, January/February 2011
Excellent read – all agreed.
Engaging and thoroughly believable characters.
Descriptive settings evoke seasonal landscapes.
Many stories within main narrative.
Heroine shows remarkable courage and insight for one so young.
Vivid portrayal of the different social classes in that period.
The Road Home by Rose Tremain read by Carrick Reading Group, December 2010.
Good story about east-european emigrant to London and his story of the difficulties he had with language, work and settling in a foreign country.
His journey is a personal one also as he comes to terms with his wife’s early death, leaving his aging mother (who is bitter about this) and his only daughter behind He learns new skills and works really hard to get enough money to return to his own country and provide for them.
Very nicely written, funny at times and interesting exposure of life through an immigrant’s eyes that would make you more aware of how it feels for them.
The Slap by Christos Tsiolkas read by Carrigallen Reading Group, February 2011
Only five members were present on the night and 3 would recommend this book while the other 2 felt that is was so-so.
It is an in-depth look at Australian society dealing with so many issues, lots of them nasty. It makes one think very hard about that society. It would not be for everyone due to the raw sexual content, in parts. The novel is told from the perspectives of a range of people from that society.
The title is a ‘misnomer’, as you will see when you read this book.