My 3 book choices for BBC Radio Berkshire Book Club on Tuesday 24 July 2018 were:
TAKE NOTHING WITH YOU BY PATRICK GALE I have read A Place Called Winter and seen The Man In The Orange Shirt and loved them both. In Take Nothing With You we meet Eustace, recently diagnosed with thyroid cancer, who at the age of 50 falls in love with, though has yet to meet, Theo who is serving overseas. As he begins his treatment he starts reminiscing about his childhood and we learn more about the characters and events that shaped him. With every chapter there’s something amusing, thought provoking and a smidge emotional. I burst out laughing at the mention of George Best - my granny had no interest in football yet had a photo of George Best in her kitchen. She was also an avid tennis fan and used to hunker down and discourage visitors during Wimbledon, there was one exception. Me. Rebel. Take Nothing with you is beautiful book of Eustace’s memories which will no doubt trigger yours. I savoured every word, you will too when it is published on 21st August. THE YEAR OF SURPRISING ACTS OF KINDNESS BY LAURA KEMP Ceri Price arrives in West Wales to scatter her mother’s ashes not intending to stay long. Famous last words! A case of mistaken identity ensures she takes the job of barmaid and stays awhile in (my beloved) West Wales. Over time random acts of kindness happen to the close knit village community and by the end you will be laughing and crying, and if you know West Wales you’ll be longing to go back. Having read this earlier in the year I am re-reading it. Unheard of but when you find a feel good book such as this you can’t let it go! I have also said that this book is in my most favourite ever book list. I also adored The Late Blossoming of Frankie Green by Laura. I can’t wait to chat to Laura at Crickhowell Literary Festival in October. THE WOMEN WHO FLEW FOR HITLER BY CLARE MULLEY I will be completely honest and say that I don’t read an awful lot of historical biographies but I met Clare’s partner Ian Wolter (look him up he’s very talented) at the London Launch of Henley Literary Festival and from his description I thought I’m jolly well going to read it. Clare is at Henley Literary Festival this year and I am very much looking forward to going to her talk. Tickets for Henley Literary Festival are available through their website https://henleyliteraryfestival.co.uk Tickets for Crickhowell Literary Festival are available through their website http://cricklitfest.co.uk