Monthly Book Group

Each month I host an open meeting in Woodbridge in Suffolk. We used to meet in the town's bookshop but now gather together in a nearby hall. We usually focus on modern fiction and the discussion regularly attracts around 20 people, men and women, of all ages. Everyone is welcome to join in but please let me know you are planning on coming along. Sign up to the e-newsletter here to receive details. Scroll down to take a look at the titles we've read over the year, and view the archive for past discussions.

NEW - Book Group in Framlingham at Ottie and the Bea - details here

Woodbridge Book Group List for 2015

30th November 2015
by Ali Smith

While most enjoyed the modern day story in this book of two halves, everyone felt challenged and some were exasperated by the cleverness of the author.

26th October 2015
by Sarah Perry

High expectations from a great cover and intriguing, if odd, opening, but everyone agreed the novel didn't deliver. Readers didn't engage with the characters or understand what was going on. Muddled and disappointing.

28th September 2015
by Dave Eggers

Give this book to all your friends - it's a warning of things to come! This was the consensus from an animated discussion. It was agreed there were flaws in the writing, but a fascinating book which had most enthralled.

27th July 2015
by Susan Abulhawa

A fascinating and moving book which provoked much discussion regarding the style of writing, but particularly the cultural and political setting. Very thought-provoking.

29th June 2015
by Melissa Harrison

The best book he'd ever read, said one. There was no plot, no story, said another. Most felt it was beautiful and sad.

1st June 2015
by Nathan Filer

Most agreed this was a brilliantly written, enjoyable book about a difficult subject. Some found it too unsettling.

27th April 2015
by Emily St John Mandel

A thought-provoking, gripping and haunting account of the end of civilisation.

30th March 2015
by Takashi Hiraide

Is this really about a cat? A short, puzzling book. Repetition and clunky translation got in the way of overall enjoyment.

23rd February 2015
by Birgit Vanderbeke

A fascinating discussion as everyone seemed to respond to the book differently - a story of family, abuse, political allegory.

26th January 2015
by Tim Gautreaux

A powerful, evocative account of a tough life in the deep south of America. Beautiful writing, vivid descriptions, fascinating characters.