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Letters to our younger selves and responses by Whitchurch High School students.
Book recommendations
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By: Agatha Christie on 16/08/2024 Caroline's Book Choice this week is After the funeral by Agatha Christie
Although this is a less well known Agatha Christie, it is a great introduction to her books. It is the story of two deaths and the family involved. One death is certainly murder but what about the other one …? It is the first book to feature Hercule Poirot, as he is called in to help with the investigation but he only plays a small role in this book. Red herrings abound in this early Christie novel.
Available from libraries and hubs as a book  By: Owen Sheers on 08/08/2024 Caroline's book choice this week is I saw a man by Owen Sheers
A mystery story of sorts. Michael, recently widowed, moves next door and befriends Josh, Sam and their children. At first it seems as if the friendship will help Michael to heal. But then an event occurs which changes all their lives and the relationships between them. I found this a gripping read with some beautiful descriptions. A book that stays in the mind long after you finish the last page.
Available from libraries and hubs as a book and a large print book.  By: Owen Sheers on 08/08/2024 Caroline's book choice this week is I saw a man by Owen Sheers
A mystery story of sorts. Michael, recently widowed, moves next door and befriends Josh, Sam and their children. At first it seems as if the friendship will help Michael to heal. But then an event occurs which changes all their lives and the relationships between them. I found this a gripping read with some beautiful descriptions. A book that stays in the mind long after you finish the last page.
Available from libraries and hubs as a book and a large print book. By: Nadiya Hussein on 02/08/2024 Caroline's book choice this week is Finding my voice by Nadiya Hussain
Not really an autobiography but more a memoir of incidents from the author’s life. She looks at the roles she has had in life, including daughter, wife and earner and illustrates each one with stories, finishing with a recipe. The style is appealing and the descriptions are beautiful. Nadiya has a lot to say about the role of women and there is much to reflect on.
Available from libraries and hubs as a book and a large print book.  By: Jo Baker on 26/07/2024 Caroline's book review this week is Longbourn by Jo Baker
The background to Pride and Prejudice but told from the servants point of view. You will never again read about Elizabeth taking a muddy walk without wondering who will be cleaning her petticoats afterwards! But the servants, too, have their own story to tell, which takes us into their world and to the world beyond Longbourn.
Available from libraries and hubs as a book.  By: Benjamin Zephaniah on 12/07/2024 Caroline's book choice this week is The life and rhymes of Benjamin Zephaniah by Benjamin Zephaniah. After a difficult childhood young Benjamin Zephaniah turned to a life of crime. The discovery that he really wanted to be a poet changed his life and led to him becoming one of the nation’s favourite, and much missed, poets. This very readable book shows his journey and how he really stood up for what he believed in. Once you have read the book do have a look at Benjamin reciting his poems on YouTube, (try Faceless or Talking Turkeys) where he really brings them alive.
Available from libraries and hubs as a book.  By: Ruth Hogan on 05/07/2024 Caroline's book choice this week is Keeper of lost things by Ruth Hogan
Laura takes a post as assistant to an elderly writer Anthony Peardew, who has spent his life collecting “lost things” and filling his house with them. He wishes to reunite the objects with their owners as far as possible and when he dies with the task hardly started he leaves Laura to finish the job. Laura becomes more and more involved as she researches the background to some of the objects and their stories become part of the book too.
Available from libraries and hubs as a book and a large print book  By: Lionel Shriver on 29/06/2024 Caroline's book choice this week is Should we stay or should we go by Lionel Shriver
In her 50s and seeing her father slowly die with dementia, Kate and her husband, Cyril decide they have no desire to go in a similar way. Cyril suggests they make a pact that when they reach 80 they will commit suicide together. 80 is almost three decades away and they are both enjoying life. Then as Kate’s 80th birthday approaches and the issue is raised again. What happens next is told and retold in 12 different scenarios, some humorous, some poignant with many differing results. Thought provoking and funny.
Available from libraries and hubs as a book  By: Helen Dunmore on 21/06/2024 Caroline's book choice this week is The Greatcoat by Helen Dunmore
A beautifully written short novel about a bored young doctor’s wife in the 1950s and an airman based in a nearby airfield during the war. Ignore the words on the cover calling it a ghost story as you may be disappointed but if you want a book which tells its own story in a quiet way you may find this is the one. Our reading group were divided over this one - a bit of a marmite book. Try it and see what you think.
Available from libraries and hubs as a book and a large print book.  By: Bonnie Garmus on 14/06/2024 Caroline's book choice this week is Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus Elizabeth Zott is a scientist in 1960s America. However the scientific world is not really ready for a female chemist. Elizabeth is determined to fight back and dares to be different. She has many setbacks and challenges to face in her working and personal life and finds herself taking some unexpected twists and turns, often very funny ones, as you will her to succeed every step of the way. The book also makes you think about how much things have changed and how much further we still have to go. This book was much hyped on publication but it really lives up to all the positive comments. A wonderful read.
Available from libraries and hubs as a book, from BorrowBox as an ebook and an e-audio book and from Libby as an e-audio book.  By: on 07/06/2024 Caroline's book choice this week is Unruly by David Mitchell
A history of the early and medieval kings of England, written not by an historian but by a man better known as a comedian. The book is based on the facts and the unknowns of history as they are seen today with some very funny modern comparisons. Great fun and an enjoyable romp through early history, with some strong language. Be warned Ethelred the Unready does not get a good write up!
Available from libraries and hubs as a book and talking book and from BorrowBox as an ebook and e-audio book  By: Fatin Abbas on 31/05/2024 Caroline's book choice this week is Ghost season by Fatin Abbas
Five strangers on a compound in a border town between northern and South Sudan discover a burnt corpse. As the characters’ lives intertwine so they become more aware of the challenges and dangers of living in a border town, especially with the growing feelings between William, a Nilotic tribesman from one side of the border and Leyla, a nomad from the other side. The history of this troubled part of the world and how it affects ordinary people provide the background to this book and the characters will stay in your mind long after you finish reading.
Available from libraries and hubs as a book  By: Anthony Doerr on 27/05/2024 Caroline's book choice this week is All the light we cannot see by Anthony Doerr
The story of a young blind girl in Paris in the 1940s and a young German radio engineer who ends up in Paris during the war. Marie-Laure is an enterprising and independent character brought up by her devoted father and later by her great uncle. The descriptions really bring the period to life and there are many conflicts between country and personal beliefs for both characters.
Available from libraries and hubs as a book and from BorrowBox as an ebook  By: John Mortimer on 03/05/2024 Caroline's book choice this week is Rumpole and the reign of terror by John Mortimer
One of a number of books about the criminal barrister, Rumpole. This one is more about Rumpole himself and his wife than it is about any crime or trial. Rumpole’s wife, Hilda, has decided to write her memoirs, and they could make interesting reading, should they ever be published! Rumpole and Hilda see things from very different perspectives, which makes the book such a fun read. For those looking for a change from all the crime thrillers.
Available from libraries and hubs as a large print book  By: Dorothy Whipple on 26/04/2024 Caroline's book choice is
The Priory by Dorothy Whipple If you like Jane Austen’s eye for detail then do try this Dorothy Whipple novel. The Priory is the name of a large and well established house which has seen much better days. It is inhabited by the Major, a widower and his family, two “nearly grown up” daughters, Christine and Penelope. But things are about to change for everyone when the major announces he is to remarry. Not even he realises how much will alter. The book takes a close and humourous look at the characters and situations and as for the ending, well I will let the author tell you that.
Available from libraries and hubs as a book.  By: John Grisham on 19/04/2024 Caroline's book choice this week is The Guardians by John Grisham Quincy Miller has been imprisoned for 22 years for a murder he claims he did not commit. It isn’t until he contacts an organisation called The Guardians, run by Cullen Post, that he has any support. The Guardians try to prove the innocence of those who have been or think they have been wrongly convicted. But Cullen Post’s job becomes more difficult and dangerous as time goes on and evidence is hard to find.
Available from libraries and hubs as a book  By: Sarah Waters on 12/04/2024 Caroline's book choice this week is The little stranger by Sarah Waters
A Doctor finds himself drawn to a large house and its inhabitants, Caroline, her war damaged brother and their mother. Once wealthy, the family have come down in the world and have many problems. Strange things start to happen but is this imagination, mental illness or a ghost from the past? And are any of the characters truely who they appear to be? A book that portrays a world before the NHS and an upper class world long forgotten.
Available from libraries and hubs as a book or an audio book  By: Paula Daly on 29/03/2024 Caroline's book choice this week is Clear my name by Paula Daly Tess works for a charity which helps address miscarriages of justice. Tess takes on the case of Carrie, who is in prison for murdering her husband. This takes an unusual approach for a crime novel. We know “who dunnit” from the start. But is Carrie really guilty and what really happened? Whilst she investigates the case Tess finds her own background coming under scrutiny and secrets she would rather forget start to be revealed.
Available from libraries and hubs as a book and a large print book and from Libby as an ebook.
 By: Louise Doughty on 23/03/2024 Caroline's book choice this week is Apple Tree Yard by Louise Doughty
A woman,Yvonne, embarks on a dangerous and passionate affair with a stranger. Then she attends a works party and an event occurs which means that the lives of the woman and her lover are changed forever.
Available from libraries and hubs as a book and a large print book, and from BorrowBox as an ebook.  By: Nadifa Mohamed on 15/03/2024 Caroline's book review this week is The Fortune men by Nadifa Mohamed A novel based around the true case of Mahmood Hussein Mattan, who was the last man to be hung in Cardiff. He was accused of a brutal murder and, despite evidence to the contary, he was found guilty and hung. 40 years later he was finally acquitted of all involvement in the crime.
Available from libraries and hubs as a book and from BorrowBox as an e-audio book.
Apple Tree Yard by Louise Doughty
A woman,Yvonne, embarks on a dangerous and passionate affair with a stranger. Then she attends a works party and an event occurs which means that the lives of the woman and her lover are changed forever.
Available from libraries and hubs as a book and a large print book, and from BorrowBox as an ebook.  By: Susanna Gregory on 08/03/2024 Caroline's book choice this week is Chancellor’s secret by Susanna Gregory This is the book that I was given as part of the “date with a book” scheme the library ran before Christmas. It was wrapped in pretty paper with a very brief description of the type of book - “historical crime”. When I arrived home and unwrapped it I found it was the last in a long series of books by Susanna Gregory set in 1360s Cambridge. Although I wasn’t sure I would enjoy it as I had not read any of the others in the series I was caught up from the beginning. As Matthew Bartholemew investigates one mysterious death, a plague is raging around the town, academics fight over the election of a new chancellor and the old wooden bridge over the river Cam needs replacing. As the deaths mount up will Matthew find out who is really behind it all, will the new bridge be built and can it all be done before Matthew’s imminant wedding? Although some of the back stories may be clearer if you have followed the series this book can also be read as a stand alone book.
Available from libraries and hubs as a book.
 By: Andrew Green on 01/03/2024 Caroline's book choice for St David's Day. Wales in 100 objects by Andrew Green What do 230,000 year old handaxes, William Morgan’s Bible, Corgi toys and a Laura Ashley dress have in common? They can all be found in this story of Wales looking at just 100 objects. Other items include the laws of Hywel Dda, a Felinfoel beer can and Superted! Each item is given its place in Welsh history, and illustrated with attractive photographs. We can all argue that some of our favourites are missing but it is a great place to start the conversation. What would you choose to show Wales’ history and culture?
Available from libraries and hubs as a book.  By: Elly Griffiths on 23/02/2024 A room full of bones by Elly Griffiths
Another book in the series about Ruth Galloway, an archaeologist who finds herself caught up in a murder investigation. This time an ancient coffin is to be officially opened at the museum. But shortly before the ceremony starts the museum curator is found dead next to the coffin and Ruth is the one to find him… . Ruth’s background story continues in this book so although the book can be read alone it is probably better to read the series in order.
Available from libraries and hubs as a book and an audio book and from BorrowBox as an e-audio book.  By: Brit Bennett on 16/02/2024 Caroline's book choice this week is
The vanishing half by Brit Bennett A novel about black twins who run away from their Louisiana home aged 16. One eventually returns with a daughter to live a life of poverty. The other finds she can pass as white and makes a wealthy marriage, has a daughter, and ends up living in a rich and prejudiced community. Eventually the two cousins meet and gradually discover their backgrounds.
Available from libraries and hubs as a book.  By: LJ Ross on 08/02/2024 Caroline's Book choice this week is Sycamore Gap by L.J. Ross A follow up to L.J. Ross’ Holy Island featuring Inspector Ryan. Two bodies are found by Hadrian’s wall 24 hours apart but killed a decade apart. It is up to Inspector Ryan to sort out what happened and find the killer or killers. The cover of the book features the famous tree at Sycamore Gap, now sadly destroyed.
Available from libraries and hubs as a book and audio book and from BorrowBox as an e-audio book  By: Philippa Gregory on 04/02/2024 Caroline's book choice this week is Dark tides by Philippa Gregory
For fans of Philippa Gregory’s Tidelands, this is the second book in the trilogy. The book follows Alinor and her daughter as they arrive in London and start to make new lives for themselves. But 17th century London is not an easy place for women alone and some of their troubles follow them. The final book in the trilogy is Dawnlands.
Available from libraries and hubs  By: Anne Enright on 25/01/2024 Caroline's book choice is Actress by Anne Enright This fascinating book reads like a biography of a famous actress as written by her daughter but the Irish Katherine O’Dell is fictional. Her daughter, Norah, tells of her early life, her successes and her failures and discloses secrets in both of their lives. Available from libraries and hubs  By: Trang Nguyen on 19/01/2024 Caroline's Book Choice this week is Saving Sorya: Chang and the sun bear by Trang Nguyen, illustrated by Jeet Zdung A beautifully illustrated children’s graphic novel about rescuing sun bears and of the rescue of one in particular. The story follows the rescue of Sorya her subsequent release into the wild. The story is partly based on the author’s own experiences of working with sun bears.
Available from libraries and hubs  By: Matthew Syed on 12/01/2024 Caroline's book choice this week is What do you think? : how to agree to disagree and still be friends By Matthew Syed
This book is written for teenagers and is a helpful look at debate and how not to lose friends over dffering opinions. Aspects covered include how to stand your ground, how to state your views, how to change your mind and how to listen to others. Maybe that is not such a bad idea for us adults too … .
A book for older children and teens (and adults of all ages). Available from libraries and hubs  By: Alison Weir on 29/12/2023 Caroline's book choice this week is Captive Queen by Alison Weir - Strong, feisty and powerful - this was Eleanor of Aquitaine. This novel takes her story from her first meeting with Henry II, through their turbulent marriage until her eventual death. Eleanor was a fascinating character and there is much to enjoy in this story of her life.
Available from libraries and hubs as an audio book and from BorrowBox as an e-audio book.  By: Liane Moriarty on 01/12/2023 Caroline's book choice this week is The husband’s secret by Liane Moriarty
When a woman accidentally discovers a letter written by her husband marked “to be opened after my death” she decides to ignore it. But then curiosity gets the better of her. When she reads it she discovers her husband’s secret, but now she knows it, she can’t “unknow” it and she then has to make decisions that will affect all their lives and those of others in their neighbourhood. A page turner that will keep you guessing till the last page.
Available from libraries and hubs as a book and an audio book  By: Dara McAnulty on 24/11/2023 Caroline's book choice this week is Diary of a naturalist by Dara McAnulty
Dara is a young man who loves natural history. This book follows a year in his teens seeing the countryside around him as the seasons change. He shares his wide knowledge with the reader in a delightful way. Dara is also autistic with two autistic siblings. He shares his experiences of family life and how he coped with the difficulties of school by escaping outdoors. An amazing read on so many levels.
Available from libraries and hubs as a book and BorrowBox as an e-audio book.  By: CJ Sansom on 16/11/2023 Caroline's book choice this week is
Dark fire by C.J. Sansom The second in the series of books about Matthew Shardlake. The year is 1540 and Matthew is asigned to defend a young woman who is accused of killing her cousin. While matthew is attempting to get to the bottom of what happened another mystery is handed to him by Thomas Cromwell and he has 12 days to solve them both. Full of period detail of everyday life and a great historical crime novel.
Available from Borrowbox as an e-audio book
By: Imram Mahmoud on 10/11/2023 Caroline's book choice this week is
I know what I saw by Imran Mahmoud
A homeless man witnesses a murder but no-body, including the police, believes him. He struggles to prove what he saw. But what really happened? Can the man, who narrates the story, be believed? A story that kept me gripped to the very end. Another great novel by Imran Mahmoud, who wrote “You don’t know me” and “All I said was true”. Available from libraries and hubs as a book and from BorrowBox as an ebook and e-audio book.  By: Philippa Perry on 27/10/2023 Couch Fiction by Philippa Perry
For anyone who wonders what really goes on in a psychotherapy session. This graphic novel tells the story of one client and his therapist as they work through his problems, seeing the problem from both points of view. The graphic novel format gives us the opportunity to see the expressions on both faces as they discuss issues and share their thoughts with the reader with honesty. Explanations of the issues and responses are given underneath the pictures.
Available from libraries and hubs as a book.  By: Philippa Gregory on 20/10/2023 Caroline's book choice this week is
Tidelands by Philippa Gregory A novel set in the fictional tidelands near Chichester in the Civil War period. Alinor, a local midwife and wise woman and her brother Ned support Parliament but not everyone does and soon Alinor finds her views and actions in conflict with her neighbours. I found the descriptions of everyday life of Alinor and her family fascinating as they struggled to survive after Alinor’s abusive husband fails to return from a voyage. This book is the first of a trilogy.
Available from libraries and hubs as a book and from BorrowBox as an ebook and an e-audio book  By: Lucy Worsley on 13/10/2023 Caroline's book choice this week is
Agatha Christie: a very elusive woman by Lucy Worsley A fascinating biography about an intriguing woman. Lucy Worsley takes us through the life of the famous writer but also looks at how her life is reflected in her books. Agatha Christie had a difficult life at times and not always a happy one but she found escape in her travels and her interest in archaeology.
Available from libraries and hubs as a book  By: Kate Thomson on 06/10/2023 Caroline's book choice this week is
The little wartime library by Kate Thomson
A wartime romance with a difference. The widowed Clara sets up and runs a library at the disused underground station of Bethnal Green. She becomes part of the Bethnal Green underground community who spend a great proportion of their lives there during the Second World War and she soon becomes involved in helping with their problems and difficulties. What makes this story unusual is that although Clara may be fictional there was a real library in Bethnal Green underground station during the war and there is an extra chapter of the book describing it.
Available from libraries and hubs as a book  By: Ann Patchett on 22/09/2023 Caroline's book choice this week is
The Dutch house by Ann Patchett This novel follows a family through generations as family life is disrupted for Danny and Maeve after their mother leaves and their father remarries. Andrea is a difficult stepmother and the siblings struggle with their place in the family home. Throughout their lives the house, known as the Dutch House, draws them back as they try to put the past behind them.
Available from libraries and hubs as a book, from BorrowBox as an ebook.  By: Tracy Borman on 14/09/2023 Caroline's book choice this week is Mathilda by Tracy Borman William the conqueror and the Battle of Hastings are well known from our school days but how much do you know about his wife, Mathilda? She was an interesting character, who became a powerful woman at a time when a wealthy woman’s main role was to marry well and have children. She was also ambitious and frequently took charge in her husband’s many absences. Tracy Borman has provided us with a very readable biography which sheds light on a little known queen and her times.
Available from libraries and hubs as a book and a large print book  By: Tim Marshall on 04/08/2023 Caroline's book choice this week is
Prisoners of Geography: our world explained in simple 12 maps by Tim Marshall
This is a children’s version of Tim Marshall’s Prisoners of Geography: ten maps that tell you everything you need to know about global politics. Although I have not read the adult book (yet) the children’s edition is an interesting introduction to the way world geography affects a country’s power and wealth. The landscape, climate and natural resources all affect development over time and disputes over resources can lead to wars. I came across this book as a recommendation from a friend. She was, however, insistent that I had the children’s edition as she said it helps explain today’s world.
A great introduction for young (and not so young) readers Both books are available from libraries and hubs as books. The adult title is also available from BorrowBox as an ebook and from Libby as an ebook and e-audio book By: Allie Morgan on 21/07/2023
Caroline's book choice this week is The librarian: a memoir by Allie Morgan Allie Morgan applies for a part time post at a local library. Here Allie discovers that there is more to libraries than books and how much of a community resource they are. As her work helps her with her own health issues, she finds her place and a role in the library and local community. As someone who worked in libraries for over 44 years none of the anecdotes, from the violent to the moving or funny, surprised me, and most seemed very familiar. This book is for everyone who knows and loves libraries and more especially for those who feel that libraries are no longer necessary or can be run by volunteers. Please borrow this book from your local library - you will appreciate the work of the library staff all the more when you return it.
Available from libraries and hubs as a book and from Libby as an ebook.  By: on 21/07/2023 By: Jon Ronson on 14/07/2023 Caroline's book choice this week is The Psychopath test by Jon Ronson.Jon Ronson takes his journalism skills to investigate psychopaths and the “psychopath test”, for identifying those suffering serious mental issues. An intriguing and compelling read that raises a lot of issues about how we regard and treat mental health and disability and whether some people are “incurable”. Ronson has an easy style and is often humorous. I read the book very quickly but the people will stay with me for much longer.
This book was shortlisted for the National Book Awards Popular Non Fiction Award 2012.
 By: Paterson Joseph on 07/07/2023 Caroline's book choice this week is
The secret diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho by Paterson Joseph
A novel based on the life of Charles Ignatius Sancho, born on a slave ship but brought up in Georgian London. He became the first black person to vote in Britain. How did he go from poverty to being wealthy enough to own a property, a voting requirement of the time? Paterson Joseph weaves the story from the few know facts and the book makes fascinating reading. Paterson Joseph, probably better known as an actor, has turned a life long obsession with Sancho into a one man play and now a wonderful novel. I was lucky enough to hear him speak at the Hay Festival recently and he said how his acting career had helped him to imagine standing in Sancho’s shoes and look at the life choices he made. The hardback novel includes a QR code for a walking tour of London narrated by the author, which you can do next time you are in London, or from the comfort of your armchair with a London map. Available from libraries and hubs as a book. A children’s book about Sancho is also available in libraries and hubs by Judy Hepburn entitled “Ignatius Sancho”.  By: Rachel Joyce on 30/06/2023 Caroline's book choice this week is the unlikely pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce
Harold sets out to post a letter but on his way to the post box he changes his mind and decides to deliver it in person, but he has no map or money on him and the recipient lives hundreds of miles away in Berwick on Tweed. So Harold learns how to walk the length of England and how to come to terms with the challenges life has thrown at him. It is a story of loss and acceptance and the foolishness of walking in yachting shoes. It has recently been released as a film.
Available from libraries and hubs as a book and from Borrowbox as an ebook or e-audio book.  By: Anita Arnand and others on 23/06/2023 The library book (a collection of articles by various authors)
A collection of articles and stories from writers as varied as Alan Bennett, Ann Cleeves and Nicky Wire, from the Manic Street Preachers. All of them focus on what libraries mean to them and how important they are to all our futures. Both inspirational and fascinating by the end of the book you will be heading off to the library and checking you remembered to renew your Awen subscription!
Available from libraries and hubs as a book, listed under Anita Anand and from Borrowbox as an ebook listed under Rebecca Gray.  By: Sophie Buchaillard on 16/06/2023 Caroline's book choice this week is
This is not who we are by Sophie Buchaillard
A challenging read about two penfriends who lose touch, one a French Girl, Iris, now living in Britain and the other Victoria, a young woman living in Rwanda at the time of the genocide. The story follows both women into their future lives, Iris as a journalist in London and Victoria with her youngest brother Paul. Twenty years later Victoria confronts her past as she has to decide whether to renew contact with her other brother, Benjamin.
Available from libraries and hubs as a book.  By: Sarah Winman on 07/06/2023 Caroline's book choice this week is Still life by Sarah Winman
This novel follows the lives of Ulysses Temper, a young British soldier, and Evelyn Skinner, a 60 something art historian, who meet during the Second World War in Tuscany and spend an extraordinary evening discussing art. That meeting would impact on both their future lives and the lives of those they love. As the story moves from London’s East End to Florence the characters and places come alive so that you feel you might be there sharing a meal with them all. A book that will linger in the memory for a long time.
Available from libraries and hubs as a book and from BorrowBox as an e-audio book  By: Carlo Levi on 04/06/2023 Caroline's book choice this week is Christ stopped at Eboli by Carlo Levi
This book is an account of the time, in the late 1930s, when the author was banished to a small town in the far south of Italy, due to his anti fascist views. The townspeople were very poor and they had almost no facilities. However he was welcomed there, particularly as he was willing to use his medical background to assist people, who no longer had faith in their two local doctors. In a series of vignettes the town comes alive to the reader with its variety of characters.
Available from libraries and hubs as a book
 By: Sally Vickers on 26/05/2023 Caroline's book choice this week is
The Librarian by Salley Vickers
Sylvia Blackwell leaves Swindon and takes up a new job as a children’s librarian in the small market town of East Mole in the late 1950s. She starts with great enthusiasm for her new role, but she faces many challenges, including her less than helpful boss. Small town gossip leads to further problems and the library and its future lie in the balance. The book captures the charm and prejudices of small communities in the 1950s and the joy of being inspired by books as a child. It also raises questions about the role and need for libraries, something we still need to shout about today.
Available from libraries and hubs as a book By: Philippa Gregory on 19/05/2023 Caroline's book choice this week is White Queen by Philippa Gregory
A story of Elizabeth Woodville, wife of Edward VI, and mother of the princes in the tower. This book is part of a series of historical novels based on the Wars of the Roses and the Tudors. The descriptions of life, particularly for women at that time, are detailed. A woman’s role was essentially to marry well and produce heirs, and this comes over very clearly. Elizabeth was also a woman who knew her own mind and worked out ways of getting what she wanted. Our book group recently read this book and were divided. Some loved the historical detail of everyday life, whereas others were not sure how historically accurate it was. Read it and let us know what you think?
Available from libraries and hubs as a talking book or if you are part of a reading group, register your group and borrow a set of books.  By: Barbara Pym on 10/05/2023 Caroline's book choice this week is Excellent women by Barbara Pym
This book was a delightful discovery. Mildred Lathbury, spinster, is an “excellent” woman. She helps with the church jumble sale, takes care of neighbours and lives a regular and ordered life. But new neighbours, who are rather unconventional, bring a interest to Mildred’s life. Don’t look for strong plots and drama in this novel but enjoy the delights of the details of this small community. Very enjoyable. Barbara Pym has been described as the Jane Austen of the twentieth century and this book is thought to be one of her best.
Available from libraries and hubs as a book.  By: Bunny Guinness on 05/05/2023 Caroline's book choice: A book on a royal theme as this week I am recommending “Highgrove: a garden celebrated” by Bunny Guinness.
Over forty years ago King Charles purchased the house and land at Highgrove in Gloucestershire. Since then he has made many changes and developments to the garden. This book takes the reader through the seasons month by month, with descriptions of the plants and garden features and all accompanied by the most stunning photographs. I am no gardener but I love this book for the detailed descriptions of the plants and why and how they were planted, and for the photographs which bring such joy on a cold and wet April afternoon. The Stumpery was originally an overgrown piece of the land but it was transformed by ferns and hostas, stumps of wood and arrangements of white roots, which were found washed up on the shores of a Scottish loch. This book is a feast for the eyes, whether or not your fingers are green. Available from libraries and hubs as a book  By: Beryl Bainbridge on 27/04/2023 Caroline's book choice this week is The dressmaker by Beryl Bainbridge
Set in the Second World War, young Rita, who lives with her aunts Nellie and Margo, meets an American G.I. Rita keeps the relationship secret for a while but the aunts find out and try to dissuade Rita from seeing him. The oppressive atmosphere of Rita’s home life and the trials of everyday life during the war are vividly described. A short but powerful novel.
Available from libraries and hubs as a book.  By: Caroline Noall on 21/04/2023 Caroline's book choices this week highlight World Book Night, the Reading Hour and Quick Reads...
Not read a book for a while? Can’t face a 600 page blockbuster? Then Quick Reads might be for you. Written by well known authors and at less than 100 pages, Quick Reads could get you back into the reading habit. I am recommending two very different Quick Reads this week. They are Jojo Moyes’ “Paris for one” and Roddy Doyle’s “Dead Man Talking”.
“Paris for one” follows twenty six year old Nell as she impulsively books a romantic weekend there with her boyfriend. Anxious, and not the least adventurous, Nell starts to regret the booking, especially when her boyfriend fails to turn up. By then it is too late and she is well on her way to ... what exactly? The biggest error of her life? Or an unknown adventure? This book is funny, charming and has all the excitement of your first trip to Paris.
Available from libraries and hubs as a book, a large print book or, in a collection of short stories with the same title, as a book or audio book.
Pat and his best friend Joe haven’t spoken for years after a fight. Now it is the day before Joe’s funeral and Pat is speaking to him again. But surely on the day before his funeral Joe would be dead, wouldn’t he? Is it a case of a “Dead man talking”? Secrets are revealed in this funny and rather spooky tale.
Available from libraries and hubs as a book.
Several Quick Reads are on this year’s World Book Night selection https://worldbooknight.org/. World Book Night is on Sunday 23rd April and they are encouraging people to take part in a reading hour from 7-8pm that night. I will be hoping to finish “The Librarian” by Salley Vickers in my reading hour and, if I finish it, will be starting Sophie Buchaillard’s “This is not who we are”. I will post review of both these titles when I have read them. Do let us know what you will be reading in your reading hour. Have fun!  By: Chris Stewart on 16/04/2023 Caroline's book choice this week is
Driving over lemons: an optimist in Andalusia by Chris Stewart Chris Stewart, the original drummer from Genesis, gave up the rock star lifestyle to buy a peasant farm in Southern Spain. How he learnt to farm the land, together with his wife Ana, is the story of this first book. You can’t fail to fall for the characters he meets and the adventures they have. Told with great charm and humour it is the first of a “trilogy” of four books. The others are A Parrot in the Pepper Tree; The Almond Blossom Appreciation Society and Last Days of the Bus Club.
The first three books are available from libraries and hubs as a book, the 4th title is available from Libby as an e-book and e-audio book.  By: Sue Lloyd-Roberts on 06/04/2023 Caroline's book choice this week is The war on women: and the brave ones who fight back by Sue Lloyd-Roberts
Sue Lloyd- Roberts was a well known investigative journalist. In this book she looked at some of the worst atrocities experienced by women, in Bosnia, Gambia, Ireland and many other places . Each chapter gives a voice to those whose voices are rarely heard. The statistics and stories are shocking and I feel that little has changed since the book was published in 2016. The book is very readable and there are many stories of women “fighting back” against oppression. Be warned, this book will make you angry but the stories it tells should be read by everyone, men and women.
Available from libraries and hubs as a book. By: Elizabeth Strout on 30/03/2023 Caroline's book choice this week is
My name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout.
Lucy has to spend some time in a New York hospital with a post operative infection. During this time her mother arrives to spend a few days with her. Lucy has not seen her mother for some time and they both try to build bridges and to reconnect. Lucy has time to reflect on her earlier life of poverty and how she is mother to her daughters. A book reflecting on relationships, love and families.
Available as a book from libraries and as an e-audio book from BorrowBox.  By: Dai Sijie on 23/03/2023 Caroline's Book Choice this week is Balzac and the little Chinese Seamstress by Dai Sijie
Two friend are sent to the countryside for “re-education” during the Chinese Cultural revolution. At first their life is hard but they discover a gift for storytelling. They start to retell the plots of films they have seen to local people, adding to them sometimes. Then by chance they discover a hidden collection of Western novels, including Balzac and they start sharing those stories with a young seamstress they befriend. Partly based on the author’s early life, this book looks at the importance of storytelling, love, dreams and imagination on all our lives, summed up in one short book.
Available as a book from libraries and as an e-audio book from Borrowbox  By: Richard MacAndrew on 17/03/2023 Caroline's book choice this week is
Gêm beryglus gan Richard MacAndrew
I have chosen a Welsh language book this week as my book choice. It comes from the Amdani series for adult Welsh learners. There are many to choose from and for Welsh at different levels so there is something for all learners.
Gêm beryglus is a detective novel seen from both the point of view of the killer and the police trying to track them down. Set in and around the Brecon Beacons, you may never see them in the same light again! Suitable for Canolradd level learners.
Llyfr o gyfres Amdani, i ddysgwyr level Canolradd. Mae Gêm Beryglus yn stori drosedd sy’n digwyddyn ardal Bannau Brycheiniog, lle mae llofrudd wedi lladd ei ysglyfaeth gyntaf.
Available as a book from libraries and as an ebook from BorrowBox.  By: Mike Gayle on 10/03/2023 Caroline's book choice this week is All the lonely people by Mike Gayle
Libraries have done much to help with the isolation that many people feel these days. There are many groups meeting in our own library hub every week (just ask the staff). The FAN (Friends and Neighbours) Group, meeting Mondays at 2pm, Knit and Natter group (Friday afternoons) and the warm spaces initiatives are some examples, so if you want to meet new people call at the library.
This week’s book choice is on a similar theme. All the Lonely People by Mike Gayle is the story of lonely widower, Hubert Bird, who finds himself very isolated. On his weekly phone calls to his daughter in Australia, he invents a lively social life for himself, with three adventurous friends. But Hubert is lying and is about to be caught out when his daughter announces she is coming to stay. He needs to find some friends and a social life - and fast. The answers come from some unexpected places.
Available as a book and large print book from libraries  By: Maya Angelou on 03/03/2023 Caroline's book choice this week is I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou.
The story of Maya’s early life as she moves between grandmother and her parents, and suffers abuse at the hands of her mother’s boyfriend. But Maya has an inner strength which helps her through the hard times and gives her hope for the future. The first of a series of biographies about her early life. Available from libraries as a book and from BorrowBox as an e-audio book. The e-audio book is an abridged version which was produced as a radio drama and makes for interesting listening.  By: RJ Ellory on 24/02/2023 A quiet belief in angels by R.J.Ellory
After losing his father, Joseph struggles to come to terms with life in small town Georgia. Then a young girl is murdered, then another and gradually suspicion falls on anyone considered an outsider. As the grim death toll increases Joseph is determined to track down the killer. This is more than a simple whodunit as the characters develop their own stories and the claustrophobic atmosphere affects them all.
Available from BorrowBox as an e-audio book  By: Viv Sayer on 17/02/2023 As this week includes St. Valentine’s day I have been thinking about love stories. Do you have a favourite? Perhaps a classic like Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre, Anna Karenina or my favourite, Persuasion or maybe something more modern like David Nichols’ One Day or something by Mike Gayle. Or maybe your thoughts turn to poetry, if so you might like today’s choice.
Poems of love and longing edited by Viv Sayer
Poems from 10 Welsh poets about all kinds of love and loss, romantic love, the love of childhood, unrequited love and the love of greyhounds! I particularly enjoyed the poems from Gillian Clarke, Owen Sheers and Jenny Sullivan. Try them and see which is your favourite.
Available from libraries as a book.  By: Alice Walker on 10/02/2023 The Color Purple by Alice Walker
I first read The Color Purple when it was published and reread it recently. It tells the story of Celie and her sister Nettie, young Black Americans who are brought up in a house of poverty, abuse and violence. Celie is married off to “Mister” a man much older than herself who also treats her badly. Celie takes refuge in addressing her thoughts to God and to her sister. Nettie finally travels as a missionary to Africa where she learns to be independent and writes to Celie regularly although the letters are hidden by Mister. Celie finds support from friends who help her to become resilient. Not an easy read in places but well worth it.
Available from libraries as a book and an audio book and from BorrowBox as an e-audio book  By: Elif Shafak on 02/02/2023 Caroline's book suggestions this week is Island of missing trees by Elif Shafak A story of two young people, Kostas and Defne, in Cyprus, one Greek and the other Turkish who fall in love. They both face opposition from their families. They meet secretly at a local taverna, which has a famous fig tree growing through the middle of it. The book moves from present day London, and their daughter who knows little of their past, to 1970s Cyrus and how Kostas and Defne escaped their divided country. The fig tree becomes a link between times and places in this unusual book. Recommended.
Available from libraries as a book and from BorrowBox as an ebook.  By: Catrin Stevens on 27/01/2023 Caroline's book choice this week is Santes Dwynwen/ Saint Dwynwen by Catrin Stevens
Wednesday was Saint Dwynwen’s day, the Welsh saint of lovers. But who exactly was Saint Dwynwen and where was she from? This bilingual book tells us what little is known of this saint’s life and how she came to be associated with love, and about the island dedicated to her. The Welsh and English texts are placed next to one another so it is also a great book for Welsh learners. Available from libraries as a book.  By: Jeanine Cummins on 20/01/2023 American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins I think this is probably my book of the year. A powerful and disturbing story of a woman and her son trying to escape danger in Mexico and cross to the States. It is not a comfortable read but the descriptions of their journey are so vivid, you take every step of the way with them. A book for our times. Highly recommended and one that will stay with me for a long time.
Available from libraries as a book.  By: Simon Winchester on 13/01/2023 Caroliine's book choice this week is
The Surgeon of Crowthorn by Simon Winchester
W.C.Minor was an American who became a doctor and worked in the American civil war. He struggled with mental illness most of his life, travelled to England where he went on to murder a man in London and became a long term resident of Broadmoor hospital in Crowthorn. He was also one of the biggest contributors to the work of the Oxford English Dictionary. The Dictionary employed volunteer readers to source quotations and Minor’s work added many thousands of references to the work. This is a fascinating biography of a sad and troubled man who left behind a great legacy but who has been almost forgotten by history.
Available from libraries as an audio book and BorrowBox as an ebook.  By: Elly Griffiths on 06/01/2023 Caroline's book choice this week is The Janus Stone by Elly Griffiths
Dr Ruth Galloway, a Norwich based forensic archaeologist, is involved in another murder mystery as small human bones are discovered under a doorway as building work is carried out in the city. But who is the child and is this an ancient or a more recent burial? Harry Nelson, the police inspector is once again involved but answers are not easy to find. A follow up to Elly Griffiths’ The Crossing Places and it is probably better to read that one first. Although each book stands alone, the back stories of the main characters follow on and half the pleasure of the book is following the back stories.
Available from Libraries as a book or audio book and BorrowBox as an e-audio book.  By: Dylan Thomas on 30/12/2022 Caroline's book choice this week is A Child’s Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas
A seasonal delight for children of all ages. Dylan Thomas recalls his childhood Christmases with fondness and a sense of fun. Please look out for the edition with beautiful illustrations by Edward Ardizzone, as they help bring the stories to life. A book to savour and enjoy.
Available as a book from libraries.  By: Simon Winchester on 23/12/2022 Caroline's book review this week is The meaning of everything: the story of the OED by Simon Winchester
The first editor of the Oxford English Dictionary was James Murray appointed in 1879. It took several years until the first part was eventually published and the twenty two volume work was not completed until 1928. Simon Winchester takes us through the personalities involved and how they handled the problems of tackling such an enormous work. The editors relied heavily on the work of volunteers, some of whom provided many thousands of references for the dictionary.
Available from libraries as an audio book and as an e-audio book from Libby.  By: Naoko Abe on 15/12/2022 Caroline's book choice this week is
“Cherry” Ingram: the Englishman who saved Japan’s blossoms by Naoko Abe
Collingwood Ingram first visited Japan in 1902 and fell in love with the cherry blossoms there. He decided to grow and cultivate a wider variety of cherry trees in his garden and became a renowned expert. On a return visit to Japan in 1926 he was disappointed to find that many of the wild varieties were becoming extinct, and he set out to replace them with cuttings from the ones he had first imported from Japan. A fascinating book that will make you long for spring and want take a closer look at the different cherry varieties. Alexandra Gardens in Cardiff is listed as one of the places in Britain to view cherry trees.
Available from libraries as a book.  By: E Wilson-Lee on 09/12/2022 Caroline's book choice this week is The catalogue of shipwrecked books: Young Columbus and the quest for a universal library by E. Wilson-Lee
Not Christopher Columbus this time, but his son, Hernando, who attempted to set up a library in the sixteenth century. In his early life he accompanied his father on some of his voyages, but then began work on his extraordinary ambition. He set out to obtain books on every subject and then arrange them so that the information in them could be retrieved. A truly universal library. The details of how he went about acquiring the books are fascinating as are the problems he encountered along the way. It became a life long task and 3,000 of his books, a small fraction of his collection, still remains in the Biblioteco Columbina in Seville to this day.
Available from libraries as a book.  By: Graeme Simsion on 01/12/2022 Caroline's book choice this week is
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
Our book group recently read this story of Don who decides he needs a wife so he devises a questionnaire to speed up the process. However Don has never had a second date. Into his life comes Rosie, who fails most of Don’s tests, but becomes a friend as they search for Rosie’s father. Some of the situations Don encounters and his responses are very funny, but this book divided our group as the style of humour did not appeal to all. Try it and see what you think - if you enjoy it there are two other books in the series,
Available from libraries as a book, large print book and audio book, from BorrowBox as an e-audio book and from Libby as an ebook.  By: Jan Baynham on 25/11/2022 Caroline's book choice this week is
Her mother’s secret by Jan Baynham
After her mother’s death Alexandra discovers her mother’s diary for a summer spent in Greece twenty two years earlier. She believes there is more to find out about her mother’s past and why she kept her artistic talents hidden. Alexandra goes to Greece with the diary in the hope of finding answers but will some mysteries remain? Romance, intrigue and Greek island sunshine - an ideal combination. Jan Baynham is a local author and recently spoke about her work at an event in Radyr library.
Available from libraries as a book.  By: Jack Monroe on 18/11/2022 Caroline's book choice this week is a cookery book for when things are getting you down and you just need some comfort food. All the recipes are straightforward and inexpensive. Not only do you feel better after eating them but the process of cooking can help lift your mood too. I can recommend the Beer Mac and Cheese and the Ambassador’s Brownies. Jack Monroe’s other books are also great for simple, economic ideas. One recipe I tested was the Bramley Apple Soda Bread from Jack Monroe’s “A year in 120 recipes”. Jack is a great advocate for substitution in recipes so I am sure she wouldn’t mind that I made mine with Conference Pears! Definitely delicious. Available from libraries as a book.  By: Ceri Stennett on 11/11/2022 Caroline's book review this week is
In Proud and Honoured Memory 2 : fallen heroes of the Second World War by Ceri Stennett.
This book starts with the names on the War Memorial outside Whitchurch library and is in a similar format to Ceri Stennett’s first book, about the heroes of the First World War. It looks at each individual listed on the memorial and gives a brief biography and sometimes even a photograph. He also lists another 93 who are not listed on the memorial but have connections with Whitchurch and the surrounding area. Other chapters cover Whitchurch’s role in war, civilian casualties, prisoners of war and all who are mentioned on the memorial. Ceri Stennett’s thorough research brings the individuals to life and you will not be able to pass the memorial again without thinking of some of them.
Available as a book from libraries.  By: Elly Griffiths on 02/11/2022 Caroline's book choice this week is
The Crossing Places by Elly Griffiths
This is the first in a series of crime fiction novels set in North Norfolk. Unusually, the main character is not a member of the police but an anthropologist, Dr. Ruth Galloway, who is called in to investigate remains found in an isolated spot. The police hope they might provide answers to a decade old case of a missing girl, but when they turn out to be much older it brings Ruth and the police into close contact. Ruth, herself is an interesting character and the book ends with an intriguing development in her personal life. I have already ordered book two of the series, The Janus Stone.
Available as a book and an audio book from libraries and as an e-audio book from BorrowBox.  By: Sam Selvdon on 27/10/2022 Caroline's Book Review for Black History MonthThe lonely Londoners by Sam Selvon A look at the difficulties and challenges facing those who moved from the West Indies to Britain in the 1950s. Told through a series of incidents and character sketches it shows just how resilient they were in the face of horrific prejudice. Moses is regarded as the “old timer” as he has been here longer than most, and he helps newcomers settle into a land of fog, mists and few job opportunities. The book is full of humour and understanding as yet another newcomer arrives at Moses’ door needing help.
This book was listed as one of the Platinum Jubilee reads produced by the Reading Agency. It is a list of 70 books, ten for each decade of the Queen’s reign both from Britain and the throughout the Commonwealth. There are some really interesting titles on the list. Which have you read?(https://readinggroups.org/big-jubilee-read). Available from libraries as a book.  By: Maria Duenas on 22/10/2022 Caroline's book review this week is
The seamstress by Maria Dueñas Sira, a talented young seamstress in 1930s Madrid, is swept off her feet by a handsome lover and she leaves everything behind to be with him in Morocco. But betrayal and the Spanish civil war are on the horizon. After a number of setbacks Sira starts to make a new and successful life for herself. Then as the Second World War erupts she has an offer to return to Madrid, but there are conditions attached to the offer and she finds herself caught up in a world of espionage and conspiracy.  By: Sathnam Sanghera on 29/09/2022 Caroline's book choice this week is Empireland by Sathnam Sanghera
A fresh look at the concept of Empire, how it is regarded today and the importance of teaching about it. It also looks at how we face up to our history, particularly when at times this is difficult. Available as a book from libraries. It is also worth recommending the author’s memoir “The boy with the Topknot” about his early life on Wolverhampton and the secrets and lies that were kept in his family. A discovery at the age of 24 changed everything he thought he knew about them and was the start of a search to discover more. Told with humour and understanding. It is available as a book from libraries and as an ebook from Libby  By: D H Lawrence on 22/09/2022 his week is Banned Books Week, an annual celebration of the freedom to read. Whitchurch Hub will have a display of Banned Books and I will share a favourite quote from Jo Godwin, American librarian and editor, who said that “a truly great library has something in it to offend everyone”.
Many books have, over the years and in different places, been banned including titles such as Madame Bovery, Harry Potter, The Handmaid’s tale and this week’s choice Lady Chatterley’s Lover by D.H. Lawrence.
The book tells of the passionate affair between the upper class Constance Chatterley and Oliver Mellors, her husband’s gamekeeper on the Chatterley estate. The difference in class and background between them forms one of the main themes, as they discover their love encompasses both mind and body. Privately printed in 1928, it was not published in full until 1960 when it became the subject of a notorious obscenity trial. The publishers won the case, sold three million copies, and it led to greater freedom in publishing in this country.
Available from libraries as a book, large print book or audio book or as an E-audio book from Libby.
 By: E Dunne and H Sutcliffe on 15/09/2022 Caroline's topical book choice this week is 101 reasons why we love the Queen by E. Dunne and H. Sutcliffe
I felt it would be appropriate to include a book about Royalty this week. I am not going to recommend any particular biography, although there are many around including those looking at individual members of the Royal Family, Royalty and their pets, the Queen’s wardrobe and Royal celebrations of the past. Whitchurch Hub currently has a small display of books about the Royal Family.
Each of the 101 reasons is accompanied by a delightful colour illustration and makes a charming quick read. Although published as an adult book I think it would be a lovely book to share with children. You may not learn much that is new but you will have a most enjoyable time reminding yourself of why so many people have loved the Queen.
Many young children enjoyed the Queen’s sketch with Paddington Bear, earlier this year. Don’t forget that Paddington Bear books are available as chapter books and picture books from the library. There is even a lift the flap book called The Missing Marmalade Sandwich!
This week’s book choices are available from libraries and Royal biographies are also available as ebook books and e-audio books from BorrowBox and Libby.  By: ML Stedman on 09/09/2022 Caroline's book choice this week is The light between oceans by M.L. Stedman
Set just after the First World War this story tells of a young man returning to Australia to take up a post as a lighthouse keeper on a remote island off the West coast. He marries Isabelle but sadly she suffers a number of miscarriages and becomes depressed. Then a boat washes up on the island containing a dead man and a baby. They assume the baby’s mother has also died and start to bring the child up as their own, but in a small community secrets can’t be hidden for long. A book about moral dilemmas and the power of love. You will remember this book long after you turn the last page.
Available as a book from libraries and as an ebook and e-audio book from Borrowbox  By: Nick Hornby on 01/09/2022 Caroline's book choice this week is Juliet, Naked by Nick Hornby Annie and Duncan have been together for 15 years but it may just be 15 years too long. Duncan is a fan and acknowledged expert on the music of reclusive rock star Tucker Crowe, who has not been heard of for years. Then Annie gets an email supposedly from Tucker, but is it really? And should she tell Duncan? A look at the music industry and its fans with Nick Hornby’s wit and humour.
Available as a book and a large print book from the library and, for book groups, there is a set in the reading group collection.  By: Janice Hadlow on 25/08/2022 Caroline's book choice this week is
The other Bennet sister by Janice Hadlow
At the end of Pride and Prejudice we know that Lizzie, Jane and Lydia have married men of their choosing and it is quite easy to imagine Kitty doing likewise. But what of Mary, the middle sister? Studious and diligent but less outgoing than her sisters what became of her? Janice Hadlow imagines Mary’s story and this is the result. Overlapping partly with Pride and Prejudice but then the book continues into the future, possibly not one any of us would have imagined. There are many delightful new characters and the development of some minor characters from the original and all described with a sparkling wit. For Austen fans everywhere.
Available as a book and an audio book from the library and as an e-audio book from Borrowbox  By: James Reebanks on 18/08/2022 Caroline's book choice this week is The shepherd’s life: a tale from the Lake District by James Rebanks
James Rebanks is a shepherd, son and grandson of shepherds. His book takes a closer look at the Lake District that the tourists don’t see and shows us another side to the green fields and steep slopes of an area loved by so many but really known by so few. The author tells of his work throughout a year. It is a job that he loves and he clearly passes this love on to his readers. But you will not be able to visit the Lake District again without thinking about those who work on the land and struggle to make a living from it.
Available from libraries as a book and from BorrowBox as an e-audio book.
 By: Paul Sterry on 11/08/2022 British Garden Wildlife: a photographic guide to every common species by Paul Sterry
Did you take part in the Great British Butterfly watch last week? If so, then you might be interested in this photographic guide, which should help you to recognise a variety of plants, birds, animals and, of course, butterflies you might find in your garden or local park. The clear photographs are a great help in identification and further information is provided, with advice on how to encourage wildlife to your garden whilst protecting fragile plants from damage. There is also a guide to coastal wildlife in the same series.  By: Rosamund Lupton on 04/08/2022 Caroline's book choice this week is Three hours by Rosamund Lupton
This novel tells the story of three hours from the start to the finish of a school siege in Somerset. Told from the point of view of the headteacher, seriously injured in the library, the other members of staff, the pupils, an anxious parent and the police. As the story gradually unfolds you learn more about the background to the characters and how that influences their behaviour on the day. From the stressed deputy head to the practical head of drama they all have to work out their responses in isolation as they believe the gunman is stalking the corridors. A thriller that I couldn’t put down till the very end.
Available from libraries as a book and large print book and from BorrowBox and Libby as an ebook.  By: Manon Steffan Ros on 28/07/2022 Caroline's book choice this week is
The blue book of Nebo by Manon Steffan Ros
A young boy and his mother survive a nuclear accident near Nebo, where they live in North Wales. As their lives change forever they decide to keep a record of in a blue notebook. Life is divided into before The End and Afterwards. As Dylan grows older he has to take on a different role and both confide their secrets to the book. The book is sparingly written, and perhaps all the more powerful because of that. Although issued as a young adult book, it is also suitable for adults and has rightly won several awards. Available as a book from libraries in English or in the original Welsh, “Llyfr Glas Nebo”. Also available in Welsh as a large print book. Available from BorrowBox as a Welsh ebook.  By: R G Adams on 21/07/2022 This week's book review is Allegation by R.G. Adams A novel about suspected child abuse, which takes the point of view of inexperienced social worker, Kit Goddard, employed to assess the family involved and make a decision on what happens next. Someone has made an allegation and while the police are looking at whether a crime has been committed, Kit has to consider the impact on the whole family. It is interesting to look at the story from her perspective. The author spent many years as a social worker and it feels very authentic. It is also a great page turner. Available as a book from libraries. By: Jasper Fforde on 14/07/2022 Caroline's book choice this week is
The big over easy by Jasper Fforde A large egg, known locally as Humpty Dumpty, is found shattered at the base of a wall. He was a wealthy and womanising philanthropist with a very murky background. Did he jump or was he pushed? It looks like a case for the Nursery Crimes Division of Reading Police department. Detective Inspector Jack Spratt and his sidekick, Mary Mary are called in to investigate. The puns and red herrings come thick and fast as Jack attempts to crack the case and salvage his own reputation. An adult crime novel with a difference. Just make sure you are clued up on all your nursery rhymes and fairy tales or you won’t be able to identify the hair left at a scene of crime - a beautiful shade of red (and 28 foot long!). Available as a book or an audio book from libraries.  By: Khaled Hosseini on 07/07/2022 Caroline's book choice this week is And the mountains echoed by Khaled Hosseini
A poverty stricken young boy, Abdullah, and his beloved sister, Pari, are separated in Afghanistan, to be brought up in different worlds. In a book that covers different time periods and countries we follow the siblings and their families and friends. Told in the form of incidents or short stories, we travel as far as Paris and America but the ties to Afghanistan are always present. Like Hosseini’s earlier books, The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns, there is tragedy and joy and a strong human instinct for survival. Available as a book from libraries, and as an ebook and e-audio book from Borrowbox.  By: Alis Hawkins on 30/06/2022 Caroline's book choice this week is
None so blind by Alis Hawkins Set in the mid 1800s in West Wales at the time of the Rebecca Riots, this story is the first to feature Harry Probert-Lloyd a London barrister, who returns home after his sight deteriorates. When the remains of a young woman, Margaret, are found buried beneath a tree Harry, assisted by local clerk, John Hughes, starts to investigate. But both know more about this tragedy than they admit. Available as a book from libraries.  By: Kim Darroch on 24/06/2022 Caroline's book choice this week is
Collateral damage: Britain, America and Europe in the age of Trump by Kim Darroch
The memoirs of the British Ambassador to the US from the end of the Obama era to the leaking of emails which resulted in his resignation during Trump’s presidency. This book gives a fascinating insight into the role of an ambassador and a candid look at the Trump presidency from the ambassador’s point of view. It is interesting to see how recent events are covered and how they are conveyed to the British government and what really goes on in the White House.
Available from the library as a book.  By: Neil Wilson, Andy Symington on 16/06/2022 Caroline's book choice this week is very topical - Holidays! As we approach summer many people are thinking about holidays, particularly in this country. So I thought I would make this week’s recommendation a holiday guide. There are so many available but I am particularly fond of the Lonely Planet guides, and the Rough guides. Other ones that have caught my attention are the Dorling Kindersley Eyewitness guides and Brandt’s Slow Travel guides. I am hoping to get to the Orkney Isles so I am reading Lonely Planet’s Highlands and Islands, which not only covers Orkney but Inverness, where I will be stopping on route. It also has a useful sections on the history and culture of the area and a section on the plague of all summer holidays in Scotland, the Scottish midge! Even if you are not travelling, travel books often make good armchair reading. Where will you read about this summer?
 By: Hannah Kent on 08/06/2022 Burial rites by Hannah Kent
Set in Iceland in the 1820s and based on a true story this book tells of Agnes Magnusdottir who is sentenced to death for her part in killing two men. However there is nowhere to imprison her while she awaits execution so she is sent to live with a farming family as a servant. The family are horrified to have convicted murderer living with them and relations between them are tense. Slowly the family come to realise that the facts may not be quite as they first appeared. The details of everyday living in nineteenth century Iceland bring the story to life and it is a book that will remain with you long after you turn the last page.
Available from the library as a book and from BorrowBox as an e-audio book.  By: Elif Shafak on 03/06/2022 Caroline's book choice this week is 10 minutes 38 seconds in this strange world by Elif Shafak
Leila’s heart has stopped, her body dumped with rubbish, and her brain has just 10 minutes 38 seconds before it too will die. During that time Leila’s thoughts go back to her c hildhood, the memories of growing up, her family and most importantly her friends. These friend are the ones desperately searching for her not knowing if they will find her. This beautifully written novel takes us to Leila’s world in Istanbul, and how she lived her life. The descriptions of the sights and smells bring Istanbul to vividly to life, If you enjoyed “1000 splendid suns” you will love this too and be looking to read other books by Elif Shafak.
Available from libraries as a book and from BorrowBox as an ebook and e-audio book.  By: Philip Paris on 26/05/2022 Caroline's book choice this week is The Italian Chapel by Philip Paris
Many people, whether they have seen it or not, will know about the Chapel built by Italian prisoners of war on Orkney during the Second World War. This book is a fictionalised account of the building and decorating of the chapel. Constructed from two Nissan huts and whatever they could acquire, the prisoners worked hard to create a place of sanctuary and peace. After the war the building remained as a memorial to those who were imprisoned there and is still visited by thousands every year. Although the fiction storyline is slight, the facts are based on research and interviews with relatives of those who were there. A fascinating look at how creativity and determination came out of a prisoner of war camp.
Available from the libraries as a large print book.  By: Louise Mumford on 19/05/2022 The Safe House by Louise Mumford.
Local thriller writer Louise Mumford’s latest book, The Safe House, was published last week and will be available in libraries shortly. She will be launching her book at an event in Whitchurch library on Friday 20th May at 7pm. Tickets are free but need to be booked through
Esther has lived with her mum, off the grid, in their partially underground house, for sixteen years, seeing no one. Esther is happy as she knows she is safe there. But one day a man turns up outside their house, who knows who Esther is and claims her mother is not protecting her but keeping her prisoner. Why should Esther believe him? And is he who he claims to be? Someone is lying to her and she doesn’t know who. And how safe is the outside world, particularly for Esther?
In today’s world we are all looking at the risks we are prepared to take and those we are not. This book looks at isolation, risk and protecting those you love.
If you enjoyed Louise’s first book, Sleepless, you will love this one. Chilling, thrilling and a great second novel.
Available from libraries, soon, and as an ebook on Borrowbox  By: Louise Mumford on 12/05/2022 Caroline's book choice this week is very topical... Thriller writer Louise Mumford’s latest book, The Safe House, is published this week and will be available in libraries shortly. She will be launching her book at an event in Whitchurch library on Friday 20th May at 7pm. Tickets are free but need to be booked through
Her debut novel, Sleepless, won the Asda Karin Slaughter Killer Read and was a Top 50 Kindle best seller. Read on to find out more...
Thea is an insomniac, struggling from day to day with total exhaustion, but then an accident leads her to confront her problem and she applies to an organisation who promises to cure her “one sleep at a time”. She is accepted for a experimental trial which takes place on an isolated island, but all is not what it seems and the organisation seem to want more and more control over her life and even her dreams. A gripping page turner - even if, like me, you end up reading it at 3am because you can’t sleep! Available as a book from libraries and as an ebook from BorrowBox.  By: Malcolm Alexander on 05/05/2022 Close to where the heart gives out by Malcolm Alexander
Set in the 1980s this is an account of the author’s first year working as the only doctor on Eday in the Orkney Isles. How he and his family adapted to island life and the difficulties and pleasures of living in such a windswept place are delightfully retold in this book.
Available as a book and large print book from libraries and as an e-audio book from Libby  By: Jenny Eclair on 28/04/2022 Having a lovely time by Jenny Eclair
Two dysfunctional families end up staying on the same holiday. Guy is determined to leave “boring” wife Alice, whereas Alice thinks a new baby would be the answer to all their problems. Joe has left his wife to live with girlfriend Nina and their baby, but Nina is struggling. So, when Joe suggests a holiday, she is delighted until she finds out Joe’s children are coming along too. As you might expect from a Jenny Eclair novel there are some wickedly funny observations on modern family life.
Available from libraries.  By: Michael Fuller on 22/04/2022 Caroline's book choice this week is A search for belonging by Michael Fuller
A memoir of a man who was brought up in care, joined the metropolitan police force and ended up as the first black Chief Constable in the country, in Kent. His early years were heavily influenced by a wonderful woman named Margaret, who became like a mother to him, and throughout the book he not only expresses his gratitude to her but shows how she was such a force for good n his life. He faced many challenges, in particular racism during his time in the police, both from other officers and from the black community. This remarkable book with its powerful writing is a tribute to Margaret and to the determination of Michael Fuller to succeed.
Available from libraries as a book, also listed under its former title “Kill the Black one first”. Also available from BorrowBox as an E-book and E-Audio book under the former title.  By: PG Woodehouse on 14/04/2022 Janet's book choice this week is the Whitchurch Hub Thursday evening Book Group book - Something Fresh published in 1915, this is the first of the Blandings novels and is a comic caricature of English Aristocratic life, both above and below stairs, and the American Aristocracy of wealth. When Lord Emsworth absent-mindedly wanders off with a specimen from J Preston Peter’s prized Egyptian scarab collection, the American millionaire offers a reward of five thousand dollars to the person who can get it back for him. Discretion is necessary, however, as Peter’s daughter Aline is engaged to Emsworth’s son Freddy. Two hard up young writers, Joan Valentine and Ashe Marson, both decide to go after the reward disguised as lady’s maid and valet. Of course chaos and much hilarity ensue. The book group thought than beneath the humour there was more implied criticism of the life lived by the very wealthy than comes over in television adaptions of the novels and Wodehouse has made Joan a surprisingly modern and independent young woman. Everyone enjoyed Wodehouse’s witty asides in his role as an observer of the action. Available as a book and also in large print from the library and as a eBook and eAudio book from BorrowBox  By: Kazuo Ishiguro on 07/04/2022 Caroline's book choice this week is Klara and the sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
Klara is an Android, an “artificial friend” who is eventually bought by Josie a lonely teenager who needs a companion. The book is narrated by the solar powered Klara, as she adjusts to life with a family. But Klara finds many things difficult to understand as this is a very different world to ours and the sun cannot always provide the answers. A story of loneliness and friendship in all their forms.
Available as a book and a talking book from libraries, and as an ebook from Borrowbox  By: Lem Sissay on 31/03/2022 Caroline's book choice this week is My name is why by Lemn Sissay
After 12 years in a foster home, poet Lemn Sissay was then placed in four different children’s homes, finally leaving care at 18. He only discovered his real name in his teens. He campaigned tirelessly to see his local authority records, and at the age of 48 he was finally given access. This memoir tells of his journey through his first 18 years and the devastating effect that the care system had on him and many others. The writing is interspersed with extracts from his records. Honest, brutal and moving, this powerful book is a must-read.
Available as a book from libraries and as an e-audio book and e-book from BorrowBox  By: Aminetta Forna on 24/03/2022 The memory of love by Aminatta Forna
Just as amputees experience the “memory” of their limb, so a love affair can leave a “memory” behind and that memory forms a major theme of this book. The story set in Sierra Leone and follows a young British psychologist, Adrian as he tries to understand the impact the brutal civil war has had on people’s lives. Alongside Adrian’s story is that of a Sierra Leonean surgeon, Kai, and the patients that they both meet. The patients, Elias and Agnes gradually tell their stories of love, betrayal and loss going back many years. In the present Adrian and Kai’s lives become intertwined too.
Available as a talking book from the library or as an e-audio book from Libby or as an e-book from BorrowBox.  By: Elizabeth Von Arnim on 18/03/2022 Caroline's book review this week is Enchanted April by Elizabeth Von Arnim This is a delightful book about four women, strangers to each other, who respond to an advertisement to spend April in Italy “appreciating the wisteria and sunshine”. Set in the 1920s each woman has her own reason for going and they are all changed by their time there as Italy works its magic. Gentle, with delightful touches of humour, this book will have you wondering about Italian holidays yourself. Available as a book from the library and as an e-audio book from BorrowBox.  By: Neil MC Sinclair on 11/03/2022 Tiger bay story by Neil M.C. Sinclair
A collection of tales about the people and community of Tiger Bay by someone who was brought up there in the 1940s and 50s. He looks at what has been lost to the community over the years and what brought and held the community together. A lesson to us all about appreciating what we have before it is lost.
Available from libraries.  By: Sam Bourne on 03/03/2022 Here is Caroline's book choice for World Book Day! To kill the truth by Sam Bourne
A university historian dies, murdered. Then another academic is found dead. Then a library burns down. And another. Slowly these events start to become connected as Maggie Costello, a former White House staff member, realises there is a link. Someone is trying to rewrite history by removing all documentary evidence of its existence - one library at a time. Maggie sets out to find who is behind it all. A fascinating look at what life could be like if we fail to acknowledge our past. A sobering and gripping read. Make sure you borrow this one from your local library, before it disappears...!
Available from libraries.  By: Evan S Connell on 24/02/2022 Caroline's book choice this week is Mrs. Bridge by Evan S. Connell
Set in Kansas City in the 1920s and 30s, Mrs. Bridge tells in short vignettes the life of a middle class housewife, trying and failing to come to terms with the modern world. Her three children seem a mystery to her. The picture is slowly built up of a woman who has everything and nothing. By turns funny and sad the delicately drawn pictures show a woman who is perhaps above all lonely. Considered an overlooked American Classic.
Available from libraries  By: editor Jilly Cooper on 10/02/2022 Caroline's book choice this week is Violets and vinegar: an anthology of women’s writings and sayings.
A collection of poems, prose extracts and quotations by women, reflecting a female look at life and women’s role in it. Items are grouped into topics of interest such as working life, marriage, children and old age. Some quotes are familiar but others were new to me. A book for dipping into rather than reading straight through.
Available from libraries.  By: Khaled Hosseini on 03/02/2022 1000 splendid suns by Khaled Hosseini
The powerful and moving story of Mariam, an Afghan woman, who is married off to Rasheed. Life under various regimes is difficult and hard. Rasheed takes a younger wife, Laila, and Mariam struggles to accept the new situation. But slowly the women start to become supportive of each other and finally friends. A shocking event forces both women to change as the book reaches its end. A book that remains with you long after you turn the last page.
Available from libraries as a book and an audio book and in translation, as a Lithuanian book. It is also available as an ebook from Libby and as an e-audio book and an ebook from BorrowBox.  By: Lewis Grassic Gibbon on 28/01/2022 Sunset song/ Cloud Howe/ Grey Granite by Lewis Grassic Gibbon
The first part of a trilogy of books about Chris Guthrie and her life in rural Scotland at the beginning of the twentieth century. Brought up on a farm in poverty she thinks about leaving but decides that her love of the land keeps her there. She marries a local man but before long the First World War starts and changes all their lives. The language shows the dialect of the area and is not always an easy read but the strength of Chris’ character holds the book together.
Available from libraries.  By: Rebecca Tope on 21/01/2022 Caroline's book choice this week is The Bowness Bequest by Rebecca Tope
When a family friend Frances Henderson dies, Simmy Brown discovers she has been left something in her will. This does not go down well with the rest of the Henderson family. When Frances’ husband is murdered Simmy discovers there are dark secrets, even in a family she knows so well. One of a series of murder mysteries set in the Lake District.
Available from libraries, also in large print and available as an ebook from both BorrowBox and Libby.  By: Robert Goddard on 13/01/2022 The Whitchurch Library Book Club choice for December was Fault Lines by Robert Goddard.
Jonathan Kellaway is on the verge of retirement from china clay conglomerate Intercontinental Kaolins when it’s founder and former chairman Greville Lashley tasks him with finding some missing company files. In the 1960s Jonathan became friendly with Oliver Kellaway, Lashley’s stepson who was convinced that there was something in the company records that had led to his father’s suicide. If Jonathan can locate the files he may be able to get to the truth behind the mysteries and tragedies of those years but he could be putting his own life in danger. The complex plot switches between the 1960s and the present day and from Cornwall to the island of Capri. Goddard is very good at evoking a sense of time and place and there are enough plot twists and turns to satisfy fans of mystery and suspense. The book is available from libraries and as an ebook from BorrowBox. Jenet Sims For more information about the Library book club contact Whitchurch Hub on 02920 871331  By: Nicci French on 06/01/2022 The secret smile by Nicci French
After a very brief fling with Brendan, Miranda moves on as he takes up with her sister. Miranda’s family all like Brendan. But he will not leave Miranda alone. He turns up everywhere and Miranda suspects his motives. But is she imagining his obsession? Is she becoming obsessed with him? A gripping page turner which kept me reading to the end.
Available from libraries or as an ebook or an e-audio from BorrowBox.  By: Vaseem Khan on 18/12/2021 Hello booklovers! here is Caroline's book choice - The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra by Vaseem Khan.
On the day of his retirement Inspector Chopra of the Mumbai Police force comes across a case no-one seems interested in solving. The death of a poor young man is of little interest to his colleagues and other police work is taking priority. All the sights, smells and sounds of everyday life in Mumbai are vividly described in this, the first book in a series about the Inspector. He has to work out how he can still be involved in police work after retirement and what to do about his inheritance - a baby elephant! It all is a lot more complicated that it first appears and danger is never far away, this book is available from libraries - just pop into Hyb yr Eglwys Newydd Whitchurch Hub to order a copy.
 By: John Wyndham on 09/12/2021 Here is Janet's book review - Whitchurch Hub Book Club meets the first Thursday of the month at 6pm. At this month’s Thursday evening Book Club we discussed our latest read, the classic science fiction novel The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham. Although written in 1951 we found it very relevant to the difficult times in which we are currently living. The narrator, Bill Marsden is a biologist who made a living working with triffids, tall, venomous, carnivorous plants who are capable of locomotion. Because of the high quality oil they produce there is heavy triffid cultivation around the world. The novel begins with Mason in hospital, his eyes bandaged after being splashed with poison from a triffid stinger. Because of this he misses a spectacular meteor shower but when he wakes next morning he finds that everyone who saw the meteors has gone blind and not only the hospital, but the whole of London is in chaos. The story follows Masen as he wanders through London, gradually coming upon other sighted survivors. As they gradually realise that no help is coming from the authorities or even another country, they begin to organise themselves into groups consisting of both the sighted and the blind in order to obtain food and shelter and maintain some degree of civilisation. Many of them succumb to a mysterious plague and they are constantly harassed by triffids who are now free to move about at will and are killing humans for food. People who have become blind are defenceless against them. Some of the book group had read the novel a long time ago, others had never read it but had seen a film or tv version, but all thought it was a gripping, if disturbing read, which holds the reader’s interest from the opening line: ‘When a day that you happen to know is a Wednesday starts of by sounding like Sunday, there is something seriously wrong somewhere.’ For such a short book it is full of ideas, many ahead of their time, which led to some interesting discussions. Masen suspects the triffids were biologically engineered in the USSR and their seeds accidentally released, which has echos of how some believe COVID 19 began. He also comes to believe that the meteor shower and subsequent blindness and plague could have been some sort of biological or chemical weapon orbiting the earth which accidentally malfunctioned. Wyndham shows how the survivors organised themselves in different ways, from communes to a type of feudal society to gangs operating by the rule of the gun. At the time the book was written, women were expected to marry, have children and then stay at home to care for the family. In this new post apocalyptic world some groups thought that it would be women’s duty to bear children to repopulate the world whereas others thought that in order to survive, everyone would have to turn their hand to everything, with traditional roles abandoned. Will the people left alive survive to build a new world, or will the triffids prevail? We found this a very well written, thought provoking and sometimes frightening book and that living through a pandemic has made the idea that the world we know can change overnight seem much more believable. The Day of the Triffids is available from the library by Click and Collect and as an eBook from Borro  By: Elizabeth Gaskell on 02/12/2021 Caroline's book choice this week is
Ruth by Elizabeth Gaskell
The story of Ruth, a poor dressmaker who is befriended by a wealthy young man, Henry Bellingham. He seduces and then abandons her, leaving her alone and pregnant. The book tackles the social attitudes of the time as Ruth struggles to find a way out of her desperate situation. An interesting read and, I think, an overlooked classic.
Available from the library or as an e-audio book from BorrowBox.  By: Bernadine Evaristo on 25/11/2021 This week's book recommendation by Caroline is the Emperor's Babe a tale in verse about a feisty young woman married off to an older man in Roman London. She then catches the eye of the Roman Emperor, who wants her for his mistress no less. But these are brutal times and life for women is hard. Told in an addictive mix of modern expressions and historical language (Armani togas!) it is both cruel, explicit and fun, a reflection of the young woman and the period it portrays. It is available as an e-audio book from BorrowBox.  By: Susan Orlean on 19/11/2021 Caroline's Book Choice this week is The Library Book by Susan Orlean and comes with an opportunity for a virtual tour round Los Angeles Public Library! Read on...
In April 1986 a fire broke out in Los Angeles public library. Hundreds of firefighters were involved. 400,000 books were destroyed and a further 700,000 books were damaged. Staff and nearly 2000 volunteers helped to remove the damaged books. But was the fire deliberately started and, if so, who was responsible? Available from the library or as an ebook from BorrowBox.
If, like me, you have never been to Los Angeles or its library, why not join one of their free library talks where you can see slides of the amazing architecture and hear about some of the decorative features. The talk is given via Zoom, and all you have to do is register and remember the time difference! Most of the talks are at 11am or 2pm their time (7pm or 10pm GMT) and are usually held twice a month. Email docents@lapl.org to make a reservation.  By: Rebecca Tope on 11/11/2021 Caroline's book choice this week A Cotswold Killing by Rebecca Tope Widow Thea Osborne and her dog set off for the Cotswolds to do some housesitting for three weeks. Thea imagines it will be pleasant but dull work but she is awoken by a scream on her first night. Believing it to be foxes she thinks no more about it until a body is discovered the next day ... . Thea gets drawn into the community and their concerns and discovers that this is the second murder in just a few months. Thea starts investigating and finds nothing is quite as it seems. The first in a series of “gentle” crime novels set in the glorious scenery of the Cotswolds. Available as a click and collect book from libraries or as an ebook on BorrowBox  By: Brian Sibley on 04/11/2021 Caroline's book choice this week is
Shadowlands: the true story of C.S. Lewis and Joy Davidman by Brian Sibley
The life of author C.S.Lewis and how he met and later married the American poet Joy Davidman. The book looks at the early life of both writers, and how, although both very different characters, they gradually fell in love and had a brief period of happiness together before Joy’s untimely death. A story of writing, inspiration and the power of love to change lives.
Available through the library or as a talking book through BorrowBox  By: Josephine Tey on 28/10/2021 Caroline's Book Choice this week is The Daughter of time by Josephine Tay
A police inspector is recuperating in hospital after a work accident. Bored, he starts looking at pictures of faces to see if there is such a thing as a “criminal face”, which leads him to a picture of Richard III. He then starts to investigate whether Richard was really guilty of murdering the princes in the tower, with some fascinating conclusions. First published in 1951 it has been recently been voted a top crime novel. Available from the library.  By: Pip Williams on 21/10/2021 Caroline's book choice this week is The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams
Esme is the daughter of a researcher, who works on compiling the first edition of the Oxford English Dictionary. From a young age she used to hide under the table while her father worked, collecting slips with new words which fell to the floor. She discovers that some words are missing from the dictionary, mainly words which relate to women and women’s activities, and so begins a lifelong search for “women’s words”. A woman’s right to vote and the horrors of the First World War are ever present but most of all this is Esme’s own story, with all its sadness and joy. A wonderful book which stays with you long after you have finished reading it.
Available as an e-audio book on BorrowBox. By: Michael Rosen on 15/10/2021 Caroline'sbook choice this week is Many different kinds of love by Michael Rosen Early in 2020 the author acquired Covid 19 and spent six weeks in a medically induced coma. Many of his nurses wrote to him and left him notes so he would know what had happened during that time. This book is a collection of those notes, together with his own reflections on his illness. It is a poem/prose tribute to the NHS and is both powerful and moving. A book for these times. It also includes Michael Rosen’s wonderful poem “These are the hands”. Read it! Available as a click and collect book from libraries.  By: Edward Wilson-Lee on 01/10/2021 Caroline's book choice is
Shakespeare in Swahililand by Edward Wilson-Lee A mix of East African history and a tribute to the bard. This book examines the connections between Shakespeare and the leaders and peoples of East Africa, throughout the ages. A number of early British expeditions to Africa took copies of Shakespeare in their luggage and a surprising number of modern African leaders have translated Shakespeare. For history and Shakespeare fans alike. Available as a click and collect book from libraries.  By: Delia Owens on 24/09/2021 Caroline's Book Choice this week is Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens A crawdad is a freshwater crayfish found in the marsh lands of North Carolina where this book is set. Kya, a young girl abandoned by her family lives alone in the marshes, observing the nature around her. Local people find her unfriendly and mistrust her. When in her early 20s, a young man, with whom Kya had had a relationship, is found dead. He has been murdered and witnesses claim to have seen Kya in the area. But the facts in this case are far from clear. What makes this book so unique are the descriptions of the wildlife and Kay’s life in the marsh lands. A book that will stay long in the memory and have you longing to visit the marsh lands. Available as a click and collect book, including a large print version, from the library. It is also available as an e-audio book from BorrowBox.  By: Benjamin Myers on 17/09/2021
Caroline's book choic this week is Gallows Pole by Benjamin Myers
A novel based on the lives of the Crag Vale coiners who were based in the Hebden Bridge area of Yorkshire in the late 1700s. They clipped the edges of coins and melted down the clippings to produced new coins. Their leader, “King” David Hartley, ruled the enterprise and it involved power struggles and violence, especially by those determined to track them down. This book gives the background to their lives and shows the desperation of men determined to do their best for their families, in hard times. Dark and difficult at times, it throws a light on a little known fragment of social history. I know the area but even if you don’t the descriptions are so vivid you will feel you do know them by the end of the book. An excellent read. Available as a click and collect book.  By: Hafsa Zayyan on 09/09/2021 We are all birds of Uganda by Hafsa Zayyan
Two stories, Sameer in present day London, a high flying lawyer just about to take up a new posting in Singapore and Hassan, in 1940s Uganda, writing letters to his dead wife, but gradually these two worlds collide. Hassan’s story takes us through the expulsion of the Ugandan Asians to his arrival in Britain, whereas Sameer starts to look at what he really wants from life. The book covers a little known period of modern history and its effect on those involved. It is also a book about families, loyalty, love and a sense of place and home. The descriptions bring the heat and colour of Uganda to life. This is Hafsa Zayyan’s debut novel and it is an outstanding work. Available from Libraries as Click and Collect or on BorrowBox as an e-audio book.  By: Sally Morgan on 01/09/2021 Caroline's weekly book choice is My place by Sally Morgan
The Australian author of this book has always wondered about her background and her grandmother’s origins. Her grandmother refuses to talk about it but gradually Sally manages to find out something about her Aboriginal family and the family her grandmother worked for as a servant. Family secrets lie at the heart of this memoir and the way that Aborigines were treated at that time. As she discovers more and more eventually her grandmother begins to talk.
This book is available as a click and collect book from the library.  By: Richard Osman on 25/08/2021 Caroline's Book Choice this week is The Thursday murder club by Richard Osman It is Thursday morning in a retirement village, so it must be time for cake and the Thursday murder club. They are busy reviewing old, unsolved cases until a real murder happens nearby. As the club pool their knowledge and experience, and the police seem to always be two steps behind them, the hunt is on. This book is both funny and poignant and with some memorable and loveable characters and it will leave you desperately waiting for the second in the series (due by the end of the year if all goes well). Best read with a slice of Joyce’s lemon drizzle cake.
This is available from the library as a book, from BorrowBox as an ebook or e-audio book or Libby as an ebook.  By: Ben Hoare and Jade Orlando on 19/08/2021 Caroline's Children's book choice this week is Activists assemble - Save Your Planet by Ben Hoare and Jade Orlando Lots of ideas for busy young superheroes to help protect the environment and facts, lots of facts. Great for those who just want to find out more and more. Available from libraries and remember you don't have to book any more!  By: Benjamin Zephaniah and Nila Aye on 13/08/2021 Caroline's book choice for children nature trail: a joyful rhyming celebration of the natural wonders on our doorstep by Benjamin Zephaniah and Nila Aye A rhyming picture book for the very youngest which helps us look closely at the world of nature, from parks and gardens to flowerpots and pavements. Delightful. Available from libraries. If you have a favourite book please review it and send it to AWEN  By: Elle McNicoll on 05/08/2021 Caroline's book review this week is a children's book - A kind of spark by Elle McNicoll. If you are taking part in the Summer Reading Challenge please send in your book review to feature here and on our Facebook page. Thank you! Addie likes sharks and finding out everything about them. She also loves her thesaurus where she looks up her favourite words. When she discovers that in the past women in their village were accused of being witches Addie decides to investigate. There is much more to discover about these women’s stories, just as there is more to discover about Addie’s own story? A look at friendship, accepting who you are and what it means to be different. An award winning children’s book available as a click and collect book.  By: Emma Carroll on 23/07/2021 With this being the first week of the Summer Holidays, and therefor the beginning of the Summer Reading Challenge, we thought that this week's book review should be for children.
If you have a child who is taking part in this years challenge, we would love it if you can share the books they are reading with us. It would also be fantastic if they were to write a small review, although not necessary.
This weeks review by Caroline is the Somerset Tsunami by Emma Carroll.
"Fortune and Jem are a young brother and sister, living quietly by the coast in Somerset in the early 1600s but then Fortune is forced to seek work. Whilst working at Berrow Hall, a tsunami occurs, bringing destruction all round. Then the authorities look for someone to blame for the tsunami and Fortune finds herself on the run. A gripping read for the 9+ age group and with a wild hero like Fortune, an ideal read for the Wild World Heroes summer reading challenge.
Available as a click and collect book and also as an e-audio book from BorrowBox."
 By: Anne de Courcy on 15/07/2021 Caroline's Book Choice this week is The fishing fleet by Anne de Courcy. The women who travelled to India during the time of the Raj seeking husbands are portrayed through their diaries and journals. The ships bringing them out were described as the fishing fleet. Many women felt they had little option; others looked on it all as an adventure. Some were successful, some were happy and enjoyed their new life but many were unhappy or bored. This is an interesting look at the lives of a certain group of women during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Available through the libraries’ click and collect service
 By: Abi Dare on 08/07/2021 Caroline's Book Choice this week is The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Daré
14 year old Adunni lives in a rural village in Nigeria but after the death of her mother, her father marries her off to be the third wife of a middle aged taxi driver. Adunni finds little support in her new life, and when she loses even that, she takes things into her own hands to find an education and a future. Adunni is feisty and funny and deserves so much more than she gets from life.
 By: Emma Gannon on 01/07/2021 Caroline's book choice this week is Olive by Emma Gannon. A story of female friendships and decisions around motherhood. Olive finds she is drifting away from her friends, as they look for different things from life in their thirties. Journalist Olive isn’t sure she wants to be a mother so she decides to research the topic in order to write an article for work. An easy read with some thought provoking ideas. This book is available through BorrowBox as either an ebook or e-audio book and also from the library as a click and collect book.  By: Sarah Vaughan on 24/06/2021 Anatomy of a scandal by Sarah Vaughan is Caroline's book choice this week.A man is accused of rape by the young woman has had been having an affair with. He says he is innocent. His wife believes him. The barrister appointed to present the case against him doesn’t. But all is not as it first appears and the case is played out very publicly as the man is an important politician. The story is told from the points of view of major participants, with some flashbacks to the past, which links them. A page turning legal drama which is available as an ebook from Borrowbox or by ordering from the library.  By: Ann Patchett on 17/06/2021 Caroline's weekly book choice Bel Canto by Ann Patchett
A party is being held at the Vice President’s house in an unnamed South American country. They are celebrating the birthday of a Japanese businessman and the guests include wealthy and powerful people from many countries, a famous singer, who is providing the entertainment and a translator who is helping everyone communicate. The party is interrupted by armed local people who are looking for the president and failing to find him they hold everyone hostage. As the situation goes on ... and on... the book deals with the relationships of the hostages and of their captors and between the two groups and how the situation is finally resolved. A book that stays with you long after you finish reading it.
This book is available through Click and Collect at the library.
 By: Tracy Chevalier on 10/06/2021 Caroline's book choice this week is A single thread by Tracy Chevalier
After losing her brother and fiancé in the First World War, Violet Speedwell, now into her mid thirties, makes a bid for freedom from her difficult mother and starts a new life in Winchester. At a loss for company she joins the Cathedral “broderers” the women who embroider the kneelers and cushions. There she makes friends and meets some of the cathedrals bellringers, some of whom have a profound impact on her life, and her future. Full of fascinating historical detail with some wonderful descriptions of the embroidery. Available as a book, audio book and large print book from the library or on BorrowBox as an Ebook or Libby as an ebook or e-audio book. Libby and BorrowBox are accessed through the library website.  By: Samantha Ellis on 04/06/2021 Caroline's book choice this week is a book all about books... How to be a heroine by Samantha Ellis
The author decides to look at the heroines who have shaped her life and those that still do and looks back to some childhood favourites too. Thinking she was always a bit of a passionate Cathy Earnshaw (Wuthering Heights) rather than a boring Jane (Jane Eyre) she discovers that she has more in common with Jane than she thought and Jane was by no means boring. So who is your heroine Lizzie Bennet (Pride and Prejudice) or Flora Poste (Cold Comfort Farm)? Are you an Anne Shirley (Anne of Green Gables) or a Jo March (Little Women)? Surely not a Katy Carr (What Katy did) who really wasn’t heroic, more of a wimp, as the author discovers. Some thought provoking reassessments of literary favourites.
This is available from the library through click and collect.
 By: Rosemary Sutcliffe on 27/05/2021 Caroline's book choice this week is the Eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliffe Roman Britain and a young Roman officer, Marcus Aquila, has been discharged from the army with injuries. He decides to try to find out what happened to his father’s legion, the Ninth, which disappeared years earlier. He sets of with a former slave, Esca, as they travel to the far north to find out. Although this book is published as a children’s book, Rosemary Sutcliff herself said her books were for all those nine to ninety! The historical research and sense of adventure make this a compulsive read.
The Eagle of the Ninth is available from the library through click and collect. It is also available as an audio book through BorrowBox.  By: Elizabeth Gaskell on 20/05/2021
Mary Barton by Elizabeth Gaskell Nineteenth century Manchester is the setting for this classic tale of poverty and working life in the mills there. Mary struggles to make a living as a seamstress, whilst her father struggles with the difficulties life has thrown at him. The detailed descriptions of daily life are wonderful. Before the tale concludes there has been romance and a murder. Will the murderer be found? And will they be brought to justice? This is available from the library through click and collect and through BorrowBox as an audio book.  By: Ronan Hession on 13/05/2021 Caroline's weekly book recommendation for AWENTheLibrary Leonard and Hungry Paul by Ronan Hession
Leonard and Hungry Paul are friends in their thirties, still living at home with parents. Whilst their lives may seem uneventful they are actually making changes in their lives and the lives of those around them in quiet and unassuming ways. The descriptions of everyday life and conversations are beautifully observed, charming and often funny. In the end Leonard, Paul and, possibly, the reader have learnt to value the little things in life.
This book is available through the libraries’ click and collect service and don't forget book browsing - just message Hyb yr Eglwys Newydd Whitchurch Hub for more information.
 By: Candice Carty-Williams on 07/05/2021 Caroline's book choice this week is Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams Queenie is having a break from her boyfriend, not a break up, just a break. But as she struggles to cope not even her good friends are able to help her. As Queenie tries to overcome her problems she makes a series of unfortunate decisions which affect those around her too. Queenie’s humour and the wonderful characters throughout this book have the reader willing her on to make some better choices. This book is available from libraries when they reopen as a click and collect book. By: Sue Gee on 18/04/2021 Caroline's book choice this week is Mysteries of Glass by Sue Gee.
A young curate is appointed to a parish in rural nineteenth century Herefordshire. He is keen to do well and help support his widowed mother and sisters. However he finds himself falling in love with his rector’s wife and the fear of scandal is all around. The details of everyday life in a small community and the strong characters are beautifully portrayed.
 By: Maggie O'Farrell on 09/04/2021 Caroline's Book Choice Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell This is a brilliant, fictional account of the young son of William Shakespeare and his tragic death at the age of eleven. This story is told through the eyes of Shakespeare’s wife, referred to in this book by the name written in her father’s will, Agnes. Although the story’s main focus is Hamnet’s death, it is also a portrait of a marriage, with all its ups and downs. Maggie O’Farrell brings sixteenth century Stratford vividly to life through its sights, sounds and smells (and there were many), as well as the impact the plague had on life there. At the end you feel quite bereft at having to return to the 21st Century. The book will stay in your memory for a long time. Available through the libraries’ click and collect service. By: Erin Morgenstern on 26/03/2021 Janet's book recommendation this week is the The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. One night a circus arrives without warning, only opening at sunset and closing at dawn. It’s black and white tents are full of wonders but visitors don’t realise that what seem to be clever illusions are in fact real magic. The circus is actually a backdrop for the latest duel between two ancient magicians carried out through their young pupils, Celia and Marco. It is a duel to the death, but then Celia and Marco fall in love. The cast of extraordinary performers and patrons and the sights, smell and sounds of the circus are bought vividly to life in this enchanting story for lovers of fantasy. By: Tilly from the Hub on 18/03/2021 Here are some fun books for Children with an Easter theme stories and crafts.   By: Rose Tremain on 13/03/2021 Janet's Book recommendation this week is The Colour by Rose Tremain. This enthralling novel is set in the 1850s at the time of the New Zealand gold rush. Joseph Blackstock, his widowed mother Lilian and his new wife Harriet emigrate to New Zealand in the hope of a better life, but the inhospitable landnearly destroys them and their marriage starts to fail. When Joseph finds gold in the creek he abandons his family and sets off for the new goldfields. Later after Lilian’s death the adventurous Harriet follows him. Rose Tremain has done her research and the descriptions of the harsh, often grim life of the prospectors and the many different characters who gather in the goldfields are totally believable. Will Harriet and Joseph remove the difficulties in their relationship and will they find gold and make their fortune? The book is available on Click and Collect and as an audiobook from BorrowBox.  By: on 07/03/2021 Contact Hub Staff to join April's book group whitchurchhub@cardiff.gov.uk
Thursday April 1st 3.30pm on Teams, books: the Mermaid of Black Conch, Monique Rofley
Small Pleasures Clare Chambers  By: Elena Ferrante on 26/02/2021 Janet's book choice this week is My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante and the first novel in her Neapolitan Quartet. The books follow the lives of Lila and Elena and their rich and complex friendship and this one starts in the 1950s and covers their childhood and adolescence. It gives a vivid portrayal of how tough life was for them growing up in a poor but vibrant neighbourhood on the outskirts of Naples, where opportunities for girls were few. Elena longs to be a writer, but Lila’s life takes her on a different path and the book ends with an unexpected twist. It’s available via Click and Collect and as an Ebook from Borrowbox.  By: Tracey Chevalier on 13/02/2021 Janet's book choice: After seeing the news story about the 4 year old girl who discovered a dinosaur footprint on a beach near Barry, I thought I would recommend the novel Remarkable Creatures by Tracey Chevalier. It tells the story of the fossil collector Mary Anning, a poor working class girl who discovered the fossil of an ichthyosaur in cliffs near Lyme Regis in 1810 when she was only 12. Despite this groundbreaking find and the others which followed, she faced a great deal of prejudice from the all male scientific establishment of the time and never achieved proper recognition. She found a champion in Elizabeth Philpot a middle class spinster who moved to Lyme Regis in reduced circumstances. The two women defied 19th century conventions of class and gender and this is the story of female friendship as well as a fascinating insight into the importance of Mary’s finds to the scientific world. It’s available as an eBook from BorrowBox.  By: Esther Freud on 28/01/2021 Janet's book choice: Mr Mac and Me by Esther Freud. This is an enchanting story about a short period in the life of the architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh and his artist wife Margaret. It is set around the outbreak of World War 1 when a disillusioned Mackintosh retreated to the Suffolk coast after commissions dried up. It is told through the eyes of young Thomas Maggs, the son of an innkeeper, who has a talent for painting and longs to escape from his village and see the world. He strikes up an unlikely friendship with the Mackintoshes which is threatened when the villages think Mackintosh might be a German spy because of his thick Scottish accent and habit of walking alone on the cliffs with his binoculars. This is a moving story, very evocative of the era, and gives a great deal of information about Mackintosh and his work. It’s available as an eBook from BorrowBox.  By: Edmund de Waal on 17/01/2021 Janet's book choice this week is The Hare with Amber Eyes by the ceramicist Edmund de Waal. After inheriting his uncle’s collection of netsuke, tiny Japanese wood and ivory carvings, Edmund uncovers a fascinating and dramatic story. From a burgeoning empire in Odessa to fin de siècle Paris, from occupied Vienna to Tokyo, he traces the netsuke’s journey through the changing fortunes of his remarkable family whose wealth once put them on a par with the Rothschilds. Anyone interested in ceramics can see an installation of Edmund de Waal’s porcelain vessels in the National Museum Cardiff when it reopens.
The book is available by Click and Collect as a book, audio book and in Large Print. It’s also available as an eBook from BorrowBox.
 By: Barbara Kingsolver on 07/01/2021 Janet's book recommendation this week is The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver. In 1959 an evangelical Baptist takes his family to the Belgian Congo to set up a mission. He thinks they will be able to build a life there as well as converting the local population but his lack of empathy and understanding of the land and it’s people leads to diasaster. The story is told by five voices - the evangelist’s wife and four daughters who each has a very different response to their situation and are very believable characters. As well as the personal story the book also exposes the shocking exploitation of the mineral rich Congo by the West. I love this book and would highly recommend it. It’s available an an Ebook from BorrowBox.
 By: Patrick Vernon and Angelina Osborne on 30/12/2020 An additional book review from Caroline: 100 Great Black Britons by Patrick Vernon and Angelina Osborne.
At the start of October, Black History month, I mentioned this book but was not able to fully review it as it was still on order. It is now in stock and I borrowed it a couple of weeks ago. Based on a list originally compiled in 2003 and now updated it gives brief biographies of influential Black Britons from Diane Abbott to Benjamin Zephaniah. It includes well known names like Lenny Henry, Stormzy and Louis Hamilton to lesser known like Ignatius Sancho, the first known Black man to have voted in Britain in 1780. Inspirational and informative this book is well worth reading.
 By: Terry Pratchett on 21/12/2020 Janet's book choice: I was trying to think of something appropriate and cheerful for this time of the year and thought of Hogfather by Terry Pratchett. It’s one of his Discworld series but you don’t need to have read the others to enjoy this one. The Hogfather is the Discworld’s equivalent of Father Christmas but he’s missing. Unless presents are delivered to children at the festival of Hogwatch, the sun won’t rise the next day. Another supernatural entity, who can be everywhere at once and knows where everyone lives, decides to fill in for him - Death, who thinks it might work with a false beard and some cushions. While he’s clambering down chimney, his granddaughter Susan must find out what’s happened to the real Hogfather. While being very funny, this book also has a more serious side, looking at why fantasy and myth are so important in the lives of human beings. It’s available by Click and Collect when it becomes available again and as an eBook from BorrowBox.  By: Stephen Moss on 10/12/2020 Here is Janet's book recommendation. During lockdown many people started birdwatching in their gardens or on a daily walk. If you’ve ever wondered how swallows, starlings, bluetits and blackcaps got their names, you will enjoy this book: Mrs Moreau’s Warbler, by Stephen Moss. He takes us on a fascinating journey covering folklore, history, discoveries and expeditions, and while finding out about the origins of bird names we also discover how the English language has changed over time. My only quibble is that it would have benefitted from more illustrations, but is still very enjoyable. It’s available using Click and Collect.  By: Marie Benedict on 02/12/2020 Janet's book choice: I have just finished ‘The Only Woman in the Room’ by Marie Benedict, a fictionalised biography of the glamorous Hollywood film star Hedy Lamarr. The novel follows her fascinating life from her early career as a actress in 1930s Austria, where it was becoming increasingly dangerous to be Jewish, marriage to an arms manufacturer who supported Hitler and her flight to the USA. Known for her great beauty, her intelligence was always underestimated but she co -invented a communications system which could have helped shorted World War II and ultimately revolutionised modern communications. The book is available by Click and Collect and as an eAudio Book from BorrowBox. For readers who prefer non-fiction biographies there are two available from Click and Collect, ‘Hedy’s Folly: the life and Breakthrough inventions of Hedy Lamarr’ by Richard Rhodes and ‘Hedy Lamarr: the most beautiful woman in film’ by Ruth Barton.  By: Donna Leon on 25/11/2020 Janet's book choice : this week I want to recommend as series of books that I have really enjoyed, the Commissario Brunetti crime novels by Donna Leon. Set in Venice, the city comes to life as Brunetti and his colleagues set about uncovering the darkness and corruption behind its beautiful exterior. Brunetti is an intelligent and compassionate man and, unlike many fictional detectives has a happy home life with his two children and wife Paola, a university lecturer and excellent cook. The first novel in the series is Death at La Fenice, but they don’t have to be read in order. They are available by Click and Collect with some in large print or as audio books. They are also available from BorrowBox as eBooks with some eAudio books.  By: Tracy Chevalier on 18/11/2020 Janet's book recommendation this week is The Last Runaway by Tracy Chevalier. In 1850 Honour Bright leaves her Quaker community in Dorset to travel to Ohio with her sister. After tragedy strikes she has to rely on the kindness of strangers, including two women involved with the Underground Railroad, a secret network helping runaway slaves. Eventually Honour marries but faces a moral dilemma when a runaway slave turns up at the farm. Although the Quakers believe in equality they are unwilling to break the law, so by helping the slaves Honour could be putting her new family in danger. This is a fascinating and well researched novel bringing time, place and people vividly to life, from the harshness of the unfamiliar landscape to the descriptions of quilts and quilting which are so important to Quaker women. The book is available by Click and Collect and also as an ebook from BorrowBox.  By: Stuart Turton on 11/11/2020 Janet's book recommendation for this week is an unusual murder mystery, The 7 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton, which won the Costa Best First Novel prize in 2018. At a celebration in an English Country House, Evelyn Hardcastle is murdered. Until Aiden Bishop can identify the killer, the day will repeat itself over and over again and he will never be able to leave.But as each day begins, Aiden wakes up in the body of a different guest and someone is determined to prevent him ever escaping. The book has been described as Gosford Park meets Inception by way of Agatha Christie. I certainly found it a challenging read, trying to keep up with the twists and turns of the plot and remembering who’s who but it is also very hard to put down. It’s available using click and collect and also as an ebook or eaudio book from Borrowbox.  By: Kate Atkinson on 05/11/2020 Thank you Janet for this week's book recommendation. This week it's Transcription by Kate Atkinson. The story switches between 1940, when 18 year old Julia Armstrong is recruited to work for MI5, and 1950 when she is employed as a producer for the fledgling BBC Schools. She thinks her wartime past is behind her, but then she recieives an anonymous note telling her she will pay for what she has done and thinks it refers to something terrible she did during the war. The story mixes comedy and tragedy with many twists and turns which kept me guessing. Nothing is exactly what it seems and true identities are only gradually revealed, leading to a twist at the end that I didn’t see coming. It is available as an ebook and e audiobook from Borrowbox and as a book and audio book using the Click and Collect service from Whitchurch Wellbeing Hub when the service resumes.  By: Imran Mahmood on 29/10/2020 Caroline's Book choice: I have just finished a really good legal thriller “You don’t know me” by Imran Mahmood. The story is told from the defendant’s point of view as he stands trial for murder. Just before the closing speeches he sacks his lawyer and decides to address the court himself and his tell the full story ... or is it? Dark, gritty and brutal at times it is a real page turner till the very end. It is available from BorrowBox as an e-audio book via the library website.  By: Bernadine Evaristo on 25/10/2020 Caroline's Book Choice this week is Girl, Woman, Other by Bernadine Evaristo, which jointly won the Booker prize in 2019. A collection of twelve women’s life stories and the ways in which they interconnect. Funny, thoughtful, crazy and wise these women tell of their lives and the men and women in them over time and in many different countries and how they ended up in Britain. The book is available from BorrowBox via the library website as either an ebook or an e-audio book, although there may be a waiting list.
The Booker prize for this year will be announced on 19th November with television coverage in the days leading up to the announcement.
By: Patrick Vernon on 15/10/2020 Caroline's Book Choice - today’s book is one that celebrates October’s Black History Month. The book, “100 Great Black Britons” by Patrick Vernon isn’t actually on the shelves yet but is on order and hopefully will be available soon. It came about from a poll that the author conducted in 2003 asking Britons for the black Briton they most admired. The huge response led to new names being included in the national curriculum, statues being erected and a number of blue plaques being created in their honour. The list has now been updated and published in this new book. I am sure there will be many personal favourites who are not on the list, and others who will be introduced to many readers for the first time through this book, but that is always the way with such lists. Who would you vote for? By: Caroline Noall on 09/10/2020 This week it is World Sight Day, designated to focus attention on visual impairment and blindness, so I thought I would remind everyone about the wonderful large print and talking books that are available, free of charge to those with a visual impairment, from your local library. > > The e-audio and ebooks available from BorrowBox and RBDigital, via the library website are also worth investigating. Both have ebook setting buttons where you can set the font, the font size and the background colour. You can try them out until you find the one that suits you best. > > For today’s recommendation I am going to choose the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency books by Alexander McCall Smith. The later ones in the series are available as e-audio books from Borrowbox, and some of the earlier ones are available as radio productions for those who need an introduction to the series, although each book can be read alone. Lively, with a gentle humour, you can almost feel the heat of a Botswana day as you read them.  By: Daisy Goodwin on 01/10/2020 It is national poetry day today so I thought I would recommend a poetry book. My choice is “101 poems to keep you sane” by Daisy Goodwin, available through the click and collect service. There are poems to get your life back on track and the choices range from Shakespeare to Emily Dickinson, W.H.Auden to Carol Ann Duffy and a very funny account of an office party by Alison Chisholm. It is available through the library’s click and collect service. Daisy Goodwin has edited other collections including “101 poems that could save your life”, “101 poems to get you t through the day (and night)” and “101 poems to help you understand men (and women)”, all available through click and collect.  By: Geraldine Brooks on 24/09/2020 Caroline's book choice is Caleb’s Crossing by Geraldine Brooks. This story is set in 1660s America it concerns the first Native American to graduate from Harvard. Little is known about the real Caleb but Geraldine Brooks has woven a story around the known facts and told the story from the point of view of a young woman, the daughter of a minister, who befriends Caleb and yearns for an education herself. The book is available as an audio book from the library. There are a number of other Geraldine Brooks titles in the library, which are well worth reading. Another of my favourites is March, based on the story of Mr. March, the absent father from Lousia May Alcott’s Little Women. The click and collect service has now expanded to include books from most libraries in the city, which can be delivered to Whitchurch. Staff will then ring you to make an appointment for you to collect it. It may take a little longer to do this so please be patient.  By: Nathalie Haynes on 17/09/2020 Caroline's Book Choice: My book of the week this week is A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes. It is the story of the Trojan War and the Greek myths as seen through the eyes of the women, wives, girlfriends and mothers. It gives a totally different perspective on familiar stories. I have only just started this myself but am so enjoying it that I thought others might like it too.
It is available on BorrowBox, via the library website as both an ebook and an e-audio book. There is also an interview with the author at the Wigtown Festival available on You Tube.
 By: Bryan Talbot on 11/09/2020 Caroline's book choice - very different this week! My book for this week is a graphic novel (a novel written in comic book style) Alice in Sunderland by Bryan Talbot. This is an amazing work of art and a history and geography of Sunderland mixed in with all the legends and links with Alice you could want. The author and illustrator takes on three differing persona as he delves into Sunderland’s past. This is the book that inspired me to visit Sunderland to see some of the features he describes. It would be wonderful if every area could have its own Bryan Talbot to bring their history to life. Lucky Sunderland. The book is available via the library website on the Comics Plus library edition app. You will need to download and register with the app first and instructions are on the website. The app will give you access to over 16,000 comics free of charge.  By: Kia Abdullah on 03/09/2020 Caroline's Book suggestion...the book I have chosen this week is a crime novel. It is not an easy read involving abuse and accusations of rape. A young lawyer with problems of her own, takes on the case of a young girl who accuses four boys of rape. But in this case nothing is quite as it seems as it is not easy to work out who is telling the truth. Disability and religion also play a part in this story which keeps you turning the pages until the last twist and turn of the plot. It is available as an ebook on BorrowBox via the libraries’ website.  By: Michael Morpurgo on 03/09/2020
 By: Jennifer Donelly on 22/08/2020 Caroline's book choice: Today I thought I would mention books that were written originally for the teenage market but are often described as “crossover” novels - ones that work well as teenage or adult fiction and I have certainly enjoyed both.
The first is by Jennifer Donnelly and is “A gathering light”. Part coming of age novel, part murder mystery it is set in North America in the early 1900s. Beautifully written, it is a book that stays with you long after you finish it. It is available from BorrowBox via the libraries’ website as an ebook...another favourite crossover novel next week....
 By: Susan Berger on 13/08/2020 Caroline's book choice: many people have turned to gardening during the last few months so I thought today’s choice should reflect that. “Allotment gardening: an organic guide for beginners” by Susan Berger is a guide for all new gardeners to an allotment, but there is a lot of good advice for other gardeners. After an introduction to allotments, there is a “gardener’s year” to help with planning. This is followed by a section on individual vegetables together with specific requirements for growing and harvesting and recipes to make use of your home grown crop. This is available as an ebook from BorrowBox via the library website. For armchair gardeners or those without a garden or allotment try “Beatrix Potter’s gardening life” by Marta McDowell, an e-audio book available from RBDigital, which recounts Beatrix Potter’s relationship with plants and her garden.  By: Amor Towles on 06/08/2020 Caroline's Book Choice is not easily available at the moment -only one audio book and that has a waiting list till October, and two copies in Central that you would have to make appointments to both borrow and return to Central, but well worth seeking out A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles. The story starts just after the Russian revolution as a wealthy count is sentenced by the Bolsheviks to indefinite house arrest in the Metropole Hotel. As the decades pass the count adjusts to living in an attic and eventually working as a waiter in the hotel, while in the outside world the country undergoes tumultuous changes. The endearing count keeps his love of life and his humour and makes the most unlikely of friendships during this time. A delightful and positive read, ideal for lockdown.
 By: Caroline on 30/07/2020 Today’s book choice is The National Trust cook book. It is available from RBDigital via the libraries’ website as an ebook. It contains tried and tested recipes from National Trust cafes including Beatrix Potter’s Plum Cake recipe and, of course, the National Trust’s famous scones. There are also other cookery ebooks available from either RBDigital or BorrowBox. Just check them out. I know a lot of people have been turning to baking and cooking during the last few months so you might be interested in downloading cookery magazines via RBDigital on the libraries’ website. There is a huge range of magazine titles all available to download free of charge, and in many cases back copies are available. Cookery titles include the BBC’s Easy Cook and Good Food, Eating Well and Gluten Free Living. Let us know what you cook.  By: Vikram Seth on 23/07/2020 Caroline's weekly book choice (although it may take a lot longer than a week to read) is Vikram Seth’s “A Suitable Boy”. It’s very size, nearly 1500 pages, might put you off, but don’t let it do so. It is a wonderful book, full of fascinating characters, as a mother searches for a suitable boy for her younger daughter, Lata, in 1950s India. As you might imagine, Lata and her mother don’t necessarily agree on what makes a boy suitable. Once read you will not forget this book or the atmosphere it creates. It is available as an e-audio book from both RBDigital and BorrowBox from Cardiff libraries. Both have an abridged version lasting about five hours from a radio production. It is also going to be on the BBC as a series as from this coming Sunday.  By: Louise Candish on 16/07/2020 This week’s book is Our house by Louise Candlish. What would you do if, on returning home after a few days away, you found another family moving into your home? This is Fi’s problem, but the other family are convinced of their ownership. Fi tells the story online, complete with social media comments, whilst her husband tells his side of the story as a blog. But who is telling the truth? And what else is revealed? The twists and turns of this story keep you reading right to the very end. It is available from Cardiff libraries as an e-audio book via RBDigital, using your Cardiff libraries log in. It is also available from Radyr library as a “click and collect” service but it must be collected and returned there and you must book an appointment for both borrowing and returning. For more details on the click and collect service see the libraries website.  By: Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows on 09/07/2020 Today’s book is “The Guernsey literary and potato peel pie society” by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. Told in the form of letters, it is the story of a London based writer, Juliet and her correspondence with a man in Guernsey shortly after the Second World War. On hearing about their literary society she decides to write about it and arranges a visit. Once there she is drawn into the lives of many people including the very independent four year old Kit. The book deals with the difficulties experienced during the German occupation but also how they survived together by supporting each other. There are many funny incidents and the book has a definite “feel good” factor.
It is available through the library services’ Borrowbox as an e-book and is on the Reading Agency’s list of mood boosting books https://reading-well.org.uk/books/mood-boosting-books , which gives suggestions of other positive reads.
 By: Sarah on 02/07/2020 Today I am going to recommend not a single book but lots! During lockdown a few people have mentioned they have been enjoying reading poetry so I thought I would recommend going to the library website and accessing either BorrowBox or RBDigital (some examples in the picture) and searching under Poetry or Poems and seeing what turns up. There are e-audio and e-books available to download, with collections for children, teenagers and adults. One that I have reserved is an e-audio version of “Shakespeare’s sonnets retold” by James Anthony and read by Stephen Fry and Paapa Essiedu, with one reading the sonnet in its original form and one reading the modern retelling. What poems will you choose?  By: Andrea Levy on 26/06/2020 Today’s book is Small Island by Andrea Levy. This book covers the lives of four main characters, Gilbert and Hortense from Jamaica and Queenie and Bernard in London. Gilbert travels to London after the war, on the Windrush and his new wife Hortense comes to join him. They find digs in a small bedsit in Queenie and Bernard’s house, and it is not quite up to Hortense’s expectations, nor are many aspects of life in London. They experience the hostile attitudes of 50s London as they try to make a new life for themselves. The characters are by turns appealing and infuriating and there is a wonderful vein of humour throughout the book. The National Theatre production of Small Island was streamed on line last week.  By: Sarah on 18/06/2020 Here is Caroline's book recommendation - “Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine” by Gail Honeyman. Eleanor lives a predictable life wearing the same clothes, eating the same food and drinking a bottle of vodka every weekend. Outspoken and unusual, she admits to being “completely fine” until a chance accident leads to major changes to Eleanor’s life. Eleanor is a character that remains with you long after the book has finished. The book is available as an ebook via Cardiff Libraries’ BorrowBox and RBDigital.  By: Sarah on 18/06/2020 If you are a member of Cardiff Libraries you can borrow eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines 24 hours a day, and access a range of other electronic resources from home and within the Hubs and Libraries. If you are not a library member find out how to join Cardiff Libraries. eBooks and eAudiobooksBrowse, borrow and reserve your eBooks and eAudiobooks from:
The first time you use the services, you will be prompted to download and install Adobe Digital EditionsExternal link opens in a new window External link opens in a new window if this software is not already on your PC or Mac. Adobe Digital Editions software offers an easy and engaging way to view and manage your eBooks, including transferring them to portable devices.
BorrowBoxeBooks and eAudiobooks are available to use on your portable device, tablet or phone using the BorrowBox app which can be downloaded from the Apple App storeExternal link opens in a new window External link opens in a new window or Google Play storeExternal link opens in a new window External link opens in a new window
Alternatively, you can download BorrowBoxExternal link opens in a new window External link opens in a new window directly to your PC or Laptop and eBooks/eAudiobooks can be transferred to an MP3 player or eReader.
You can view what eAudiobooks are available prior to signing in, although you will need to sign in using your library card number and PIN (if you do not know your PIN, contact your local library).
RBdigitalAccess eBooks and eAudiobooks on your portable device using the RBdigital app. Download the app via the Apple App storeExternal link opens in a new window External link opens in a new window, Google Play storeLink opens in a new window Link opens in a new window or from the RBdigital websiteExternal link opens in a new window External link opens in a new window
For eBooks you will need Adobe Digital EditionsExternal link opens in a new window
By: Sarah on 11/06/2020 Here is Caroline's book recommendation: This week I have gone for a classic, which I am rereading at the moment. It is The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte. This book is not as well known as the books by Charlotte and Emily Bronte, but I think it deserves to be better known. It tells the story of a woman, Helen Huntingdon, who escapes an unhappy marriage and makes a bid for freedom. Written at a time when attitudes to women were still very oppressive, Helen stands up for herself and attempts to make a new life for her and her son. The book is available as an e-audio book through both BorrowBox and RBDigital via Cardiff libraries’ website.  By: Caroline on 29/05/2020 This week’s book is a brilliant historical novel. Hilary Mantel’s “The mirror and the light”. This is the third part of her Thomas Cromwell trilogy which started with “Wolf Hall”. This book takes the story forward from Henry VIII’s marriage to Jane Seymour until Thomas Cromwell’s death. The details of the appearance, sounds, smells and tastes of the age are brought vividly to life. Although it would be possible to read this as a single novel it would be better to read the trilogy in order. All parts can be downloaded as ebooks or e-audio books from RB Digital or BorrowBox with your library card, although there may be a waiting list.  By: Judith on 29/05/2020 I really enjoyed this book by young author Barney Norris. Here are individual reflections (appropriate for now) from five different people in Salisbury: Five Rivers Met on a Wooded Plain by Barney Norris. 'There exists in all of us a song waiting to be sung which is as heart-stopping and vertiginous as the peak of the cathedral. That is the meaning of this quiet city, where the spire soars into the blue, where rivers and stories weave into one another, where lives intertwine.' One quiet evening in Salisbury, the peace is shattered by a serious car crash. At that moment, five lives collide – a flower seller, a schoolboy, an army wife, a security guard, a widower – all facing their own personal disasters. As one of those lives hangs in the balance, the stories of all five unwind, drawn together by connection and coincidence into a web of love, grief, disenchantment and hope that perfectly represents the joys and tragedies of small town life.  By: Sarah on 09/05/2020 This week I have picked one of my favourite books, “I heard the owl call my name” by Margaret Craven. Set in British Columbia in a time of change, when the old tribal customs of Kingcome bay were being forgotten and the youngsters were leaving the village. A young priest, Mark, is sent by his bishop to his “most difficult parish” to learn about life, death, belonging and love. A beautifully written story that can be read and reread.
It is available as an ebook to download from RB digital via your library card and PIN.
By: Caroline on 30/04/2020 In our book group we recently read Michelle Obama’s book “Becoming”, which I really enjoyed. She tells of her life growing up on the south side of Chicago, with hard working and loving parents. She succeeds in school and college and goes on to work as a lawyer, where she meets her future husband. The success of his career and their move to the White House is not always easy. Her modest and natural style come through the telling of this absorbing autobiography.
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