Monthly Book Group

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

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

Woodbridge Book Group List for 2013

25th November 2013
by Maria Semple

A surprising, funny and inventive book which proved a hit with almost everyone and its presentation of relationships, communication and mental illness was thought-provoking.

28th October 2013
by Lawrence Norfolk

General dissatisfaction with an unsophisticated plot and two-dimensional characters but the description of food and nature was considered vivid and sensual.

30th September 2013
by Kate Mosse

A great summer read that kept most of the group turning the pages, intrigued and engrossed by Carcassonne through the ages. A few found the writing flawed.

29th July 2013
by Jess Walter

Astonishing range of subject, theme and style for one book but the description of the Italian village was declared the most appealing. Much to discuss.

24th June 2013
by Harriet Lane

Cover billing was declared misleading and some wanted a different ending, but animated debate and generally considered a great read!

3rd June 2013
by Elif Shafak

Beautiful and compelling, but also contrived and superficial: the group was divided, but all were pleased to have read this book.

29th April 2013
by Marina Lewycka

A witty and wry take on modern values for some, but others didn't feel the characters were authentic.

25th March 2013
by Abraham Verghese

A month wasn't long enough to appreciate everything in this huge, dense book, but most finished it and everyone loved it. A lively discussion: 20% attending were men!

25th February 2013
by Paula McLain

Beautiful writing and a fascinating insight into a relationship and a literary circle, but a couple of people in the group found they didn't care about the characters.

28th January 2013
by Penelope Fitzgerald

Beautiful, vivid, spare writing enjoyed by most, but some found the story dull and the characters poorly drawn.