The Glos Lit Lovers made a decision a few months back to post all of our reviews directly onto Facebook. This is partly because of the complexity of running three accounts (this one, FB and Twitter) and the ease of posting a book review and a few shots of the yummy puddings directly from the meeting. Also, our many (!) FB followers then get direct and speedy access to our thoughts and feelings about the latest book (!!) plus our calorie intake more easily via our Facebook page.
And yes, it means that Nicki doesn't get to be a total control freak about the input to the reviews. (Just saying.)
So please make sure you Like our page and follow our monthly meetings at
https://www.facebook.com/gloslitlovers
It has been a pleasure...
Nicki and all the marvellous Gloucestershire Lit Lovers xxx
A blog about books and puddings. What more is there?
Friday, 1 April 2016
Thursday, 30 July 2015
Our July meeting
After two
months of Bailey’s Book Prize reading and fierce debate, the July meeting at
Sally’s house was a different affair. Firstly Sal gave us cheese. Not just any
cheeses, but a selection of posh Waitrose cheese and very yummy scrummy deli
bread and biscuits. Even the sugar-addicts amongst us were delighted. Did I
mention the pickles?
Secondly we
choose to read ‘You Had Me at Hello’ by Mhairi McFarlane. Not a book likely to
make it on to the Bailey’s Prize shortlist, but a bit of light relief for the
long and sunny days of June and July. The book was as much of a hit as the
cheese.
There was
agreement amongst us all that we liked the book. That is pretty unusual. It is
not often that all of us like the main characters of a book, often one or two
of the Lit Lovers simply can’t get on with the flawed and complex characters we
get to know through our reading. Not this time, we all liked Rachel and Ben and
most of their friends. It reminded us a bit of Bridget Jones gang of loyal,
honest and funny mates. We all reported laugh out loud moments and had a bit of
the book that made us smile or made us sad. What is not to like? There isn’t a
review on the Reading Groups for All website yet about this book, so we agreed
that we will do one.
While it was
a classic chick-lit novel, it was also intelligent and funny. The additions
included at the end were really clever, and we could all see that Mhairi has a
talent for comedy. We all said we would read some more of her books now. We
would certainly recommend her for a summer beach read or a winter ‘escape the
cold’ read. It wasn’t controversial, and
it wasn’t challenging, but we all liked it.
It was nice
to set off on our summer breaks without feeling a little bit frustrated that
our friends didn’t like a book we loved, or visa-versa. We will all be settling
on our sun-loungers (or bribing the kids with the first Hunger Games film on
DVD) to lose ourselves into Septembers book ‘The Girl With All The Gifts’ by
M.R. Carey. Will there be more agreement? Watch this space…
Friday, 22 May 2015
A God in Every Stone by Kamila Shamsie
The Gloucestershire Lit Lovers and Yummy Scrummy Pudding Club
were lucky enough to take part in the Baileys Prize book club conversation. We
have loved being part of this great competition and felt privileged to blog and
tweet about our experience. Making good
women’s literature accessible to more women is an ambition we share.
We were allocated A God in Every Stone by Kamila Shansie, and
we met this week to discuss it. We have to be honest and say it was not everyone’s
cup of tea. This was mostly due to our own ignorance of the era and the
history. Those of us who have been to India and knew a bit about the time and about
colonialism found it fascinating and compelling. There was a moment in the discussion
when one of the Lit Lovers said ‘it’s not her, it’s me’ which made us all
laugh. But that summed it up. I guess we are just not a very classy bunch, and
this is one hell of a classy book.
Kamila Shamsie took on a big project by covering 3 time frames,
one of them 1500 years ago. And to enjoy the book you have to have a certain
amount of knowledge or passion for history. A couple of the group said they
felt the book was missing a glossary and a map. Some people didn’t understand a
lot of the Indian terminology which made the book hard work. The time invested
in doing some research around the book was well spent however and most of us
felt pleased we persevered. Those of us who read it in a big session rather
than over a number of weeks found it more fulfilling, and everyone learned
something new.
A couple of the group who had read the back cover expected
more of a love story, and felt disappointed that this was not pursued. Others
felt that Viv’s love for Tahsin Bey was at the core of the book. We all had a
favourite part, and there were so many highlights. The descriptions of the
trenches in WW1 were as powerful as any war poetry, and the descriptions of Peshawar
made the sights, sounds and smells come to life. We liked the statement that
being young and beautiful at the same time deranged the mind – so true.
So basically we had very differing opinions about the book.
Everyone wanted to love it, but just a few of us did. Those that did will carry
it with us for some time, and will insist that all our friends read it. It made all of us want to learn more about the
era and about India, which is a good thing. One of the group’s had a Grandfather
who had been in WW1 with a group of Indian soldiers and she brought an amazing
photo along. This helped us feel a connection with the era
and the storyline.
Thank you for allowing us the chance of reading and
commenting on the book. It has been a great experience. We also made good use
of the bottle of Baileys. For our puddings we had Baileys and chocolate cheesecake,
Baileys ice cream and Baileys & raspberry bread and butter pudding. All
were rather delicious. Recipes available on request.
Monday, 20 April 2015
Winners....
We don't like to boast - but it appears we are a rather marvellous book club.
We have been picked as one of the 12 book clubs who have been asked to review the books short-listed for the Baileys Women's Prize for Fiction. I am not sure how many applied - but I am telling people it was thousands.
Following the 'congratulations' email there has been much excitement here at the Glos Lit Lovers HQ. Well, we got a bottle of Baileys and bunting. YES - bunting. Our member Sarah is particularly fond of Bunting, and a number of us are fond of Baileys. Happy days.
Oh, and did I mention we get 10 copies of one of the short-listed books to read?
We only have to keep this blog updated and send out tweets about our progress and our views and the job is done.
So keep a look out for the updates. Sorry we can't share the Baileys.
We have been picked as one of the 12 book clubs who have been asked to review the books short-listed for the Baileys Women's Prize for Fiction. I am not sure how many applied - but I am telling people it was thousands.
Following the 'congratulations' email there has been much excitement here at the Glos Lit Lovers HQ. Well, we got a bottle of Baileys and bunting. YES - bunting. Our member Sarah is particularly fond of Bunting, and a number of us are fond of Baileys. Happy days.
Oh, and did I mention we get 10 copies of one of the short-listed books to read?
We only have to keep this blog updated and send out tweets about our progress and our views and the job is done.
So keep a look out for the updates. Sorry we can't share the Baileys.
Tuesday, 7 April 2015
Other social media (get us!)
We are on Twitter @glos_litlovers
We are on Facebook - Gloucestershire Lit Lovers and Yummy Scrummy Pudding Club
We also have a google+ page.
I thank you for following/liking/tweeting and generally enthusing about us.
We are on Facebook - Gloucestershire Lit Lovers and Yummy Scrummy Pudding Club
We also have a google+ page.
I thank you for following/liking/tweeting and generally enthusing about us.
It has been a while. Okay, I know, it has been AGES!
Don't worry, the Gloucestershire Lit Lovers are still going strong. We are still reading, still meeting and still cooking (and eating) delicious puddings. Due to Nicki having to earn a living the blog has taken the back seat. (Oh to be a book-reading-blogging woman of leisure.)
But we are back. I promise it isn't only because we have entered the Baileys Women's Prize for Fiction book club competition. Well not entirely. The return of the Blog is long overdue. We have a lot of books to read and tell you about, even if we don't win that bottle of Baileys.
Talking of Baileys, I am close to perfecting a little pudding for next time. Really simple but delicious. It might not equal Sally 'domestic goddess' Albutt's Baileys cheesecake, but it is rather nice. It is coffee granite served with a splash of Baileys. Watch this space for the full recipe.
Since our last blog things have been busy reading. The following books were consumed in 2014:
Two Brothers, Ben Elton
The Rosie Project, Graeme Simsion
But we are back. I promise it isn't only because we have entered the Baileys Women's Prize for Fiction book club competition. Well not entirely. The return of the Blog is long overdue. We have a lot of books to read and tell you about, even if we don't win that bottle of Baileys.
Talking of Baileys, I am close to perfecting a little pudding for next time. Really simple but delicious. It might not equal Sally 'domestic goddess' Albutt's Baileys cheesecake, but it is rather nice. It is coffee granite served with a splash of Baileys. Watch this space for the full recipe.
Since our last blog things have been busy reading. The following books were consumed in 2014:
Two Brothers, Ben Elton
The Rosie Project, Graeme Simsion
The Shadow Year, Hannah Richell
The Things we Never Said, Susan Elliot Wright
The Kitchen House, Kathleen Grissom
The Cuckcoo’s Calling, Robert Galbraith
Americannah, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Before We Met, Laura Whitehouse Americannah, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
The One Plus One, JoJo Moyes
Daughter, Jane Shermilt
and last but not least, May Contain Nuts, John O’Farrell
The last book was read the week that our lovely friend and fellow Lit lover Celia Blacklock was due to host. Celia died in August 2014 after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer.
It isn't the same without her. We miss you Celia
It isn't the same without her. We miss you Celia
Thursday, 18 July 2013
Our April meeting
Here is what Chantel had to say about the meeting at her house back in April 2013. She has been very busy with work, so we all forgive her delay in providing this little treat!
I could give a million excuses for why I have taken so long to write this but I have learnt very quickly that 'excuses' just don't gel in our book club!
Well well well…..lets just say the best part about my evening of hosting and discussing 'The Vintage Teacup Club' by Vanessa Greene was the company, puddings beautifully presented in teacups and the quiet atmosphere (no disturbing from children or a husband who would just not have been able to keep from popping in to check 'we are all ok' on numerous occasions - luckily working away coincided on this occasion!!!)
I selected this book as one of my book choices as it appeared light hearted and something we would all be able to relate to. Our previous book was well rated and quite deep - brought up all sorts of emotions for all of us - so I thought we needed a bit of light reading. Lets just say you didn't need much deep thought to analysis this book. It was rather bland - 3 women wanting to share a tea set and the friendship they develop around the 3 events they will use the teacups for. The pace was slow, the story line rather uncreative and altogether a little dull. The most exciting bit was when every tea cup they had collected for months shattered as a shelf broke…..! Our ladies prefer a far deeper story perhaps with a twist or two…neither of these present.
For me the highlight of the evening was when Bev and Karen realised the pudding would be served in tea cups! We enjoyed some South African treats….Koeksusters (really sweet, sticky doughnut/pastries), Peppermint crisp pudding (a true South African favourite) and a quick and easy lemon cheesecake.
Ingredients for the Peppermint Crisp fridge tart will need to be bought from the nearest South African stockist….. In our case, the Loads of Lemons delicatessen in Bishops Cleeve!
Peppermint Crisp Pudding
Ingredients:
250ml Double Cream Whipped
2 packets of tennis biscuits (UK equivalent - Nice biscuits)
375g Caramelised Condensed milk (or ready made caramel)
20ml Caster sugar
3 peppermint crisp bars crushed (not sure of a similar UK equivalent perhaps mint Aero?)
Method:
Whip cream and then add caramel and caster sugar. Beat well an the add 2/3 of the crushed peppermint crisp.
Place a layer of biscuits in a buttered 29x19x5 cm dish.
Spoon 1/3 of the caramel mix over the biscuits and spread evenly.
Continue in layer finishing with a layer of the filling on top.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Decorate by sprinkling the remainder of crushed peppermint crisp on top.
Cut into squares…..eat and enjoy!!!
Monday, 17 June 2013
Road trip to the Chiplit festival 21st April 2013
We had a day trip over the border to Oxfordshire today, to attend the fabulous Chipping Norton Literary Festival.
We had front row tickets for afternoon tea with Jojo Moyes, and we had a great time.
Jojo talked about her best seller Me Before You, and read an excerpt. it was the part where Lou first meets Will. It made me want to read the book again.
We were also lucky enough to hear Jojo's exclusive first reading from her new book. We can't wait to get our hands on a copy, it sounds like another hit. We were collectively sworn to secrecy, so sadly we can't tell you a thing about it.
We will certainly be back in Chipping Norton next year, and are now waiting for the brochure for the Cheltenham Lit Festival, to see if we can see any of our other favourite authors.
We had front row tickets for afternoon tea with Jojo Moyes, and we had a great time.
Jojo talked about her best seller Me Before You, and read an excerpt. it was the part where Lou first meets Will. It made me want to read the book again.
We were also lucky enough to hear Jojo's exclusive first reading from her new book. We can't wait to get our hands on a copy, it sounds like another hit. We were collectively sworn to secrecy, so sadly we can't tell you a thing about it.
We will certainly be back in Chipping Norton next year, and are now waiting for the brochure for the Cheltenham Lit Festival, to see if we can see any of our other favourite authors.
Apologies for the delay in posting this blog - for some reason it sat in 'drafts' for the last 2 months. (Note to self - must do better!)
Our May meeting
Apologies for the delay in letting you know how our April and May meetings went. Time just flies when the sun is shining. Oh no, wait a minute....?!
Clare has kindly written the following to let you know what happened in May, when she hosted our monthly meet.
Another great meeting of the Yummy Scrummy Pudding Club. Thank you Ladies. Just one member short as Lucy was on her hols. I have to thank my daughter Beth for coming to my rescue and assembling puds at the last minute after I was told earlier in the day that I had to work the late shift until 7pm. Trust me to choose puds that needed last minute assembly!
She came up trumps and we enjoyed mini banoffee pies, hazelnut meringue cake and passionfruit melting moments. Suprisingly no alcohol included in the puds but most of us did enjoy a glass of wine.
So to this months book;
The Unlikely Pilgramage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce
This book was arguably one of our more contentious reads as we were divided into some who really loved it and some who didnt enjoy it and thought it was actually quite a depressing read.
Personally I fell into the category of loving it. Harold comes across as a gentle soul who decides that he must walk to Berwick upon Tweed to deliver a letter to Queenie (an old work colleague) who is dying in a hospice. He believes that as long as he keeps walking she will stay alive.
I found the story funny, touching and very poigniant in places. I thought that the descriptions of the surrounding countryside were beautiful and it was lovely to read about familiar places as his journey took him through the Cotswolds.
Most of us agreed that it was nice to read a book where the characters were of an older generation. We also agreed that it was very well written.
Our next book is Tigers in Red Weather by Liza Klaussman, to be hosted by Susie.
Recipe
Passionfruit Melting Moments
Ingredients
250g unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
1/2 cup icing sugar
2 cups plainflour
1/3 cup custard powder
Passionfruit Filling
60g butter, softened
1 large passionfruit
1 cup icing sugar, sifted
Method
1. Preheat oven to 160 deg C. Line 2 baking trays with non-stick baking paper.
2. Using an electric mixer, cream butter, vanilla and icing sugar until light and fluffy. Sift flour and custard powder over butter mixture. Beat on low speed until soft dough forms.
3. Roll heaped teaspoons of mixture into small balls. Place on trays. Using a fork lightly flatten each biscuit until 1cm thick. Bake for 15 mins or until firm. Cool on trays for 10 mins. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Make passion fruit filling: Using an electric mixer, beat butter until light and fluffy. Stir in Passion fruit pulp and icing sugar..
5. Spread flat side of 1 biscuit with 1 teaspoon of filling. Top with another biscuit. Repeat with remaining biscuits and filling. Dust with icing sugar. Serve.
Clare xxx
Clare has kindly written the following to let you know what happened in May, when she hosted our monthly meet.
Another great meeting of the Yummy Scrummy Pudding Club. Thank you Ladies. Just one member short as Lucy was on her hols. I have to thank my daughter Beth for coming to my rescue and assembling puds at the last minute after I was told earlier in the day that I had to work the late shift until 7pm. Trust me to choose puds that needed last minute assembly!
She came up trumps and we enjoyed mini banoffee pies, hazelnut meringue cake and passionfruit melting moments. Suprisingly no alcohol included in the puds but most of us did enjoy a glass of wine.
So to this months book;
The Unlikely Pilgramage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce
This book was arguably one of our more contentious reads as we were divided into some who really loved it and some who didnt enjoy it and thought it was actually quite a depressing read.
Personally I fell into the category of loving it. Harold comes across as a gentle soul who decides that he must walk to Berwick upon Tweed to deliver a letter to Queenie (an old work colleague) who is dying in a hospice. He believes that as long as he keeps walking she will stay alive.
I found the story funny, touching and very poigniant in places. I thought that the descriptions of the surrounding countryside were beautiful and it was lovely to read about familiar places as his journey took him through the Cotswolds.
Most of us agreed that it was nice to read a book where the characters were of an older generation. We also agreed that it was very well written.
Our next book is Tigers in Red Weather by Liza Klaussman, to be hosted by Susie.
Recipe
Passionfruit Melting Moments
Ingredients
250g unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
1/2 cup icing sugar
2 cups plainflour
1/3 cup custard powder
Passionfruit Filling
60g butter, softened
1 large passionfruit
1 cup icing sugar, sifted
Method
1. Preheat oven to 160 deg C. Line 2 baking trays with non-stick baking paper.
2. Using an electric mixer, cream butter, vanilla and icing sugar until light and fluffy. Sift flour and custard powder over butter mixture. Beat on low speed until soft dough forms.
3. Roll heaped teaspoons of mixture into small balls. Place on trays. Using a fork lightly flatten each biscuit until 1cm thick. Bake for 15 mins or until firm. Cool on trays for 10 mins. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Make passion fruit filling: Using an electric mixer, beat butter until light and fluffy. Stir in Passion fruit pulp and icing sugar..
5. Spread flat side of 1 biscuit with 1 teaspoon of filling. Top with another biscuit. Repeat with remaining biscuits and filling. Dust with icing sugar. Serve.
Clare xxx
Sunday, 21 April 2013
By popular demand...
We are now able to feature the recipe for Lucy's Chocolate Layer Trifle. It was a big hit at our March meeting, and we highly recommend you give it a try. Lucy tells us it is really easy to make.
If you try it, please leave a message to let us know what you think.
4oz demerara sugar
2 tbsp coffee POWDER ( or grind down granules)
½ pint single cream
½ pint double or whipping cream
Chocolate to sprinkle, either grated or a crumbled Flake.
4) Repeat twice, finishing with the cream
5) Cover and refrigerate overnight
ENJOY x
If you try it, please leave a message to let us know what you think.
Chocolate Layer
Trifle
Serves
4 - 6 ( 1 ½ times for 8-10 or 2 times for greedy lit lovers!)
You
need a medium or large trifle type bowl.
You
can add a tablespoon (ish) of alcohol in with the cream if desired ( I used Kahlua)
4
oz fresh wholemeal breadcrumbs without crusts
3
tbsp drinking chocolate powder4oz demerara sugar
2 tbsp coffee POWDER ( or grind down granules)
½ pint single cream
½ pint double or whipping cream
Chocolate to sprinkle, either grated or a crumbled Flake.
1)
Mix
all the dry ingredients together
2)
Whip
the creams until thick but not solid
3)
In
the dish, start with a chocolate mix layer and then cover with a layer of the
cream4) Repeat twice, finishing with the cream
5) Cover and refrigerate overnight
6)
Just
before serving, sprinkle with chocolate
ENJOY x
Sunday, 7 April 2013
Our March meeting
Thank you to Lucy for the following summary of the fabulous meeting held at her house. Good discussion, great puddings and a lot of fun. We are getting pretty good at this book club thing!
Lucy's review
I just love book club- everything about it. From receiving the
next book selections, the wine, the book discussion, the puddings, the voting –
I just love it all. It has really opened my mind to think and feel more about
my beloved books, which is exactly what this month’s book demonstrated for me –
because for the second time ever, a book made me cry. I’m even more impressed that I cried at the beginning
of the book (not just at the sad ending like “Me Before You”).
Hosting book club makes it all the more special - I was
really pleased that I liked my book choice (I’m sure we all secretly fear not
enjoying our own book choice) but the fear is always present that your puddings
will be a disaster. Despite worrying about them, I think they all turned out
ok. We had a slight 70’s throwback to the theme this week (just call me Brendan
from GBBO.)
For pudding we had:
-
Blueberry Swirl Cheesecake.
-
Summer fruit Jelly’s (with a little liqueur).
-
Chocolate Layer Trifle (with a little Kahlua).
The absence of the 2 Sally’s was mainly noticeable by the
lack of wine consumed during the evening. (Plus we missed Sally S’s infamous
book quotes and insights.)
Our book this month was “The Last Summer” by Judith
Kinghorn. The beginning was set just before the 1st world war
started with the main character Clarissa enjoying an idyllic summer at her
country house. During this time she fell in love with the servant’s son - who
was then sent to war alongside her brothers and family friends. The book then
follows the war and post war period, during which Clarissa tries, but fails, to
live happily ever after with her true love. I won’t say much more in case
anyone reading this has not read the book – no spoilers allowed!
Although this book is primarily a love story spanning
decades, it did bring home to us many aspects of life during and after the war
and also how it affected the upper classes (and especially the women who were
left behind) We discussed how it must have felt to be a young woman during and
after the war, especially when the men who were lucky enough to return from war
had suffered injuries and psychological issues. Many of these men wished they
had died with their fellow countrymen and suicides were not uncommon. Most of
us were shocked by the revelation that recreational drugs were a problem - just
a different kind of drug to those we get now.
The main criticism the book received from the group was that
some felt a little frustrated by Clarissa’s character and the choices she made.
However all agreed that these choices were just a reflection of how different
life was back then and the expectations put upon on a young lady. A few also
felt the ending was a little predictable – although the presence of some
encrypted letters at the beginning of each chapter led to a rather surprising
revelation at the end that none of us really saw coming.
Overall we enjoyed this book, many of us felt gripped by it
and couldn’t put it down (Susie finished it 7 days early!). We were left
thinking about the characters afterwards, we loved the descriptions- especially
of the spring time (we felt we were there!), and enjoyed the educational
setting of the 1st WW. A final score of 8/10 was awarded.
Our next book was voted in – The Vintage Teacup Club by Vanessa Greene. (Thanks Chantel for a great
choice of books) I’m hoping this one does not reduce me to tears – (there’s
only room for one blubber in our family.)
PS - This book was compared to the Twilight love story about
9.38 ish! It’s always got to have a mention. No book club night is complete
without it.
Lucy x
Monday, 11 March 2013
Fame at last.
Lummee, we got a mention.
Not 100% sure it is a good thing however.
Do you think Jojo will consider taking out an injuction?
http://www.chiplitfest.com/blog/chip-lit-fest-2013-why-im-going-and-what-ill-see/
Nicki x
Not 100% sure it is a good thing however.
Do you think Jojo will consider taking out an injuction?
http://www.chiplitfest.com/blog/chip-lit-fest-2013-why-im-going-and-what-ill-see/
Nicki x
Friday, 1 March 2013
The Girl You Left Behind
Thank you to our friends at The Chipping Norton Literary Festival, and Emma Leigh-Porter. This is a great review of one of our favourite books from last year.
http://www.chiplitfest.com/blog/review-of-the-girl-you-left-behind-by-jojo-moyes-by-emma-lee-potter/
Let the stalking continue...
Daniel
Chantel's husband Daniel is a frustrated Litlover. He simply can't help himself, he just loves to join in.
In tribute to him, I am posting this litle gem he sent us.
Thank you Daniel. One day, just maybe, and if you are good, you can join our group.
x
In tribute to him, I am posting this litle gem he sent us.
Thank you Daniel. One day, just maybe, and if you are good, you can join our group.
x
Bags available at www.notonthehighstreet.com
February Meeting 2013
Karen has kindly provided the following:
Thank you to the "Lit Lovers" for another fab night. We were 2 down on our usual 11
due to family commitments. Well, 25 years of marriage is worth celebrating
Clare, Congratulations !!!
The "Yummy
Scrummy" part of our name should have had BOOZY incorporated in it's title this month, as 2/3rds of my
puddings took inspiration from my well stocked drinkies cupboard . I will do
anything to help the ratings of my puddings , and with the Lit Lovers - alcohol
is the way to go! Chocolate & cointreau mousses, margarita ice-cream (and
not the pizza which someone who shall not be named thought) with mexican fruit salad, and hazelnut &
berry pav .... well some were driving !!!
At the groups request, here is the recipe for the ice cream, which we owe to Nigella's Express. (Thank you Nigella - your royalty cheque is in the post!)
Margarita Ice cream
- 125 ml Lime juice
- 2 tablespoon(s) tequila
- 3 tablespoon(s) Cointreau (or triple sec)
- 150 gram(s) Icing sugar (or powdered sugar)
- 500 ml double cream
- Pour the lime juice, tequila and cointreau (or triple sec) into a
bowl and stir in the sugar to dissolve.
- Add the cream and then softly whip until thick and smooth but not
stiff.
- Spoon this into an airtight container to freeze overnight. This ice
cream does not need ripening (softening before serving), as it will not
freeze too hard and melts speedily and voluptuously.
So on to the
literary part of our evening. Our book club choice this month was "After
The Fall" by Charity Norman, a story of a family's decision to emigrate to
New Zealand for a new beginning. Everyone (even the quieter
members of our group) had plenty to discuss, and boy did we discuss it. Only the call of
the puddings dragged us away ! We felt
that Charity had written her characters really well, even if we didn't like all
of them. Everyone loved "Grandad”.
Everyone should have a character like that in their lives. We especially
liked how the story of Martha was told, and her struggle to do the right thing
by both her daughter and her husband and young boys . Tears were shed during
this book (and not necessarily by the usual blubbers) !!!
Although we all
thought this was a good read not everyone could claim to enjoy the book due to some uncomfortable subject matter, which led
us to ponder "what makes a good book" ? Something which is different
for us all. However after lengthy discussions we marked "After The
Fall" highly.
So to sum up,
this was a very thought provoking tale which we felt was well written and
seemed to touch us all for different reasons.
It is a book which I will definitely be recommending.
Lucy's pick for
March is "The Last Summer" by Judith Kinghorn. Can't wait.
Karen x
Tuesday, 26 February 2013
A message from our host
Karen is the host for our February meeting.
She has sent the following message:
Hi fellow Lit Lovers, I think I may have
come up with a new name for our book club.
If not for all, definitely for some !!!
Thank you to the book of the same name, who we have shamelessly stolen the cover from, to be found at http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0230767648/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_asp_JEixD.01SXZDT
She has sent the following message:
I am looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow to discuss
our January book choice "After The Fall" by Charity Norman. Hope
you have all finished it - SUSIE? xxx
We have received our February book choices from Lucy, which I
think all look fab!
So see you all tomorrow and may I apologise in advance ...
all my puddings this month seem to encompass alcohol .... I do apologise !!!
Karen x
Thursday, 31 January 2013
Our American twin!
Two days of excitement in a row for the Glos Litlovers. We now have an American twin. To be fair, our American twin is more mature and a lot more classy than us, but we don't mind being the country bumpkins - we are officially INTERNATIONAL!
My new friend in the USofA is Molly Lundquist. She runs a fab website called - wait for it LITLOVERS!!!!
http://www.litlovers.com/
I found it and her by accident on Google and had to make contact, continuing our already well established stalking of all things literary. Molly turns out to be fabulous and has asked if we want to join her on-line community of book clubs.' Is Charles Dickens an author?' I said!
Her website is amazing. It is predominantly American, and not all the books are available over here, but lots of them are. It even has a recipe section, and we know that is going to be a hit with the Glos Litlovers.
To quote Molly:
'LitLovers has brought together my lifelong love of reading, writing, and teaching. The site is about WHAT we read, HOW we read, and HOW we THINK about our reading. Approaching literature in that way can change how we see our lives and the world around us.'
I am loving her style!
Susie and I are already planning live Facetime chats with book clubs in the States. We did a Facetime feedback with Lucy while she was in Portugal, so we know it is possible.
God Bless America!

Nicki
My new friend in the USofA is Molly Lundquist. She runs a fab website called - wait for it LITLOVERS!!!!
http://www.litlovers.com/
I found it and her by accident on Google and had to make contact, continuing our already well established stalking of all things literary. Molly turns out to be fabulous and has asked if we want to join her on-line community of book clubs.' Is Charles Dickens an author?' I said!
Her website is amazing. It is predominantly American, and not all the books are available over here, but lots of them are. It even has a recipe section, and we know that is going to be a hit with the Glos Litlovers.
To quote Molly:
'LitLovers has brought together my lifelong love of reading, writing, and teaching. The site is about WHAT we read, HOW we read, and HOW we THINK about our reading. Approaching literature in that way can change how we see our lives and the world around us.'
I am loving her style!
Susie and I are already planning live Facetime chats with book clubs in the States. We did a Facetime feedback with Lucy while she was in Portugal, so we know it is possible.
God Bless America!
Nicki
Wednesday, 30 January 2013
Movie time
There is much excitement among the Glos Lit Lovers, as one of our favourite authors has just landed a movie deal.
A Lit Lovers road trip to our local cineworld is on the cards. In the meantime, I am going to look into buying shares in Kleenex.
Happy days.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, Inc. (MGM) has secured the feature film rights to Jojo Moyes' critically acclaimed, bestselling novel "Me Before You" it was announced today by Jonathan Glickman, MGM's President, Motion Picture Group.
"Me Before You" tells the story of two very different characters: Lou, a small town girl caught between dead-end jobs and Will, a high-profile, successful man who becomes wheelchair bound following an accident. Will has decided his life is not worth living until Lou is hired for six months to be his new caretaker. Worlds apart and trapped together by circumstance, the two get off to a rocky start. But, Lou becomes determined to prove to Will that life is worth living and as they embark on a series of adventures together, each finds their world changing in ways neither of them could begin to imagine.
The novel has sold over half a million copies and quickly landed on The New York Times bestseller list. Global E-book sales have crossed 250,000 and the book is now sold into thirty-one translations, including an upcoming first printing in Germany (March 2013) with 120,000 copies. Critical raves include The New York Times Book Review: "Moyes story provokes tears that are redemptive, the opposite of gratuitous. Some situations, she forces the reader to recognize, really are worth crying over...with Lou and Will she has created an affair to remember;" The Daily Mail: "A deftly plotted narrative populated with likable engaging characters...a bittersweet story about love, learning and letting go. It's a tremendous read;" and People Magazine: "Funny, surprising and heartbreaking, populated with characters who are affecting and amusing...This is a thought-provoking, thoroughly entertaining novel that captures the complexity of love."
"Jojo's book is frankly one of the most unique, emotional and engaging love stories written in recent years," said Glickman. "We're so thrilled to collaborate with her on creating a classic film romance that lives up to this exceptional novel."
Said Moyes: "I could not be more excited about MGM and their plans for 'Me Before You.' The studio is so passionate about the book and I'm thrilled that a story that seems to have come alive in so many readers' imaginations is about to have a whole new life on-screen."
The film rights were negotiated by Jessica Cooper of Curtis Brown for Moyes. Cassidy Lange, MGM's senior vice president, production, will oversee the project on behalf of the studio.
A Lit Lovers road trip to our local cineworld is on the cards. In the meantime, I am going to look into buying shares in Kleenex.
Happy days.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, Inc. (MGM) has secured the feature film rights to Jojo Moyes' critically acclaimed, bestselling novel "Me Before You" it was announced today by Jonathan Glickman, MGM's President, Motion Picture Group.
"Me Before You" tells the story of two very different characters: Lou, a small town girl caught between dead-end jobs and Will, a high-profile, successful man who becomes wheelchair bound following an accident. Will has decided his life is not worth living until Lou is hired for six months to be his new caretaker. Worlds apart and trapped together by circumstance, the two get off to a rocky start. But, Lou becomes determined to prove to Will that life is worth living and as they embark on a series of adventures together, each finds their world changing in ways neither of them could begin to imagine.
The novel has sold over half a million copies and quickly landed on The New York Times bestseller list. Global E-book sales have crossed 250,000 and the book is now sold into thirty-one translations, including an upcoming first printing in Germany (March 2013) with 120,000 copies. Critical raves include The New York Times Book Review: "Moyes story provokes tears that are redemptive, the opposite of gratuitous. Some situations, she forces the reader to recognize, really are worth crying over...with Lou and Will she has created an affair to remember;" The Daily Mail: "A deftly plotted narrative populated with likable engaging characters...a bittersweet story about love, learning and letting go. It's a tremendous read;" and People Magazine: "Funny, surprising and heartbreaking, populated with characters who are affecting and amusing...This is a thought-provoking, thoroughly entertaining novel that captures the complexity of love."
"Jojo's book is frankly one of the most unique, emotional and engaging love stories written in recent years," said Glickman. "We're so thrilled to collaborate with her on creating a classic film romance that lives up to this exceptional novel."
Said Moyes: "I could not be more excited about MGM and their plans for 'Me Before You.' The studio is so passionate about the book and I'm thrilled that a story that seems to have come alive in so many readers' imaginations is about to have a whole new life on-screen."
The film rights were negotiated by Jessica Cooper of Curtis Brown for Moyes. Cassidy Lange, MGM's senior vice president, production, will oversee the project on behalf of the studio.
Sunday, 27 January 2013
Saturday, 26 January 2013
Litlovers admin
Here it is - the list of meetings past and meetings to come, as promised.
Date
|
Host
|
Book Choice
|
Book
|
|||
December 2011
|
Karens Breakfast Bar
|
Nicki
|
The Guernsey Literary and
Potato Peel Pie Society
Mary Ann Shafer
|
|||
January 18th 2012
|
Nicki
|
Karen
|
Before I Go To Sleep
SJ Watson
|
|||
February 29th
|
Karen
|
Lucy
|
Legacy of Eden
Nelle Davy
|
|||
March 28th
|
Lucy
|
Michelle
|
Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Deborah Moggach
|
|||
April 25th
|
Michelle
|
Susie
|
Bel Ami
Guy de Maupassant
|
|||
Extraordinary Meeting
|
Lucy
|
Karens 2nd Choice
|
Me Before You
JoJo Moyes
|
|||
May 30th
|
Susie
|
Clare
|
Secrets Between Us
Louise Douglas
|
|||
June 27th
|
Clare
|
Sally Savage
|
Fifty Shades of Grey
E L James
|
|||
July 18th
|
Sally Savage
|
Sarah
|
Landfall
Helen Gordon
|
|||
September 5th
|
Sarah
|
Bev
|
The Painter of Silence
Georgina Harding
|
|||
September 26th
|
Bev
|
Celia
|
The Man Who Forgot His Wife
John O'Farrell
|
|||
November 7th
|
Celia
|
Sally A
|
The Girl You Left Behind
JoJo Moyes
|
|||
November 28th
|
Sally A
|
Nicki
|
Jubilee
Shelley Harris
|
|||
January 23rd 2013
|
Nicki
|
Karen
|
After the Fall
Charity Norman
|
|||
February 27th
|
Karen
|
Lucy
|
||||
March 20th
|
Lucy
|
Chantel
|
||||
April 24th
|
Chantel
|
|||||
May 22nd
|
Clare
|
Susie
|
||||
June 26th
|
Susie
|
Sally S
|
||||
July 17th
|
Sally S
|
Sarah
|
||||
September 4th
|
Sarah
|
Bev
|
||||
September 25th
|
Bev
|
Celia
|
||||
October 30th
|
Celia
|
Sally A
|
||||
November 27th
|
Sally A
|
Nicki
|
||||
December TBA
|
Christmas
|
Bash
|
||||
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