The December group meeting took place in the ‘back room’ of The Victoria Public House, Low Fell and was beautifully hosted by Joan A.
I suspect at 14 members present this was the largest attendance of any group so far, and I’ve done my best to capture the essence of the discussion on ‘The Rosie Project’. Apologies to anything that has slipped through the net. A warm welcome was extended to our new attendees. What a pleasure to see the group expanding!
Personally speaking I gave up after chapter 9 of ‘The Rosie Project’ so can’t really speak with any authority, so the intent here is to reflect on contributions of others.
The over-riding theme of the discussion was this was a ‘romp’ of a book, something akin to watching a ‘chick flick’. Not something anyone particularly raved about, but were mildly amused by (in the main). A number of the group did admit to having some ‘laugh out loud’ moments, but many felt that the praises of the plaudits on the cover of the book were somewhat over-enthusiastic. The book was advised to be taken ‘on face value’, and to ‘suspend reality’ whilst reading it. It was described as ‘silly’ and ‘light-hearted’.
Katie felt that the author had come up with a good idea (having a check-list to find a partner) and then woven quite a weak story around this. It was commented that a number of ‘twists and turns’ in the plot line were set up at the beginning of the book, which either were resolved very quickly at the end, or simply disappeared. A brief discussion took place around ‘who is Rosie’s father then?’, but this seemed to be in a mood of mild curiosity rather than heartfelt interest.
A number of the group expressed the opinion that perhaps following the success of ‘The Dog in the Night Time’ the author had decided that having a lead character with Asperger’s Syndrome would be an interesting plot device. The difference with this lead character, however, was that readers felt no sympathy for him. For the members of the group with significant experience of meeting people on the autistic spectrum, in work or family life, the portrayal of the lead character was described as ‘representative’ rather than ‘realistic’. Personally, I found the book quite offensive and disrespectful (hence giving up on it so quickly).
Sue noted that Rosie’s comment at the ending of the book that she would like to marry the lead character as long as ‘things are still crazy’ was inappropriate. We are living in a culture where many organisations are addressing the detrimental use of derogatory language historically linked to mental health presentations. We are all well advised to consider our personal vocabulary.
The group felt that the characters were not well written, and little empathy or sympathy was felt for either of the couple. “I didn’t like him, I didn’t like her!” It was noted “I like the premise of the book, but not the execution”. Responses were on a spectrum from ‘iconic and funny’ to ‘disappointing’.
New member of the group Debb noted how much she had enjoyed the process of taking the time to curl up and read a book written for adults. This was ‘a treat’. For many years her reading has been dominated by the demands of reading to children both at home and work.
Score out of 5 for the book, 3. (But I am directed to note that some felt it deserved a 4).
Following the feedback on the book, the group very much enjoyed a ‘pass the parcel’ game, although having not played it for a long time there was some confusion at times. At one point there was a break in the flow of proceedings with three or four women shouting “take something off, take something off”.
How this all was being perceived by the clientele of the pub beyond the curtains shielding us from public view was open to question. The Book Club Christmas meeting entertainment was a stripper? The Book Club were having a strip poker game? The Book Club were experimenting with a naturist theme? Some ideas for next Christmas perhaps? Winner of the scented candle was Pauline W. (Thanks to Joan for the game.)
The buffet was a great success. As a group we’re not precious about ‘homemade’ and anything goes. Katie’s homemade salted caramel shortcakes do deserve a special mention, however.
Following the success of last year’s book exchange we all contributed to this once again, bringing a wrapped book each to pass on to someone else, ‘bran tub’ style.
The Christmas Book Exchange results: for December reading:
Jeanette, The Red House by Mark Haddon
Lynda, The Paris Wife by Paula McLain
Joanne, The Underground Railway by Colson Whitehead
Joan H, The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Alborn
Sheila, And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini
Debb, The Killer on the Wall by Emma Kavanagh
Joan A, When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
Katie, After You’d Gone, Maggie O’Farrell
Sue C, Bittersweet, Colleen McCullough
Pauline W, A Year of Marvellous Ways, Sarah Winman
Viki, The Paying Guests, Sarah Waters
Pauline S, Precious Bane, Mary Webb
Anne-Marie, A Reliable Wife, Robert Goolrick (which caused much amusement on the evening as A-
M wasn’t feeling in a particularly reliable mood at home!)
After the opening of our wrapped book gift we each shared with the group which book we had brought along, and why we had chosen it.
The evening ended with a couple of rounds of ‘The World Cup of Everything’, a game from the Richard Osman book of the same name. (Again, the book and the score sheets were provided by the hostess with the mostess, the lovely Joan A)
The group debated the best Christmas film with the final being between ‘White Christmas’ and ‘Love Actually’. The winner: Love Actually.
The decision on the best Disney Film ended with a final between ‘Lady and the Tramp’ and ‘The Jungle Book’. The Winner: The Jungle Book.
Joanne amused the group by voting against the trend on pretty much every round. But we didn’t come to blows!
Thanks to everyone for a lovely evening. I stayed out well beyond what is sensible for a ‘school night’ and for someone as socially anxious as me this is very unusual. What a great group!
Much love to Emma who sadly missed out on the evening as she was poorly.
The book for January reading 2018 is ‘A Dangerous Crossing’ by Rachel Rhys (for discussion in February 2018). At our next group we’ll be sharing our thoughts on our individual book exchange Christmas book. Following the success of last year’s decision to do this in the form of a self-penned poem this time we’ll be presenting in the form of interpretive contemporary dance (not!). Further instructions to follow!
Season’s Greetings to all and see everyone again in 2018.
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