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Death by Choc-Lit (Summer 2018): Book 9

12 replies

KeithLeMonde · 01/07/2018 18:31

Discussion thread for group 2, book 9

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KeithLeMonde · 04/07/2018 14:53

I hadn't heard of the author of this book before I heard her talking about it on the radio. Which is a bit embarrassing as she is rather well known and well respected.

I really enjoyed this - I thought that she writes both interestingly and generously about families, adoption, race and belonging. I found the book both funny and moving - hopefully you will all enjoy it :)

When I mentioned this book on the 50 Books thread, people recommended Kay's book of poems, The Adoption Papers, as a follow-up read. I haven't read that yet but hope to track down a copy - if I do, I might post here too with some thoughts.

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justcheese · 12/07/2018 19:58

Just finished the book. Did enjoy it, especially the end. I think a sequel could be written to this. Loved the different strands that took you one way and then another. A good choice and i'm looking forward to the next bar of chocolate book.

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justcheese · 13/07/2018 06:27

Oh no! Did I make a mistake? Probably posted in the wrong group!

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Chewbecca · 14/07/2018 11:03

Haha, I just finished book 9 & was boggled for a second that someone else had already reviewed it. Seeing Keith's intro though means I know I have the right book!

I also had not heard of the author but am glad I have now! I googled her so mid book so now have a proper picture of the person read about now, but avoided reading much about her life to allow the book to unfold.

I don't usually read non fiction so that was a bit of a branch out for me. I enjoyed the story, it was quite eye opening being a subject area a long way from my own norms. Thankfully her life was sufficiently interesting to make non fiction interesting!

I didn't feel the book needed to flick around in time, I would've been happier I think to have started at childhood and ending where it did. I didn't really understand the sections in different font at all (felt a bit stupid at times being confused over those). I have unanswered questions at the end, I assume her mother is now very poorly and she alludes to something happening to her brother and his life becoming unhappy.

I did get very involved in her life, loving her parents attitude and parenting, feeling outraged at her birth father's reaction, feeling sad for Elizabeth etc. & I read the book pretty quickly - always a good sign.

I've recommended the book to a colleague whose roots are in Nigeria, I think she'd enjoy the sections set in Nigeria especially.

All in all, an interesting book that I am glad I have read. 8/10 from me.

Can't wait for the next arrival!

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FreshEyre · 01/08/2018 21:52

I've just finished this as my second book and thoroughly enjoyed it.

I loved the story of the author growing up in Glasgow and then her travels in Nigeria. It was well written and really drew me in. It was funny, sad and thought-provoking and Sidney made me smile out loud! Embarrassingly, I recognised some of the name-calling that went on in the 70's, it's hard to believe that it wasn't that long ago. I really wanted to hear more from the Glasgow father - I am intrigued by his story and would love to know more about how he felt.

Like the PP I found the flicking between years unnecessary, it would have worked just as well to have narrated the story in chronological order.

8/10 from me. Thank you for another good choice.

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Etihad · 03/09/2018 12:30

Thanks for the book (and chocolate) without spoiling it too much can I please ask a question: Is this going to be ok to read as a (slightly emotional) adoptive mum? Thanks.
Please @ me in any reply so I can get started ASAP.

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Chewbecca · 03/09/2018 14:25

@etihad I have no personal experience of adoption so am guessing at the emotions you be may feeling but I found the adoptive mum to be quite inspiring & they have a great relationship.

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Etihad · 03/09/2018 15:22

Thanks @chewbecca that was what I was trying to find out. It does look really good, will give it a go

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Etihad · 06/09/2018 14:17

I really enjoyed this. I have avoided books about adoption before, but am really glad I read this one.

It’s all explained in a really sensitive way and the author has a lot of insight into everyone’s experience - which I didn’t quite expect, and really admire, especially given the way some people behave

She mentions how everyone involved in adoption all have imagined versions of each other - and that is something that will definitely stick with me.

Will check out the poetry book - thanks keith for mentioning this. I hadn’t heard of her before either

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yaela123 · 03/11/2018 14:32

Sadly I haven't been able to finish this book this month but I did really like the first half! I managed to find it very cheap on eBay so will hopefully finish it soon-ish and will come and read all your comments and write a longer bit about it then Smile

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yaela123 · 17/12/2018 07:35

I've just finished the rest of this book and I really enjoyed it. It was well written, both entertaining and moving. Also quite informative. I could really identify with some of the characters and felt like I got to know them quite well.

Thank you for a good read and I will look out for the poetry book.

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clairethewitch70 · 29/12/2018 16:42

I have just recently finished reading this book. This is definately not a book that I would have picked out in a shop, which is why I am enjoying this book swap which is encouraging me to try new books.
I actually enjoyed this book. I liked reading the sections set in Nigeria, an insight into a different culture, and also wish she had gotten to see her birth mother more. My only criticism, as other have pointed out, is the timeframe jumping back and fore. I would have preferred a more linear read. All in all a good book 7/10. Thanks for including this in the swap.

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