" Wear the old coat and buy the new book" said no Hushita ever: Hushita's book group

[Sooverthemill]

Opening the first thread! As requested ( I think)

For the Hushitas to chat about books.

I read quite a lot (40 so far this year). A mix of fast stuff I don't need to concentrate on much and other much more 'literary' fiction. Currently on a Nicci French which I picked up for free at the GP surgery (Blue Monday) which is so far an easy read and I've recently finished 'clock dance' by Anne Tyler who is a favourite author. I have read all but one of her books ( I haven't read the Shakespeare rewrite).

What do other Hushitas like?

I haven't read it but so many people can't be wrong!

I don't understand this thread. Why don't you just join us on the 50 books threads? Or does one have to be wearing Hush clothes to have an opinion? Am I missing something?

Genuinely bewildered.

@Remus we aren't reading 50 books. And this is what we wanted. You don't have to look or join in (But you are welcome) or even understand why we chose to do this. We don't mind

Well, I looked because I wondered what it was.

Seems a bit weird to have an 'exclusive' thread. I'll get my coat.

And the 50 books threads aren't only for people who read 50 books. Many read lots more, or lots less.

@Remus that's okay. And I look at the 50 books thread sometimes. But we wanted this one! You can stay if you want, honest, now you've looked!

Ooh competitive book groups it's like a midsummer murders plot.
I am a gatecrasher - I wasn't on the hush thread because I'm too fat for their lovely clothes
But I will stay if that's ok because I'm already interested in people's suggestions. I also gave up on Neapolitan around book 3...

You did, @totallyradllama?! That's interesting. What made you give up, If I can ask?

@totallyradllama I've heard such mixed reviews ( from people I know) that I'm not sure I will ever read them. I do read quite widely but I go to get one, reread the blurb and am just put off. Maybe I should get a copy from the library. What did you like/ not like?

Ps we aren't being competitive, we were all on S&B and discovered we also read...

First book was excellent really evocative of place. But then I just began to find them a bit dull and slow. They remind me a bit of Jane Austen - great books if you can get past the occasional chapter devoted to whether or not to take so and so a leg of pork.
I might try again though

Oh and I thought the other pp was the one being a bit competitive

@totallyradllama that's interesting. Sometimes I'm in the mood for slow ( so Marilyn Robinson's Gilead for example or Anne Tyler who I love) but other times it irritates me! Have you tried any Joyce Carol Oates? She is a mixed bag but if you haven't I could recommend a couple that imo are just stunning.

I love your Austen example!

I wasn't trying to be competitive! Just didn't understand why you wanted an exclusive book group, when there's already a brilliant, very inclusive and very well established group.

And now I really will get my coat.

@RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie it's fine. Didn't take offence and hope you don't either.

Loved Eleanor.

@Happydays did you? I've been a bit put off ( I tend to avoid very hyped books but obviously if I did completely then I'd miss out!). I hated the Cactus which people said was similar.

I've finished the Nicki French, really good. Well written, good plot, interesting characters. Would recommend. I've now started Free Food for Millionaires by Min Jin Lee which so far seems excellent ( 4 chapters in, slow going because I'm not getting much time to read at the moment). What are the rest of you reading?