Book Recommendation - Amy & Lan

 Senior Reading Group - Amy & Lan by Sadie Jones

It took me a few chapters to settle in but once I got to know Amy and Lan and their families, the book became far more enjoyable. The story is set on a farm settled by families seeking a simpler life. It is told through the eyes of seven-year-old friends, Amy and Lan. There are some wonderful descriptions - I loved reading about life on the farm, through all the seasons. However, real life intrudes as the children grow older; money worries, school and other 'outsiders', mental health issues, and betrayal.  The losses were also devastating, and I defy anyone not to need a tissue when reading about the kittens and Angel Rocket. I would recommend this to our senior students (S4+)

The senior book group were gifted copies of this book by Vintage and the Reading Agency.

Short story - Book Group

Calling all book group members. I have a short story I think we should read. It was on the BBC a few weeks ago so one or two of you may have picked it up already. By E, M, Forster it is called "The Machine Stops."

You can order it or follow this free online pdf link. The thing is, it was written in 1909 and here we are in lockdown 2020 living in what appears to be that reality.

It is a world where people choose to isolate, live at a social distance and communicate by video calls. Yep sounds familiar. Can we read for Wed 17th?

Senior Staff / Book Group

Next Wednesday we will be discussing the Isaac Asimov short story"The last question. " Still time to join our group. Bring your lunch and I promise some cake!

Advent Count Down - Book 17

This was my favourite read of the senior/staff book group. A crime from the past and a crime from the present are threaded together in outback Australia. This novel has a strong sense of place and the geography, the weather (the heat) and the landscape all build up the tension to make this a gripping read.

Christopher Brookmyre- awesome!

On Thursday 14th November we went to hear Christopher Brookmyre give a talk on his literary work. He talked about things such as the public's reaction to his novels, his use of colourful language, how he decides what to base his stories on. A great hint he gave us was to write about something you hate! Overall we found it to be an amazing, enjoyable and humorous experience and it gave us great insight into the writings of a Scottish author.by L, L and E.

Senior/Staff October Read

Meet this Friday for refreshments and discussion at morning break.

Hope you all enjoyed!

Senior Pupil/ Staff Summer Read

The summer read for the Senior Pupil / Staff Book Group is "A God In Ruins" Our choice is a funny, gripping novel which looks at war and the effect it has on those who lived through it and on the generations to follow. It is also one of those novels which asks the reader to reflect on the magic of fiction writing.

All the library copies are now out. But if you can get hold of a copy (try charity shops) or download it, then please join us for refreshments and chat on the first Friday back after the summer holidays. Enjoy! a future he never expected to have.

The Dry

Thanks to the senior pupils who came in from study leave to join us for our final session of the term. We had varying views on the novel but mostly really liked the different twists and turns the author took us on as the story unfolded. There was a really strong sense of place and we totally got how the heat of the Australian outback and two years of drought affected the characters: both financially and emotionally. We also like how in a small town things could get hidden away until one event brings everything out in the open. Highly recommended!

My Purple Scented Novel.

The February break is just a long weekend so I thought we would try and read a short story. I have chosen a tale by one of my favourite authors Ian McEwan. And this is perhaps the perfect literary crime!

Please see Dr Carter if you want to read it and come and join us on the Friday following the February break in the library for refreshments, traybake and discussion.

Fahrenheit 451

Thanks to all the seniors who came along to our Book Discussion last Thursday. It is great that so many of you are still wanting to read classic novels and this one you described as "eye-opening", "thought-provoking" and "extremely relevant." What I took away from the discussion is that the need for critical thinking is even more necessary today than ever before.   

It is good to ask questions!

Over the February holiday we will read a modern short story- details to follow. New seniors and staff welcome to join us.

Summer read no 1

The first discussion session of our summer reads will take place this Friday break in the library. 

Any member of staff or pupil who has read "Eleanor Oliphant is absolutely fine" is welcome to come and join us for refreshments and chat. 

Summer reading

Last chance to sign up for our summer reading.    Staff and senior pupils will be reading "Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine" and our new S4 -S6 group "The man in the high castle" by Philip K Dick