She's always seemed to lack confidence, quite quiet and shy and doesn't seem very adventurous at all so I was surprised when she asked if she could come and join the group.
She said she felt she needed to push herself a little to meet people and read more interesting books - she's assuming we actually read interesting books of course!
She doesn't go out a lot, mainly a stay at home mum, and I know she was a little nervous of meeting the other 8 members of the group.
Anyway she did a fine job of hosting the evening and then produced her chosen book......
My friend then went on to explain why she'd chosen this particular book. It's about Bill Bryson walking part of the Appalachian Trail and apparently her father, who is a keen walker, had walked the whole of the trail, in one go, a few years ago.
The trail is along the East coast of the USA and is around 2200 miles long!
We were so impressed, she had photo's and stories from him about the walk, it had taken him 6 months and he'd mostly been alone, camping in the woods and shelters.
Well the book was such a hit that for our June meeting when we were due to get together for Pimms & nibbles, to discuss the book, it was suggested we invite "Dad" along. He obliged us and spent the evening telling us tales from his "walk in the woods" and answered all our questions. It was a great evening, probably the best we've ever had - I've since acquired 2 other Bill Bryson books which are now on my "must read" pile. He has a great way of story telling and there were no negative comments at all - that must be a first!
And what did we learn - never judge a book by it's cover - in more ways than one. We have a very valuable new member of our group.
That is so lovely. I'm so glad your new member gained enough confidence to host a book group meeting which turned out to be so interesting - well done her !
ReplyDeleteHa Ha - Pimms & Nibbles - we did that when I was in a book group too !
Sounds like a fun evening. I love Bill Bryson, think I've read all his books. He has a way of telling you lots of stuff, while making you chuckle, like the best teachers should be! xx
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely right, we learnt a lot and laughed all the way through.
DeleteSounds good. I have to confess I've not read Bill Bryson but hubs loves his books. x
ReplyDeleteIt was a great read, well worth a go.
DeleteHe is a very good author - my favourite was Notes from a Small Island, about his travels around the UK, some parts made me laugh out loud. What an interesting thing to have done that Trail and to meet the man who did. I'm sure your friend will benefit so much from being part of the Book Club.
ReplyDeleteJune
Number 1 son has Notes from a Small Island for A level English - so it will be my summer holiday read!
DeleteThe book club I belong to read a really good one last month, The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion. I loved it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip, I've not heard of that but I do keep a list of "recommended reads" so it's on it now.
DeleteBrilliant that this lady got up the nerve to approach your book club, she will, I'm sure, make new friends and have a lot of fun. I love Bill Bryson's books, perhaps because he is such an Anglophile. And speaking of Appalachia, I have just this week bought myself an Appalachian Dulcimer - as if I needed another musical instrument! Ha! Hope the good weather lasts and you have a great weekend. Lx
ReplyDeleteI'm so pleased she joined us Lynn - a breath of fresh air to the group! Great weather at the moment isn't it? Enjoy it x
DeleteI'm so glad your friend has joined your book club and provided such a good event at her house.I have enjoyed other Bill Bryson books so I will have to look out for this one.
ReplyDeleteSarah x
You will enjoy--he's a delightful writer and I have several of his books--including "At Home" and "The Life And Times of the Thunderbolt Kid" which is hilarious.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have a very high-functioning book club--how fortunate!
How funny that your book club actually had a real "book club" meeting. And you met someone who walked the whole Appalachian Trail - what a night!
ReplyDeleteWow, that's fantastic! I want to be in your book club. Must have been so interesting to hear about the Appalachian adventure.
ReplyDeleteBill Bryson is one of my favourite authors. Neither Here Nor There (his travels round Europe) is laugh-out-loud funny and his memoirs of growing up (Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid) is really, really worth a read.
I've set my mind to read a few of his books, I loved his style of writing. You're welcome to join us Justine, bit of a long drive but we can have a Pimms waiting for you!
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