Services
Online Book Group
If you like reading but can't manage to get to a book group, then why not join our online group? We feature books which our book groups have been reading and post their comments and reviews here.
Click on the book images below to link to the catalogue for more information on the books. You can then request these titles and they will be delivered to your local library.
Read by Blackburn Connected Reading Group
This is a book of short stories, the setting of which is Ireland. It recounts a moment in time in the lives of various men.
"The book was simple to read , but left the reader feeling negative about the sad, depressing, mundane lives led by the characters. Unfortunately, this could sum up many lives. However, a book should stimulate, interest and excite the reader and lift the reader out of normality.
For lovers of Roddy Doyle's writing, the book would be enjoyed, but not the best for a first Roddy Doyle read."
Read by Blackburn Reading Group
The story is about the famiilies living in a close in a Glasgow tenement during the late 40s to early 50s and follows their interconnected lives. The author's research of that period's social history is excellent - the transport, events, products used and routines within work and at home.
We really enjoyed the book because of the social history, as we remembered the names of the products. The characters were authentic and could be related to, especially as the plot unfolded.
Read by West Calder Tuesday Reading Group
There was an interesting discussion on this novel, and some of the comments are below-
- I was angry at the characters, did not enjoy, did not hold my attention
- Who was this novel aimed at? Teen market, or...?
- Really objected to the bad language, put me off completely
- Read a couple of chapters, but couldn't continue
- The general feeling was that the book managed to be a best seller on the strength of the Harry Potter phenomenon, rather than its own merits
Read by Blackburn Reading Group
Plot: Millionaire couple set out to destroy the world's leaders, bringing about the end of civilisation in order to create the rebirth of humanity according to the beliefs of the Hindu God Shiva. To do this they need the long lost writings of Shiva, recently discovered by Eddie, a former SAS member and his archaeologist wife Nina.
Review: A thriller recipe with a pinch of Raiders of the Lost Ark and James Bond, and many other films of this genre. If the dialogue can be skimmed over, cutting this book from 600 to 300 pages, this would give readers of this genre an interesting read.
Found it predictable but boring.
Read by West Calder Tuesday Group
The consensus of the group was that they really enjoyed this book.
- "Initially some of us felt a bit confused by the time span, with the chapters going back and forward. There were lots of twists and turns"
- "The writing was very descriptive, and the characters were strong"
- "There was a general discussion that we felt the setting was more appropriate to the 70s in London, rather than the 90s"
- "The twist at the end was unexpected"
- "Intriguing tale and well enjoyed psychological thriller"
- "Everyone who read it, completed it, and we are looking forward to Erin Kelly's next book"
The Hanging Shed by Gordon Ferris
- "A thriller set in Glasgow in 1946, with lots of twists and turns - murder, mystery, police corruption, razor gangs, pervy priests, injustice and a touch of romance"
- "First time I had read a book by this author, so I did think that Brodie would save his friend from the gallows and the good guy would beat the bad guts and all would be happy ever after. It wasn't to be and the body count just kept rising as the plot thickened"
- "The difficult times and how they lived in post war Glasgow were well described - the pub floors covered in sawdust, ration books and petrol rationing"
- "Was heroin available in 1946, so soon after the war when money was short? Where did it come from?"
- The group enjoyed the book and would read the follow up
The hand that first held mine by Maggie O'Farrell
- "An interesting read, slow to start, but you wanted to read on to reach the conclusion"
- "Descriptive writing and most members would read this author's books again"
The Island by Victoria Hislop
"A novel based on a time in recent history - leprosy and the leper colony of Spinalonga (an island near Crete). This was a well-researched, gripping and poignant story. The author empathised with the life changing effects of leprosy on a community, yet managed to evoke a warm, positive feeling in the reader."
Comments -
Really enjoyed it
Loved it second time around
Gripping
Greek psyche well drawn by the author
Makes you want to visit Spinalonga and let your imagination take over
Read by West Calder Library Reading Group
"Although it was a long read, we found it kept us interested by all the twists and turns and we could not guess how it would all end up. The characters were portrayed well and the fact that each person wrote their own narrative helped to get an insight into the character".
Read by West Calder Tuesday Book Group
The group members agreed that they enjoyed the book. Amazingly 5 out of 6 really enjoyed it and the other member thought it was OK.
Some comments for the book:
- Liked it immediately, a page turner, a good read
- Transference between past and present handled well by the use of the motif of the mother's box.
- Believable scene setting, characters an integral part of plot development but not overstated
Some comments against the book:
- Disjointed at times, not all characters convincing, too many loose ends
- The narrative flowed, but unanswered questions
Now you have read the pros and cons, read it yourself and decide. We think unreservedly "Eve Green" is a good read.
Read by West Calder Thursday Book Group
A mixed reaction to this book:
- Sometimes boring and no great depth.
- Surprised that a film had been made from this book.
- We would not read another book by this author
Read by West Calder Thursday Reading Group
- Not an easy read but an enjoyable one, an excellent vocabulary and some very good turns of phrases.
- A lot of twists and turns, pure violence, hate, murder ... it has it all.
Tell us what You think -
Why not read the books and tell us what you think? Whether you love them or hate them, would recommend them or not, then let us know and we'll add your views here. Email your comments to : librarywebteam@westlothian.gov.uk .
To find out more about these books and to request a copy, click on the book images above or click here (new window) to visit the online library catalogue.
Updated 15/04/13
