Book of the Month - The girl you left behind - May 2013

The Book
This will be the second JoJo Moyes book that the group has selected to read. We previously read "Me Before You" in March 2012 - which proved highly readable and was universally liked by the whole group.

This new book certainly promises from the cover blurb to take us on a totally different journey in an intricately plotted story spanning two different eras - both the modern day and the First World War.

The story is billed as being 'hauntingly romantic' and an 'utterly irrestible...weepy'. Will it live it up to its billing and be an equally beguiling and popular read?

The Author
JoJo Moyes is both a successful author and journalist. Born in 1969 she grew up in London and gradauted with a degree from Royal Holloway and Bedford New College, London University. She worked at The Independent for over ten years including as Assistant News Editor and the Arts and Media Correspondent. In 2002, she became a full time novelist. She has written 9 novels and her first book was called 'Sheltering Rain'.

More Information

Access JoJo Moyes' website at http://www.jojomoyes.com.

Book of the Month - Casino Royale - April 2013

The Book

This is where it all began with the first story featuring James Bond who has gone on to become an icon of British cinema. Casino Royale was first published by Ian Fleming himself in 1952 and went on to spawn 11 books and a highly successful film franchise.

The question is how does this book translate to the screen? Is this a book of its time only or does it speak to the modern world?

The Author

Ian Lancaster Fleming (28 May 1908 – 12 August 1964) was born into a wealthy family connected to banking and politics. He was educated at Eton, Sandhurst and then at universities in Munich
and Geneva. During World War Two, Fleming worked in the British intelligence services, the experience of which subsequently formed the basis for his James Bond novels and the successful James Bond film franchise. Fleming was also the author of the children's story Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. He lived at Goldeneye, his house in the Carribbean and was married to Ann Charteris.  In 2008, "The Times" newspaper Fleming fourteenth on its list of "The 50 greatest British writers since 1945".

More Information

Find out more about Ian Fleming on his offical website - http://www.ianfleming.com

Book or the Month - The Shack - March 2013

The Book

Isn't it strange how some things develop?

The Shack was originally only ever intended to be a story written for Young's six children about perspectives on God. However, Young's friends encouraged him to have the book formerly published. The book remained largely unnoticed until it became popular in the US and was listed as number 1 on the New York Times paperback fiction bestseller list in 2008.

The novel is defined as a "Christian" book but should appeal to anyone who asks the questions "What if?" about the world and God. It promises to fit into the literary tradition of authors like C.S. Lewis, who is one of Young's inspirations.

The Author

William Paul Young is from Canada but now lives in Oregan in the US. He was the son of missionary parents and spent most of his formative years in Netherlands New Guinea amongst the Dani people. He has six children and three grandchildren and is the author of two books.

More Information

Visit the official website of William Paul Young