Monthly Book Groups
Booker Book Group Challenge
Each year, members of the Woodbridge Book Group agree to read one of the Booker Prize Longlisted titles and report back with a review. As a group we then make our own prediction of what should be included on the subsequent Shortlist and ultimately which novel should be the winner of the prize overall. Read our conclusions for 2026 here.
Woodbridge Book Group
Each month I host an open meeting in Woodbridge in Suffolk. We used to meet in the town's bookshop but now gather together in a nearby hall. We usually focus on modern fiction and the discussion regularly attracts around 20 people, men and women, of all ages. Everyone is welcome to join in but please let me know you are planning on coming along. Sign up to the e-newsletter here to receive details. Scroll down to take a look at the titles we've read over the year, and view the archive for past discussions.
I also co-host a Book Group in Framlingham at Ottie and the Bea - details here
Woodbridge Book Group List for 2013
General dissatisfaction with an unsophisticated plot and two-dimensional characters but the description of food and nature was considered vivid and sensual.
A great summer read that kept most of the group turning the pages, intrigued and engrossed by Carcassonne through the ages. A few found the writing flawed.
Astonishing range of subject, theme and style for one book but the description of the Italian village was declared the most appealing. Much to discuss.
Cover billing was declared misleading and some wanted a different ending, but animated debate and generally considered a great read!
Beautiful and compelling, but also contrived and superficial: the group was divided, but all were pleased to have read this book.
A witty and wry take on modern values for some, but others didn't feel the characters were authentic.
A month wasn't long enough to appreciate everything in this huge, dense book, but most finished it and everyone loved it. A lively discussion: 20% attending were men!
Beautiful writing and a fascinating insight into a relationship and a literary circle, but a couple of people in the group found they didn't care about the characters.
Beautiful, vivid, spare writing enjoyed by most, but some found the story dull and the characters poorly drawn.
A surprising, funny and inventive book which proved a hit with almost everyone and its presentation of relationships, communication and mental illness was thought-provoking.