News

I'm pleased to report a very successful inaugural Zoom book group discussion last week.

Of course, the sad news is that we're likely to be 'meeting' this way again later this month, on Monday 25 May. A Bank Holiday, I was reminded. But we agreed there might not be the usual claims on our time, so hopefully a chat about books will appeal and we'll get another good gathering.

This month's other Bank Holiday is this Friday. While many events and activities have been cancelled, others have been reorganised using Zoom - in which many of us are now becoming fairly expert (that's relief speaking, rather than bravado, you understand).

Friday marks VE Day, of course, but for three days next weekend, there is a virtual literary festival taking place, called the Big Book Weekend.

At first, this didn't fill me with glee, I confess. The joy of going to a festival or author talk, for me, is rubbing shoulders with the writers, seeing them up close and personal, and eavesdropping the conversations of other audience members. But I've taken a peek at the site hosting this event and it looks very slick and well thought through with various different features.

The programme of authors listed looks interesting indeed. If you didn't catch Maggie O'Farrell, Alexander McCall Smith, Michael Morpurgo or Kate Williams when they visited us in Woodbridge, hear them talk about their latest books on screen at this event. And some usually hot tickets will be more easily accessible this way - Marian Keyes or Neil Gaiman anyone?!

If this, and other events, inspire your reading, do contact an independent bookshop, or Waterstones, to source the title for you. Prices are good, delivery times are (fairly) speedy and titles are widely available.

There are changes happening within the book trade day by day, mostly good. If you have signed up to the newsletter from Browsers Bookshop in Woodbridge, you'll know the details of what is now on offer. If you haven't, please do so by clicking here for future updates as they happen! Or look up the website here. They will be very glad of your support!

Thank you to everyone who shared their recommended reading with me this week. I was thrilled that many of you were joining me in returning to favourite children's books.

"I highly recommend revisiting 'The Railway Children' if you're in need of a nostalgic escape," wrote children's author Anna Fargher. She is currently self-isolating at her home on the Suffolk coast as she waits for the publication of her second book 'The Umbrella Mouse to the Rescue' this summer.

And thanks to Carol and Lynda for reminding me of the joys of 'Anne of Green Gables', as well as 'Little Women', 'What Katy Did' and 'The Secret Garden'.

It was good to know that a number of you have discovered 'Quiet', which I mentioned last week. "It is a wonderful book," says John P. "I wholeheartedly recommend it!"

Choosing the next book for our monthly discussions has proved more difficult than usual in 'the current situation'. Something which will hit the right tone, provide plenty for us to think about, while also being widely available is a bit of a challenge.

We're all finding different things working for us at this time, I think. So perhaps a lighter read might suit? An old favourite, a literary classic, or something from childhood might be soothing? Or crime and mysteries can keep us turning the pages, sucking us into trying to solve the problem if our concentration is lacking? Personally I'm not inclined to read any post-apocalyptic, science fiction or imagined futures at the moment, but these books are still selling well!

Whatever we choose for book group, or our own personal reading, can I urge you to consider purchasing from an independent bookshop? Many are now doing mail order and prices and delivery times are comparable with the big internet provider. Browsers Bookshop in Woodbridge will be very glad of your support! And do sign up for the weekly update from Browsers regarding deliveries and new titles just released. You can do that by clicking here.

Well, that's a month of lockdown done. I hope you're coping well and finding comfort in a new routine, staying connected with friends and family in mew ways.

With more of the same for the time being, it's vital that we stay well and safe, of course, but perhaps, little by little, we can begin to take stock and think about what we're gaining, what we're learning from this experience.

Are you filling your diary with Zoom meetings instead of dinner dates? Are you ordering clothes and nick-nacks online instead of going to the high street? Or are you thinking, actually I like a bit more space, and fewer 'things'?

It's important we don't judge each other, and focus on being kind, to ourselves and to others, in this. We are all responding differently at different times. A book that has helped me with this over the years, and which I have turned to again this week is 'Quiet' by Susan Cain.

Some of us are still finding our ability to concentrate is still fluctuating I think. So why not try some poetry?

I remember several years ago, listening to 'Desert Island Discs' and hearing someone very respected and high profile who, due to her pressured role and busy life didn't have time or inclination to read fiction, or non-fiction. But, recognising the importance of literature, she made sure she always had a book of poetry to hand - beside her bed or in her bag for train commutes. She commented on how poetry was so succinct that it didn't requite a huge investment in time or concentration, but contributed powerfully in providing comfort, inspiration and meaning.

My go-to poets are Ted Hughes for the natural world and UA Fanthorpe who left teaching to work as a hospital clerk and used her observations of life in that environment to inform her writing. Whose poetry do you enjoy most? Or perhaps pick up an anthology and see what speaks to you...

Things may be very different in how we have marked the date this year, but I hope you are well and have been able to appreciate the promise of new life with the spring sunshine, blossom and flowers.

I've certainly noticed that, while I don't have all the 'extra time' that has been lauded on social media, I am taking a moment to think more on the things I might usually have overlooked. Plants and birds outside, reading and knitting to relax and unwind, planning, cooking and then thoughtfully eating a good meal. There's much to be thankful for, as we heed the guidance and hope for better and safer times ahead.

'Enjoy the little things in life because one day you will look back and realise they were the big things'. This is the message my friend has on a bookmark, and it is a valuable daily reminder, she says.

We can gain much solace in books, of course. Titles are available to order - through high street stores if you can.

There are also widespread opportunities to purchase downloads for audio books and e-books, so I hope you'll keep reading, and that you might still find my recommendations here of interest.

This week, though, you'll need to follow a couple of links to read, and hear, some very creative approaches, delivering the message of the moment.

First to Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, co-creators of the Gruffalo, the Stickman, the Smeds and the Smoos, who have  presented their characters social distancing. This is rather lovely and I'm sure will make you smile. You can see the panels here.

And then why not listen to a story being read to you in the wonderful voice of Zeb Soanes. He reads the news and the shipping forecast on Radio Four but is also a children's author. His book 'Gaspard the Fox', based on a real fox he's befriended in his London home, has gained a great following and more stories, illustrated by James Mayhew, have followed. You can read about their work together here.

Zeb has written a special story about life in London, as we all self-isolate. It's called ‘Gaspard and the Quiet Day’ and you can watch it here. I think you'll enjoy it.

Time is playing strange tricks as we come to terms with a new way of living. For me, the first week of lockdown felt a lifetime, but this week has flown by.

I hope you are managing to get everything you need for yourself and for your family members.

There were a few hours in the past week when it looked like the supply of books had seized up, but once again publishers and suppliers and bookshops have adapted. So, while we still have people who are prepared to deliver the post to our doors - and let's remember to thank them whenever we can - we are able once again to receive new reading matter.

If you're looking for ideas, you might like to get a copy of next month's book group title. It's 'Lost Children Archive' by Valeria Luiselli.

I've read it already as I felt I needed to get an idea of the content of the book before nominating it as our collective reading in these difficult times. It's not a light subject, but I think it's sensitively done, with humour as well as poignancy, and it's divided into short passages within chapters, and sections, so it's very accessible if you, like me, have had problems with concentration. Take it in small chunks.

Our discussion for the book will once again need to be done remotely and I'll be in touch nearer the time regarding the format we'll use.

Do think about getting the book from an independent bookseller. Browsers Bookshop in Woodbridge can now arrange for books to be mailed to you direct from the wholesaler Gardners Books, for a small contribution towards postage. Go to the website here for more details or sign up for the weekly bookshop updates here.

Tomorrow things are a little different for my monthly on-air book group discussion with Lesley Dolphin on the Afternoon Programme for BBC Radio Suffolk. First of all, it's 2.20pm on a Monday (we usually meet on a Tuesday)! And naturally I won't be in the studio, so it will be a shorter chat than usual. But I hope you'll join us if you can.

We're talking about 'The Binding' by Bridget Collins and I'll be announcing the title we'll be reading together in the next few weeks, for our discussion at the beginning of May.

If, though, you're still struggling to read anything at the moment - and I'm finding it has to be absolutely 'the right book' to keep me focused - then perhaps you might like to continue with my suggestion from last week, to take up a children's book.

‘The Skylarks’ War’ by Hilary Mckay is a beautiful story which has won lots of awards. It is full of nostalgia, humour and, though aimed at readers aged eight and above, has many layers and will appeal to anyone! It is a tale of a brother and sister growing up before, then through, and then after the first world war. It’s a wonderful account of a time of innocence, sunshine, holidays by the sea in Cornwall, and has great wit and charm. Do try it!

This weekend, though, I've been reading a murder mystery, or a psychological thriller, if you will.

Now, I know: not really a positive theme for these times, and it's not something I thought I would turn to, but actually a pacy plot where justice prevailed proved remarkably all-consuming and an escapist tonic. (Though I have to say the sunshine outside has also helped.)

My thriller of choice was a new book by Suffolk author, Phoebe Morgan, due out in May, but her other books 'The Girl Next Door' and 'The Doll House' are also great page-turners.

For other news...

Don't forget that each Thursday evening at 7pm the National Theatre is streaming some of its recent productions via YouTube. This week, on Thursday 9 April, it is 'Jane Eyre' which is well worth watching if you can. Find out more here.

Also, although the HighTide Festival cannot take place in Aldeburgh this year, there will be initiatives online to celebrate new work which speaks to our current situation. Called Love in the Time of Corona, five monologues by exciting UK writers will be streamed week by week. The first, available on YouTube and the HighTide Facebook page, will be available from Thursday evening.