Welcome to Western Downs Libraries
Online Bookclub
Are you passionate about literature and eager to connect with fellow book enthusiasts?
Our virtual bookclub offers the perfect platform for you to indulge in your love for reading, no matter how busy your schedule may be.
November Theme:
“Gastronomic Glee: Savouring Stories of Food and Flavour”
This month, we’re celebrating ‘Gastronomic Glee: Savouring Stories of Food and Flavor!’.
Get ready to indulge in tales that blend the joy of food with the magic of storytelling. We’ll explore vibrant narratives that take you into bustling kitchens and highlight culinary adventures, such as The Chocolate Factory by Mary Lou Stevens, which offers a delightful exploration of chocolate-making and the sweet wonders of culinary creativity and ‘The Hundred-Foot Journey by Richard C. Morais’, a heartwarming story about the clash of cultures and the transformative power of cuisine.
Each book promises to delight your senses, inspiring your taste buds while satisfying your cravings. Whether you’re a foodie or just love a good story, this month is all about savouring the delicious moments that books can offer!
Here are November‘s book recommendations that will have you reaching for the snack bowl. These titles are available at our branches, or you can find them in digital formats on BorrowBox or Hoopla.
If you are part of our Goodreads Group, you can find and add your chosen book to your ‘reading list’.
The discussion board for November’s theme is open and ready for people to start chatting!
Author Spotlight
Welcome to Author Spotlight, where each month we will shine a light on the authors that have captivated our minds here in Western Downs Libraries. Join us as we explore the diverse worlds they create and celebrate the magic of storytelling in all its forms.
November Author:
Bonnie Garmus
This month, we’re shining our spotlight on Bonnie Garmus, the talented author of the bestselling novel Lessons in Chemistry.
With a diverse background as a copywriter and creative director in technology, medicine, and education, Bonnie brings a unique perspective to her storytelling.
Born in California and now residing in London with her husband and her dog, 99, she has also lived in Switzerland and Colombia, experiences that enrich her writing.
Lessons in Chemistry, published in April 2022, has captivated readers with its polished, funny, and thought-provoking narrative. The book has been praised for its entertaining subplots and witty dialogue, making it hard to believe it’s a debut. As of November 2023, it has sold into 42 territories and is set to be adapted into a television series on Apple TV+ starring Brie Larson.
Bonnie has received numerous accolades, including the British Book Awards Author of the Year 2023 and Waterstones Author of the Year 2022. She is also known for her love of open-water swimming and rowing competitively.
Book Review: The Woman in Black
Author: Susan Hill
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐
Favourite Quote: “A man may be accused of cowardice for fleeing away from all manner of physical dangers but when things supernatural, insubstantial and inexplicable threaten not only his safety and well-being but his sanity, his innermost soul, then retreat is not a sign of weakness but the most prudent course.”
Would you recommend: I recommend any and all books Victorian or Elizabethan – it’s just who I am.
There are a couple of regulars that come into the library whose recommendations and comments about books I take in blind faith. They have never steered me wrong, and even though “The Woman in Black” by Susan Hill is nowhere near my usual literary radar, the comment “it is supposed to be the scariest book ever written” had me hooked.
I have never felt so betrayed. While it is not a Hallmark feature, it is certainly a far cry from the being labelled the scariest. But it was enjoyable.
Susan Hill’s The Woman in Black is a fantastic read that perfectly blends gothic horror with deep emotional resonance. The story follows Arthur Kipps, a young solicitor who heads to the creepy Eel Marsh House to settle the affairs of the recently deceased Mrs. Alice Drablow. What starts as a straightforward job quickly turns spine-chilling with eerie happenings and dark secrets.
Hill’s writing is vivid and atmospheric, making it easy to get lost in the haunting setting. The moody English moors become almost a character themselves, heightening the sense of isolation as Kipps faces the unsettling presence of the Woman in Black. Her description is haunting, and you can’t help but feel the weight of her sorrow.
The pacing is slow but intentional, allowing tension to build as Kipps encounters strange noises and inexplicable occurrences that make him question his own reality. This gradual unfolding is reminiscent of classic ghost stories, yet it feels refreshingly modern.
The Woman in Black isn’t just a ghost; she embodies deep pain and tragedy, seeking to share her story with Kipps. As he uncovers her past, the narrative transforms from a simple ghost tale into a thoughtful reflection on how tragedy affects those left behind.
The ending is powerful and sticks with you long after you finish the book. Hill doesn’t shy away from the consequences of Kipps’s experiences, making the story both haunting and impactful.
Overall, The Woman in Black is a beautifully written, atmospheric tale that is thought-provoking. It’s a reminder that ghost stories can linger with us in ways we might not expect—both in life and beyond.
I had to borrow my copy from a friend – but luckily for the readers, Western Downs Libraries offers inter-library loans. Just pop into one of our branches today to request a copy for yourself.
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