20 Comments

Our library has just asked for buying suggestions for bookclub sets. I don’t know where to start! Can I make 100 requests😀

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On my goodness! What a fun job. Let me know if you want any suggestions but I’m sure you have a long, long list already.

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I love your book suggestions and recipes. I always look forward to your emails and the book club is so much fun. Thank you Margaret!

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I’m super happy to have met you! I love having bookish friends.

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Happy anniversary and I love the look of that pavlova! Cheers to the new year and getting through those book stacks at your own pace!

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I’ve been fighting against requesting more books from the library as a way of reading what’s already here, but I do need to read You Are Here for book club.

Or maybe I’ll listen on audio?

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As you probably know, listening to books is my preferred method of “reading,” but it’s definitely a different experience, impacted greatly by the skill of the narrator or narrators. I’ve gotten through many books I’d never have attempted—like most recently some D.H. Lawrence (The Rainbow, Sons and Lovers). I actually prefer lighter fare, like Lessons in Chemistry, which I loved. I’m grateful for your recommendations and those in the comments.

Happy Anniversary! It’s so great to see the photos of then and now! And the broccoli tabbouleh recipe sounds delicious and healthy!

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Good on you for reading DH Lawrence!

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Hi Ruth, lovely to hear from you. I just realised I should have put then and now as the caption of the photo of hubby and me, but honestly it seems amazing that we have survived 40 years of marriage. Like any relationship, there has been joy and grief.

Yes, the broccoli salad is truly delicious. I have recently discovered that I’m lactose intolerant, so I had to make my own buttermilk (milk and vinegar) but it was still really good.

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We’ve been married just a few years longer than you folks, and I often wonder the same thing—how on earth did we manage to stay together so long, as different as we are? Perhaps the answer is in a book I’ll read someday (or, better yet, write!).

Years ago when I was going through a bit of a hippy phase, I thought D. H. Lawrence was a kindred bohemian, especially when it came to writing about relationships between men and women. On rereading, I was a bit disappointed but still enjoyed revisiting the Lawrencian universe.

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I would love you to write a book. I bet you’ve thought about it often.

I went through a hippy phase when I was 20, so quite a long time ago. Did you know that DH Lawrence wrote Kangaroo when he was staying at Thirroul? It’s south of Sydney.

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In Belinda's Kitchen is an excellent cook book (Belinda is my favourite cook book author). The Really Delicious Cheese Scones on page 25 live up to their name - they are really delicious and I recommend making a double batch. I have cooked so many recipes from this book and every one of them has been a winner.

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It's so funny that you mention this because I just made the Burmese chicken curry from this cookbook (it smells delicious) and I was wondering if I should make some scones while the oven is on! It's such a miserable day here, but good for cooking. Thanks for the tip. Will check out the recipe right now. I agree, a lovely cookbook.

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The 100 years of Lenni and Margo is really REALLY GOOD. I think you should tackle that one first. I read it a few years ago and loved it so much. In fact, I think I might read it again….

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Thanks for the tip. I will definitely do that!

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I'm listening to my first audio book with my husband. It's called Cabin: Off the Grid Adventures with a Clueless Craftsman, and it is good! It takes place in Index, Washington, where we vacationed in a cabin once, and it's not too far from Seattle where my son lives.

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It sounds really good. Do you find yourself drifting off? I sometimes do that when I'm listening via my phone on speaker. I can focus better when I have earbuds.

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Michael Abubakar did an *incredible* job with CR, I agree. Similar vein as Kobna Holdbrook Smith who reads Rivers of London (amongst many others); the range of accents is incredible and he nails them all.

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Hi Fiona - you might be interested to know that I tackled CR on the basis of your recommendation. I agree, brilliant work. Thanks!

Will check out new rec.

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Oooh then I’m even more delighted (and relieved!) you’re enjoying it ❤️

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