The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Anne Barrows

Ok, so we begin with something light.

This recommendation came to me as I searched for the first book for BookList all the way from Canberra, Australia. I felt this easy read would be the ideal choice to ease us in. And it is a book about loving books. I had to read on.

Framing a story as correspondence between characters has probably been done before, but it certainly was an effective way to keep me engrossed. It almost felt like I was sitting, hopefully waiting for the next letter to arrive.

The story gives endless personal glimpses of German occupation in Guernsey (an accompanying map clarifies the island's location in the English Channel for those who, like me, may be sketchy on its whereabouts and not want to admit it). Such a narrative was as poignant and shocking as any of World War II. All the more so as it seems to give an eerie glimmer of what would have been had the Germans conquered Britain.

Though the ending followed the much trodden path of similar literature of its kind (please note my attempt at diplomacy), the characters had become clear and alive through each letter. And I did give a damn at the end how it all turned out.

This was undeniably engaging in the telling and in the sheer abundance of likeable characters. However, I felt it dissolved into the wholly unremarkable as soon as it leaned too heavily on the common themes of "chick lit". It's almost as if you can tell when one of the two authors had stopped and the other (Jane Austen fan) took over.

In spite of my disappointment I must admit- I think I might just have to pick up a pen and write a letter very soon...

Welcome to BookList!

As I find myself recently emerged from the world of academia, I am relishing the extra guilt-free time spent reading for pleasure! So much so that I thought it worth branching out beyond the quite solitary activity of reading a book, into the range of interactive ways in which one can enjoy literature.

In the coming months I will be going to plays, talks and events, all in some way connected with reading. You'll hear me talk repeatedly about an exciting kernel of an idea to host an "International Book Club"  with my far-flung book-loving friends. And most importantly, again and again I will report back on whatever book recommendation I've received.

Of course, with the aim of igniting discussion on this beloved topic, I would be delighted to hear any recommendations- for anything from the latest unmissable novel to the best place to browse the shelves.

I hope you enjoy!