Book Club Summary

Key takeaways

• The book club discussed "The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra" with generally positive reviews (7/10 average rating)

• Breakout rooms were used for the first time to discuss books with animals as a theme

• The next book will be "In Memoriam" by Alice Wynn, followed by "Lights Over Lisgard" by Louis de Bernier

• Several animal-themed books were recommended including "Remarkably Bright Creatures," "Raising Hair," and "Away with the Penguins"

• Rachel and James discussed potentially inviting author Angela Findlay as a guest speaker for the November meeting

Discussed topics

Book club format and breakout rooms

Rachel introduced breakout rooms as a new format for the book club to facilitate smaller group discussions.

• Details

  • Rachel: Explained that members would be automatically placed in breakout rooms of 4-5 people for about 10 minutes to discuss books with animals and share something about themselves

  • James: Provided technical support and helped with spotlighting speakers

  • Rachel: Asked for volunteers from each group to share their discussions when returning to the main room

• Conclusion

  • The breakout rooms were implemented for the first time

  • After the session, Rachel and James discussed that some members left during the breakout rooms, suggesting they might need more preparation for this format in future sessions

Books with animals theme

Each breakout group discussed books featuring animals and shared their recommendations when returning to the main session.

• Details

  • Rachel: Shared "Remarkably Bright Creatures" by Shelby Van Pelt about an octopus in captivity solving a mystery

  • Sue: Mentioned "Raising Hair" by Chloe Dalton about rescuing an injured hare

  • Angela: Recommended "The Horse Dancer" by JoJo Moyes and a series about moles by William Horwood

  • Janet: Suggested "Away with the Penguins" by Hazel Pryor about an 85-year-old woman who decides to leave her money to a penguin research project

  • Sue K: Discussed "My Family and Other Animals" by Gerald Durrell as her "go-to book"

  • Julia: Shared a childhood ladybird book about animals that she recently reacquired

  • Diane: Recommended "Thomasina" by Paul Gallico about a boy who turns into a cat, and mentioned "Knat Noir murder series" by Alison O'Leary about cats solving murders

  • Angela (via chat): Mentioned "Moby Dick"

• Conclusion

  • "Raising Hair" was mentioned in multiple groups, suggesting its popularity

  • Members appreciated getting book recommendations through this format

Discussion of "The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra"

The group discussed the current book club selection with generally positive reviews.

• Details

  • Rachel: Compared the book to Agatha Christie mysteries and asked if Inspector Chopra reminded members of Poirot

  • Sue Kirkman: Didn't find it particularly like Agatha Christie and thought some elements were "silly" (like the elephant coming back from a distance and being calmed with Dairy Milk), but enjoyed the atmosphere and characters

  • Julia: Found it charming though unrealistic, comparing it to "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" series

  • iPad (Sue): Noted the limited roles of women in the book compared to Western detective fiction

  • Rachel: Asked for ratings, with most members giving it 7/10

• Conclusion

  • The book received generally positive reviews (averaging 7/10)

  • Members enjoyed the setting and characters but some found plot elements implausible

  • Some members have ordered other books in the series

Next book: "In Memoriam" by Alice Wynn

Rachel introduced the next book for the November meeting.

• Details

  • Rachel: Noted some members had already started reading it and found it challenging to begin with

  • Rachel: Encouraged members to persevere, explaining it depicts the alien experience of public school life during the First World War

  • Rachel: Described it as a moving book despite being traumatic in parts

• Conclusion

  • The book will be discussed at the November meeting

  • Members were encouraged to read it with historical context in mind

Future book: "Lights Over Lisgard" by Louis de Bernier

Rachel announced the book for the December meeting.

• Details

  • Rachel: Mentioned it's by the author of "Captain Corelli's Mandolin" but is completely different

  • Rachel: Explained her goal is to select a wide range of books that members might not ordinarily choose

• Conclusion

  • This will be the book for the December meeting

  • Rachel will share details in the WhatsApp group