"The City and the City" by China Miéville

Thursday 26th March 2011 saw another gathering of Hove's premier book group.  This time out we were debating the merits of "The City and the City" by China Miéville.  This book was chosen by Tristan on the basis that his uncle had read it and because he was considering a genre busting theme.

Tristan enjoyed the sparse prose and acknowledged that the idea was good, and it made him think, but - crucially - not as much as he hoped.  He awarded the novel 7.5 out of 10.

Hamish described the idea as genius, thought the language was brilliant, and discussed the bizarre but understandable human landscape.  As he went on he appeared to be damning the book with feint praise until he shocked onlookers with a score of 10 out of 10.

Nigel really liked this book.  Original, imaginative, interesting, provocative, and with interesting parallels back in the real world.  A rock solid 9 out of 10, and a commitment to read some more of China's cannon.

Nick was disappointed.  At first he really enjoyed it but ultimately found the characters cliched and gave the book 6 out of 10.

Robin only managed to read the first 50 pages and found it hard to engage with the book.  Other participants acknowledged that the first 50 pages were probably the least interesting. Still, another black day for Robin.

So "The City and the City" by China Miéville averages 8.125 out of 10 according to Hove's premier book group.

"Come To Daddy EP" by Aphex Twin

Tristan also chose another genre buster the "Come To Daddy EP" by Aphex Twin.  Tristan found it strange and was not disappointed.  He admires it but perhaps not as music.  Nigel was genuinely thrilled by this recording.  Not an easy listen but, nonetheless, it is exciting, challenging and interesting.

No one else had engaged with Aphex Twin.

Next up we will be discussing "The Junior Officer's Reading Club" by Patrick Hennessey and "Peepers" by Polar Bear.

"One Day" by David Nicholls

Robin chose this book having heard a favourable review on the radio.  Overall he was impressed.

The scores on the doors (out of 10):

Robin 7

Nigel 3

Jason 7

Hamish 6

Nick 5

Tristan 6

Don 8

I was out of step with my book group compadres as I really disliked this book.  I admire its competence but that was about it.  

When I reflect on some of the great books I've read as part of this group I realise that what makes a good book for me is at least one of the following:

- Powerful descriptive writing

- The book gives me insights that I didn't previously possess

Now then, I want to apologise for the lack of comments from my book club compadres.  Perhaps it was the Harveys, but it was laziness, but aside from the scores I didn't make any notes.  Normal service will be resumed next time out. 

We also discussed David Lynch's film Mulholland Drive which as well received, and 'Get Yer Ya Yas Out' by The Rolling Stones.