January 2025 saw the 100th book read by the First Editions book group, the first of the four book groups now in existence within the Cam & Dursley U3A. The group was founded in 2014 and initially led by Diana McDowell. Pam Davis took over the leadership shortly after and has provided firm but fun leadership ever since.
Several members have come and gone over the years, some moving away, some ‘retiring’ due to ill health or other commitments, and sadly one of our group recently passed away and is greatly missed.
From left Jill, Danielle, Chris, Pam, Tim, Claire, Rosemary, Jo
There are now nine members of the group, which is just the right number to generate a good discussion and allow everyone to have their say. Discussions can be lively as we all have strong opinions and a lot to say!
The group’s first meeting was in January 2015; the book was Cider with Rosie by Laurie Lee. While we mostly read modern fiction, we have read a variety of genres including crime, memoir, autobiography, classic fiction, science fiction and fantasy. The good thing about being in a book group is that we get to read books that we would perhaps never choose for ourselves. It is always good to stretch yourself, and maybe find a new favourite author along the way.
We meet in each other’s houses – whoever’s turn it is to choose a book will host the meeting, and provide cake with tea and coffee after we’ve finished our discussion. We always try to fit the type of cake to the book – it isn’t always possible, but we are an inventive lot.
Meetings can sometimes be hard to wind up, as we spend the time after our tea break lost in general chat about whatever is going on in our lives. It is safe to say that over the years we have all become good friends, and look forward to our monthly meetings, our summer outings, and Christmas bring-and-share lunches.
Long may we continue!
Books read in the last 12 months:
- Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata
- The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
- A God in Every Stone by Kamila Shamsie
- Shrines of Gaiety by Kate Atkinson
- The Offing by Benjamin Myers
- Frenchman’s Creek by Daphne du Maurier
- Crow Lake by Mary Lawson
- On the Beach by Neville Shute
- English Pastorale by James Rebanks
- The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark
- 100th book: Under the Skin by Michel Faber was discussed in January 2025
Chris Auger, January 2025