More about books

Catherine Larner

Hello, I'm Catherine Larner, a freelance journalist, editor and presenter living in Suffolk. I contribute features, profiles, reviews, comment and analysis to regional and national magazines, newspapers and online. You can take a look at my published articles on my website here.

I also interview on stage for festivals, organisations and bookshops, 'in conversation' with novelists, historians, politicians and personalities.

Reading extensively and widely, I report on the books I've enjoyed in a weekly e-newsletter and on this site which now provides a resource of more than 800 titles. I hope you'll find it helpful in choosing books for yourself and for your friends and family.

Thank you for reading

My More About Books bookstore where books can be purchased online can be found here or from any 'buy this book online' link. If you buy books linked to this site, I earn a commission from Bookshop.org, whose fees support independent bookshops.

What's on

Angela Harding in conversation

Sunday 17th November, 4.00pm

at Riverside Theatre, Woodbridge

read more

Cartoonist Matt Pritchett

Sunday 17th November, 6.00pm

at Riverside Cinema

read more

Events Archive

Visit my archive pages for details of all events in recent years.

Listening in

For more than 10 years I co-hosted a monthly book club on BBC Radio Suffolk with the presenter Lesley Dolphin. You can listen to past discussions here.

Book Groups

WOODBRIDGE

I've been hosting an open Book Group in Woodbridge for the past 17 years. We used to meet in the town's bookshop but are now gathering in a hall just off the Thoroughfare. Please sign up for the weekly e-newsletter here to receive details.

The Children's Bach

by Helen Garner

Described as 'a jewel of a novel about a perfect family falling apart' this is considered Helen Garner's masterpiece. 'A perfect novel' which is 'drawn on a small canvas and with a subtle musical backdrop'. What will we think of it?

Monday, 28 October 2024 - 8:00pm

FRAMLINGHAM

I'm leading a monthly adult book group at the fabulous Ottie and the Bea children's shop in Framlingham. You can find out about how to join in the meeting and sign up here or call in to the shop to learn more and browse the wonderful selection of children's books and gifts. The book we are reading this month is

A Whole Life

by Robert Seethaler

An international bestseller, this 'exquisite novel' has been translated from the German and is described as 'a tender book about finding dignity and beauty in solitude', with 'a message of solace and truth'. What will we think of it?

Wednesday, 16 October 2024 - 7:30pm

read my book review

Reader recommendations

At the end of each year, members of the Book Group meet together to share their favourite titles and offer ideas for gifts for friends and family, and for new authors to try ourselves. For 2023 the titles that were mentioned are listed here.

Buying books

I've linked the reviews on my website so that you can purchase online if you wish (and I will receive a small commission for each purchase, with a further commission going to all independent bookshops).

Click here for my page on bookshop.org and do consider using it whenever you wish to buy online.

Book reviews

My recent recommendations

Here are the books I've been enjoying recently, both fiction and non-fiction titles.

Sleepless

Annabel Abbs

A wonderful memoir about rediscovering the night, enjoying the safety, comfort, solitude and inspiration it offers when sleep is elusive.

read my review

Publication date: 3rd October 2024