News

Things may be very different in how we have marked the date this year, but I hope you are well and have been able to appreciate the promise of new life with the spring sunshine, blossom and flowers.

I've certainly noticed that, while I don't have all the 'extra time' that has been lauded on social media, I am taking a moment to think more on the things I might usually have overlooked. Plants and birds outside, reading and knitting to relax and unwind, planning, cooking and then thoughtfully eating a good meal. There's much to be thankful for, as we heed the guidance and hope for better and safer times ahead.

'Enjoy the little things in life because one day you will look back and realise they were the big things'. This is the message my friend has on a bookmark, and it is a valuable daily reminder, she says.

We can gain much solace in books, of course. Titles are available to order - through high street stores if you can.

There are also widespread opportunities to purchase downloads for audio books and e-books, so I hope you'll keep reading, and that you might still find my recommendations here of interest.

This week, though, you'll need to follow a couple of links to read, and hear, some very creative approaches, delivering the message of the moment.

First to Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, co-creators of the Gruffalo, the Stickman, the Smeds and the Smoos, who have  presented their characters social distancing. This is rather lovely and I'm sure will make you smile. You can see the panels here.

And then why not listen to a story being read to you in the wonderful voice of Zeb Soanes. He reads the news and the shipping forecast on Radio Four but is also a children's author. His book 'Gaspard the Fox', based on a real fox he's befriended in his London home, has gained a great following and more stories, illustrated by James Mayhew, have followed. You can read about their work together here.

Zeb has written a special story about life in London, as we all self-isolate. It's called ‘Gaspard and the Quiet Day’ and you can watch it here. I think you'll enjoy it.

Time is playing strange tricks as we come to terms with a new way of living. For me, the first week of lockdown felt a lifetime, but this week has flown by.

I hope you are managing to get everything you need for yourself and for your family members.

There were a few hours in the past week when it looked like the supply of books had seized up, but once again publishers and suppliers and bookshops have adapted. So, while we still have people who are prepared to deliver the post to our doors - and let's remember to thank them whenever we can - we are able once again to receive new reading matter.

If you're looking for ideas, you might like to get a copy of next month's book group title. It's 'Lost Children Archive' by Valeria Luiselli.

I've read it already as I felt I needed to get an idea of the content of the book before nominating it as our collective reading in these difficult times. It's not a light subject, but I think it's sensitively done, with humour as well as poignancy, and it's divided into short passages within chapters, and sections, so it's very accessible if you, like me, have had problems with concentration. Take it in small chunks.

Our discussion for the book will once again need to be done remotely and I'll be in touch nearer the time regarding the format we'll use.

Do think about getting the book from an independent bookseller. Browsers Bookshop in Woodbridge can now arrange for books to be mailed to you direct from the wholesaler Gardners Books, for a small contribution towards postage. Go to the website here for more details or sign up for the weekly bookshop updates here.

Tomorrow things are a little different for my monthly on-air book group discussion with Lesley Dolphin on the Afternoon Programme for BBC Radio Suffolk. First of all, it's 2.20pm on a Monday (we usually meet on a Tuesday)! And naturally I won't be in the studio, so it will be a shorter chat than usual. But I hope you'll join us if you can.

We're talking about 'The Binding' by Bridget Collins and I'll be announcing the title we'll be reading together in the next few weeks, for our discussion at the beginning of May.

If, though, you're still struggling to read anything at the moment - and I'm finding it has to be absolutely 'the right book' to keep me focused - then perhaps you might like to continue with my suggestion from last week, to take up a children's book.

‘The Skylarks’ War’ by Hilary Mckay is a beautiful story which has won lots of awards. It is full of nostalgia, humour and, though aimed at readers aged eight and above, has many layers and will appeal to anyone! It is a tale of a brother and sister growing up before, then through, and then after the first world war. It’s a wonderful account of a time of innocence, sunshine, holidays by the sea in Cornwall, and has great wit and charm. Do try it!

This weekend, though, I've been reading a murder mystery, or a psychological thriller, if you will.

Now, I know: not really a positive theme for these times, and it's not something I thought I would turn to, but actually a pacy plot where justice prevailed proved remarkably all-consuming and an escapist tonic. (Though I have to say the sunshine outside has also helped.)

My thriller of choice was a new book by Suffolk author, Phoebe Morgan, due out in May, but her other books 'The Girl Next Door' and 'The Doll House' are also great page-turners.

For other news...

Don't forget that each Thursday evening at 7pm the National Theatre is streaming some of its recent productions via YouTube. This week, on Thursday 9 April, it is 'Jane Eyre' which is well worth watching if you can. Find out more here.

Also, although the HighTide Festival cannot take place in Aldeburgh this year, there will be initiatives online to celebrate new work which speaks to our current situation. Called Love in the Time of Corona, five monologues by exciting UK writers will be streamed week by week. The first, available on YouTube and the HighTide Facebook page, will be available from Thursday evening.

My, how things have changed since we were last in touch.

I hope you are managing to get everything you need for yourself and for your family members.

Although it's only a few short days since we were placed in lockdown, it feels like a lifetime, doesn't it? And yet, at the same time, the hours in each day fly by.

I don't know about you, but I've found it difficult to concentrate and my usual comfort in reading has been halted as I've been unable to focus.

But, knowing how much I need to lose myself in the other world of a good book, I've been using various techniques to get back 'in the zone'. You might like to try them too...

First there was a children's book! I particularly enjoy middle grade books, those aimed at 8-10-year-olds, because I find they can be relied upon to deliver great characterisation, good plot, short chapters and a lively pace - so I can recommend 'The Guggenheim Mystery' by Robin Stevens and you can look up other titles here.

Then I turned to non-fiction. I'd sourced an out-of-print memoir by Sally Magnusson in anticipation of her now-cancelled visit next month. It proved a real tonic, so if you are able to get a secondhand copy, of 'Family Life', I heartily recommend it. Formed from the columns she used to write in a newspaper, the book charts her experiences as a mother of five young children in easy to read, short chapters, providing a welcome reminder of ordinary life, in a very sociable household - and it's very, very funny. Take a look at other escapist non-fiction titles here.

Of course I've also had to read this month's book group books - I haven't yet embarked on my BBC Radio Suffolk title, 'The Binding' (though will be doing so this week, and I hope you might join me in the conversation on 6 April - I'll include some questions to ponder in next week's newsletter). But I read the Browsers book group book, 'The Great Level', a few weeks ago, so I'm up to date on that and will be able to facilitate our discussion tomorrow night!

And here's the plan...

While I know that we're all adapting to the opportunities available through technology in terms of various video links, we'll start off keeping things simple with a text discussion this time. So no cameras!

Curl up with your laptop, tablet or phone, pour yourself a glass of wine or a cup of coffee and click on this link to go to the discussion page.

Here you'll find a few themes to ponder about the book. You can write your comments in the form provided straightaway, or you can wait until we go 'live' tomorrow at 8pm. Then we'll be able to converse with each other in the form of an email chat, imagining ourselves sitting together as we might have been in the bookshop.

I know we won't be able to see each other on this occasion, and it'll be quieter, but at least we can keep in touch, and we can explore the way forward week by week.

Do please get involved if you can. It will be lovely to know you're there so, even if you don't have much to say about the book, just a simple like/didn't like, or a hello, will suffice!

And, because it will take more time for us to receive next month's book, I'll give you the title now, rather than a big reveal tomorrow night.

I've found it difficult to choose something which might hit the right mark in these challenging times but, after huge deliberation, I've found a book that is widely available and has won various prizes and great acclaim. I'm halfway through it already - I only started it yesterday afternoon - and with my current progress in reading, that's some endorsement, I hope you agree.

The book is 'Lost Children Archive' by Valeria Luiselli.

Please do order it from Browsers if you can. Give the shop a ring 01394 388890 or email browsers@browsersbookshop.com, and pay over the phone with your bank card, then Martin and Anna will arrange to mail it to you, hopefully within the week.

Also, because things are changing day by day, I will now be offering two e-newsletters each week.

This weekly, Sunday night, e-newsletter will continue, giving you my reviews and recommendations, and details about the book groups and any other activities. Let me know if there is anything in particular you would like to see. Please spread the word in encouraging anyone who might find the news, reviews and recommendations interesting. You can send them this link.

There will also be a midweek update relating specifically to Browsers in Woodbridge with details of new titles which have come into stock, as well as news of deliveries and ordering procedures. Follow this link to subscribe now to be sure of receiving the first newsletter on Wednesday.
 
And for something completely different - have you seen that this week the National Theatre has announced a programme of live productions to be streamed via YouTube?

For the next two months, every Thursday evening at 7pm, you can watch National Theatre Live stage productions such as 'One Man Two Guvnors', 'Jane Eyre', 'Treasure Island' and 'Twelfth Night'.
 
The productions were all previously screened in cinemas globally as a part of National Theatre Live but now we can watch them at home. After each Thursday screening the plays will be available to watch on demand for seven days before the next performance is released. There will also be interactive content with Q&A and conversations with cast members. It's a brilliant initiative and you can find out more here.

Thank you for reading. Stay safe and well.

There's no denying it any longer. Things have changed and we've all got to get real to support each other.

Because I have elderly parents living in Suffolk, and want to be able to help them, I have made the decision not to go out unless absolutely necessary, so I won't be behind the counter at the bookshop for a while.

But I will be continuing with these weekly e-newsletters and I hope you'll spread the word encouraging anyone who might find the news, reviews and recommendations interesting. You can send them this link.

And, as we can no longer meet in person, and I know many are you are eager to share what you thought of this month's title  - 'The Great Level' by Stella Tillyard - I am launching an online virtual book group at the end of the month!

News from Browsers
The bookshop continues to open as usual.
Martin and Anna, the owners of Browsers, will be there to answer your queries, give recommendations and take your orders in the bookshop's new location on 70 Thoroughfare. And you can have your book orders mailed or delivered to you. Do phone 01394 388890 or email browsers@browsersbookshop.com to arrange this.

Naturally, the author visits with Sally Magnusson and Alison Weir will not now take place as planned, though hopefully postponed.

Things are changing apace with the developments regarding the coronavirus. I wish you all good health.

If, as we contend with the changing situation, you need a book but are unable to get to a bookshop in person, do try Browsers in Woodbridge on 01394 388890 or email browsers@browsersbookshop.com and the team there will do their utmost to either post or deliver the title to you. Don't be without a good book!

In fact, you may have seen various 'self-isolation reading lists' being devised and circulated on social media. If you have any recommendations, or would like to share with me the titles you would like to read if given two weeks to catch up on your TBR pile, then do feel free to answer this email. I'll endeavour to put together some highlights for the next e-newsletter.

Now, regarding forthcoming events in Woodbridge...I'm still waiting to learn the best way forward. At the moment the advice I've received is that we can go ahead. However, things are changing day by day. I hope you'll keep the dates in your diary and will keep an eye on these emails to receive an update on how things might proceed.

Thank you for reading, and hope to see you soon!