Hello!
What a lovely morning.
I have just returned home from my very first Pretty Nostalgic book group.
It is to be held every 2 months to run inline with their bi-monthly magazine.
If you haven't already picked up a copy of Pretty Nostalgic you are really missing out, it is fab.
Our first book was chosen from a selection of classic children's novels. We chose Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome. The leader of our book group is Sam Young, one of the editors at Pretty Nostalgic.
Now, being totally honest I actually found this book rather hard going to begin with but as I got more involved in the characters, and stopped myself expecting anything too exciting to happen, I did start to enjoy it.
I don't know if you are familiar with the story, my dad read it to me when I was too small to really remember but a few bits were familiar to me so maybe I have stored snippets away at the back of my mind.
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| The book club meeting place Richmond Tear Rooms, Richmond St, Manchester |
It is a very innocent, naive tale and it does inspire one to get back to nature and possibly embark on a few childlike adventures. It has certainly encouraged me to return to our camping routes.
I am not going to say too much more about the book, it will all be in the magazine but I do want to share the whole book club experience with you.
This was my first visit to Richmond Tea Rooms. I had heard quite a bit about it through friends and it certainly lived up to expectation. Such a fantastic, dreamlike interior, all very Alice in Wonderland.
We sat in a cosy indoor conservatory that was tastefully festooned with plants and lanterns, there was so much to look at. We were all made to feel very welcome and
the coffee was fab, and I had decaff which can sometimes be a bit of a let down.
The six of us discussed the book for a good while and many of us shared the same thoughts and opinions. We also chose the same favourite characters. I am so looking forward to the next book.
As a couple of people said, and I agree, it is rather nice to step out of ones reading comfort zone and explore different types of literature.
At the end of the meeting we were all given some apt gifts which included a bottle of Ginger beer (or Grog as the Walkers called it), a piece of seed cake that was played down by Sam (her baking) but was actually delicious, and a mini jar of marmalade. This was a real treat and made the whole event extra special.
Please look out for me and the gang in the magazine. I think it will be a good read.
Maybe you will fancy becoming a book club member or possibly read Swallows and Amazons for yourself.
Thanks for reading. x
