Category: Off The Shelf

Off The Shelf bookclub

“I Am Malala ” by Malala Yousafzai

OFF THE SHELF

“I Am Malala ” by Malala Yousafzai

For this month’s book, I Am Malala, an autobiographical work by Malala Yousafzai co-written with Christina Lamb, was a powerful and deeply moving read. Beautifully written and highly informative, it combines personal memoir with a clear-eyed account of politics, culture, and the transformative importance of education.

Alongside the political narrative, Malala’s lyrical descriptions of the Swat Valley – its mountains, rivers, and close-knit communities – bring a strong sense of place and poignantly underline what was at stake when extremism took hold of such a beautiful region.

Malala’s story powerfully exposes the oppression of the Taliban, particularly their attempt to silence girls through fear and the denial of education. Several of her words stayed with us long after closing the book. When she writes, “I raise up my voice – not so that I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard,” she captures the quiet moral authority that runs through the entire narrative. Her story is never about personal heroism for its own sake; it is about responsibility, solidarity, and the necessity of speaking out when silence allows injustice to flourish.

The idea that “One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world” lies at the heart of her message. Even under brutal repression, Malala shows how education remains a quiet but formidable force. Her simple assertion that “Education is education” cuts through ideology and extremism.

Overall, I Am Malala is inspiring without being sentimental, informative without being heavy, and hopeful without ignoring harsh realities. It sparked thoughtful discussion in our group and left us with a renewed appreciation of the power of education – and of voices raised not to shout, but to be heard.

We rated the book 9.5/10.

 

“Orbital ” by Samantha Harvey

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“Orbital ” by Samantha Harvey

This book made a strong impression on our group.

The novel takes us into the lives of astronauts orbiting the Earth, following the course of a single day in which they circle the planet nine times. From this unique vantage point, Harvey invites the reader to reflect on humanity, fragility, and perspective, as the vastness of space contrasts with the intimacy of the astronauts’ inner lives.

We felt both the tension and the quiet wonder of their experience – the fear, the discipline, and the profound sense of achievement. The writing is thoughtful and atmospheric, encouraging reflection long after the final page.

It was very much worth reading, and our group rated it 9 out of 10.

Ann Gill

 

“Killing Time ” by Alan Bennett

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“Killing Time ” by Alan Bennett

We were looking forward to reading Alan Bennett’s Killing Time, but as a group we were ultimately disappointed. The story follows a group of elderly residents in a care home, among them Winnie — a once-glamorous actress whose memory and health are beginning to fail. Around her, other residents navigate the boredom, indignities and small absurdities that make up the daily rhythm of institutional life.

When COVID arrives, the home goes into lockdown. Residents are cut off from their families, routines crumble, and staff are pushed to their limits.

Although we appreciated Bennett’s flashes of wry humour and the darkly comic moments that surface as the residents pass their remaining time in confinement, the overall tone felt unexpectedly unkind. Instead of the honest, moving and bitingly funny voice we associate with Bennett. The writing struck us as dispassionate, grim, stark and often emotionally distant — at times even edging towards the hurtful in its portrayal of the characters lives.

We also felt the story was rushed and under-developed. Characters appear and disappear quickly, leaving little space to build a sense of connection or emotional investment. Rather than feeling engaged or comfortably moved, many of us were left unsettled by the book’s bleakness and its abrupt handling of both life and death in the home.

As a group we admired Bennett’s skill, but Killing Time didn’t resonate with us as hoped. We gave it 5/10.

“Tell Me Everything ” by Elizabeth Strout

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“Tell Me Everything ” by Elizabeth Strout

“We match up for a moment – or maybe a lifetime – with somebody because we feel that we are connected to them. And we are. But we’re not, in a certain way, because nobody can go into the crevices of another’s mind; even the person can’t go into the crevices of their own mind. We live – all of us – as though we can. […] None of us are on sturdy soil; we just tell ourselves we are. And we have to.”
Bob is the exception to that claim.
Elizabeth Strout once again captures the fragile complexities of human connection and the quiet ache of loneliness. Tell Me Everything is an excellent, absorbing story – one that holds you in every paragraph and lingers long after you finish it.
Strout’s America is a place where loneliness intertwines with a withering society – where people yearn to connect yet continually struggle to bridge the gaps between them.
Our Book Club found it an exceptional read and awarded it 9 out of 10. A must-read for anyone seeking to understand the mysteries of human relationships and the uneasy balance between isolation and connection.

Anne Gill

“Into the Storm ” by Cecelia Ahearn

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“Into the Storm ” by Cecelia Ahearn

Cecelia Ahern is an Irish novelist, known for her works like PS, I Love You; Where Rainbows End; and If You Could See Me Now.
It is a wild night in the middle of December, and GP Enya is crouched over a teenage boy, performing CPR in the rain.
The boy survives, but Enya’s life splinters in two. Trapped in a loveless marriage, the storm propels her to break free. But even in the remote country town that becomes her sanctuary, Enya is haunted by the night in the rain. Beneath the boughs of an ancient tree that tells a thousand stories, can she find the courage to face her demons.
The book was enjoyed by all members of the book club. However, some members found the ending unbelievable because they felt that the author had not set up some of the characters well, particularly the GP in the story who they felt was not credible.
Despite this it was readable and well written, and some members really enjoyed it and would recommend it.
A score of 7/10 was given overall.

“Managing Expectations” by Minnie Driver

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“Managing Expectations” by Minnie Driver

We all really enjoyed this book. It is not an autobiography but rather accounts of episodes in Minnie Driver’s extraordinary life. It is hilarious, happy, poignant and sad. She writes so well about trying to understand the relationships and events that have formed her; her family and friends from England, New York, California and back again. Indeed, how she manages her life in good times and bad. From the very first sentence it is a page turner and hard to put down. We scored it 8/10 and highly recommend this book as a good read.

Tricia Coulthard

A Waiter in Paris by Edward Chrisholm

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“A Waiter in Paris ” by Edward Chrisholm

As a young unemployed and disillusioned graduate, Chrisholm is invited to move with his then girlfriend to Paris. He is determined to learn French and to do this he seeks employment in a well-known and elite restaurant at the edge of the Seine.

His unflinching and brutally honest descriptions of life as a lowly employee, first as a runner and then the slow, often gruelling pathway to becoming an accepted member of the team as a waiter. He describes the dark underbelly of the restaurant business and the cutthroat hierarchy that keeps everybody in their place. Chrisholm captivates the disparity between the glamorous dining experience of the guests and the often-harrowing experience of the workers, from immigrant migrants desperate to eke out a living to the scheming coworkers who aim to get the best tips by any means possible.

Chrisholm’s observations move through the year it takes to get ‘some-way’ to acceptance (never fully), charts the breakup of his relationship and what it feels like to live hand to mouth in the beautiful city of Paris. This is an insightful book that will make you appreciate the waiters who work in these busy restaurants.

As a group we gave this an 8 out of 10.

Tina Alwyn

“Real Americans ” by Rachel Khong

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“Real Americans ” by Rachel Khong

We thoroughly enjoyed Real Americans. We were especially drawn to the novel’s multi-generational structure and the thoughtful exploration of identity, heritage, and the American experience. The characters, particularly Lily and Nick, felt well-developed and relatable.

May (also known as Mei) revealed how her past decisions shaped the lives of her daughter and grandson. Through her experiences, we were invited to consider how the pursuit of progress and the desire to escape one’s past can impact future generations. Only by reading the final phase of Real Americans does one fully understand the emotional weight carried by Lily – how being denied both her true genetic identity and meaningful parental love left her feeling incomplete, possibly too damaged to experience a normal, loving relationship. This added a poignant dimension to her character and deepened our appreciation of the novel’s emotional complexity.

These themes around family legacy and scientific ethics sparked deep discussion in our group. However, we did find some elements of the plot implausible – especially the connection between May and Matt’s father. While we understood the thematic intention behind this link, it felt a bit too coincidental and took us out of the story at times.

Still, the novel provided plenty of material for reflection and conversation, making it a strong choice for us – and we gave it a score of 8/10.

“Frank and Red ” by Matt Coyne

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“Frank and Red ” by Matt Coyne

Our book club absolutely loved ‘Frank and Red’! It quickly became a favourite for many of us – with one member even saying it’s now one of their all-time top reads. We were all swept up by the imagination and humour that runs through the story and touched by its emotional depth.

The book is a heart-warming, often laugh-out-loud tale of an unlikely friendship between grumpy, reclusive Frank and kind-hearted young Red. Red is such a beautifully drawn character—curious, caring, and completely unforgettable. His warmth shines through and helps draw out empathy and change in everyone around him. Watching the characters slowly develop and open up was one of the most rewarding parts of the read.

We loved how the story made us both laugh and cry. It’s rare to find a book that delivers such humour while also tugging at the heartstrings. One member said: “It was one of the best books I’ve ever read – I’m recommending it to everyone!”

While a few of us found the ending a little far-fetched, it didn’t take away from the overall magic and joy of the book. It left us feeling uplifted, hopeful, and grateful for the small connections that can make a big difference.

A touching, funny, and imaginative story about empathy, friendship, and finding light in unexpected places. A solid 9/10 from our group – and one we’ll be recommending for a long time!

“War” by Bob Woodward

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“War” by Bob Woodward

IBob Woodward’s War is a deep dive into the first Trump administration’s approach to national security and military strategy. An award-winning investigative journalist, Woodward’s meticulous reporting provides an insider’s perspective, relying on extensive interviews and documentation.

Despite being a political and military-focused book (an unusual category for our book club), we found it surprisingly accessible and engaging. Woodward’s narrative style makes complex topics easy to follow, even for those unfamiliar with military affairs. War not only delves into the military and national security decisions of Trump’s first administration but also offers a broader comparison of Trump’s presidency with that of Joe Biden. His portrayal of key figures, from Trump to generals like James Mattis and Mark Milley, adds a human dimension to the high-stakes decision-making.

The book primarily focuses on the later years of Trump’s administration, particularly the unorthodox approach in his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, military decisions, and national security issues, while also touching on the transition to Biden’s leadership. It provides critical insights into the leadership style, decision-making processes, and policy approaches of Trump’s first term—elements that could shape his return to office. For example, War details the resistance Trump faced from generals, advisors, and even his own staff. This explains why Trump in his second administration is determined to surround himself with loyalists rather than career officials who challenge his decisions. Even though it falls outside our usual genre, War was an eye-opening and easy read. Woodward’s storytelling keeps the complex political and military manoeuvres engaging, and his comparisons between Trump and Biden provide ample discussion points. Whether one agrees with all of Woodward’s conclusions or not, War is a thought-provoking and well-documented look at previous history. Overall, we appreciated the book’s clarity and insight, and it sparked some great discussions about leadership, strategy, and the current challenges of modern warfare. While not our usual pick, War proved to be an easy yet thought provoking read. We rated the book 9/10

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