No! I Don't Want to Join a Bookclub

by Virginia Ironside | Women's Fiction |
ISBN: 0670916242 Global Overview for this book
Registered by lellie of Trimley St Mary, Suffolk United Kingdom on 11/11/2006
Buy from one of these Booksellers:
Amazon.com | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon DE | Amazon FR | Amazon IT | Bol.com
17 journalers for this copy...
Journal Entry 1 by lellie from Trimley St Mary, Suffolk United Kingdom on Saturday, November 11, 2006
Went to the Ipswich Meet-Up today and afterwards wandered into Waterstones (as you do) and this title just jumped out at me.
I had to have it.

Synopsis
"Certainly not!" said Marie Sharp, when a friend suggests she join a bookclub when she turns sixty. "Bookclub people always seem to have to wade through Captain Corelli's Mandolin or, groan, The God of Small Things. They feel they've forever got to poke their brain with a pointed stick to keep it working. But either you've got a lively brain or you haven't. And anyway, I don't want to be young and stimulated any more. Those oldies who spend their lives bicycling across Mongolia at eighty and para-gliding at ninety, aren't brilliant specimens of old age. No, they're just tragic failures who haven't come to terms with aging. I want to start doing old things, not young things." Too young to get whisked away by a Stannah Stairlift, or to enjoy the luxury of a Walk-In Bath (but not so much that she doesn't enjoy comfortable shoes), Marie, is all the same, getting on in years - and she's thrilled about it! She's a bit pre-occupied about whether to give up sex - "Ouch! Ouch! Ouch!" - but there are compensations, like falling in love all over again - but this time with her baby grandson, Gene. Curmudgeonly, acute, and funny, this fictionalised diary is what happens when grumpy old women meet Bridget Jones.

I think I'll Bookring this when I've read it.

Journal Entry 2 by lellie from Trimley St Mary, Suffolk United Kingdom on Tuesday, November 14, 2006

Journal Entry 3 by lellie from Trimley St Mary, Suffolk United Kingdom on Monday, November 20, 2006
When I started reading this I realised it is set in Kentish Town where my Dad was born and raised an area I know very well, which gave it added interest for me.
It was a nice, fairly undemanding funny read, and I liked it a lot more than Bridget Jones, but then I am almost 60, the same age as Marie, and often think I am turning into a Grumpy Old Woman.
Some of her observations certainly held resonance!

I'll probably put this out before Christmas now I have read it and I hope everyone enjoys it.

Posted to Annodyne 12/12/2006

Journal Entry 4 by Annodyne from Sale, Cheshire United Kingdom on Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Thank you redhouse! The book arrived today, and if the first couple of pages are anything to go by, I'm going to enjoy reading this....

Journal Entry 5 by Annodyne from Sale, Cheshire United Kingdom on Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Brilliant! I liked this book a lot. In fact, I went out and bought a copy for a friend's retirement/60th birthday as it is a good book to share (and a great choice for a bookring.) Women of a certain age are going to find lots here that they can relate to!

My only critism (and it is a small one) is that is a little bit thin on plot, but that is more than made up for in Ms Ironside's celebration of the positive side of "getting on a bit".

Waiting to be posted to AnglersRest as soon as I receive her address.

Journal Entry 6 by Annodyne from Sale, Cheshire United Kingdom on Friday, December 29, 2006

Posted and on its way to AnglersRest today.

Journal Entry 7 by AnglersRest from Teignmouth, Devon United Kingdom on Tuesday, January 2, 2007
Arrived this morning, and now makes ring 8, although 3 of those will be moving when I go to the post office tomorrow.

Looking forward to reading this one, as my Mum will be having a special birthday next month, and may receive a copy of this in her birthday goodie bag!

Journal Entry 8 by AnglersRest from Teignmouth, Devon United Kingdom on Monday, January 22, 2007
Written in diary style, it was an undemanding, but humerous read. It was also though, more than just humour, it was very funny in places, the sort of funny that makes you laugh when perhaps you normally would not, such as a commuter train, so that fellow passengers feel that actually something is not quite right! Full of characters experiencing emotions that we, as readers can identify with. One of my favourite bits was on page 52 "The five ages of man, said James, Lagar,Aga,Saga,Viagra,Gaga"

As I said previously, my Mum is just about to have the special birthday that Marie has, and I've bought her a copy as part of her pressie.

I've PMed CrossStitch and am waiting for an address.

Journal Entry 9 by AnglersRest from Teignmouth, Devon United Kingdom on Friday, January 26, 2007
I now have cross-pactch's address, so will be in the post on Monday 29th.
Hope you enjoy it!

Journal Entry 10 by wingCross-patchwing from Leicester, Leicestershire United Kingdom on Friday, February 2, 2007
Arrived today, thank you redhouse and AnglersRest. I've read the first page already - litmus test - and I want to read on, but I'm afraid I have to finish other rings first. I am a quick reader though!

Journal Entry 11 by wingCross-patchwing from Leicester, Leicestershire United Kingdom on Monday, March 5, 2007
Posted to LindyLouMac today. I'm sorry I forgot to journal earlier. Since the arrival of this book in our house I'm having more than my fair share of sixtyish moments!! Deep breath. This is where I apologise to AnglersRest for my mad email - wrong book, right person! I enjoyed a good few giggles and moments of well-being whilst reading this book. Grow old disgracefully! Indeed!

Journal Entry 12 by LindyLouMac from Tywyn, Wales United Kingdom on Monday, March 12, 2007
Arrived today, cannot wait to get started as it looks really amusing! Grumpy Old Women meet BridgetJones, great potential to have a laugh reading other reviews. Thankyou Redhouse for being unable to resist this title in Waterstones and Cross-patch for sending it on to me.
Once I have completed my current book this one is next.

Journal Entry 13 by LindyLouMac from Tywyn, Wales United Kingdom on Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Hilarious! Although I have another five years to go before I reach the big 60 I was definitely able to relate to so much of what Marie had to say for herself. Did not agree with all her comments though!
Sad! The illness of her friend Hughie I did find rather difficult to cope with as I have experience of being in a similar situation to Marie.
Realistic,yes!While reading kept thinking, so true,been there done that, got the same memories.
Worth reading,yes! Especially if you are a woman of a certain age or know one maybe?
Unlike Marie though I do want to remain, at least feeling young, even if not actually so. I want to remain stimulated and will carry on doing young things, rather than old things!!
I am now waitng to hear from Samulli with a mailing address.

Released 17 yrs ago (3/29/2007 UTC) at by mail in To the next participant, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

RELEASE NOTES:

En route to Samulli in Germany

Journal Entry 15 by samulli from Weimar, Thüringen Germany on Saturday, March 31, 2007
Gosh, that was a fast delivery! The book just winged its way into my mailbox this morning. I have to finish 2 other books I am reading at the moment, but I should be ready to start this one in a few days.

Journal Entry 16 by samulli from Weimar, Thüringen Germany on Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Thanks so much for this bookring, redhouse!
Even though I'm obviously not in the right age-group I enjoyed it immensely. I am loving diary-style books anyway and this one certainly was no exception. I found myself laughing out loud more than once and I recognized myself in so many of Marie's opinions and feelings. As for giving up on sex, I've done that already, so I guess, I'm a bit ahead of myself in that regard. ;o)
It was kind of like reading the diary I could write myself in 30 years' time. Well, all except for the grandchildren part, in this regard I feel more like Hughie, since I don't even plan on having children.
Anyway, it is a fantastic book and I will try to get a copy in german for my mom. At least she actually is already 60. ;o)
I have Falmouth's adddress already and will send it off to her this afternoon.

Journal Entry 17 by Falmouth from Remscheid, Nordrhein-Westfalen Germany on Friday, April 6, 2007
I found the book in my mailbox when I returned home from work last night. I'll start reading after the Easter Holidays since we have family staying with us over the weekend and I'll be busy with household-chores etc. Sigh! I truly prefer reading ... :-)
-------------------------
I started reading yesterday and couldn't put it down. It's truly funny and makes a nice quick reading. I'll be 60 in 3 years and, yes, I can already relate to many things Marie spoke about in her diary. Anyway, if that's what it means to be old, I don't mind at all. :-)
Will pass it on as soon as I have an address.
Thanks for sharing this lovely book with me.

Journal Entry 18 by Falmouth at in the mail in Remscheid, Nordrhein-Westfalen Germany on Saturday, April 14, 2007

Released 16 yrs ago (4/16/2007 UTC) at in the mail in Remscheid, Nordrhein-Westfalen Germany

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

RELEASE NOTES:


Journal Entry 19 by Megi53 from Danville, Virginia USA on Saturday, April 21, 2007
Came today and I'm already reading it since I'm in the mood for fun this weekend.

Ironside expresses things so well -- I love Grannie Sharp's description of how she felt when she heard Jack and Chrissie's news!

Journal Entry 20 by Megi53 from Danville, Virginia USA on Monday, April 23, 2007
I'm glad I read this because it was a nice change of pace. Ironside has a unique way of writing profound thoughts. A couple of my favorites:

(from page 29, when Marie finds out she's to be a grandmother): "...a huge feeling started to creep over me ... like the splitting open of a dark rock. It was as if all my life the sky had been covered with thick dark clouds and suddenly they'd parted to let a huge dazzling shaft of hot sun pour through. I felt as if I had been drenched in happiness -- no -- more than that, as if I was being totally immersed and marinated in joy. It was a completely unfamiliar feeling. The carpet had been pulled from under my feet, and had sent me cascading into a golden cavern, as if all the happiness that I had found it so difficult to garner throughout my whole life had been waiting, behind a door, which had suddenly opened, letting it burst out all at once."

(page 147, about Hughie): "I always feel just a tiny bit odd around Hughie, it has to be admitted. Even though he's sixty-five, he's incredibly attractive and, of course, bright and cynical, which makes him extra sexy. I know he's gay so there's no chance of anything, and anyway I don't want to get involved with anyone, blah, blah, blah, but he did once have a girlfriend and there's something between us. A chemistry. Or is it just affection? I constantly feel that he knows that I know that he knows ... even when James is around. I always have the hunch that Hughie is secretly collaborating with me behind his back."

Michelle the French lodger and Archie the school crush were fun ... the American women (trousers after 50!)at the Tate and the Praise the Lord! Inc. church were funny.

In true diary style, there were shockers about sex and drugs; nasty diseases and operations; honest opinions about groups in different demographics -- and even Rupert Sheldrake!

Mailing to MaryZee tomorrow.

Journal Entry 21 by wingmaryzeewing from Taneytown, Maryland USA on Sunday, April 29, 2007
This arrived safely yesterday, and I'll probably be able to start it later this week.

Journal Entry 22 by wingmaryzeewing from Taneytown, Maryland USA on Sunday, May 6, 2007
I was definitely in the mood for something lite, like this book. Some marvelous comments have already been made about this book, so I don't have too much to add. At first when I started this book, I didn't care for Marie's curmudgeonly ways. But she quickly grew on me, and I got involved with the other characters as well. I was surprised by her initial reaction to Gene, the discomfort she felt, but it seemed as though she must have been a nervous mother the first time round. Was glad to see how she grew into her role as gaga.

Thanks so much for sharing this Redhouse, and thanks to everyone for continuing the ray, and allowing me to read this. Mailed to Booklady331 on Monday, 5/7.

This also qualifies as #15 for the 2007 Keep Them Moving challenge.

Journal Entry 23 by wingbooklady331wing from Cape Coral, Florida USA on Saturday, May 12, 2007
Arrived today. Thank you redhouse for sharing. I have 2 rings/rays ahead and it is the end of the school year, but I will get to this one quickly.


Journal Entry 24 by wingbooklady331wing from Cape Coral, Florida USA on Saturday, May 19, 2007
I just finished my other bookring. I will start this today. Hopefully it will be a quick read and I can get this ring moving. Going to PM Rrrcaron for the address, so I have it before I finish the book.

Journal Entry 25 by wingbooklady331wing from Cape Coral, Florida USA on Wednesday, May 23, 2007
It wasn't as funny as I was expecting, but it was nice to read a book about someone who wasn't in her 20's and a size 2. Hope to mail it out on Friday.

Journal Entry 26 by Rrrcaron from Lancaster, New Hampshire USA on Thursday, June 7, 2007
I just got back from a two week vacation, and this book was waiting for me, along with a few others. I have to play a little catch up now, but I won't be long!
Ruth

Journal Entry 27 by Rrrcaron from Lancaster, New Hampshire USA on Tuesday, July 10, 2007
What a fun read this was! I still have a ways to go before I hit that magic age of 60, but after reading this witty read, I'm almost looking forward to it. I hope I can be just like the main character, and look at life as a sixty year young woman! I have pmed the next in line, and the book will be moving again soon!
Ruth

Journal Entry 28 by lynlee4 from North Port, Florida USA on Thursday, July 19, 2007
Received just in time. I'll be able to start right away!

Journal Entry 29 by lynlee4 from North Port, Florida USA on Sunday, July 22, 2007
This was a cute book. Although I'm closer to 50 than 60, I definately saw a lot of myself in Marie...quirky. Thank you for offering as a bookring!
I've PM'd Spoiledrotten and hope to send off this week.

Journal Entry 30 by lynlee4 from North Port, Florida USA on Tuesday, July 31, 2007
sent to spoiledrotten today via media mail.

Journal Entry 31 by spoiledrotten from Waldwick, New Jersey USA on Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Received as a book ring. Have two bookrings in front of this one so please be patient. Thanks for including me.

08/29/07 Just finished this morning and will be sending out by the end of this week. I really enjoyed this especially since I am just 3 years away from the "big 60". Could relate to most, but not all of Maries' observations. Thanks again for sharing!

08/29/07 Just realized that the book ring I am reading now also goes to bug2004, so I will finish and mail both together.

09/01/07 Sent out in todays mail to bug2004.

Journal Entry 32 by Bug2004 from Omaha, Nebraska USA on Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Rec'vd today. Look great! Thanks for sharing!!!!

Journal Entry 33 by Bug2004 from Omaha, Nebraska USA on Monday, October 15, 2007
I had great hopes for this one at the start, but it fell a little flat for me by the end. I laughed quite a bit at first, but then it just seemed to go on and on....I don't know, not sure what I was expecting....more plot, perhaps?

I loved Hughie...I'd like a story about his life. Overall, I liked Marie, but she did get on my nerves from time to time. She had a few profound thoughts, though, some of which I just had to jot down. I loved her thoughts on grief...so true.

Thanks so much for sharing...overall, a fun read. Will send it off tomorrow.

Journal Entry 34 by Bug2004 from Omaha, Nebraska USA on Thursday, October 25, 2007
Mailed to debnance today.

Journal Entry 35 by debnance from Alvin, Texas USA on Thursday, November 8, 2007
The truth is I couldn't wait to read this book. I finally broke down and borrowed the CDs from the library. I was about a third of the way through when I finally received the PM saying I was next. Hurray! The book arrived about a week ago and I've been reading it slowly ever since. Love it. I'm just 51, but 60 feels closer and closer. I love Ironside's attitude in this book...And, no, I don't want to join a book club. I don't have to do anything I don't want to do. I'm a grownup.

More later...

Journal Entry 36 by debnance at Postal Release in -- Mail, by hand, rings, RABCks etc, Texas USA on Sunday, November 18, 2007

Released 16 yrs ago (11/19/2007 UTC) at Postal Release in -- Mail, by hand, rings, RABCks etc, Texas USA

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

RELEASE NOTES:

Off to the next reader....

Journal Entry 37 by debnance from Alvin, Texas USA on Sunday, November 18, 2007
Marie Sharp is turning sixty. Turning sixty, for Marie, is a relief. She can drop all pretense; no more attempts to learn Italian, no more hikes into remote regions of the world, and no more silly bookclubs.



I like the character of Marie. She offers inspiration for us all. Why wait until I turn sixty?!

Journal Entry 38 by bluehawaii218 from Washington, District of Columbia USA on Thursday, November 29, 2007
I just received this book - thank you for sharing it! I will try to get through it as fast as possible and will journal again soon!

Journal Entry 39 by bluehawaii218 from Washington, District of Columbia USA on Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Thanks so much for sharing this book! I'm so sorry it's taken me so long to finish it and send it off. Sent off yesterday to booknhand.

Journal Entry 40 by booknhand from San Jose, California USA on Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Picked up from the mailbox today.

I am in the middle of another book right now and also writing my thesis for school which absolutely has to be completed (FINAL DRAFT) by June 15, so this book might take a bit longer to get finished than usual.

I will start it as soon as I am finished with my current book, but won't have as much time to read each day once I do start it. I still anticipate having it finished in no more than a month - if that.

Thanks for including me in the ring!!!

Journal Entry 41 by booknhand from San Jose, California USA on Saturday, May 31, 2008
Finished this one a day or so ago.

Wasn't exactly what I expected. Maybe if I were closer to the character's age, it would have touched more chords for me.

There were a variety of emotions in the book and I think I would have found some of it even more comical if I could relate to having lived 60 years and the knowledge and history you collect during that time.

Glad I read it as it was a change of pace for me.

Will be sent on as soon as I get next person's address.

Journal Entry 42 by booknhand from San Jose, California USA on Sunday, July 13, 2008
I haven't forgotten this bookring. I even have the next person's address - I just haven't had the funds to ship international.

Payday is Thursday and I am heading to the post office on Saturday to ship several international books - this one included.

Just thought I would give an update so no one would think it was lost and thank everyone for their patience.


Are you sure you want to delete this item? It cannot be undone.