Book Circle

The Book Circle meets monthly in members’ homes.

Each month we all have the same book to read, ordered by our group leader and provided by Ash Library. The choice comes from members’ suggestions, and we aim to choose books that are both enjoyable and thought provoking.

Lively discussions on the book take place at each meeting and everyone’s opinion is respected, no matter how opposed it is to that of others. After our discussion, we give each book a score out of 10 and a one-word reaction. All this is followed by tea and biscuits, and sometimes cake!

We don’t charge a subscription, but do ask for a small contribution of about £5 a year to cover library reservation costs. If you are interested in joining, then please contact the group leader.

Some books that we have read recently, with ratings out of 10, are :

• The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic by Sophie KInsella 6.7
• The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy 8.5
• Akin by Emma Donoghue 8.4
• The Crossing Places by Elly Griffiths 8.3
• Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J K Rowling 9.1
• The House of Glass by Susan Fletcher 8.2

Here is a brief review of this month’s book,  Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J K Rowling.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is the first of a seven book series by J K Rowling that follows Harry and his friends through their years at the Hogwarts’ school of magic.  Harry is an orphan, brought up by uncaring relatives, but with special powers inherited from his birth parents, who were killed by the Arch-Villain Voldemort.

At school he becomes best friends with Hermione (clever and bossy), and Ron (disorganised but with a great heart). As a group they have to deal with eccentric teachers, and fellow pupils both friendly and otherwise. They deal with real dangers in their quest to find the Philosopher’s Stone before Voldemort does.

The writing in the book is clear and easy to read, and the narrative is well paced. Although the book was written primarily for teenagers, it is still very enjoyable for mature adults.

All members of the group enjoyed the book, scoring it the highest of any of our books this year. Some of the words used to describe it were Enchanting, Magical and Engrossing.

Next Meeting: September 18th at 2:30pm – the book of the month is The Day of the Jackal by Frederick Forsythe.

Day & Time: 3rd Friday in the Month at 2:30pm
Venue: Members’ Homes

Last updated on 25 August 2026 by Graham (Chair)