Book Club with Yarnmugs # 1 - 6th September 2024

[@jamiebraziel3190]

I’m so glad you started the book club. I had never heard of Hannah Kent so if you hadn’t recommended her book, I would have missed out on an excellent author. I loved The Good People. I listened on Audible, and the narrator was fantastic. This book was haunting, beautiful, and horrific all at the same time. Looking forward to the next.

[@yarnmugspodcast9123]

Hi. Thanks for watching and joining in with my book club. So glad you enjoyed the book. See you next time 😊

[@Sharonm6761]

Hi Sarah, thank you for starting this book club. I don’t think that I would ever have picked out “The Good People” if you hadn’t suggested it. Whilst an uncomfortable read at times, I found it very thought provoking and as you have said, the writing really transported you to life at that time in rural Ireland. I found that I kept thinking about the book after I had finished it. Thanks again and looking forward to the next one. I haven’t read either Jamaica Inn or Seven Husbands so have no preference.

[@yarnmugspodcast9123]

Hi Sharon. Thanks for watching and joining in with my book club. Glad you enjoyed the book. See you next time 😊

[@evip6351]

Great video, Sarah. I enjoyed all your comments about The Good People. It was a fantastic read. Am now reading Fresh Water for Flowers and loving it also. Thanks for taking the time to do the videos. None of my friends are readers so your video is extra special.

[@yarnmugspodcast9123]

Hi and thanks for watching and joining in with my book club. Glad you enjoyed the book. Oh I loved Fresh Water for Flowers. See you next time to discuss 😊

[@franceshalcrow7428]

Hi Sarah, thank you for starting this book club. I really want to tead a variety of books and The Good People is one that I would not have chosen for myself. I enjoyed the book but didnt finish, I need to get my reading speed up. I also have heart faiure and often drop off whilst reading. I enjoyed learning about what it might've been like to live in Ireland at that time. I do genealogy and my maternal line goes back to Ireland and I've traced my ancestors to tge early 19th century. The author was very descriptive about what there diet was , how they cooked, the clotges they wore, probably had only one set and no shoes. Cabins basic with straw beds. Nora was grieving her daughter and trying to care for her son. I agree that medical ecent must've happened to him but in thise days no NHS or modern medicines to help. Nora abd others turned to Nance , the healer type person probably seen as witchcraft perhaps. The treatments given to Michael is seen as abuse today but this was done with tge best if intentions due to their belief of the Fairies, or the good people. Poor Mary tried her best to care for the child and advocate for him. Poor Nora coukdnt see that her Michael was there all the time. The power and belief in folklore took over. It is sad to think something like this might have happened in the past . I enjoyed the book, it was well written . I found it very emotive and thought provoking though. I also take notes as a go through books . I woukd like to read Jamaica inn next as this has been one on my list fir a while. I gave started Case Histories , Im going to try audible so that I can knit snd listen at the sane time. Thanks again Sarah, take care Xx

[@yarnmugspodcast9123]

Hi Frances. Thanks for watching and joining in. Sorry to hear about your heart failure. I think listening to a book is a great idea. I love multitasking. Hope you enjoy Case Histories 😊

[@mymakingadventure]

Thanks for sharing! I love getting new recommendations for books. I have Case Histories on hold from the library, so hopefully I can read it before the next video!

[@yarnmugspodcast9123]

Hi and thanks for watching and joining in. Hope you enjoy Case Histories 😊

[@roz_bibli]

Great video 🙏🏻. I read all Barbara Kingsolver’s novel. I adore this author. Jamaica Inn is just fantastic. Sure you will have good time with it🙏🏻À bientôt !✨

[@yarnmugspodcast9123]

Hi Roz. Thanks for watching. I’m hoping I will enjoy her other books more 😊

[@mousiemakespod]

I thoroughly enjoyed The Good People! I listened to it on Audible and thought the narrator was excellent, with a gentle Irish accent. The descriptions of the settings and characters were so detailed that I always had very clear pictures in my head. Part way through the story, I was actually beginning to think that maybe Michael really was a changeling - I began to think like the villagers! 😂 I had no idea how the story would end so the final events really took me by surprise. Thank you so much for suggesting this book - I loved the way you shared the notes that you had made while you were reading the book.. Looking forward to the next time! (I haven’t read Seven Husbands and though I read Jamaica Inn a long time ago I’d be happy to read it again.)

[@christineo4934]

Sarah I thoroughly enjoyed The Good People and concurr with so many other people's comments. I absolutely love your format for the bookclub. I forward to reading Case Histories 💛🌻

[@yarnmugspodcast9123]

Hi Helen. Thanks for watching and joining in with my book club. I wondered what the book would have been like on Audible. Glad you enjoyed it. I felt the same about Michael and hoped it could change back. See you next time 😊

[@yarnmugspodcast9123]

Hi Christine. Thanks for watching and joining in. Hope you enjoy the next book. Thanks for your kind comments too 😊

[@joyofthings]

Read the good people drew me in at the start but I found it a bit empty at times, I wished it could have pulled me back in.Strange not to gush but I have to be honest.xx🐝🐝

[@yarnmugspodcast9123]

@@joyofthings Hi Joy. Thanks for watching and joining in. We can’t all like the same things. That’s the good thing about book club, that you get to try things and discuss your thoughts 😊

[@anniewhelan3811]

Thanks Sarah, you have reminded me of how much I love the writing of Kate Atkinson and have decided to re-read Case Histories. Apparently I read it in 2014 so no doubt will have little memory of the plot!

[@yarnmugspodcast9123]

Hi Annie. Thanks for watching and joining in with book club. My memory is poor too so now I keep a little book with reviews to help jog my memory. Hope you enjoy the re-read 😊

[@jackiejohnson853]

Hi Sarah, I’m slightly late in commenting! I finished the Good People and found it both an enjoyable but a hard read in equal measures. As you have said the writing totally emerges the reader into the time and place that the story took place. I found it very thought provoking concerning how people can be influenced around superstition when as at that time medical knowledge on a scientific level just wasn’t there. I have got the next book lined up and will be starting it next week, again probably behind but love joining in with the book club 😊❤️

[@yarnmugspodcast9123]

Hi JJ. Thanks for watching and joining in. So glad you ‘enjoyed’ The Good People’. I’m not far into the next book. Hope you enjoy that too. Look forward to hearing your thoughts 😊

[@knittingpange]

Hi Sara, I have a copy of Case Histories and will join this time. Thank you for your lovely book club

[@yarnmugspodcast9123]

Hi and thanks for watching. Hope you enjoy Case Histories 😊

[@janetjenkins7782]

I’m enjoying the book club. I have a copy of The seven husbands of Evelyn Hugo, which I’d like to read, so that would be my choice for the next book. 📖📚

[@yarnmugspodcast9123]

Hi Janet. Thanks for watching. Glad you are enjoying it 😊

[@kimberlypenney7216]

I Loved the book and I normally shy away from fairy books. But this will always be a favorite. So touching in spots. Made me think how every one we come into contact with has a history and we should not judge people, especially not knowing their past or belief system. It was a very good listen.

[@yarnmugspodcast9123]

Hi Kimberly. Thanks for watching and joining in with book club. Ooh wondered what the audio version would be like. Glad you enjoyed it. 😊

[@susanweber581]

Great start to the book club! I enjoyed The Good People, but was horrified when Michael was killed, and poor Nora was convinced her grandson would return and be back at the house. I will purchase the next book, and happy reading!

[@yarnmugspodcast9123]

Hi Susan. Thanks for watching and joining in with book club. Yes it was shocking about Michael but a great book about a real event. Hope you enjoy the next book 😊

[@donnatmaree]

Hi Sarah. I started the good people but did not finish it. It was very well written but just not for me. As I get older I find myself only wanting to read light and fluffy books, especially cozy mysteries, not very challenging, I know but that's where I am right now. 😊

[@yarnmugspodcast9123]

Hi Donna. Thanks for watching and giving the book a try. There’s no problem in reading the style of book you enjoy. Feel free to join in if the book takes your fancy 😊

[@margaretclark3785]

Hi Sarah I never managed to get The Good People started as I was trying to get the book I was reading finished first. Am going to read The Case Histories though. I listened to the Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo on Audible and really enjoyed it although it took me a wee while to get into it. Thank you for the book club 😊

[@yarnmugspodcast9123]

Hi Margaret. Thanks for watching. Hope you enjoy Case Histories 😊

[@Bub5257]

Hello Sarah, your thoughts on the book The Good People have mirrored mine exactly, how uncanny. I also wanted to know what happened to Nora, Mary and Nance. It was an uncomfortable read at times but so engaging. I will be looking forward to the next book, I love Kate Atkinson books. See you for the next book club, you’re doing a fabulous job. Cheers Chris 🇦🇺😃

[@yarnmugspodcast9123]

Hi Chris. Thanks for watching and joining in with book club. Glad you are enjoying it and thanks for your kind encouragement 😊

[@laurafinch4308]

I haven’t finished the book yet but am loving it so far Sarah, also loving the book club, thank you xx. I haven’t read seven husbands but I do have the book x

[@yarnmugspodcast9123]

Hi Laura. Thanks for watching. Hope you enjoy the rest of Good People and Case Histories 😊

[@alishacooper9423]

Hi Sarah. I really enjoyed your video. I didn't read along as I read The Good People around the time it came out - I agree with pretty much all your thoughts on it, it's well written, very atmospheric (I couldn't put it down) but also unsettling and tragic. I have just recently bought Devotion too as I also enjoyed Burial Rites. I will re-read Jamacia Inn if you end up choosing that one. Still to decide about re-reading Case Histories (such an enjoyable read!), only because I'm still in the middle of reading two other books 😬

[@yarnmugspodcast9123]

Hi Alisha. Thanks for watching and your thoughts on the book. Looks like we enjoy the same books. Enjoy your re-reads 😊

[@CaliforniaLiving-v2v]

Hi, Sarah. I enjoy your book reviews and often wonder if reading versus listening to a book being read makes a difference on the experience. I haven’t listened to books other than a few snippets when my husband has one of his books on in the car. I just prefer a physical book because I am more of a visual person. I don’t know why, but I haven’t read any of Barbara Kingsolver’s books, but I did pick up a paperback copy of Demon Copperhead at Costco the other day. I am wondering if I should reread David Copperfield first. The Good People is such a well written and well researched book, but so heartrending. I love it when an author is inspired by a real event or person they have read about and write an incredible story such as this one. Your term “atmospheric” is a perfect description of this book. After I finished reading The Good People, I read Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See which is an historical fiction novel about a female doctor in China in the 1500s. Not much is known about her, but she published a book about her case studies and some of the herbal formulas she used are still used in Chinese medicine today. I highly recommend it. I have not read the next book selections, but look forward to them. I do enjoy a good mystery and have not read any of Kate Atkinson’s books. Thanks again for doing the book club! I hope you have a great month. Happy reading! Elaine

[@yarnmugspodcast9123]

Hi Elaine. Thanks for watching. I’ve only started listening to books in the last year and I’ve loved it. Some narration has been better than others. It gives me a chance to multitask, so I always listen in the car or when I’m cleaning. I also love a real book too. I’m currently listening to a Lisa See book called the Island of Sea Women. Brilliant but horrific in parts. Hope you enjoy Case Histories 😊

[@McBranagall]

I think you would like The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver too. I think it’s one of her very best.

[@yarnmugspodcast9123]

Hi and thanks for watching. Others have recommended that book too. Thank you 😊

[@carolynfowler3133]

I was able to borrow’The Good People’ from our library, but I didn’t finish it (too busy sewing some clothes and a gift quilt for our trip) before we hit the road for a 3 month road trip across Canada. I left myself a note at home so I can re-borrow when we are back home. I was thoroughly absorbed, albeit rather stressed at times. The imagery, details and folklore drew vivid pictures for me as I read. Such simple times, yet so much struggle! Curious as to whether it pulls me back when we are home. Looking forward to the next book. I have not read any of them. See you all at the next book club!

[@yarnmugspodcast9123]

Hi Carolyn. Thanks for watching and joining in with book club. Wow! Enjoy three months of Canada. Your view of the book was exactly how I felt too. 😊

[@Kimromero1219]

Your sweater is beautiful. Always enjoy your channel.

[@yarnmugspodcast9123]

Hi Kim. Thanks for watching and your lovely compliments 😊

[@ericallerton809]

❤❤great review,,,of the book,,,🎉 Love the calmness of ur voice,,, Have some of those books at library,,,so will get one or two,, Elaine 💗🏠

[@yarnmugspodcast9123]

Hi Elaine. Thanks for watching and your always positive comments 😊

[@kykynestyf7742]

I just finished "The Good People" book yesterday. Great read. The descriptions are vivid enough to feel the chill and danger in the air. So scary that all of this was probably absolutely normal only about 100+ years ago. Now that I listened to the episode I am adding more. I will be joining the reads in the future even if I do not make it on time. I already read the "7 husband's" so I would rather read the other book. Definitely interesting to hear other people's take on the books.

[@yarnmugspodcast9123]

Hi and thanks for watching and joining in with book club. I agree with your view of the book, especially as it was based on a true event 😊

[@suenicholls5446]

💕😀xx Thanks Sarah. Brilliant list. Some of your choices I’ve read and almost all the others I’ve been able to reserve from my library. Looking forward to ‘case histories’. Lots of love as always. 🥰

[@yarnmugspodcast9123]

Hi Sue. Thanks for watching and joining in with book club. Hope you enjoy Case Histories 😊

[@highlandheffalump]

I loved the Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, I read it last year and loved it.

[@yarnmugspodcast9123]

Hi and thanks for watching. I’ll look forward to reading the Evelyn Hugo book soon 😊

[@carolyncampbell6149]

Hi Sarah, thankyou for doing this book club. I read The Good People over a couple of weeks. To be honest I just found it relentlessly dark, the grinding poverty, the superstition, the cruelty of some of Nora’s neighbours and the priest. I’m Irish and I think knowing a lot of the pronunciation made it worse! Maybe more personal. I read it in tandem with another book as I couldn’t cope with it otherwise. But - it was very well written and meticulously researched so I appreciated that. I wish I’d taken notes like you did. I’ve just bought Case Histories so that’s a brilliant choice for me! I’ve also got Jamaica Inn and would like to reread, I think I’ve read it before! Thanks again. Xx

[@yarnmugspodcast9123]

Hi Carolyn. Thanks for watching and joining in with book club. Yes there was lots of cruelty and domestic violence and I agree it was a dark read at times. Hope you enjoy Case Histories 😊

[@karenorr6119]

Hi Sarah, really enjoying the book club, I read and enjoyed the book, even though it was a hard read in parts. I would give 4 stars as it was very well written and kept me gripped till the very end. Very sad but I guess that it how it was back then x

[@yarnmugspodcast9123]

Hi Karen. Thanks for watching and joining in with book club. It was definitely thought provoking. Hope you enjoy Case Histories 😊

[@debbiestuckey6599]

I really enjoyed your video today. I started reading the book but couldn't get very far. It just gave me the creeps so wasn't for me. I finished Homecoming not long ago and really loved it. That was a great idea to write things down as you're reading the book, especially a thick one. Case Histories sounds good. I'll look into it. Thanks for sharing! I'm wanting to read Jamaica Inn sometime.

[@yarnmugspodcast9123]

Hi Debbie. Thanks for giving the book a go. It was dark in parts and based on a true event, which makes it even harder to read at times. Hope you enjoy Case Histories 😊

[@Tweedy65]

Hi Sarah, I read book The Good People. For me I also found it hard to read, but saying this at times I could not put book down! It's not the sort of book I would of bought, but it's made me realise that I need to broaden my horizon on choice of books. Right up to the last few pages I still did not know how book was going to end. I would give it 4 stars as well. Was well written. A good read. Ordered next book club already. Which also is one that I would not of picked myself so will see how I get on with it. I think Jamaica Inn would be great for following read. Have visited Inn few times on way to Cornwall. X

[@yarnmugspodcast9123]

Hi and thanks for watching and joining in with book club. It’s interesting to read books you wouldn’t consider, and then when you enjoy them, what a treat. Hope you enjoy Case Histories too 😊

[@pennyspearing2731]

I haven’t read any Kate Atkinson books before, so I’m hoping to get a copy to join in with your book club. 😊

[@yarnmugspodcast9123]

Hi Penny. Thanks for watching. Hope you enjoy Case Histories. I’ve loved two of her other books 😊

[@MsDottey]

I've just borrowed Case Historoes from libby app, a library app. See you in October 😊x

[@yarnmugspodcast9123]

Hi and thanks for watching and joining in. Hope you enjoy Case Histories 😊

[@melhartley8376]

I ordered a used book of Case Histories from Amazon. Looking forward to our discussion. I would like to read The seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. I love hearing book reviews.

[@yarnmugspodcast9123]

Hi Mel. Thanks for watching. Hope you enjoy Case Histories 😊

[@heathertucker7056]

Your choice was not a book I would have ever chosen for myself! The author was new to me and although I went out and bought the book I really didn’t know what to expect. The Good People was well written and the author certainly evoked the atmosphere of the period. I can’t say I really enjoyed reading it however the story did pull me in as I really wanted to find out what had happened to Michael! The author obviously had researched the book very well to discover the folklore of the times which was interesting to learn. I can’t say I liked Nora very much but I did like Nance and Mary. The young girl certainly showed such compassion for Michael and knew deep down that what they were doing to him was wrong. I liked the relationship with Nance and her old goat which I think was a nice touch in the book.I gave this book 4 stars.

[@yarnmugspodcast9123]

Hi Heather. Thanks for watching and joining in with my book club. Yes I loved nance and her goat too. 😊

[@amandalogan2397]

Hi Sarah , I enjoyed so much , I haven't read the books you mentioned but I'm looking forward to buying and reading ' case histories ' , thank you 😊🤗x

[@yarnmugspodcast9123]

Hi Amanda. Thanks for watching and do glad you enjoyed the book. Hope you enjoy Case Histories 😊

[@Tinysavers]

I found the book hard to read. Just for context my late brother was blind and had hydrocephalus so the treatment of Michael I found difficult at times. The book was well written and gave detailed descriptions of the times and how hard life was for people. The book was very atmospheric at times and it was easy to imagine how the cabin in the woods would look.I did like how the 3 women stuck together and seemed like they had a strong bond even at the end. Thank you Sarah.❤

[@yarnmugspodcast9123]

Hi and thanks for watching. I can see how the treatment of Michael would have been hard for you. It was an awful thing to happen to an innocent child. 😊

[@sharonbrook2694]

I absolutely loved The Good People. It was my first experience with Hannah Kent's writing, and it certainly won't be my last. The story was incredibly sad, and while I was appalled by some of the characters' actions, Hannah Kent's storytelling made me empathise with them. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a book I've been meaning to read but haven't gotten to yet. I've just reserved Case Histories from my library. Does this capture what you wanted to convey?

[@yarnmugspodcast9123]

Hi Sharon. Thanks for watching and joining in with my book club. So glad you enjoyed The Good People. I’m looking forward to Devotion but may leave it a while. I can highly recommend her first book Burial Rights 😊

[@jackiegates8196]

The Good People wasn’t a book I would have normally chosen to read, I found it uncomfortable at times and horrific with regard to the treatment of Michael. In a way I did want him to be cured and come back to his family even though I knew it wasn’t going to happen. It was sad that folk law was all they had to cling on to, to give them hope in such harsh times. It was a compelling read even though I find it hard to say I enjoyed it 😊

[@yarnmugspodcast9123]

Hi Jackie. Thanks for watching and joining in with my book club. Yes it was an uncomfortable read made even more interesting knowing it was based on a true event. 😊

[@TiffanyW73]

Thanks Sarah, I have downloaded the next book ready to start tomorrow! I have always been an avid reader but never joined a book club really excited to be a part of this. 🙂🌻💕🦘

[@yarnmugspodcast9123]

Hi Tiffany. Thanks for watching and joining my book club. Are you listening or reading on a kindle? Hope you enjoy. 😊

[@TiffanyW73]

@@yarnmugspodcast9123 Started listening on chapter 3 😀