Book Club | Grown Ups by Marian Keyes | Sykes & Savidge February Book Club | 2021

[@alexandralewis7798]

Normally I agree with everything Simon says, but I feel like I read a completely different book this time! 😅😅 I loved growing to love Jesse in this book and understanding her kindness and vulnerability over time. Hers was ultimately the central story for me since she is the one who keeps everyone together. I thought the most important part of the book was when she didn't automatically reject Nell, having experienced that rejection herself in her youth. I didn't find the dialogue funny, weirdly, it all felt very real! Anyway, I loved this book and wouldn't have read it without this channel, so it's a win for me. But I am amazed how different my experience of it was.

[@gretchenmctavish7823]

First of all, you talked me into buying the book before this chat; this chat got me to pick it up and start reading; now half way through I'm rewatching to make sure I'm not missing anything in my reading. What fun to rewatch now that I know the characters. It's a great read; this conversation is loads of brilliant fun. I've ordered next month's book. You are making sitting home in the snow delightful. Thanks

[@jacquelinegoodwin6299]

Longest book I’ve read so far , did it in 3 sittings . I was hooked ! All emotions & so loved Nell & Ferdia , was in tears at the end with Ed & Cara . Thank you both for the recommendation. 😀

[@SavidgeReads]

So pleased that you enjoyed it abs joined in with us. For a big read it’s so easy to devour it isn’t it?!?

[@cindyhaiken5644]

This was great fun! Completely agree that Keyes is often assumed to be “chick lit” but that there is a lot more going on in her books than that and they are often quite thought provoking. My Dark Vanessa should be a very interesting discussion!!

[@SavidgeReads]

I definitely want to read more Keyes. Will have to look into her back catalogue more.

[@booksoverbreakfast]

I was glad to see you pick this book. I agree Simon, that Marian Keyes does get the accolades that she should! She is the queen of writing large, messy, loud families.

[@SavidgeReads]

I loved this large message loud family.

[@martha8798]

I love Marian Keyes books so much and this one has to be my favorite of hers to date. She just has such a talent for creating really funny, slightly flawed and entirely lovable characters. When i heard you were doing a book club on this i could hardly wait. So glad you guys loved it too.

[@SavidgeReads]

We did indeed. And you bring up a really good point. I liked pretty much all the characters, flaws and all, I will say I thought Liam was almost too villany. It bordered on panto villain, even the worst people might have a slight redeeming feature, I enjoyed that she made each character complex and multi layered though.

[@AthynVixen]

Excellent. I can join in next time. This has been on my tbr for months..

[@SavidgeReads]

Whoop whoop 🥳📚

[@penelopegough6050]

You and Melanie are great. I had a power failure and have just now caught up!. The other day I gave you the Impression I did not enjoy this book. I loved it and was excited to read it in preparation for the book club. If ever you want an audio book of Marian Keyes look for those read by the marvellous Aoife McMahon. Last year I listened to The Break. She’s so Irish!! Makes me sob for my family who are out of my reach at this moment. Can’t imagine why! Thanks as always Simon.

[@SavidgeReads]

A pleasure Penelope. I definitely want to read more of her books. This Charming Man and The Break are the ones I have been most recommended so far. My mum listened to Grown Ups on audio and really loved it, she told me just last night. Hope all is well with your power now!

[@acervodavicky]

I am about to start this book. Greetings from Brazil.

[@SavidgeReads]

Waves to Brazil. Hope you enjoy the book!

[@marthamaybooks1446]

I loved GrownUps! I also found the characters hard to keep track of initially because often when a book starts with so many characters I assume they can't all be important and don't take too much note of them. I wasn't too sure about reading Grown Ups because it's not my usual genre but I read the first page and found it so funny I had to keep going! Just downloaded My Dark Vanessa from the library, I've definitely heard some interesting things about it and it's another one I wouldn't have read if not for book club!

[@SavidgeReads]

Glad your joining in with us next month Martha. I am thrilled you enjoyed this months and Marian’s book. We certainly did too. Her humour and characters drag you right in.

[@kathrynwhitfield717]

Great video Simon and Mel and I loved the book too. Look forward to starting the next book xxx

[@SavidgeReads]

So pleased that you loved the book too! I am sooooooo intrigued for the next choice.

[@katlynn4181]

Someone bought me Grown Ups for my birthday recently and can’t wait to read it now.

[@SavidgeReads]

🥳🥳 belated happy birthday.

[@janedrilling3494]

Thanks guys a new book on my TBR! I am leading my book club in the discussion of Lady in Waiting next month. I read that book after your discussion of it and I loved it. Wish me luck! You have both made my day that little bit brighter!

[@SavidgeReads]

Ooooh Lady in Waiting was brilliant. Good luck with it. That’s lovely to see!

[@lindageorgiou1202]

Great choice for your next read, thoroughly enjoyed it.

[@SavidgeReads]

I’ve heard it’s very dark and twisted. Which I like.

[@RichardFarley1976]

Just added this for my audiobook list for work, sounds good. Thank you both

[@SavidgeReads]

A pleasure. It’s always a delight doing book club with Melanie. One of the highlights of my month every month.

[@RichardFarley1976]

@@SavidgeReads love the rapport between you both ❤️🤗

[@annie-mz9956]

I’m glad you pick this one! It’s on my list as well

[@SavidgeReads]

Hope you enjoy it when you get to it.

[@ilovebillyjoel]

So glad you both enjoyed this. I haven’t read grown ups but have read a lot of Marian Keyes. She is so funny and her books are so well written. The first Marian Keyes I read was angels and I loved it. Love your book reviews lol 😂📚👍😊

[@SavidgeReads]

Which would you recommend I head to next?

[@ilovebillyjoel]

@@SavidgeReads I would go with Angels, although it’s probably over 10 years ago that I read it. I’ve got the mystery of mercy close by her to read next !!

[@cherylstevens9665]

I came home from my book club and then watched yours.😊. We read Long Bright River by Liz Moore. Highly recommended. Will be looking for Grownups. Thanks

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh two book clubs in one night. Hahaha. People will talk Cheryl. I have Long Bright River on my shelves. Must get to it.

[@eloisematchbox5924]

So looking forward to hearing what you both think about your next pick for March. Waiting patiently for the Live 🥰

[@SavidgeReads]

It won’t be live. Though I’ll be watching it live with people. It’ll be Monday about 7pm I think. Or tomorrow at 7pm if I can turn it around in time.

[@allycanuck]

I am pages away from finishing My Dark Vanessa right now and it is absolutely gut-wrenching and beautifully written. I haven't quite finished Grown Ups yet but I am excited to get back to it!

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh hope you’ll join us next month for the My Dark Vanessa chat.

[@grahamsillarsreadsbooks7422]

That was fab! Thanks Simon and Mel! ❤️📚📖

[@SavidgeReads]

A pleasure as always. Can’t wait to see what the next book discussion is like. Eek.

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

Your husband and chocolate in the supermarket sounds . . . . just like me! Thank you for the video.

[@SavidgeReads]

See providing you with relatable content always. Hahaha.

[@lindarosborough7091]

I read this last summer and really enjoyed it. I found the cast of characters manageable and didn't think it was too long (maybe because it was a summer read, when it feels like there is more time to sink into a family saga). I agree that although it was light and fun and amusing, there were some weighty issues covered and that was cleverly done. Like Simon, I loved the truth-telling premise, the foreshadowing, and the way the reader was just slightly ahead of the characters. Like Melanie, I sometimes found the dialogue too comic. On balance, I found it full of heart and humanity and enjoyed keeping company with the Caseys.

[@SavidgeReads]

What a fabulous comment Linda. Loved all your thoughts thank you so much.

[@suzannahdarcy6903]

I had no plans to read this, but you two talked me into it. I don't have time for another >500 page book. Oh well

[@SavidgeReads]

Oh you’ll absolutely whizz through it.

[@MsSculptress]

Re the rich couple I felt they were different because it was how the son and the family of the dead husband dealt with their relationship and how that effects their apparently perfect relationship. Also Ed had his limits and he was braver than some people who stay with the wife. People that stay still feel resentful while being supportive. Loved this book. Listened on audiobook from the library. Ordered by accident but best book mistake ever. Xx

[@SavidgeReads]

Interesting thoughts. Thanks so much for them. Also yes. Very good book mistake. Hahaha.

[@wendyluvsbooks1580]

I just brought a copy of this book 📚 and can’t wait to read it now 📚😊📚

[@SavidgeReads]

Hope you enjoy it as much as we did Wendy!

[@sallyandbooks545]

You both should do something for your one-year anniversary. I really enjoy these videos 😍

[@SavidgeReads]

We should but I will be shielding and we will probably be in lockdown. Sighs.

[@mpsensha]

Lots of characters? Nice, that's what I like. And the fact that it is above 400 pages.

[@SavidgeReads]

I think you’d enjoy this one then Melanie.

[@helenhickey3479]

Loved this discussion and loved this book! I really didn't think it would be for me but I gave it 5 ⭐ Can't believe it's been nearly a year already? I thought Graceland was the first book or had you started before that? Mel made me laugh about the murder mystery, I love a Murder mystery, can I come to your 40th 🤣 I've read My Dark Vanessa, looking forward to that discussion 😶

[@SavidgeReads]

Our first book was Girl Woman Other. March 2020. My 40th is actually going to be in NYC if things are better. Woohoo. We can dream.

[@helenhickey3479]

@@SavidgeReads oh my goodness, of course it was, that is crazy that that is nearly a year ago. I loved that book so much. I'd only just started watching your channel then and I love your recommendations so much I'm forever buying books. Let's hope things will be better soon and you get your NYC dream 😊

[@joannawaton2689]

I’ve not read a Marian Keyes for ages, but think I’ll pick this up now I’ve seen this. She’s so funny on Twitter. I read My Dark Vanessa last year...interested to know what you both think 🤐

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh I am so pleased we’ve got you tempted to read oh. I think My Dark Vanessa could go either way!

[@victoriaclark4913]

I am a bit late to the party but, these books are going to be whizzing to me from my local indie bookshop.

[@SavidgeReads]

Never ever ever too late to a Sykes and Savidge Party.

[@abookorten9319]

Loved this video. Just finished reading Grown Ups and came back to rewatch! Agree with you both, it's brilliant. ***spoilers*** Can't believe you didn't mention how much of a twat Liam was! I was actually really cross near the end with his brothers for not calling him out on his nonsense. Wished we had more closure on his relationship with his kids, but I guess the conclusion is that broadly speaking, people don't really change unless they have to.

[@SavidgeReads]

Hahahaha. I don’t think either of us felt Liam was worth our time, like we would in real life. Hahaha.

[@millywibbles3780]

You two are just so funny! 😂 Needed a laugh here in Texas, so thanks.

[@SavidgeReads]

Glad we gave you a giggle.

[@hayleedownes7433]

I loved this video but the only down was cutting the swear words out. I know that not many people will be impressed but to me it will give it a bit of realness and not cut out... It will bring a lot of laughter...

[@SavidgeReads]

Noted for when we return.