The Bristol Junior Chamber Book Club has been busy turning pages and sparking conversations! From gripping thrillers to heart-wrenching non-fiction, our picks this year have given us plenty to discuss, debate, and recommend. Here’s a roundup of what we’ve been reading.
Polo by Jilly Cooper – ⭐️⭐️⭐️
We ended the year with the legendary Jilly Cooper’s Polo, which earned a solid 3 stars. Members enjoyed the immersive universe Cooper has crafted, likening it to the rich storytelling of Taylor Jenkins Reid. The characters weren’t always likeable a point that sparked lively discussion but the book was well-constructed overall. Ratings ranged from 2 to 4 stars, landing on a solid 3.
The Ice Beneath Her by Camilla Grebe – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This Scandi Noir thriller impressed with its vivid scene-setting and gripping atmosphere though for some, the intensity was almost too much! A major twist and a surprising ending kept everyone talking. Of the six members, only one finished it quickly, while two weren’t keen to see it through but that sparked lively debate, which is exactly what makes book club discussions so fun.
When the Dust Settles by Lucy Easthorpe – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Venturing into non-fiction, this book gave the club an insightful, humanising look at disaster response. The emotionally challenging stories resonated personally with some members. While there were moments of slight tub-thumping and political commentary, most agreed Easthorpe’s perspective was important and compelling. Many of us have since recommended it to others, a testament to its impact.
A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams – ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Members found the book a bit of a surprise: the blurb suggested one type of story, but what unfolded was a bizarre fantasy. The historical references were interesting, and those who finished the book noted there was enough to keep turning the pages. Reactions were mixed, but it sparked good conversation around the characters and themes proving that sometimes the discussion a book generates is just as memorable as the story itself.
Green Dot – ⭐️⭐️
This pick divided the group, with several members DNF’ing. The plot felt predictable, and the protagonist tested everyone’s patience. Despite its reputation as a funny read, it didn’t quite hit the mark though there was speculation it might work better for younger readers. Even so, it led to interesting discussion points and plenty of laughs along the way.
The Many Lives of Mama Loves – ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Kicking off the year, the Many Lives of Mama Loves earned 3 stars, though votes were split with a DNF and a 4-star rating. Members found it gripping and eye-opening, offering a jarring glimpse into a lived experience. The discussions it sparked were thoughtful and reflective, highlighting the power of non-fiction to connect us to stories beyond our own lives.
Whether fiction or non-fiction, predictable or surprising, our book club is all about sharing ideas, sparking debate, and enjoying a good discussion. Each book brings something new to the table, and it’s these conversations that make our members-only club such a fun, social space. It’s about connecting, laughing, and discovering new worlds together.