The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test by Tom Wolfe (Carolyn 183)

Tom Wolfe’s The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test is a landmark work of New Journalism that chronicles the psychedelic adventures of Ken Kesey and his band of followers, the Merry Pranksters, during the 1960s counterculture movement. The narrative follows their drug-fueled cross-country journey in a brightly painted school bus named Furthur, as they promote the use of LSD and challenge societal norms.

The book blends firsthand reporting with literary techniques to capture the essence of the era’s experimentation with consciousness, community, and rebellion. Central themes include the clash between individual freedom and societal constraints, the exploration of new spiritual and philosophical frontiers through psychedelics, and the fragmentation of the American Dream. 

Although the book generated a good discussion about the rise of the counter culture in America in the late 60's and early 70's none of us managed to finish reading the book. The idiomatic language used, the lack of a narrative and the reportage style was off putting. We all understood and apprieciated the detail, but didn't find it easy. Those of us who had experience of acid completed our education!

 Marks out of 10 - between 1 and 8

Words used of describing it:  self indulgent, impossible read, essential for understanding, illuminating, disappointed, difficult read.

Next Book

The House of Doors by Tan Twan Eng

Next Meeting

Wednesday 25th June at Mandy's

July at Naila

Sept at Emma

Oct at Cindy

Nov at Rowena (hopefully)

Horse by Geraldine Feeney (182 Anna)

 

Horse is a historical novel that intertwines three timelines centered around Lexington, a legendary 19th-century racehorse. In the 1850s, a young enslaved horseman, Jarret, helps train Lexington, revealing the overlooked role of Black horsemen in American racing history. In 1950s New York and 2019 Washington, D.C., a painting and skeletal remains of Lexington spark investigations by an art dealer, a scientist, and a historian. Their stories connect across time, exposing racial injustice and forgotten histories. Inspired by real events, the novel explores memory, identity, and the legacy of slavery.

This book generated a good discussion about slavery, horse knowledge, the relationship with animals and between people.

Marks out of 10 - hightly scored between 8 - 10

Words used to describe it: thought provoking, interesting, slightly contrived, liked the historical aspect

Next Book

The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test by Tom Wolfe

Next Meeting

31st May at Jackie's in the country

Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney (Emma 191)

 

Beautiful Ugly, a psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of marriage, grief, and the elusive nature of truth. The story follows Grady Green, a bestselling author whose life unravels after his wife, Abby, disappears under mysterious circumstances. During a phone call, Grady hears Abby stop her car abruptly and then silence. Her car is later found abandoned near a cliff, but there's no sign of Abby. A year later, plagued by insomnia and unable to write, Grady retreats to the remote Scottish island of Amberly, seeking solace and inspiration. There, he encounters a woman who bears an uncanny resemblance to his missing wife, leading him down a path of paranoia and self-doubt.

As Grady delves deeper into the island's secrets, he uncovers unsettling truths about Abby, their marriage, and the island's inhabitants. The narrative weaves between Grady's and Abby's perspectives, revealing hidden facets of their relationship and the events leading up to her disappearance.

Most of us were disappointed in the ending, although an enjoyable read there were too many inconcistency that annoyed us. The relationship between the protagonists was slightly unbeliveable.

Marks out of 10 - not high between 2 - 5

Words used to describe it:  irritating, disappointing, waste of time, becareful what you wish for, frustrating

Next Book

Horse by Geraldine Brooks

Next Meeting

27th April - Carolyn in Brighton

The Industry of Souls by Martin Booth (Rowena Feb 190)

'The stupid neither forgive nor forget; the naive forgive and forget; the wise forgive but do not forget. And, if the years have taught me anything, it is a wisdom of sorts.'

 The Industry of Souls by Martin Booth is a poignant novel about resilience, identity, and the impact of history on individual lives. The story follows Alexander Bayliss, a British man who was arrested in the Soviet Union during the Cold War and sent to a gulag. After decades of imprisonment and forced labor, he is unexpectedly released but chooses to remain in a small Russian village rather than return to his homeland.

On the day of his 80th birthday, Alexander reflects on his past—his life before captivity, the brutal realities of the gulag, and the deep friendships he formed with fellow prisoners and villagers. As he contemplates his fate, a revelation about his true identity and an unexpected visitor challenge the peaceful existence he has built.

Blending history, philosophy, and human endurance, The Industry of Souls is a powerful meditation on survival, belonging, and the meaning of home, showcasing Booth’s masterful storytelling and emotional depth.

Words used to describe it: soulful, uncontrolable, philosophical, uplifting, friendship

Marks out of 10: highly marked between 7 - 10, a 10 most unusual.

 

Next Book

The Proof of My Innocence by Johnathan Coe

Next Meeting

20th March

At Anna's - 49a Bronsart Road

Orbital by Samantha Harvey (Cindy Jan 189)

 

Orbital by Samantha Harvey is a contemplative and poetic novel that follows six astronauts aboard the International Space Station over the course of a single day. As they orbit Earth, circling it every 92 minutes, 16 turns around the globe in 24 hours, they experience the vastness of space while reflecting on their lives, the fragility of the planet below, and the nature of human existence. Blending lyrical prose with scientific precision, the novel explores themes of isolation, wonder, and connection. Each astronaut grapples with personal memories, philosophical questions, and the contrast between the boundlessness of space and the intimate details of life on Earth.

With its meditative tone and immersive descriptions, Orbital offers a profound exploration of what it means to be human in the face of the infinite, making readers ponder both the grandeur of the universe and the small yet significant moments that shape our lives.

We discussed the minuteness of life, the lyricism of the writing and how difficult some of us had reading this book. Some felt the lack of science although the writing was gorgeous. 

Words used to describe it: human, poetic, shifted perspective, soperific, orbital, colourful, educational, elegaic

Marks out of 10: between 4 - 9 so widely differing 

Next Book 

Mortal Souls by Martin Booth (Rowena 190)

Next Meeting

Emma's - Thursday 27th February