Attending a Bookclub Recording

On Tuesday, my daughter Emmeline and I went to attend a recording of the BBC Radio 4 Bookclub programme. Having been before, I knew what to expect and thought it would be fun. The book being discussed was "The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged Thirteen and Three Quarters" by Sue Townsend. Since Emmeline is almost exactly this age, it seemed appropriate.

The recording was at the BBC's Birmingham studios. We went by train [from Cheltenham], as this was low stress and a further treat for Emmeline. The place is quite challenging to find, but I had allowed plenty of time and we got there on schedule.

For me, it was good to see familiar faces: Jim Naughtie and the production team. They were all very friendly and made us feel welcome.

They always aim to have a small audience - 20 or so. But, on this occasion, there were quite a few no-shows. This meant that nobody was denied a chance to pose a question.

The producer felt that it would be good if Emmeline put the first question and she agreed [rather nervously] to do that. After Jim had done the initial introduction, he addressed Emmeline [having already established the correct pronunciation of her name - he's a true pro], prompting her to ask her question, which she did very well. I am fairly confident that they will use this in the broadcast.

In due course, I also asked two questions. Of course, I don't know whether they will use them. Despite the smaller than planned audience [or maybe because of it], there was a lot of discussion and the production team have quite an editing job ahead of them.

After it was finished, I got my book signed by the author. Emmeline is interested in the possibility of going into journalism and/or radio as a career. So she asked Jim how he got started in the field. As he is probably the most influential journalist in the country, I guess his advice was worth seeking!

All in all, we enjoyed going to the recording and I hope that I can do it again sometime. They did say that I was always welcome. But, for now, we await the broadcast on 5 June.

What I'm reading ...

I have started Independence Day by Richard Ford.

Another Bookclub selection. From what I've read so far, it seems to be the story of the main character's life over the last few years, during which it is hinted that dramatic changes occurred. We'll see ...

Easy enough read so far, but it is untranslated American, so there's lots that I don't quite understand.

The Hippopotamus - by Stephen Fry

Another good read. I found it quite easy going and kept turning the pages. Contrary to my initial impression, the story is not as outrageous as Tom Sharpe or Ben Elton's stuff, although I could imagine some people being a little shocked by some of the content.

The story is apparently about a boy with healing powers who is being observed by the narrator of the book. It is not until the end that we learn the whole truth.

A lot of the story is in the form of letters between the narrator and his god-daughter. I quite like this form of writing, as the point of view is always clear.

Fry's use of English is often enjoyable. I liked the simile "bitterer than a forgotten poet" [the narrator is a poet]. A place which is conducive to thought and inspiration is referred to as a "cogitarium". At breakfast, the sideboard was laden with "gleaming tureenery".

I found the leukaemia references a little "close to home".

All in all, I'd say that it is clear that Stephen Fry does have talents beyond his acting and repartee that I have hitherto been familiar with.

What I'm reading ...

I have started The Hippopotamus by Stephen Fry.

I don't believe that I have ever read anything by Stephen Fry before, but, of course, I am very familiar with him from radio and TV. This book is the next Bookclub selection.

The story appears to be quite intricate with lots of characters. I have a feel for it being out of the same mould as Tom Sharpe and Ben Elton.

The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged Thirteen and Three Quarters - by Sue Townsend

I had forgotten all the details of this book, many of which made me laugh out loud on re- reading. I was also struck by how much the world has changed in the 20+ years since it was written. I wonder if an Adrian Mole of the 21st Century would be very different.

I like the diary format, as it gives the book an understandable pace. The juxtaposition of his observations would not work without it.

I don't often re-read books, but it was good to have an excuse to revisit this old favourite.

What I'm reading ...

I have started Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged Thirteen and Three Quarters by Sue Townsend.

I first heard this when it was serialised on the radio around 1982. I was struck by the fact that a woman [in her thirties] could write about the inner life of an adolescent boy and get it so spot on. I am re-reading as it is an upcoming BookClub programme, which I am interested in attending.