Welcome letter from our Leek Loves Books founder Sam.
Hi lovely readers,
As 2024 is currently drawing to its inevitable close, I’m sitting in a rapidly darkening kitchen pondering how to introduce myself as the founder of Leek Loves Books. So, let’s start at the beginning like any good story:
From Newbie to Leek to Leek Loves Books
After moving to Leek just over two years’ ago, I desperately need to make some friends.
Back in my home county of Shropshire, I was fortunate to belong to a wonderful book club, so I decided to set up my own book club in Leek to find like-minded people.
The first Leek Book Club was born in September 2022 where I’ve met the most amazing group of ladies, with a sprinkling of males. We’ve discussed and laughed our way through multiple books but, I needed more.
“Let’s drive over to Oswestry and go and see this author, Vex King doing a talk.” I suggested, to which only one equally crazy lady was up for.
On a dark and stormy night (it really was) we made our way to a remote school hall for our evening’s entertainment, hoping to learn something new, which we did – NEVER, EVER drive over to darkest, stormiest Oswestry again!
“There’s nothing like that in Leek,” I lamented, “so, let’s set up our own!”
“Great idea!” She (Jools) retorted.
We chatted enthusiastically about our plan, but as usual as in the case when two creative minds get together, one thing led to another and by the time we arrive home – well after midnight- the initial idea had exploded rapidly into a full-on book festival!
Well, here we are (the fab four) embarking on this epic journey to deliver our second Leek Loves Books Festival to our fabulous little market town in June 2025.
Our 2025 programme is already burgeoning, and with an overarching theme of Music and Memories, we have exciting plans to deliver a fabulous creative writing project, ‘Writing that Sings’ in collaboration with author A.T. Boyle but, watch this space for more details, or check our website Leeklovesbooks.com towards the end of January!
On behalf of everyone at Leek Loves Books, we wish you a wonderful new year filled with more and more books and a growing ‘to be read’ pile!
Love
Sam
Reading Challenge 2025
If you are on Facebook then you can click here to join our private group to discuss the reading challenge each month.
January theme is ..... A book with weather in the title.
We welcome creativity in how you interpret our challenges but no double counting you cheeky chops, one book = one month.
If you want to get planning for February the theme will be .... A book set on an island.
Once you've read a book why don't you write a book review to have it included in our newsletter.
Happy reading x
Upcoming Events
Author Interview : Interview with Pete K Mally.
Pete K Mally is a stand-up comedian, festival compere and author From Broughty Ferry , Scotland. Pete now lives in Staffordshire.
How do you handle writer's block or moments of self-doubt while working on a project?
I have moments of self doubt all the time. In the past I tried to use techniques like meditation but now I just get motivated by being motivated. Ensuring I am surrounded by the right people, listening to inspirational music, watching and reading awesome things. Thankfully now I care less if other people value it less. Its the process I love.
How do you incorporate your personal experiences or worldview into your stories, if at all?
I don't think you can incorporate personal experiences. Or I can't at least. That takes way more talent than I've got. If I've something on my mind I tend not to put it on Facebook where no one cares but develop it into a short story. In my new book I shared a story of a shoplifter and I've wrote about the obsession with social media.
Do you ever find yourself putting pieces of your own personality or life into your antagonists or heroes?
Always. I wrote about a man who wanted to do stand-up but his wife felt it ridiculous. Many people don't do things, I believe in case their spouses will think they are being silly. Especially, I believe woman. In the story he did it and it was after I was reading it, I realised it was me.
How do you deal with criticism, especially when it comes to negative reviews or feedback?
I am very thin skinned so criticism is difficult. But now I realise I enjoy the writing process and I hope people love it - for many reasons. But lately if people criticise it, they probably criticise everything or don't wear socks so who cares. (I do but pretend not to )
How have your goals or expectations changed from your first book to your current work?
My first book Resurrection Mill was written and I wanted to sell it, be a success (whatever that is) sell millions, be on Oprah, get a movie deal. Now with Petrichor I want to feel pride in my work. If someone reads it and it resonates with them I'm happy. Maybe its age but I enjoy the process far more now.
Are there any unresolved story lines or characters from your books that you’re tempted to revisit?
Yes. Resurrection Mill was my favourite book. But I realise that the female characters don't get a fair deal. So a prequel would be great, possibly explaining why Geordie is Geordie and having the woman as the protagonist.
Thank you Pete for an honest and interesting interview and massive thanks for being our first interview of 2025. We are looking forward to seeing you again on 31st Jan at The Fountain to hear about your new book and projects. This is a free event RSVP if you would like to join us. You can support Pete on social media by following these links.
Get me a skinny latte in Costa :)
Thanks, Pete.
Book Review
With thanks to Helen for our first book review of 2025 :)
The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne
Why did you choose this book?
It was a reading group book.
What is it about?
The book starts with Cyril’s mother in 1945 – a young girl who is shamed and banished from her village in Ireland for falling pregnant. She gives Cyril up for adoption – to a curious couple, the Averys, who can’t quite remember why they adopted a child and always insist that he is “not a real Avery”. Cyril is isolated as he grows up but develops a crush on his best friend at school and gradually realises that he is gay, in a country where homosexuality is illegal. We follow him through his life as he wrestles with his feelings and tries to understand where he fits, and his relationships, all against a backdrop of Ireland also evolving and the power of the church receding.
Did you like the main character?
I think so! He was quirky and had great wit. I felt a lot of empathy for him. I didn’t like some of his actions and decisions but ultimately I was always rooting for him.
What did you like about this book?
The context was really interesting – and so much of it was shocking. His adopted mother is a fabulous character – a writer clouded in cigarette smoke, who doesn’t want to be recognised as the great writer she transpires to be. Cyril has a great sense of humour, so there is plenty of wit to make you smile. There are some interesting “circles” in the story, where early characters reappear. Throughout is a tension about whether Cyril will meet his birth mother – accidentally or on purpose – and whether they will realize who they are to each other.
Overall, I loved the characterization, writing style and plot, which took many twists and turns and changes of pace, and some slightly bizarre incidents.
Would you recommend it?
Yes, I would. It is high up in my top five books for this year. I found it truly engrossing.
Have you read – or will you read – anything else by this author?
This is my first book by John Boyne and I look forward to reading another. I have my eye on The Absolutist, about a conscientious objector during the war.
Other reviews here from The Guardian and The Millions.
Thank you for reading our first newsletter of 2025. I hope you enjoyed it. I (Rachel) creator of the Leek Loves Books website wanted to start this for the new year as a personal challenge. As the year progresses I am looking forward to seeing this newsletter / blog grow and I want to share good news from Leek and the surrounding area. We live in such a wonderful part of the world and since moving to Leek just over two years ago I couldn't imagine life without this wonderful community. xx
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