What are you reading? A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella

Noelia's contribution 

The book

Amazon

  A Quiet Life is one of those novels where, at first, nothing seems to happen. But as you keep reading, you start to realise that everything important is unfolding inside the characters themselves.

The story centres on three people: Chuck, Ella, and Kirsten. On the surface, they lead ordinary lives—but each of them is carrying a heavy burden. Chuck is trying to find his footing after losing his wife to illness. Ella lives with the unimaginable pain of her daughter's kidnapping. Kirsten is still reeling from her father's violent death. They're strangers to one another, yet grief quietly binds them together.

What struck me most about this novel is how honestly it portrays loss. There's no neat resolution, no magical moment of healing. Instead, the book shows grief for what it really is: something you don't get over, but something you slowly learn to carry. It also digs into regret—that nagging sense of wondering what might have been different if we'd made other choices.

The real magic here is how the author finds meaning in the mundane. A phone call, a pet adoption or gifting your car—these small moments take on unexpected weight. And the characters feel so real, so familiar. They could be your neighbour, your coworker, or you. People wrestling with fear, doubt, and the stubborn persistence of memory.

If you're looking for a book club pick, this one works beautifully. Even just the first four chapters give you plenty to chew on: how we grieve, how we connect, how we grow when we least expect it.

I highly recommend the novel, which is quietly powerful. It reminded me that even the most unremarkable lives hold beauty, that healing happens in small increments, and that hope can live in the most ordinary places. Beyond all that, it's simply a warm, deeply human story worth savouring.

The Author

Amazon

  Ethan Joella is an American author known for writing emotional and character-driven stories about everyday life. He grew up in the United States and developed an interest in literature from a young age.

Before becoming a full-time writer, he worked as an English teacher, which helped him connect deeply with stories and people. His experiences in teaching influenced his writing style, which is simple, clear, and focused on human emotions.

He is best known for his novel A Quiet Life, where he explores themes such as grief, loss, and personal connection. His stories often focus on ordinary people facing difficult situations, making them easy to relate to.

Today, he continues writing and sharing stories that highlight the beauty and complexity of everyday life.

What are you reading? The Day of the Triffids by John Windham

 Ana Melendo's contribution

Just a few lines to tell you that if you like dystopic novels, I recommend you to read The Day of the Triffids by John WINDHAM. It’s entertaining, not too difficult to understand. You can see on Wikipedia (The Day of the Triffids) the critics it has received

I’m all right with the most positive. If you read it, I would like to have your impression.

The Book

Amazon

The Day of the Triffids is a classic science fiction novel that explores a world suddenly thrown into chaos. The story begins after a mysterious cosmic event blinds most of the human population, leaving society vulnerable and fragile. At the same time, strange, mobile plants known as triffids—capable of movement and deadly attacks—begin to spread and dominate the landscape. The novel follows Bill Masen, one of the few people who retains his sight, as he navigates a collapsing civilization and searches for safety and meaning. Beyond its gripping survival narrative, the book raises thought-provoking questions about human dependence on technology, the fragility of social order, and the resilience needed to rebuild. Its combination of suspense, speculative ideas, and social commentary has made it a lasting and influential work in the genre.

The Author

Wikipedia

John Wyndham was a British science fiction writer known for blending imaginative ideas with everyday settings and believable characters. Born in 1903, he wrote under several pen names before achieving major success with The Day of the Triffids in 1951. Wyndham’s work is often described as “cosy catastrophes,” a term used to depict apocalyptic events unfolding in familiar, domestic environments rather than distant or exotic worlds. His storytelling focuses not only on extraordinary events but also on how ordinary people respond to them, making his narratives both accessible and deeply engaging. Other notable works include The Midwich Cuckoos and The Kraken Wakes. Wyndham’s influence on science fiction is significant, as he helped shape a more human-centered approach to the genre. He died in 1969, but his works remain widely read and appreciated today.

There are several film versions of this work, with varying quality and success; you can watch complete versions on YouTube, we have attached the links.

THE DAY OF THE TRIFFIDS | Full Length Classic Sci-Fi Movie | English

April 26 Meeting - "Our favourite books"

 Marta's post

Dear book club members

In our last session for this year, which will take place on 12-15 May, we are going to talk about the things we are reading now... with a twist. This year, we are going to talk about a passion we share: our favourite books. 

What should I read next? How can I find that book that will take me out of my reading rut? I often find my reading inspiration on the reels fellow readers post on Instagram. Like the people interviewed on the instagram account Undercover Books.

Here you have some examples (Click on each image to view it on Instagram) : 

Instagram

Instagram

So, in our last session we are going to share our reading tips by answering the following questions. Please think about the reasons behind your answers and, if possible, bring the books you are going to talk about.

• What are you reading right now?
• Which book changed your life?
• Which book makes you laugh?
• Best book under 150 pages?
• Which book do you wish you'd written?
• Best classic?
• Best non-fiction?
• Is there a book you couldn't finish?
• If you had to be trapped in a lift with an author, who would you choose?
• Which book would you live in forever?
• Best adaptation?
• Worst adaptation?

Since we'll be discussing many books, we'd like to gather all your suggestions so we can all remember which books we've talked about. If you'd like (it's not required), send us the names of your favorite books and we'll add them to our list, which we'll publish after the May meeting.

(use the form by clicking here  or on the image below). Thank you very much.

These are my favorite books

What are you reading? "The Blackhouse" by Carole Johnstone

Noelia's contribution

The Book

I went into The black House expecting a dark, atmospheric thriller, and in many ways it delivery exactly that—but not always in a way that’s easy to enjoy.

Source: Amazon

What really stayed with me is the setting. The island feels oppressive, almost like it’s closing in on the characters. There’s this constant sense of discomfort, like something is off, but no one is willing to say it out loud. That feeling is reinforced by the people who live there—everyone seems to be hiding something, and that collective secrecy creates a tension that runs through the whole book. It’s one of those stories where you feel like the truth is always just out of reach.

I also found the use of Bronze Age esotericism interesting. It gives the story a strange, almost ritualistic layer that makes it stand out. It’s not just a mystery; there’s something older and more unsettling underneath everything, and that part is genuinely compelling.

Robert, for me, was one of the strongest characters. He is struggling with guilty feelings about being unable to face whatever he did in the past. You can sense that he’s stuck, and that fear of confronting the truth adds emotional weight to his storyline.

That said, the book can be hard to get through. The pacing is slow—sometimes too slow. There are moments where it feels like nothing is really happening, and it becomes easy to lose interest.

Maggie, as the main character, didn’t fully work for me either. I understand that she’s dealing with psychological issues, but at times she comes across as repetitive or even tiring. And her “turning point,” which is basically a sudden sexual encounter with Will, felt forced and unnecessary. It didn’t really add anything meaningful to the story, and honestly, it pulled me out of it a bit.

Another negative aspect is the use of Gaelic terms, which makes your reading a challenge. You end up stopping frequently to check the glossary at the end of the book to know the meaning of the words. Breaking the flow makes it harder to stay immersed.

In the end, I’d say The Blackhouse has a strong atmosphere and some really interesting ideas, but it’s weighed down by its slow pace and some questionable character choices. Personally, I wouldn’t recommend it, especially if you’re looking for something more dynamic or easier to read.

The Author

Source: Amazon

Carole Johnstone is a Scottish author known for her work in psychological thrillers, horror, and dark fiction. She was born in Scotland and developed an early interest in storytelling, particularly drawn to eerie, unsettling narratives that explore the darker sides of human nature.

Before becoming a full-time writer, Johnstone worked as a journalist. This background influenced her writing style, giving it a sharp, observant edge and a strong sense of realism, even when her stories move into supernatural or folkloric territory.

She first gained recognition through her short stories, many of which were published in anthologies and literary magazines. Her talent in the horror genre was especially noted, and she went on to win the British Fantasy Award for Best Short Story, which helped establish her reputation as an emerging voice in dark fiction.

Johnstone later transitioned into writing novels. One of her most notable works is The Blackhouse, a psychological thriller that blends mystery with elements of folklore and psychological horror. Her novels often explore themes such as trauma, guilt, memory, and the influence of the past on the present.

Her writing is characterized by atmospheric settings—frequently remote or isolated locations—and complex characters who struggle with inner conflicts. She is particularly skilled at creating tension through mood and ambiguity, rather than relying solely on plot-driven action.

Today, Carole Johnstone continues to write fiction that sits at the intersection of thriller and horror, and she is regarded as a distinctive voice within contemporary dark literature.