JUNE BOOK GROUP REPORT

June’s book choice ‘You are Here’ by David Nicholls aroused unanimous enthusiasm in the reading group. The novel focuses on two members of an ill-assorted group who tackle a long-distance hike across northern England. It is an easy read, focusing on Marnie and Michael – both middle-aged, lonely people who have been disappointed in love and have withdrawn from social interaction. The author excels in bouncy banter and humorous situations that made us laugh out loud. And we all enjoyed the wonderful scenic imagery and the maps that illustrate the sections of the walk.

One of us had found the potential romance predictable and hadn’t been drawn into their story; while others felt that little twists and turns meant that the outcome was not predictable and was far more believable than a conventional ‘happy ending’.

The only other slight criticism came from walkers who did not believe that Marnie, with no previous walking experience, could manage the distances and conditions, particularly with new boots and a heavy backpack, but we were prepared to ‘set that aside’.

All in all, we agreed it was one of our most enjoyable reads. And those who had not read any David Nicholls before were keen to read more. There are six to try: Starter for Ten (2003), The Understudy (2005), One Day (2009), Us (2014), Sweet Sorrow (2019), and You Are Here (2024).