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Rachel Reviews: Antarctica by Claire Keegan
My attention was first drawn to Claire Keegan when I watched a film based on her book "Small Things Like These". I was pulled into the quietness of the story, how we peered into the lives of ordinary people, observers to the tragedy and tensions there.
By Rachel Deemingabout 2 hours ago in BookClub
Branching Out
On Friday 20th March 2026, I did my first open mic night. There was no mic. A misnomer perhaps. However, there was a group of open and friendly people. It was a small affair, held in the snug of a local pub which is, as it sounds, a small room not attached to the main bar - a more intimate space. 8pm was the time that it started and my friend agreed to come and support me along with her daughter. I was glad she was there as I was nervous.
By Rachel Deeminga day ago in Writers
Rachel Reviews: Sidney Chambers and The Shadow of Death by James Runcie (The Grantchester Mysteries - Book One)
I have already seen some of these mysteries as they have become televised in a series called "Grantchester". As they were enjoyable, I had high hopes for James Runcie's book. I have to say that I have not been disappointed; in fact, this has been a great read.
By Rachel Deeming19 days ago in BookClub
Rachel Reviews: The Junior Officers' Reading Club by Patrick Hennessey
I've read a lot of war literature: poetry, fiction, diaries. It was with some hesitation though that I picked up Patrick Hennessey's account of his time as a soldier and in particular, his tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. Too recent? Maybe. Too harrowing? Possibly. Too laddish for a middle-aged woman? Most probably.
By Rachel Deeming19 days ago in BookClub
"It's the thought that counts.". Top Story - March 2026.
It's Mothers' Day (Mother's Day? Mothering Sunday?) tomorrow here in Britain. I am going out for lunch and may have to dress up. I am looking forward to it. There is an expectation of gifts too. Who doesn't like a gift?
By Rachel Deeming28 days ago in Viva
Writing for the attention span
I've just started to write a story. Not this one. A fiction. I am often contemplating now why I write on Vocal: do I have a message? Sometimes. Is it for the joy? Always. Is it for engagement? Maybe, depending on what form that engagement takes.
By Rachel Deemingabout a month ago in Writers
Rachel Reviews: Bronxville by Lee Stockdale
I went into this collection without reading the synopsis and my first impressions were strong: it felt like a magical mystery tour through one person's experience as it is shaping him. However, it is reflective, being written about in the present with the insight that only comes from being older and more perceptive due to having lived.
By Rachel Deemingabout a month ago in BookClub
Rachel Reviews: Ordinatus by C.S. Crane
The Church, whether Catholic or Protestant, has always been a hotbed for speculation and questioning through the ages, not just in our modern times, and Crane has written a timely thriller which combines a gentle exploration of one man's faith, Robert Hescott, with the difficulties his beloved Church is facing from a force attempting to dismantle it.
By Rachel Deemingabout a month ago in BookClub
Rachel Reviews: Lakefront Wolves by Joseph Deegan. Top Story - March 2026.
Meet Finn. He's an 18 year old kid who has potential. He's bright with great school scores and he's also an athlete, a footballer of some prowess. He has it all going for him, it would seem, and yet, he's determined to send what could be a well-planned, stable existence firmly off the rails. He drinks, he smokes, he takes drugs, he has violent tendencies and he's in danger of losing not only his mind but all that he holds dear.
By Rachel Deemingabout a month ago in BookClub
Rachel Reviews: The First Call was Mine by Kay Blake
Kay Blake's memoir has everything that I like about a real life recount. It has the confrontation of the past and the troubles that the person has faced; it has candour in its examination of the experiences and the resolutions reached, if that applies; it has humour, recognition, a humbleness to it and an appreciation of where that person is now and a true acknowledgement of the things that shaped them.
By Rachel Deeming2 months ago in BookClub
