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And the winner is...

Yes, the winner of the Tory Party leadership campaign is declared tomorrow. But let's not dwell on that.

Instead, tomorrow evening Browsers Book Group will be meeting to decide on their winner from this year's Booker Prize longlist. We'll be reviewing all 13 titles ahead of the judges' decision in drawing up the shortlist on Tuesday. I'll let you know what we decided in next week's newsletter. It's always interesting to see if we agree with the judges, and it's nice to be involved, isn't it?

One of my recommended reads this week is Jess Phillips' account of being a Member of Parliament. She says that some political players want us to think that we can't be involved, we can't influence change and we have to leave everything to the decision makers. But she urges us to write, to speak, to make our voice heard. We can make a difference. It's an encouraging read, written with a light touch, and I hope you'll take a look.

Have a good week, and thank you for reading.

NON-FICTION BOOK OF THE WEEK
The Life of an MP
by Jess Phillips

There's not much that attracts me to politics at present, but I've admired the straight talking and humour of Labour MP Jess Phillips in the past, so thought that I'd give this a try.

And it's a very enjoyable and informative read. With great clarity, she reminds us of why it's important for us to be engaged with politics and politicians.

We may have an opinion on the state of politics today, but do we really know how and why things happen?

In this book, Jess Phillips describes her experience of Westminster, of the UN, of surgeries in her constituency.

It's funny and exasperating, and it's incredibly readable. This is such a page-turner. You don't want to put it down because it's packed with useful, accessible information and it's a thoroughly entertaining read, but it's also energising. You actually feel as though you could and should do something to help change the world for the better, by getting involved.

For recommended non-fiction titles, take a look here.

CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE WEEK
Solo
by Adam Beer

A beautiful and funny picture book about dogs getting on together on an island! A simple story with lively, colourful, friendly illustrations!

Solo is a dog in charge of his island. He is the only dog, and the humans are his humans, and they play with his things.

When other dogs arrive on the island one day, Solo isn't happy. He doesn't want to share and he doesn't want to play.

He forces the dogs to leave, but when he realises he misses them, he decides to see if they can get along together after all.

A lovely, fun book for young children, and everyone who loves pictures of mischievous dogs!

Read about more recommended children's books here.

Browsers Bookshop Book Group
at St John's Hall, Woodbridge
Monday 26 September 8pm
talking about...

Cecily
by Annie Garthwaite

The first days of the Wars of the Roses through the eyes of its greatest unknown protagonist, Cecily Neville, wife of Richard Plantagenet, mother to Edward IV and Richard III. What will we make of this debut novel?

Join in the discussion! Buy the book now from Browsers Bookshop with the book group discount. There'll be details about how to attend nearer the time.

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