The Chestermere Public Library’s Novel Book Club met on January 17 to discuss the book “Up and Down” by Terry Fallis. When I call this book an absurd fairytale, I mean it in the nicest way! The novel revolves around Canadian David Stewart, who starts a new job in a global public relations company. He is a little over his head in his new position, and throws out the absurd idea of a Citizen Astronaut contest to renew interest in NASA’s space program. To everyone’s surprise, his idea is accepted by NASA. When the contest winners are drawn, one Canadian and one American, they are interesting, somewhat stereotyped characters. Both winners present some challenges and conflicts that they must overcome to be approved to take their trip to the International Space Station. While this is a humourous entertainment book, book club members noted that the author included a lot of detail and research on NASA, space training, flight, and even surgery. There are also numerous references to Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes novels. The word fairytale was used often in our discussion because the book is almost too neat. There are no loose ends or unresolved issues to ponder at the end. The one mystery in the book is solved in dramatic fashion. Everything is explained and everyone lives happily ever after – or at least the book gives you that impression! The plot moves at a good pace and it is easy to read this book in one sitting if you have the time.
This is not a novel that will leave you feeling changed, enlightened or dazed, but the absurd humour may just lighten your day!
The Novel Book Club could use a few new members! Ask for the current book selection at the Library’s front desk, then drop by for the meeting.
The next meeting is Thursday, February 21 from 7:00pm – 8:00pm at the Library to discuss “State of Wonder” by Ann Patchett. Hope to see you there! If you like to read the books, but can’t make it to the meetings, there is now a Facebook group for our book club
