Book clubs in Mid Glamorgan

I loved The Satsuma Complex because it’s funny, odd and genuinely warm-hearted. Bob Mortimer creates eccentric characters who still feel completely real, and the book balances mystery and humour brilliantly. It’s quirky without trying too hard, and it has a really comforting charm.

I saw The Golden Compass first before I realised this was actually a book. Then I walked into Waterstone one day and saw the full series of books in one tome sitting on the shelf. I bought it and was instantly hooked. So much better than the movie and full of controversial themes. Pullman's anti-establishment and multi-dimentional themes work well together. The idea that we see these worlds unfold through the eyes of a child is a brilliant concept. How many of us has grown up thinking that the things adults do seem more complicated and selfish than they need to be? Things were much simpler when we were children. I also loved the idea that the characters were born and lived with their souls/daemons outside their bodies. The concept behind it, although Pullman also depicts the opposite, is that you could never be truly lonely. I would say that this book and concept is unique, I can't think of book that is entirely similar to it, but anyone with an interest in fantasy and science fiction should definitely give this a read.

It has many twists and turns and plays with genre. It also goes deep into its mechanics and has likable protagonists that you route for

I started reading Pterry in the late 80s and loved them all. Discworld books have literally saved my life. Any situation of life is covered with biting wit, searing social/political commentary, vulgar humour and an unparalleled breadth of literary knowledge

The way it's presented to you