April's book choice was turned into BBC comedy series The Kennedys April's Tyneside Book Club meeting was a first. With Coronavirus putting pubs out of bounds, members had to move online to meet virtually via Zoom.
Many members were also grateful that this month's choice did offer some escape from the grimness of the country's current circumstances.
Not that Emma Kennedy's The Tent, The Bucket and Me didn't have its grim moments - mostly involving toilets and vomit - but it was all in the interests of making the reader laugh.
And the book was a hit with members, reducing many to tears of laughter. The memoir catalogued a series of appalling camping trips and holidays that spanned the 1970s. Members appreciated its style and verve, and the unsparing comedy.
Emma Kennedy's conveniently comprehensive recall of events that took place when she was little more than a toddler did raise some. It was noted though that other family members could have helped fill in the gaps.
There may also have been a little exaggeration in the retelling, but members were prepared to understand the need for some licence in the interests of comedy.
In terms of laughs, the book consistently delivered. Some did find the constant succession of disasters somewhat stressful as they continued throughout the book. The odd happy holiday memory or two might not have gone amiss. The less salubrious side of camping - and France - did though strike a chord with members - as did the general seediness of the '70s.
For most this was the kind of tonic they needed in tough times. As the technology worked too, the club concluded a successful first virtual meeting. There was much relief that we can continue to meet despite social distancing.
Many members were also grateful that this month's choice did offer some escape from the grimness of the country's current circumstances.
Not that Emma Kennedy's The Tent, The Bucket and Me didn't have its grim moments - mostly involving toilets and vomit - but it was all in the interests of making the reader laugh.
And the book was a hit with members, reducing many to tears of laughter. The memoir catalogued a series of appalling camping trips and holidays that spanned the 1970s. Members appreciated its style and verve, and the unsparing comedy.
Emma Kennedy's conveniently comprehensive recall of events that took place when she was little more than a toddler did raise some. It was noted though that other family members could have helped fill in the gaps.
There may also have been a little exaggeration in the retelling, but members were prepared to understand the need for some licence in the interests of comedy.
In terms of laughs, the book consistently delivered. Some did find the constant succession of disasters somewhat stressful as they continued throughout the book. The odd happy holiday memory or two might not have gone amiss. The less salubrious side of camping - and France - did though strike a chord with members - as did the general seediness of the '70s.
For most this was the kind of tonic they needed in tough times. As the technology worked too, the club concluded a successful first virtual meeting. There was much relief that we can continue to meet despite social distancing.
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