The Lilac Bus

I‘m posting one book a day from my massive collection. No description, no reason for why I want to read it (some I‘ve had so long I don‘t even remember why!). Feel free to join in!

#ABookADay2024

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LauraBrook

The Lilac Bus: A Novel | Maeve Binchy

Nancy was early, but then she always was, and she didn‘t like being seen there too soon.
@ShyBookOwl

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Elizabeth2

The Lilac Bus: A Novel | Maeve Binchy

pick

I really enjoyed this short jaunt to Rathdoon with these lively, quirky characters. Each chapter is told in the point of view of a different character. Each feels a bit unfinished and made me wonder if Binchy ever imagined possibly carrying their stories further individually in a full length novel. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

This is my #doublespin book for August‘s #bookspin! I finished both #bookspin & #doublespin but didn‘t make a Bingo. @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Yay!! Great progress!!! 4y

26 likes1 comment

Elizabeth2

The Lilac Bus: A Novel | Maeve Binchy

Favorite reading spot is perfect today. Lower humidity, a little breeze, warm sun. Getting in some me time with a favorite author on the one year anniversary of my Dad‘s death. In a bit, I am going to start the Galumpki making process - his favorite meal - so we can celebrate him. I wish I could have my brothers and their families over too, so we could all be together. Stupid pandemic.

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Elizabeth2

The Lilac Bus: A Novel | Maeve Binchy

Starting my #doublespin book for August #bookspin. It‘s a novella, and I love Maeve Binchy, so I should be able to finish it quickly! ❤️📚 @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Great progress!!!! 4y

33 likes1 comment

BookishMe

The Lilac Bus: A Novel | Maeve Binchy

#BookHunt @ShyBookOwl

Must admit that I am not a huge fan of Binchy's tale - spinning, But this greatly impressed me with the multiple POVs

Ermm, nothing else to add except this will make a great choice if you are reading her, for the first time (?)
- just noticed from the book profile, this is not one of her popular books! Lol

Andrew65 Great choice! 5y

BookishMe @Andrew65 thank yous ;D 5y

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Andrew65

The Lilac Bus: A Novel | Maeve Binchy

Some of my recently read #GreenBooks All Good reads!
#SeasonsReadings

vkois88, Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 💚💚💚 6y

82 likes1 comment

Allthebookclubs

The Lilac Bus: A Novel | Maeve Binchy

so-so

If you‘ve seen my other reviews (and looked at the picture above) you‘ll know I love Maeve Binchy. However, this was not a typical Binchy book as it was a series of short stories. ‘Twas still a good read, but left me feeling a bit wanting.

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Andrew65

The Lilac Bus: A Novel | Maeve Binchy

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Question 4 of 4

#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead #TheLilacBus

rubyslippersreads, TheWordJar, KarouBlue, HookedonBooks, Crazeedi, CarolynM, TheBookHippie, JacqMac, Reviewsbylola, Crewgurl, Tove_Reads, EadieB

EadieB Overall I liked the book and the different characters were interesting. I especially liked Maeve‘s writing and her insight into different personalities. I just wish the book was longer and we could find out what is happening with these characters. She kind of left us hanging in the end. (edited) 6y

JacqMac I loved the characters. But I have so many unanswered questions. This is why I hate short stories. This book was too much like a collection of short stories. I need more! 6y

Tove_Reads I‘m disappointed because the stories lead nowhere. I‘ve never liked open-ended stories. 6y

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rubyslippersreads I enjoyed the book but, like everyone else, would have liked more closure. 6y

TheBookHippie Ditto. More story!!!! 6y

Andrew65 I‘d agree with you, I really enjoyed the stories but the book needed a part one and a part two. We‘ve finished part one and we need to know what happened next for part two! In some of Maeve‘s books some of the characters appear in future books so we will have to keep our eyes peeled 👀 to see if any of these characters appear in books written after this one. @Tove_Reads @JacqMac @EadieB @rubyslippersreads @TheBookHippie (edited) 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 Hopefully they will reappear! 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB 🤞🤞🤞 It does seem strange to leave the book like this. @Tove_Reads @JacqMac @rubyslippersreads @TheBookHippie 6y

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Andrew65

The Lilac Bus: A Novel | Maeve Binchy

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Question 3 of 4

#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead #TheLilacBus

rubyslippersreads, TheWordJar, KarouBlue, HookedonBooks, Crazeedi, CarolynM, TheBookHippie, JacqMac, Reviewsbylola, Crewgurl, Tove_Reads, EadieB

EadieB I think Tom and Celia would make a good partnership. Better than Bart and Celia. But we will never know because the book ended. 6y

JacqMac Yes, I would love to see them together. This book needs a sequel! 6y

TheBookHippie @JacqMac YES! We could collaborate on a sequel ! It's like we got a window into the story and then the curtains closed🤣📖 @Andrew65 @EadieB (edited) 6y

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Andrew65 Agree totally @TheBookHippie @EadieB @JacqMac I think they‘d make a great Partnership. Frustrating to not know what happens and yes we need to write the sequel. 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 We can each take a character or two and finish their story! 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB I want to finish Tom‘s story (and spoiler alert, for me this will also involve Celia) 😂 @Tove_Reads @JacqMac @TheBookHippie @rubyslippersreads 6y

TheBookHippie @Andrew65 😂😂😂😂let me know if you read more Maeve I'm in! 6y

Andrew65 @TheBookHippie We have been reading one book a month or so, so likely to move onto a new one next month or December at the latest. Will let you know which one we plan to read and when once it has been decided. Great to have you with us. 😊 6y

TheBookHippie @Andrew65 yay!!!! Thanks !! 6y

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Andrew65

The Lilac Bus: A Novel | Maeve Binchy

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Question 2 of 4

#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead #TheLilacBus

rubyslippersreads, TheWordJar, KarouBlue, HookedonBooks, Crazeedi, CarolynM, TheBookHippie, JacqMac, Reviewsbylola, Crewgurl, Tove_Reads, EadieB

EadieB I like Tom. I think he is more concerned about his sister, Phil, than his mother. He has to beg her to write to her daughter. She is more interested in what the neighbors think. 6y

JacqMac I really like Tom, too. I wanted to shake that mother though. Lol 6y

TheBookHippie @JacqMac shake scream ugh. I like Tom as well. 6y

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Andrew65 Mothers are quite a key element of this book and the effect they have on their children. Tom came across really well in this book. @EadieB @JacqMac @TheBookHippie (edited) 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 She does need a good shaking! 6y

Andrew65 Oh yes! @EadieB (edited) 6y

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Andrew65

The Lilac Bus: A Novel | Maeve Binchy

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Question 1 of 4

#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead #TheLilacBus

rubyslippersreads, TheWordJar, KarouBlue, HookedonBooks, Crazeedi, CarolynM, TheBookHippie, JacqMac, Reviewsbylola, Crewgurl, Tove_Reads, EadieB

EadieB I don‘t think Celia had an option. Her mom was going downhill real fast with her drinking. It may be the end of the pub as Celia has a nursing job and isn‘t interested in drinking. 6y

JacqMac I agree with @EadieB I think Celia handled it really well. She didn‘t have a choice. And yes, I think it will be the end of the pub. (edited) 6y

TheBookHippie Stranger things have happened. I don't think Celia had another option. It's never an option to not try. She handled best way she could. 6y

Andrew65 She had to do something, and think in general she did a good job of this, can‘t see an alcoholic keeping the pub going! 6y

EadieB A definite end of the pub! 6y

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Andrew65

The Lilac Bus: A Novel | Maeve Binchy

Will shortly post the questions from the last part of the book.

Thanks everyone for your involvement in the read and your contributions.

#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead #TheLilacBus

rubyslippersreads, TheWordJar, KarouBlue, HookedonBooks, Crazeedi, CarolynM, TheBookHippie, JacqMac, Reviewsbylola, Crewgurl, Tove_Reads, EadieB

56 likes

Andrew65

The Lilac Bus: A Novel | Maeve Binchy

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Question 4 of 4

#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead #TheLilacBus

rubyslippersreads, TheWordJar, KarouBlue, HookedonBooks, Crazeedi, CarolynM, TheBookHippie, JacqMac, Reviewsbylola, Crewgurl, Tove_Reads, EadieB

JacqMac It made me a little sad. I have a a gay son and I can‘t imagine him having to hide such a big part of himself. But considering what things were like back then and how people would have reacted, I don‘t think he had a choice. He was protecting himself. 6y

EadieB Well at least that nixes the relationship I thought he and Judy would have. Nice that he decided to invite Jimmy home and his mom seems receptive to that idea! 6y

TheBookHippie That's the way it is STILL for some. Sad though. Self protective is a fine line when hiding yourself. 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB Jimmy certainly didn‘t delay in accepting it which was good to see. 6y

Andrew65 Very sad where people have to hide such an important part of their identities. As @TheBookHippie says this is how it still is for far too many people. @EadieB @JacqMac (edited) 6y

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Andrew65

The Lilac Bus: A Novel | Maeve Binchy

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Question 3 of 4

#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead #TheLilacBus

rubyslippersreads, TheWordJar, KarouBlue, HookedonBooks, Crazeedi, CarolynM, TheBookHippie, JacqMac, Reviewsbylola, Crewgurl, Tove_Reads, EadieB

JacqMac I‘d like think he wanted him to have a good relationship with his family. And that he was just waiting for Rupert to become comfortable with the idea of inviting him along, 6y

EadieB I don‘t know about Jimmy. It‘s a little suspicious to me that he wants Rupert out of Dublin every weekend! 6y

TheBookHippie @EadieB an alternative motive ? It's suspicious . I agree. 6y

Andrew65 @TheBookHippie I‘d agree, why does he want him away from him every wee,end. Very suspicious but then as soon as Jimmy invited him along he jumped at the chance. Hopefully he is doing it for altruistic reasons but jury is out! @EadieB @JacqMac (edited) 6y

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Andrew65

The Lilac Bus: A Novel | Maeve Binchy

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Question 2 of 4

Sorry should say Bart‘s

#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead #TheLilacBus

rubyslippersreads, TheWordJar, KarouBlue, HookedonBooks, Crazeedi, CarolynM, TheBookHippie, JacqMac, Reviewsbylola, Crewgurl, Tove_Reads, EadieB

JacqMac I don‘t think gangsters let you out that easily. I hope it works. But I don‘t think it will. 6y

EadieB I don‘t think it will work either. Kevin knows too much about their operation. Does not look good for Kevin! 6y

TheBookHippie Nope. There's "honor among thieves" so to speak ..however Im thinking this will not end well....toooo much known knowledge never turns out well ? 6y

Andrew65 As I said in the previous answer I thing Kev needs to disappear, fancy going for that drink in the first place, how stupid! 6y

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Andrew65

The Lilac Bus: A Novel | Maeve Binchy

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Question 1 of 4

#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead #TheLilacBus

rubyslippersreads, TheWordJar, KarouBlue, HookedonBooks, Crazeedi, CarolynM, TheBookHippie, JacqMac, Reviewsbylola, Crewgurl, Tove_Reads, EadieB

JacqMac Oh, Kev, what have you done? I don‘t think this mess will be very easy to escape. 6y

EadieB Kevin is deep into the doo-doo! I don‘t know how this will ever come out clean in the end! 6y

rubyslippersreads I think Kev might be sleeping with the fishes. 😂 6y

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TheBookHippie @rubyslippersreads 😂😂🤣 6y

TheBookHippie @JacqMac I am talking to the book this can't mean good news for kev!! 6y

Andrew65 Easy to get yourself into something like this, very difficult to get yourself out. He needs to disappear before he disappears and sleeps with said fishes! @rubyslippersreads @JacqMac @EadieB @TheBookHippie 6y

10 likes6 comments

Andrew65

The Lilac Bus: A Novel | Maeve Binchy

Will shortly post the questions for Friday‘s section, Apologies it is late but fir most of today had no phone signal or WiFi connection.

#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead #TheLilacBus

rubyslippersreads, TheWordJar, KarouBlue, HookedonBooks, Crazeedi, CarolynM, TheBookHippie, JacqMac, Reviewsbylola, Crewgurl, Tove_Reads, EadieB

JacqMac No problem. There‘s no rush. 6y

TheBookHippie It's storming here !!! Wind rain like hail 😳😝 6y

Andrew65 @TheBookHippie Been a beautiful couple of days here, and unseasonably warm! Thanks @JacqMac 6y

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JacqMac @Andrew65 @TheBookHippie It‘s surprisingly sunny and warm here, too. Anything is better than snow. And hail. 6y

Andrew65 @JacqMac @TheBookHippie I hate snow! 6y

TheBookHippie @JacqMac @andrew65 snow is in the forecast I'm in denial .. 6y

Andrew65 @TheBookHippie 😨😨😨 6y

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Andrew65

The Lilac Bus: A Novel | Maeve Binchy

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Question 4 of 4

#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead #TheLilacBus

rubyslippersreads, TheWordJar, KarouBlue, HookedonBooks, Crazeedi, CarolynM, TheBookHippie, JacqMac, Reviewsbylola, Crewgurl, Tove_Reads, EadieB

JacqMac I don‘t know what to think about Judy. I like her, but I don‘t think she makes the best decisions. Maybe Rupert will be good for her. 6y

rubyslippersreads I had a little trouble buying the whole Judy selling drugs thing. It seemed a bit contrived to me. 6y

EadieB You would have thought that she would have learned a lesson after she got busted the first time. She definitely is not too smart. Are we beginning to see the start of an older woman and younger man relationship? 6y

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Andrew65 How stupid is she. Already cost her her children. Unbelievable, but like @rubyslippersreads having a little difficultly with this drugs storyline but as for taking it up again.!! Rupert please save her from herself! @EadieB @jacqmac @TheBookHippie 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 Judy is a product of the 60‘s drug culture and doesn‘t see the downside of it. I never got involved with that scene. My bothers and sister did but i was probably busy reading or had friends that were not involved either. 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB never taken a single drug unless it is medicine, even then don‘t always like taking them. 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 I was never one to follow others. I always had my own mind and never smoked cigarettes like some of my friends that that was cool! My father would have killed me if he smelled cigarette smoke on me. 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB Yep I‘ve always been an independent soul. 6y

TheBookHippie Never done drugs... and I'll do all natural things possible before I do prescription. However I did love cigarettes 🤣🤣🤣I quit 22 years ago but crave the calm from them daily!!! 6y

TheBookHippie @Andrew65 it always amazes me :the parents not choosing the kids first I see it a lot in the drug world in relationship to kiddos I read with. You must as well. Why this doesn't wake them up!!!!! Ugh. She's just stupid here. 6y

Andrew65 @TheBookHippie Well done on quitting and staying quit despite the cravings! 🙌👏 6y

Andrew65 @TheBookHippie I know this drug issue and parents beggars belief and makes me 😡 (edited) 6y

TheBookHippie @Andrew65 same 🤬😡 6y

18 likes13 comments

Andrew65

The Lilac Bus: A Novel | Maeve Binchy

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Question 3 of 4

#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead #TheLilacBus

rubyslippersreads, TheWordJar, KarouBlue, HookedonBooks, Crazeedi, CarolynM, TheBookHippie, JacqMac, Reviewsbylola, Crewgurl, Tove_Reads, EadieB

JacqMac I think it‘s true during the teen years, when we have that need to become independent. I think Judy feels that way because she is immature. It‘s also why she bonds with people who are much younger. 6y

rubyslippersreads It wasn‘t true for me; I could talk to my mother about most things. 6y

EadieB I think Judy would have been a better person if she had talked with her mother more. 6y

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Andrew65 I think this says more about Judy and her relationship with her mother, I think it would very much be circumstances dependent, although at times it is easier to tell a stranger things especially if you feel you might be letting the mother down. My mother wasn‘t a very touchy deeply mother sure many things I would or could not tell her. Although possibly affected by moving 300 mikes away from home, and me not finding it easy to share. So this 👇 6y

Andrew65 Might say more about me! @EadieB @rubyslippersreads @JacqMac @TheBookHippie @Tove_Reads (edited) 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 I think a mother/daughter relationship is different. You might of shared more with you dad but since he passed away when you were little that relationship never happened. Dads would understand more about their sons. A mother/ son relationship is very different. 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB Moving away to college at 20 didn‘t help either and as met my wonderful wife there ❤️❤️❤️ didn‘t end up going back. My wife has been the only real person that has got me fully in my life, although still my communication can be lacking at times! 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 Well at least you have a wonderful wife who I‘m sure has taken good care of you. I‘m not much of a communicator either as whenever I try to explain my feelings I usually cry and that‘s very uncomfortable for me and the person trying to console me. 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB Easier in words! Yes, don‘t know where I‘d be without my wife! 6y

TheBookHippie I don't speak to mine . .....My daughter calls me everyday ❤️ 6y

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Andrew65

The Lilac Bus: A Novel | Maeve Binchy

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Question 2 of 4

#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead #TheLilacBus

rubyslippersreads, TheWordJar, KarouBlue, HookedonBooks, Crazeedi, CarolynM, TheBookHippie, JacqMac, Reviewsbylola, Crewgurl, Tove_Reads, EadieB

JacqMac I think he will be very happy if he moves home. It would be nice if he developed a relationship with Mary, but I don‘t know if it will ever be more than a brother/sister relationship. I‘d like to think they could be a happy couple. 6y

rubyslippersreads I see them more as brother and sister. 6y

EadieB I think he should move home as Mary needs his help now. I think it could develop into a nice relationship. Mickey does dream about taking care of Mary‘s children and I think he would make a nice husband for Mary. 6y

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Andrew65 Yes he should definitely go home, and not even wait for Christmas. They seem to get on really well and a relationship could develop (the romantic in me would like to think so anyway) but being his brother‘s wife particularly in Ireland could stop this moving forward. I like Mikey! @EadieB @rubyslippersreads @JacqMac @Tove_Reads @TheBookHippie (edited) 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 I agree he would be good for Mary! 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB and vice versa. 6y

TheBookHippie @rubyslippersreads me too. 6y

15 likes7 comments

Andrew65

The Lilac Bus: A Novel | Maeve Binchy

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Question 1 of 4

#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead #TheLilacBus

rubyslippersreads, TheWordJar, KarouBlue, HookedonBooks, Crazeedi, CarolynM, TheBookHippie, JacqMac, Reviewsbylola, Crewgurl, Tove_Reads, EadieB

JacqMac So selfish. It‘s one thing to leave leave your wife, but he left his children, his sick father and his business. And his wife is left to just carry everything. He‘s a jerk. 6y

rubyslippersreads What @JacqMac said. 6y

EadieB I would have to agree with @JacqMac It was definitely a selfish move. He has a sick father at home. His wife said they could talk about everything and work it out. He did have other choices. 6y

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Andrew65 What a class act he is. He left her with HIS sick father. Not to mention all the work and children. Not sure about callous, just totally selfish and self-absorbed. The worrying thing is if he came back I‘m sure at this stage she‘d take him back. Just WHY!!! @JacqMac @EadieB @rubyslippersreads @TheBookHippie @Tove_Reads (edited) 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 That‘s why she needs Mickey in her home and hopefully he will advise her not to let him come back. 6y

TheBookHippie @JacqMac I agree!!!!! Ruthless and heartless!!!!! Ugh. @andrew65 JUST WHY!!!!! And WHAT THE WHAT?!?!?? Astounding. 6y

14 likes6 comments

Andrew65

The Lilac Bus: A Novel | Maeve Binchy

I will shortly post the questions for the Mikey and Judy Chapters. I will put them under a spoiler alert so as not to spoil anyone‘s reading if they have not finished the chapters yet.

#MaeveBinchyBuddyRead #TheLilacBus

rubyslippersreads, TheWordJar, KarouBlue, HookedonBooks, Crazeedi, CarolynM, TheBookHippie, JacqMac, Reviewsbylola, Crewgurl, Tove_Reads, EadieB

47 likes

LitsyHappenings

The Lilac Bus: A Novel | Maeve Binchy

Repost for @Andrew65 :
This is the schedule for the Buddy Read of The Lilac Bus. I have deliberately kept each day‘s sections short to encourage as many people as possible to join us. All welcome!

We will discuss the chapters we have read the following day in a very open manner.

Please feel free to repost.

Andrew65 Thanks for reposting. ❤️❤️❤️ 6y

47 likes1 comment

Andrew65

The Lilac Bus: A Novel | Maeve Binchy

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Question 4 of 4

Hope you are enjoying the book, and thanks for contributing to the discussion.

#maevebinchybuddyread #TheLilacBus

rubyslippersreads, TheWordJar, KarouBlue, HookedonBooks, Crazeedi, CarolynM, TheBookHippie, JacqMac, Reviewsbylola, Crewgurl, Tove_Reads, EadieB

EadieB I like the way the chapters are presented. They give us a very good picture of each character. I also like the fact that Nancy and Dee also gave comments about each other. That gives us another side to the characters. I think Maeve Binchy is very talented at presenting her characters as being very believable people. (edited) 6y

JacqMac I love the way they are all connected to each other. Maeve is so good character development. I love the way she presents a whole town of people in her books. It‘s like a bunch of short stories but all connected enough to make a novel. It‘s brilliant. 6y

Tove_Reads I wonder how she will wrap it all up. Different characters leading their own separate lives in the city, and then they all get back to their hometown on the weekends. Nothing else seems to connect them, so I‘m waiting to see what will happen. 6y

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rubyslippersreads Fun to see how the different characters see each other. 6y

TheBookHippie I want a purple bus !!!!! I haven't read Binchy in years. It nice to visit her style and it's a book I missed reading !!! I'm liking it so far. 6y

Andrew65 Maeve Binchy always gives us a feel of small town Irish Life. As @JacqMac says her character development is always first rate! I‘m not a fan of short stories, but what she does is so different and how it all interrelated to each other. Like different layers of a story and peeling back the layers of an onion until you get to the core of the story and message. @rubyslippersreads @EadieB @Tove_Reads 👇 (edited) 6y

Andrew65 But also often showing some flaws. 6y

Andrew65 @TheBookHippie It‘s a short book but a good one. I‘ve previously read it a few years ago but can‘t remember what happens😔 We are slowly but surely working our way thorough Maeve‘s books, this is the third one we have done. I love her books and her wonderful story telling. 6y

TheBookHippie @Andrew65 I agree. I missed a couple of her books glad to get this one in! 6y

Andrew65 @TheBookHippie And we are very happy to have you with us. 😍 (edited) 6y

17 likes10 comments

Andrew65

The Lilac Bus: A Novel | Maeve Binchy

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Question 3 of 4

#maevebinchybuddyread #TheLilacBus

rubyslippersreads, TheWordJar, KarouBlue, HookedonBooks, Crazeedi, CarolynM, TheBookHippie, JacqMac, Reviewsbylola, Crewgurl, Tove_Reads, EadieB

EadieB I think his revelation to Dee was a good thing. It showed Dee how common these affairs are and how her father almost took the attitude that he was entitled to an affair because he made a decision to marry when he was young. It showed her that there really was no love involved and just a matter of entitlement. Taking time away from a young girl‘s life when she could be dating someone who would love and care for her is very wrong. (edited) 6y

JacqMac I like that he shared with her. He‘s sharing helped her to see what the relationship might mean to Sam. She needed a wake up call. 6y

TheBookHippie @JacqMac I agree!!!!! Wake up!!!!! 6y

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Andrew65 @JacqMac @TheBookHippie @EadieB Hopefully she has woken up on this and doesn‘t backslide! He did help her, but I had less respect for him given what he had done and the way he treated the girl at the end!!! 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 I think he said that to his daughter to show her how these types of relationships mean nothing to the older men. 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB Most probably. 6y

TheBookHippie @Andrew65 I hope so. So often this becomes pattern behavior 😭 6y

Andrew65 @TheBookHippie That‘s my worry. 6y

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Andrew65

The Lilac Bus: A Novel | Maeve Binchy

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Question 2 of 4

#maevebinchybuddyread #TheLilacBus

rubyslippersreads, TheWordJar, KarouBlue, HookedonBooks, Crazeedi, CarolynM, TheBookHippie, JacqMac, Reviewsbylola, Crewgurl, Tove_Reads, EadieB

EadieB I hate to see young girls get into relationships with older married men. It‘s a waste of time because the married man is never going to leave his wife. I think Dee‘s reaction to Sam‘s lies were justifiable. Sam will continue to lie to both his wife and mistress so it‘s good she called him out on his lies. He just wants to be married and have a mistress on the side and it‘s never going to go anywhere. It‘s great to see that her father supported her 6y

JacqMac I agree with @EadieB And I love how she handled his lies. 6y

rubyslippersreads Sam wants to have his cake and eat it too. 😄 6y

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TheBookHippie @rubyslippersreads seriously it's like a cliche middle aged man menopause thing 🤣 so selfish and ridiculous 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB is it young girls getting into relationships with older men or older men getting into relationships with younger women. Agree though totally wrong! The power is with the men in these relationships but loved how she turned the power table! (edited) 6y

Andrew65 @rubyslippersreads Most Definitely! 6y

Andrew65 @TheBookHippie Totally agree, what is wrong with these people. I‘m 52 but have never understood this or been inclined to do this in any way. 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 I believe the young girls are looking for men with money and the older men are just looking for sex with young girls in order to prove that they still got what it takes to attract the young girls. 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB Yes both reasons are quite sad! 6y

TheBookHippie @EadieB or a Daddy figure...but yes blech 6y

TheBookHippie @Andrew65 I've never understood it! Just no. 6y

12 likes11 comments

Andrew65

The Lilac Bus: A Novel | Maeve Binchy

This post contains spoilers

show me

Question 1 of 4

#maevebinchybuddyread #TheLilacBus

rubyslippersreads, TheWordJar, KarouBlue, HookedonBooks, Crazeedi, CarolynM, TheBookHippie, JacqMac, Reviewsbylola, Crewgurl, Tove_Reads, EadieB

EadieB I would say that Nancy was a bit too frugal. It seemed mean when she only bought enough bacon for her own lunch and didn‘t have any for her mother. It can be annoying when you live with a person who is so tight with their money so I can understand why Mairead didn‘t want to live with her anymore. Nancy would make me depressed if I had to live with her. (edited) 6y

Andrew65 Now she was exceptionally careful with her money but yes afraid to say she was more on the mean side. Will be interesting to see how her character develops and whether she‘ll become more open with her money. The message was delivered in a bad way but it could be the making of her. 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 It does seem like she is becoming more mindful of coming across as mean in the last pub scene. 6y

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JacqMac I don‘t think she‘s mean, because I don‘t think she‘s purposefully hurting other people. She‘s very selfish and self centered. Maybe things will change now that she is aware of how other people feel about her. @EadieB @Andrew65 6y

Tove_Reads The chapter was quite short and her story didn‘t give that much away. I wonder why she has to leave so suddenly now, after 3 years. (edited) 6y

rubyslippersreads Nancy reminds me of an awful reality show we had here about people who went to extraordinary (and sometimes sickening) lengths to save money. 6y

TheBookHippie I thought she was mean but not malicious . I'm with @JacqMac I don't thinks it's on purpose. I still think it's mean. Will see how it manifests! 6y

Andrew65 @TheBookHippie @JacqMac I suppose it depends on the definition of mean you are using. She isn‘t setting out to hurt others but mean in the sense of mean with her money and spending. Letting others spend it on her first. This is okay providing it isn‘t taken to the extreme as @rubyslippersreads says. 6y

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads Hopefully we‘ll find out more about her as the book progresses. 6y

TheBookHippie @Andrew65 agreed I don't think it's malicious. 6y

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Andrew65

The Lilac Bus: A Novel | Maeve Binchy

Will shortly post the first 4 questions about the book, based on the first two chapters.

I will post them under a spoiler alert so as not to spoil anyone‘s reading of the book. Please don‘t leave any spoilers about future chapters if you have read on.

#maevebinchybuddyread #TheLilacBus

rubyslippersreads, TheWordJar, KarouBlue, HookedonBooks, Crazeedi, CarolynM, TheBookHippie, JacqMac, Reviewsbylola, Crewgurl, Tove_Reads, EadieB

Crewgurl Unfortunately I‘m not feeling very well so i won‘t be reading tonight. I‘ll try to play catch up! 6y

Andrew65 @Crewgurl Hope you‘re feeling better soon. 🤒🤞They are short sections so hopefully you‘ll be able to catch up when you are feeling better. 👍 6y

JaclynW I love Maeve Binchy! Unfortunately I can't join your discussions at this time. 😔 I'm booked up to my eyeballs! 🤪 I will look forward to your review though. What is your favorite book by Maeve Binchy? 6y

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EadieB @JaclynW Circle of Friends would be my favorite book. 6y

JaclynW @EadieB I really liked that one as well! 6y

Andrew65 @JaclynW I think my favourites would include Evening Class, Scarlet Feather, Quentin (the one I first discovered her with), Nights of Rain and Stars but possibly my favourite would be

Heart and Soul

Andrew65 @EadieB This was also a good one, 6y

JaclynW @Andrew65 I will have to look these up! 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 I‘ve read Evening Class, Quentin‘s, Heart and Soul, Minding Frankie, Tara Road and a Week in Winter. Did you ever read Circle of Friends? (edited) 6y

Andrew65 @JaclynW I sometimes feel the more recent books had a lighter feel. 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB Think I‘ve now read all her books as a result of the Buddy Reads except Echoes. Circle of Friends was very good but didn‘t like one of the main characters. 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 I also found a book called Maeve‘s Times In Her Own Words some of her writings in the Irish Times. 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB Have seen it, but never read it. 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 Looks interesting! It‘s still better than no Binchy at all! 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB Oh yes! 6y

Tove_Reads I accidentally read the whole book. I didn‘t know I had bought both this one and Dublin 4, and I kept on thinking how is it possible that 200 pages just keeps on going, and I‘m only halfway through... E-books 🤣 6y

58 likes16 comments

Andrew65

The Lilac Bus: A Novel | Maeve Binchy

Have started the #MaeveBinchyBuddyRead of The Lilac Bus. Read most of the first chapter whilst waiting for new tyres to be put on the car (how much!!) & for the Chinese take away for tea. Now finished the first chapter and will read the Dee chapter later on after another Group Read commitment.
Really enjoyed the first chapter and set the scene nicely. Love these Maeve Binchy Buddy Reads. This is quite a short book, everyone welcome to join in. 😊

rubyslippersreads, TheWordJar, KarouBlue, HookedonBooks, Crazeedi, CarolynM, TheBookHippie, JacqMac, Reviewsbylola, Crewgurl, Tove_Reads, EadieB

Reviewsbylola I looked for this one at my library yesterday. 99 Maeve Binchys but this ain‘t one. 😆😆 6y

Andrew65 @Reviewsbylola Oh no! Boo! Hiss! 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 I finished the Nancy and Dee chapters last night. Will look for your questions later! 6y

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Tove_Reads Done ages ago 🙂 Have you started reading Bolton? @Andrew65 6y

rubyslippersreads I finished this morning. Looking forward to the questions. 6y

EadieB @Tove_Reads Are you doing a Bolton Buddy Read? 6y

Tove_Reads @EadieB No, but I remember Andrew talking about it. 6y

EadieB @Tove_Reads Which book? 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB we will, most probably be doing the first Bolton book in November. @Tove_Reads 6y

Tove_Reads @eadieb I think it was the Lacey series. I haven‘t gotten the Craftsman yet, but hoping to get it soon. Read all the other ones! 6y

Andrew65 @rubyslippersreads You are all well ahead of me. Now reading about Marie Antoinette‘s beheading. 6y

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads It will be the first book in the Lacey Series. Now You See Me? @eadieb (edited) 6y

Tove_Reads One of my faves! 6y

rubyslippersreads @Andrew65 What book is that? 6y

Andrew65 @rubyslippersreads @EadieB @Tove_Reads Just checked the first book in the Lacey Flint Series is

Now You See Me

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads I‘m reading it based on your recommendation. 6y

Tove_Reads Who wouldn‘t??? 🤣🤔😜 6y

EadieB @Tove_Reads @Andrew65 Read that one in 2012 but probably won‘t remember it! 6y

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads 😂😂😂🙌 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB I‘m sure you won‘t, the amount of books we read! 6y

rubyslippersreads @Andrew65 Is that the one that mentions Marie Antoinette‘s beheading? 6y

Andrew65 @rubyslippersreads That‘s in my current book that I‘m doing a Group Read of on Librarything

The Medusa Amulet

Crazeedi I didn't get this book! 😢 I'll follow along till I get 6y

Andrew65 @Crazeedi ☹️ We‘ll be here! 👍 6y

70 likes24 comments

JacqMac

The Lilac Bus: A Novel | Maeve Binchy

I‘m going in! I love the #MaeveBinchyBuddyRead I think this is the only Binchy I have never read before. Feel free to join in the fun.
@Andrew65

Andrew65 Me too! Read the first chapter and will read the 2nd chapter later tonight after another reading commitment. Would love to have others joining us. 😊👍😍 6y

40 likes1 stack add1 comment

EadieB

The Lilac Bus: A Novel | Maeve Binchy

We will discuss the chapters we have read the following day in an open manner.

All are welcome!

Please fell free to repost!

#thelilacbus #maevebinchy

Andrew65 Thanks for reposting. 😊 6y

52 likes1 stack add1 comment

Andrew65

The Lilac Bus: A Novel | Maeve Binchy

This is the schedule for the Buddy Read of The Lilac Bus. I have deliberately kept each day‘s sections short to encourage as many people as possible to join us. All welcome!

We will discuss the chapters we have read the following day in a very open manner.

Please feel free to repost.

rubyslippersreads, TheWordJar, KarouBlue, HookedonBooks, Crazeedi, CarolynM, TheBookHippie, JacqMac, MinDea, Reviewsbylola, MrBook, MrsV, Crewgurl, Tove_Reads, Melissa_J, Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks, Jess7, Avanders, TricksyTails, LitsyHappenings, EadieB

Andrew65 @BookBabe @MinDea (edited) 6y

TheBookHippie Just got in town I'll get it together and join in!!! 6y

Andrew65 @TheBookHippie Yey! Be great to have you with us. 😊👍❤️ 6y

70 likes3 comments

LitsyHappenings

The Lilac Bus: A Novel | Maeve Binchy

Repost for @Andrew65 :
The next #MaeveBinchyBuddyRead will take place from Wed 17th Oct. It will be the Lilac Bus, quite a short book, 256 Pages, so we are likely to read it over 3-4 days. There will be no formal discussions, this is a super relaxed easy read of her books, but we will have an open discussion of the section at the end of each day. Please feel free to repost this & tag me in a message @Andrew65 if you want to take part. All welcome

Andrew65 Thanks for reposting. 😍❤️ 6y

LitsyHappenings @Andrew65 💜💜 6y

Jinjer Ahhhhh I loved that book so much!!!! Enjoy!!!! 6y

55 likes3 comments

Andrew65

The Lilac Bus: A Novel | Maeve Binchy

The next #MaeveBinchyBuddyRead will take place from Wednesday 17th October. It will be the Lilac Bus, which is quite a short book, 256 Pages, so we are likely to read it over 3 or 4 days. There will be no formal discussions, this is a super relaxed easy read of her books, but we will have an open discussion of the section at the end of each day. Please feel free to repost this and tag me in a message @Andrew65 if you want to take part. All welcome

rubyslippersreads, TheWordJar, KarouBlue, Crazeedi, JacqMac, Reviewsbylola, BookBabe, MrBook, Crewgurl, Tove_Reads, Avanders, LitsyHappenings, EadieB

Andrew65 If you tag me I will tag you in any future posts about this or other Maeve Binchy Reads. We have really enjoyed the first two we have done. Come and join our party. 😊👍 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 I‘ll be at the party for sure! 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB Yey! 🎈 🎉 🎊 6y

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Crewgurl Sounds good! 6y

JacqMac Woohoo! 6y

Andrew65 @Crewgurl @JacqMac Good to have you on board 😊 6y

BookBabe 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻😁 6y

rubyslippersreads I decided to start early this time. 😊 6y

Andrew65 @rubyslippersreads 👍😊 6y

Andrew65 @BookBabe 👍😊 6y

82 likes3 stack adds10 comments

rubyslippersreads

The Lilac Bus: A Novel | Maeve Binchy

I know there is a #buddyread coming up soon, which is probably why Amazon put this ebook on sale. 😄 FYI, @Andrew65 @EadieB @JacqMac #kindledeal

EadieB @rubyslippersreads Thanks! I have an omnibus book that has 3 of her stories: The Lilac Bus, Firefly Summer and Silver Wedding. 6y

Tove_Reads This is the next Maeve buddy read? 6y

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads Yes, looking to do it in mid to late October. Much shorter book at around 230 - 240 Pages. This was the second novel she wrote. (edited) 6y

See All 11 Comments

Andrew65 @rubyslippersreads Pleased to see Amazon are tracking so closely what we are doing. I wonder if they will like your post. 😂😂😂 Thanks for this post! 6y

Tove_Reads @andrew65 👍🏽 already bought it 6y

Pamwurtzler Dang I wish Amazon would pay attention to my TBR! 😂 6y

JacqMac Ugh! Still $10.99 in Canada. I think this is the only Binchy I don‘t own, too. Kinda creepy that amazon has gone all Big Brother on you though. 😂 6y

Andrew65 @JacqMac That is expensive, equates to Qe.53 in the U.K. and is available at Qb.99 in the U.K. i picked this up from a charity shop many moons ago. 6y

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads Great to see you can join us for this one. You were missed for

Light a Penny Candle

Andrew65 @JacqMac creepy, very creepy. 😂😂 @Pamwurtzler 6y

Tove_Reads @andrew65 I‘ll be sure to join you this time! 6y

67 likes11 comments

BarbaraJean

The Lilac Bus: A Novel | Maeve Binchy

I went through a HUGE Maeve Binchy phase in college, as a result of one book discovered at a library book sale. I loved the Irish settings and couldn't get enough. I tore through a ton of her books, like they were candy, and then kind of burned out on her. I wonder how they'd hold up on a re-read? I remember this being one of my favorites. #IrishAuthors #marchintoreading

RealLifeReading

Marilyn1970 I did the exact same thing! I hope the re-read is an excellent one! 8y

LauraBrook I did the same thing too! Seeing the movie for Circle of Friends was what sparked my Binchy binge. Feeling like a reread soon myself! 8y

Prairiegirl_reading Me too!! Her more recent stuff isn't as good for sure but I certainly hope the re-reads are just as good. I definitely missed a lot of her characters after finishing multiple books. 8y

rubyslippersreads Her books are comfort books for me, especially Circle of Friends and

Light a Penny Candle

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