Book Readings

Let us read to you

Morning Book Reading

Caleb’s Crossing, by Geraldine Brooks, 2011

Reader: Dorothy Broom

Set in 1600s Massachusetts, Bethia is a clergyman’s daughter who is denied an education because of her sex. Caleb is a Native American boy who is tutored by Bethia’s father in Latin and Greek to be admitted to Harvard College, its founding charter of 1650 stipulating that it was to be a place of education for ‘English and Indian youth’. Bethia accompanies her brother and Caleb as their housekeeper, studying by overhearing their conversations, and witnessing Caleb’s ‘crossing’ into a different culture as he studies among the sons of the colonial elite.

Five episodes a week, Monday to Friday 9:30am repeated at 9:15pm

Catch up all five episodes in a row 12pm Saturday

Afternoon Book Reading

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows, published by Random House Inc. in 2008

Reader: Anne Fourlinnie

In 1946, Juliet, an English author, visits Guernsey because of a letter she receives from a local man.  While there, she decides to investigate the German occupation and comes upon a supposed reading group which, because it was allowed to meet at night, was used as cover for anti-German activities by locals who broke curfew. Judith tries to locate the whereabouts of Elizabeth, the leader of the Society, who was taken to a concentration camp in Europe.

Meanwhile, Juliet is wooed by a wealthy American living in England but is attracted to the local Guernsey man who sent her the letter.  However, she thinks the Guernsey man is in love with a woman visiting from France who was in the same camp as Elizabeth. As a reviewer said, ‘This book [is not] able to settle on a single person or plot.’  

Five episodes a week, Monday to Friday 5pm

Catch up all five episodes in a row 4:30pm Saturday

Children / Young Adult Book Reading

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, by J.K. Rowling, 1997.

Reader: Sue Farrelly

J K Rowling’s blockbuster story of the ‘boy who lived’ turned a generation of children back into readers. Harry discovers he is a wizard and this is the story of his first year at Hogwarts.

Two episodes a week, Monday 7:30pm repeated 4pm Tuesday and Wednesday 7:30pm repeated 4pm Thursday