COMMENTS

26 responses to “Senior Planet Book Club: All The Lonely People by Mike Gayle”

1. I thought the revelation that Rose had been dead for five years and Hubert had made up three imaginary friends to placate her was an odd turn of events. Most of the book is told from Hubert’s viewpoint. This revelation seems to detract from his credibility.

   I am glad I read the book. There is a sense of humor and a spirit of not giving up, despite all the setbacks over a lifetime, that I will remember.

   Reply to John Schwemberger

2. I think to much time was spent in our discussion on one aspect instead of all the elements of the book as someone else had mentioned on the call. It is also difficult I think to cover a complete book in one, 1 hour meeting. Should we consider meeting after each assignment and discuss the chapters read? Just a suggestion.

   Reply to Sharyn

3. Looking forward to tomorrow’s discussion!
   Found this useful book club discussion.
   Best part is the interview with the author, Mike Gayle.
   https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/ALL-THE-LONELY-PEOPLE-Enhanced-RGG.pdf

   Reply to Bernadette Session

   1. Thank u for sharing this link-So enjoyed book and these insights! Mary Gilchrist

      Reply to Mary Gilchrist

4. I gave up midway through and skipped to the ending.

   Reply to Kathleen Larkins

5. I’m so disappointed that I will not be able to attend this week’s discussion on “All the Lonely People.” That time (4:30) is never good for me as it is dinner prep and eating time.

   I enjoyed this book almost right up until the ending, which left me flat. Given his age, I expected that the main character would die but the other characters talking about him after he died was just a let down. I also hoped that he would get back with his son before the end, which I guess was too optimistic.

   Reply to Mary

   1. Mary, I had similar reactions to the book with regard to Hubert’s passing and the lost connection with his son. There was one part in the book where Jan expresses sentiment about the emergency sirens and how it is even more terrible when the victim to a young person who hasn’t had a chance to live a long life. It crossed my mind that it was a reference to David’s declining situation.

      Reply to MMenzer

6. This book was very insightful. I really enjoyed “reading “ it on Libby and it was a great pick for the bookclub. I related to so much of it, but everyone can relate to the universal themes of the book. Since Covid, I have to force myself to launch into the world again.
   I highly recommend the audiobook, because the dialogue and the accents are spot on.

   Reply to marianne beach

7. This was a great book. Very interesting following the habits of Hubert and his interactions with others and how they affected his life. I am not used to men being as tuned into the need for this, (as Hubert was not either), although many develop comraderie on their own. It did make me think of the isolation of covid and also the isolation I am now facing with some serious health issues. The settings of UK and island life added color to the story. Even introverts need socialization.

   Reply to Julie

8. The unfolding of events that connect people to people is so well demonstrated through Hugo that it has reminded me to open up and collect interesting people as well!

   Reply to Penny S

9. I am really enjoying this book. I didn’t think I would like it because of the flipping back and forth from past to present. But I’m so interested in learning about the characters that it really doesn’t matter. I love the love story of Hubert and Joyce and also the friendship between Hubert and Ashleigh. I really love how Hubert is coming out of his shell and making new friends. That’s a lesson that all of us can learn in this post-pandemic times.

   Reply to Mary Baney

   1. Mary Baney you must be a mind reader as I was going to post the same sentiments. Once in the rhythm of back and forth my concentration was better. Looking forward to group discussion.

      Reply to Kathy (kacks) Johnson

10. Oh my gosh! I love this book! The writing style is so perfect. The history of their relationship is so touching. I am a solitary 77 year old woman who lives alone. All my family is dead. Only 2 people have been in my home in 16 years. I have no car. I live so isolated and made up stuff for an email friend, to sound not so isolated. This book is making me rethink my isolation.

    Reply to Lin Nicholson

    1. So many online groups to join, like this one, to introduce you to more human contact. I have friends who have an online bridge club, others started an alumni club from high school or college. Many universities offer interactive classes to anyone. Don’t give up. You don’t have to be alone

       Reply to Kish

11. Huberts current isolation reminds me of what has happened to many of us in the Covid years. When friends have passed on, moved, or family is long distance its easy to just accept being alone and become comfortable with it. It takes a lot of energy / effort to make new friends and you can forget how friends can enrich your life. I wonder how his past leaving his family / country which was difficult and dealing with racism in a new country impact his trust level with people in the current time.

    Reply to Sharyn

12. Excellent choice. The audio book is most enjoyable; the accents make it!

    Reply to Bernadette Session

    1. Hubert’s accent is charming, but it probably didn’t help him socially or professionally. Joyce and Ashleigh seem like the rare kind of people who can see past something like that. Also, it is a little surprising that Hubert maintained his accent intact for so many years.

       Reply to Jennifer Hale

13. I just borrowed the audio version from Libby. I listened to the five minute sample and the narrations seems quite good. I’ve been on an audio kick lately. I find it very relaxing to sit and listen, especially right before bed. I am intrigued by this book and am looking forward to reading and sharing.

    Reply to Mary Lou Wachsmith

    1. Hi Mary! We’re glad you were able to obtain the book. We look forward to hearing your thoughts about the weekly readings.

       Reply to Nicole Alcime

14. I read “All the Lonely People” in 2022 for another book club. It was my favorite book that year.

    Reply to Gina Gruia

    1. Gina, I too read this book previously with another book club and am looking forward to getting the perspective from readers my own age. I think I’ll listen to an audio version to refresh the details.

       Reply to Cleta Bradwell

15. Can you tell me the date of the February book discussion? Is it always the last Thursday of the month? My library does not have the book, and I want to make sure I can attend the discussion before I buy the book.

    Reply to Liene

    1. Hi Liene! Our monthly Zoom book club discussion takes place on Thursdays. It is not always the last Thursday of the month. February’s discussion will take place on Thursday, February 29th.

       Reply to Nicole Alcime

16. I just ordered the book from Amazon. I’m 77 and think I NEED to read this book because I’ve kind of been socially isolated since retirement. I find myself in a rut!

    Reply to Linda D Nicholson

    1. Linda, I’m 79 and retired for ten years. Through turn of events aside from the pandemic I’m a bit isolated and with a compromised immune system. I have found like you and me we are part of a large group. Book club is just one thing that chips away at that isolation. This is a great book as food for thought. I’m enjoying it and looking forward to discussion.

       Reply to Kathy (kacks) Johnson

       1. ZOOM and AARP are a godsend to people like us who can’t get out much. In addition to attending every online book club I can find, I “attend” online exercise classes at least 5 times a week, go on virtual tours, and have heard too many fascinating lectures to count. It doesn’t replace being in a group in person, but it keeps my mind and body active.
          I can see that Hubert is not headed in that direction…