As part of the 150th anniversary of John Buchan’s birth, and 90 years since he was appointed and arrived as Governor-General of Canada, Canadian JBS member Michael Menear has initiated a JB reading group in London, Ontario. A letter of invitation providing biographical information about JB, for those not familiar with him, and the event details has been sent to members of a local book club and some others. Below are some of the basic details which can be adapted as desired locally by anyone interested in organizing a similar activity in their area. For further details contact Mr. Menear at: mmenear@WMAlawyers.com.
The London Ontario John Buchan 150 Reading Group
The books selected will be representative of Buchan’s entire oeuvre. You do not need to have been in a book club before, nor do you need to have an extensive literary background. The group is for those who believe it would be enjoyable, satisfying, and profitable to explore a variety of the readings of this delightful and inspiring polymath.
The plan is to meet at 3:00 p.m. on the last Friday of each month starting Friday, February 28, 2025, and ending on Friday, July 25, 2025. The meetings will not extend beyond 5:00 p.m. They will be held at a local restaurant in downtown London (Ontario). Participants will be supplied with the first book before the initial meeting and the next month’s book or selection of readings at each successive meeting. Each book will be provided at cost. Beverages, snacks, and sweets will be provided as well, at no cost.
We would appreciate hearing from you on or before Friday, January 24, 2025, if you are interested in joining this group. The only commitment required would be to read the assigned book each month (or as much as you can) and come prepared to express your views and join in the conversation.
Please contact Michael (mmenear@wmalawyers.com) to confirm your desire to join this group, if you want further information, or you have ideas for this venture. It is expected the group will be comprised of about ten persons. We look forward to embarking on this journey with you.
The London, Ontario curriculum is:
- February, 2025 – Biography of John Buchan (Beyond the Thirty-Nine Steps by Ursula Buchan; John Buchan by his Wife and Friends)
- March, 2025 – Buchan’s Thriller Novels ( a Hannay novel like The Thirty-Nine Steps; The Three Hostages)
- April, 2025 – Biography written by Buchan (Montrose; Sir Walter Scott)
- May, 2025 – Buchan’s Historical and Fiction Novels (Blanket of the Dark; Castle Gray)
- June, 2025 – Collection of Essays, Short Stories and Addresses (to be selected)
- July, 2025 – Canadiana (Sick Heart River; Canadian Occasions)