The Comfort Book Club / Goodbye, Mr Chips by James Hilton
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- Опубликовано: 23 сен 2023
- Welcome to September's Comfort Book Club discussion! My Mum, Donna, and I are chatting about this month's book club choice, 'Goodbye Mr Chips' by James Hilton, a poignant book about a retired teacher, written in the wake of WW1. There are spoilers in this chat, as we're assuming you have read the book if you watch. Special thanks to the readers who sent voice messages for this video, which were included in our discussion: Laura, Monica, Cristina and Marie.
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LINKS:
(affiliate links used for Blackwells)
Walnut Cake with Pink Icing Recipe: mirandasnotebook.com/blog/wal...
Goodbye Mr Chips by James Hilton: blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/pro...
Marple by assorted writers: blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/pro...
Goodbye Mr Chips 2002 film: www.imdb.com/title/tt0327804/
BLACKWELLS: If you order a book from Blackwells using one of my affiliate links, I may make a small commission from your purchase, at no additional cost to yourself. I like to support Blackwells by linking to their website, as I’m a big fan of their flagship Oxford bookshop, and they offer reasonable overseas shipping. You in turn support my work by shopping through my affiliate link. Thank you! 
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Have prayed for a book club that met my reading tastes and need to talk about books and connect emotionally with like-minded readers.
Yours does all with each comment from all book club members. I love it! My horizons are expanded. You all make my day.
I relisten to each club meeting multiple times,
or whenever I need a lift of spirit. Thank you all!
I encourage anyone who had a “Mr. Chips” in their life to write a letter to them, expressing their thanks. I had some wonderful and inspiring teachers but with the exception of one teacher, the others have passed away. So contact them before it’s too late.
p.s. That cake looks fabulous!
I remember seeing the movie and now I have read the book. I am thinking of getting the book for my husband for Christmas. I worked in schools 30 years mostly teaching art and Native American studies. I always wanted to make the kids feel valued and loved and to have a safe place. So many wonderful memories. Thanks for the book choice.
Not only do I love this book, I love the physical copy that I own. It is a 1941 edition that sat on my parents bookshelf when I was a child. I picked it up one day and started reading it and my Mom told me I could have it. I have taken it with me to every home I have lived in and feel my parents presence and love whenever I see it on my bookshelf.
With this most recent read I found my self reflecting about how much the messages in the book have influenced how I have lived my life and it has sort of become my "True North", especially during those times when life becomes uncertain, a bit bumpy or I feel out of sync with this fast paced, self promoting world.
This discussion was such a beautiful and touching tribute to a favorite novel, it brought tears to my eyes. Thank you so much!💕 (Will definitely be making your walnut cake, thank you for the recipe!)
How wonderful that this is such a meaningful book to you, Nancy! Loved reading your comment ❤️
Hi Miranda and Donna! I enjoyed this discussion. I would have probably never read this book and I'm so glad I did. I just want to talk about being part of a book club....and how it gives one so much more insight into a book, and is such an incredible experience for me. I live rurally in the States (Virginia) and am unable to find a book club (plus wintry seasons I like to stay home more), so having this is such a gift for me.
I closed this book with my own thoughts and ideas but to hear yours (and perhaps people that comment here) enriches my experience of the book (story) so much more!
I'm already reading Marple. I LOVE Miss Marple and so happy to have MORE stories with her!!
I would love to try your delicious cake and tea..however, I made myself some creamy Matcha with some chocolate and almonds (well, it will have to do). Thank you so much for this book club. It makes such a positive difference in my life. Thank you!
So lovely to read your comment, and I'm so happy you're enjoying the Comfort Book Club! It's wonderful to have you reading along with us ❤️ 📚
Good Morning to both you and your mum, Miranda. It's really quite a wonderful surprise, and it's certainly always a pleasant surprise for me to see a new video from you. I enjoyed your video very much. Your presentations are always lovely ... and they add a bit of "peacefulness" to my day.
Your cake looks delicious!
It's such a lovely lovely book. I've had this book for years. My mother gave this to me for my birthday 40 or so years ago. I love it every time I read it. My copy is old and has yellowed pages and so special to me. I was thrilled when you picked it for the bookclub. Thank you ladies, it was a great discussion. My very best wishes to you both. 💐📚🤗💕
How wonderful the book was a gift from your mother, which you still have, Diane! ❤️
Miranda and Donna, Thank you, and Have a great Sunday!
Can't thank you enough for motivating me to read this book, finally, at my advanced age. The author managed to condense so much value, wisdom even, into this small book. Ageless. So much that also applies to nursing as well as teaching. It can't be taught; you have to have certain qualities to make a positive difference in someone else's life. It isn't until, on those rare occasions, that someone shares that with you, that you know you are/were in the right profession.
So glad you enjoyed it, Judith! ❤️
Thank you Miranda, l loved your discussion on Goodbye Mr Chip. Mr Chip was a beautiful soul, his wife draw out his soft side and the boys draw out his decency and compassion. Beautiful book, l have never read before, thank you so much for sharing your love of books. My husband and l watched the film after your discussion. It was beautiful, brilliant and loving memories l rang my Elderly aunt in America after. We had a long chat, and l listened to her many memories. Much love to you and your Mum. 🍰☕️🍦💛🇬🇧
So lovely to read your comment! I'm very pleased you enjoy the book and film so much ❤️
What a lovely read this was. Like Marie, I had seen the older movie years ago and liked it, but had somehow never read the book (which is unusual for me). Teachers really do have an impact on people's lives- my best friend and I were helped and encouraged by our fourth grade teacher, and for years we used to come back to her classroom after school had ended and visit with her. Thank you to both of you for choosing this book. I really enjoyed both the book and the discussion.
I'm so glad you enjoyed the book and discussion, and that it brought back memories of teacher who was special to you! ❤️
Good morning…as with you, Donna, I reread this book after many years and was rewarded with so much more feelings and understanding. It amazes me that such a short story can touch on so many emotions. Living in the US with much emphasis placed on standardized testing in education, I do believe teaching values is so much more important. I fondly remember several of my teachers ( 50 years on ) and their impact. This was a lovely and meaningful discussion of a way of life gone by. Thank you Miranda 🍂
So glad you enjoyed it, Glenda! I agree that for a small book, it contains so much ❤️
I was so moved by this book. I read it all in a day. It felt both ancient but eternal in its themes. Most true greatness lies closer to us than we realize. Thanks for recommending it. You have truly reignited my passion for reading. Books like this keep those fires burning.
I'm so happy to read that! And really glad you enjoyed the book so much ❤️
Hi Miranda, love it when you said, .." You can make a real difference by just being kind ". Its true that some teachers stay in your thoughts always.
I did enjoy hearing the discussion and views from other readers. Thank you Miranda and Donna.❤
So glad you enjoyed it, thank you ❤️
I did for once read the book ahead of the book club video! And watched the DVD straight after reading the novel. I liked the argument between the modernists and the classicists in what and how subjects should be taught. Trying to make a curriculum more upbeat and close to the market and what our modern world needs in terms of skills in an old debate, and makes the book very relevant to read today. I was deeply touched by the scene when Mr Chips teaches while the village is being bombed, the spirit of resilience and the importance of a classical education! Great little book which I will reread. Thank you for recommending it!
So lovely to read your thoughts! I'm so glad you were able to read along with us this month ❤️
I've loved this book so much. I cried the ugly cry in the end. Oh Mr Chips, I hope you're teaching Latin wherever you are. Thank you Miranda for your wonderful vlogs and videos. I enjoy each one of them but especially those with your mum. Hugs!
I’m so happy you enjoyed the book and the CBC video too! Thank you so much for your very kind support! I so appreciate it❤️📚🌸
Miranda and Donna,
So glad I found your channel. I’ve enjoyed being exposed to new wonderful books. I’m thoroughly enjoying, Year of Wonder, which I had no idea that such a book existed. Your discussions, bakes, travel adventures, British persona, and true love of books without stuffiness are all a joy! I so look forward to your postings.
Thank you
Janise
Thank you very much, Janise! I'm so glad you're enjoying A Year of Wonderful ❤️
There are a few channels I prioritise watching every single video that is published. Yours is in the lead position. Thank you for every single video, Miranda!
How lovely! Thank you so much ❤️
Loved Goodbye, Mr. Chips and the video. Thanks!
So glad you enjoyed it! Thank you very much indeed for your very kind support - I so appreciate it ❤️
So looking forward to your extra video on Tuesday!
I really enjoyed this months read. It was new to me and I am so happy for your recommendation. Off to watch the adaptation 😊 Happy Sunday!
So glad you enjoyed it, Kami! ❤️
Thank you so much for a fun and interesting video
You lovely ladies look like sisters! So fabulous !
Love your channel and the books you have chosen. My must read stack has become very high ! Thankfully the rainy season has started so it’s a great excuse to stay indoors without feeling guilty. Lol
As Cristina said in her recording, this book is such a gem. A perfect read for the "back to school season", so autumnal and bittersweet. There were so many moving moments, including the one you mentioned when Mr Chips reads the name of his former students who died in the War. It's going to be one of those books I need to reread from time to time!
I agree - it's book that I'll reread as well! So glad you enjoyed it too! xxx
Your cake looks delicious, and I thoroughly enjoyed the CBC discussion today…I want to turn right around and reread it, even though I just finished it at the end of August!! I often turn to books published in England for the beautiful covers, but although the English version is very pretty, I did purchase the US version of Marple with the red roses last year, so I’m all ready for next month. See you then!🩷🌹🩷
I'm so glad you enjoyed the book so much! And that's great you're all set for the October read - that US cover is gorgeous!! xxx
Goodbye Mr. chips is part of our curriculum as part of high school national exams. I remember hating the story then cz as a 13/14 year old its hard to understand the complexities behind the story of mr. Chips. Hearing this discussion is very soothing as well as nostalgic in a positive way. This is my first time finding your channel and hearing your book club discussion. You both are amazing and I love the way you discussed this book. Thank you for this amazing video. ❤
Welcome! I'm so glad you found my channel, and I'm delighted your enjoyed this book club discussion. Thank you for your lovely comment 😊 ❤️
I thought it was a touching book as well. Your cake looks delicious--I'm gonna put that on my list. Thanks ladies!
I love watching this I think I saw the tv series 2002 one but can’t remember I never knew it was a book but now after watching really want to read it I love you video of the comfort book club talks some book I never come by before. Thank you Miranda and Donna .😊
Dear Miranda and Donna,
I loved Good bye Mr. Chips a lot even though it made my eyes a little watery a few times. My mother read this book in school in the early sixties in her English lessons (in Germany) and she had loved it too. It sparked an interesting conversation. Thank you so much! I'm glad that you are feeling better now, Miranda, and I'm happily awaiting Tuesday's extra treat in form of another video!!! Have a lovely week!❤
How wonderful this book sparked an interesting conversation with your own mum, Inga! I'm so happy you enjoyed reading it ❤️
I agree, many of today memories are very hard read and not much humor. I understand that life can be hard, very hard but …Personally I do not like to read just all horrible and sad. A memoir needs a little humor to makes it more believable at least I think so. Thank u Donna and Miranda.
Thank you Miranda and Donna for another great Comfort Book Club choice. I really enjoyed reading Goodbye Mr Chips and the discussion here. I can't believe we are now moving on to the October book - this year is flying by. 📚♥
Thank you, Teresa! So glad you enjoyed the discussion. I can't believe how quickly time is flying either! xxx
I could always use an extra dose of you and your mom Miranda.I really enjoyed Mr chips and am looking forward to next months book selection.Thank you for everything thing you do
I'm so glad! Thank you for your very kind words ❤️
Hello Miranda & Donna, no matter our age, I think September still retains that back to school feeling as the nights start to draw in and the leaves are turning. This has been the perfect time to read Goodbye Mr Chips and to share such a lovely story. Best wishes to you both.
So true, Marie! That back-to-school feeling always lingers in the air! xxx
Thank you for choosing this book! I had never heard of it and just finished it today, what a delight!
So glad to have finally read this book. Adored it! Thank you!
Thank you Donna and Miranda for this book recommendation. I had never read this book before and thoroughly enjoyed this read. This book will become a part of my permanent book collection. ❤
Wonderful!
Thanks for this splendid discussion of Goodbye Mr. Chips. I very much enjoyed rereading Mr Chips. It's certainly been a long time between readings but it has lost none of its charm. It is a gentle story, yet doesn't shy away from death, both with Mr. Chip's own great loss, and the loss of so many young lads in the World War I. Catherine was a wonderful character who changed 'Chips' in a good way, her early death did not in any way lessen her impact in the book. Goodbye Mr. Chips was an inspired choice for The Comfort Book Club, thank you.
So glad you enjoyed reading it along with us, Karen! ❤️
What an endearing read! And, like you said, it’s such an incredible story in such a slim book which does also say a lot about the author. Sadly, I didn’t have even one teacher growing up that was anything like Mr. Chips and this story really made me wish I had! Thank you so much to both you and Donna and I hope you both have a lovely weekend. I’m definitely going to make the walnut cake with the pink icing! 💖
Thank you, Rhonda! Hope you enjoy the cake if you give it a go! xxx
A great read so love Goodbye Mr Chips. It brings out lots of emotions of the life of an ordinary man who gave kindness to so many. Thank you Miranda & Donna 🏴
The pink icing!! Oh my heart💗🥰This was a wonderful read. I had an older version and had to look up a few words (I'm American) and locations to stay in context and for imagery. Of course, I cried throughout the book. It really pulled the heartstrings. I also liked that it only took a few hours to reach yet it's very impactful.
Lovely looking cake! ❤️
I am so glad you suggested this book for the comfort club, I have loved the 1939 version of the movie with Robert Donat and Greer Garson for years. And the book is even better, I loved it! Most touching to me are his thoughts that we get on each old boy as they visit, also of course the loving relationship between Chips and Kathy. Another great part was the headmaster who wanted to fire Chips for being old fashioned and the little boy who was outside and heard the whole thing. Not only did the whole school stand behind Chips but all the old boys (a lot of whom had inherited titles and gone on to important positions,) also stood behind him. The headmaster had to back off and accept a new position as quickly as he could find one. The power of kindness and support of a teacher just touches your heart.
I'm so glad you enjoyed the book, Sherri! Thank you for sharing your thoughts - I really enjoyed reading them! xxx
thank you @@MirandaMills
Many thanks, Miranda and Donna, for, yet, another great discussion!! I enjoyed reading this novel but was very glad it is so slim. Had it been a longer text, the underlying poignancy would have been altogether too much for me. Sadness aside, Goodbye, Mr. Chips is a thought provoking study on shining wherever you are placed on earth. I enjoyed all the voice message comments too! I loved Cristina's list, Laura's insight into being a hero without being heroic and Monica's ode to teaching. Marie, this is what I love about the CBC. We read lovely books that it would be a shame to go through life without reading.
Jason, I hope all is well with you.
Thank you so much for your very kind support, Faith! I so appreciate it, and I'm really glad you enjoyed Mr Chips ❤️
Thanks, Miranda and Donna. I was a bit slow off the mark and didn't have the book in time to read it. I saw the Peter O'Toole movie when I was very young though I can't say I remember much of it. I watched most of the series with Roy Marsden as Mr Chips recently but it failed to mention the bit about the detective stories, which notion amuses me. Anyway, book coming my way soon. Looking forward to it. Meredith
Hope you'll enjoy the book, Meredith!
Miranda, you have really reinvigorated my interest in reading! I value your vlogs so much.
I'm so glad! ❤️
Thank you, I so enjoyed your discussion. I thought I had read this gem of a book, but I must have just seen the old black and white film. I found the story so truly comforting, Mr Chips is living such a fulfilled old age.
Thank you, Donna and Miranda!
Thanks so much for your kind support, Christina! It’s much appreciated 🩷
Thanks!
Thank you very much indeed for the wonderful support!! I so appreciate it ❤️
Thanks so much for suggesting this book. I am a retired teacher, and I treasure my memories of over 30 years in an elementary school classroom. Have you read GOOD MORNING, MISS DOVE by Frances Gray Patton? It was published in 1947, and even though her teaching methods are very different from Mr. Chips, she is much loved and respected by her many students. Thanks again for the wonderful discussion between you and your mom. Have a good week!
Thank you so much for your support, Carol! It's so kind of you, and I really appreciate it! So lovely to read your comment too - I haven't read the book you recommend, but will have to try to find a copy! Enjoy your week too ❤️
All I know of ‘Goodbye, Mr. Chips’ is the movie adaptation with Greer Garson.
I love that movie, with Robert Donat.
For me it's Petula Clark and Peter O'Toole.
Hello lovely ladies and members of the comfort book club. I didn’t have a chance yet to read the book, but I will read it soon. And from Christina’s message, it sounds like it would be a perfect gift for my daughter in law who is an elementary school reading teacher. And I love your comment Miranda on celebrating an ordinary life. Listening to all the wonderful comments from you and Donna and the CBC members had me reaching for tissues without having yet read a word. I think this is most likely going to become a favorite of all time book for me. Have a wonderful week 💕
Hope you do enjoy it when you read it, Sandy! I think it's a marvelous book!
loved this comfort book club video; I added this book to my tbr! I also really ejoyed that you two took some more time to discuss among yourselfs about the book. I enjoy the voicemessages but I like them better when they are give more context by your guys. I liked this proportionally better
A lovely review and I have not read or have seen the movie. It is now on my wish list and that cake looks amazing. Thank you for sharing the recipe with us. Wishing you both a wonderful day from Southern California.
Fabulous! Great read for all times but especially now. The recipe looks marvelous - delicious! Thank you for your videos!
Thanks
Thank you very much for your support, Sharlene! It's much appreciated ❤️
This book was a real treat, and I’m so happy that you recommended it. One of the joys of being in this book club is listening to and reading other people’s take on the book.
The cake looks beautiful dressed in pink by the way. I’ll be recreating it.😊
Have a lovely week ahead.
Thank you so much, Valentina! I hope you enjoy the cake if you give it a go ❤️ 😊
@@MirandaMills making for a friend on Saturday 😉
Oh I missed this as I was stuck in a traffic jam on a Sunday with people trying to go to a Rugby match 🎉 down here. I do love rugby before people throw rotten tomatoes in my direction so I will be back ! I really enjoyed Christina s summary.
Don't worry -the video isn't live, it's pre-recorded, so there's nothing to miss! It's uploaded at 4pm on Sundays like the other videos xxx
True ! Hopefully I will have a moment to watch it in the coming days however I did manage to print out your recipe of Mr Chips’ walnut cake and pink icing 🧁 :) thank you
Hi Miranda and Donna, I have enjoyed this mornings book club. Unfortunately my book of 'Goodbye Mr Chips' has not arrived but I am looking forward to reading it when it finally does arrive. At the moment I am reading 'Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe'. When I was a child it was the first book I read that made me cry:) I am glad that you are feeling better Miranda:)
I so love your book club. You and your mother are delightful and inspire me to read more. I just got Marple and can’t wait for the Comfort Club book club in October.
Wonderful! So glad you'll be reading along with us!
I was so surprised, when I bought the book a couple of months ago, how slim a volume it is yet James Hilton said everything that needed to be said to make a beautiful story which tugged at the heartstrings. I loved it and could not put it down. I shall certainly be reading it again. Loved the discussion too and the walnut cake looked delicious! Thank you.
Thank you, Elizabeth! So glad you enjoyed the book and the discussion! ❤️
Wonderful discussion!
What a wonderful read. A book of many layers. I love books of reflection. Thank you for introducing me to it. I have seen the film many years ago, but it had faded in my mind.💜
So glad you enjoyed the book, Gill! I agree -there are so many layers to this story! ❤️
A very special book which reminded me very much of the ending quote in Middlemarch which while describing Dorothea could indeed be said about Mr Chips. "But the effect of her being on those around her was incalculably diffusive: for the growing good of the world is partly dependent on unhistoric acts; and that things are not so ill with you and me as they might have been is half owing to the number who lived faithfully a hidden life, and rest in unvisited tombs. Thank you Miranda and Donna for introducing me to this wonderful book and also for your lovely discussion which is really very interesting. Sending you both my very best wishes from Scotland.
Coincidentally, one of my current reads, 'The Farmer's Wife' by Helen Rebanks, has that same Middlemarch quote at the start of the book! Just shows I tend to gravitate towards books with similar themes! It's a lovely quote, and I'm so glad that you enjoyed Mr Chips! ❤️
@@MirandaMills Thank you for the mention of the book 'The Farmer's Wife' by Helen Rebanks. I just read a sample of it online and it is so well written and looks very interesting. I am very tempted to buy it! I also saw the Middlemarch quote at the start of the book!
I did not get to read “Goodbye, Mr. Chips” for this month’s book club selection - it is on my list to read in the near future albeit a little late. The cake is a masterpiece! Enjoy!
Very nice Video!!Thank you
I loved your blog post and this blog so much! I must make the walnut cake. I loved Mr. Chips.
Also thank you for the introduction of muphy sketches. I ordered the book!
So glad you enjoyed it, thank you! Hope you have fun making the cake, and I'm so glad you liked the look of the Murphy's Sketches book too! xx
Thank you for choosing this beautiful book! I, too, wondered why I'd never read it before. I'm a former teacher myself, and I found much in Mr Chips that resonated with me. Donna used the perfect word to describe the writing: exquisite. It's interesting that you mentioned The Fortnight in September. I re-read that book earlier in the month. It's a book whose world I don't want to leave, and Goodbye Mr Chips was the perfect book to read after it. I really have to thank you, Miranda, for this channel and for introducing me to some books and authors that have become favorites. Many thanks to you and to your lovely mother. Oh, and I was delighted this morning, when I opened your email, to see the walnut cake with pink icing! Perfect.
I'm so glad you enjoyed reading along with us, Cheryl! Thank you for your lovely comment ❤️