The Comfort Book Club / Joy in the Morning by P. G. Wodehouse

Welcome to this month's Comfort Book Club discussion! My Mum, Donna, and I are chatting about July's book club choice, 'Joy in the Morning' by P. G. Wodehouse, a wonderfully witty read that had us laughing out loud. P. G. Wodehouse is one of my favourite comic writers of classic British literature, and it was a joy to chat about this favourite Jeeves and Wooster story. 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:
Penny in the USA
Gail in the USA
Cristina in Spain
Jason in New Zealand
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LINKS:
(affiliate links used for Blackwells)

00:00 Introduction
03:13 Joy in the Morning Discussion
05:09 Penny's Message
08:07 World-Building in P G Wodehouse books
10:04 Gail's Message
10:56 Use of Language for Comic Effect
15:39 Cristina's Message
17:21 Wodehouse's Masterful Plots
21:00 Jason's Message
24:42 Outro

[MirandaMills]

Thanks for watching and reading along with us! What were your favourite quotes / scenes from Joy in the Morning? Do you find P G Wodehouse is a good world builder? (P.S. Mum and I both tested positive for COVID this morning, so I won't be able to keep up with comments as usual as will be prioritising rest and recovery over the next few days). Take care everyone and enjoy your weekend xxx

[davebonello]

(Melanie here) I love when your mum, Donna, joins you. I lost my mom several years ago (who was from England) and it warms my heart to see your mum.

[martinweir]

Miranda, I love your Mom! She’s such a sweetheart!

[giuliofish]

Although I read a lot, I actually found your channel while looking for something to cheer me up over Christmas during the second lockdown and was revived thanks to you and your lovely mum. I stayed because, even though I am mostly interested in history, with a little historical fiction thrown in, I just love listening to you two talk about books, and trying your recipes. Never in a million years did I think I would follow a book club, but actually listened along this month (some books are much improved by having a proper voice actor bring them to life, than anything I can dramatize in my poor head -- plus I am just so tired right now). Thanks for being a real bright spot to my week.

[jasonlow]

Hello Miranda, CBC day is always a red letter day for me. I woke up, made a cup of tea, and went leaping towards the television "like Lady Macbeth coming to get first hand news" from yourself and Donna about Wodehouse's Joy in the Morning. Fabulous discussion as always; I loved the themes on world building, and the link to golden age crime settings. Hearing the reveal for September's CBC choice was so exciting; what a lark reading that will be! All best wishes, Jason

[AndreaConner-jcuo]

Just watched this-I giggled with you both. Outstanding book choice and beyond delightful discussion. Listening to the two of you discuss a book is as good as the book itself. Thank you

[mariacristinabuenoasensio]

"The sense of predictability is comforting" Absolutely that is a great point, Miranda, I had never thought about that and that thought makes me understand why some novels, with not comforting plots at first sight, have been so comforting to me. Thank you not only for your recommendations and wonderful videos and discussions, but also for the amount of knowledge I am learning with you both, my dearest Miranda and Donna! I hope you are well and without symptoms 💕

[BernardDauphinais]

Hi Miranda and Donna. I'm new here but was able to obtain Joy In The Morning by mid-month and pleasurably managed to read it through. What an adventure! Finding words reduced to initial letters was unexpected, and after it had occurred a few times I wondered whether I should start keeping track of them to see if they spelled a secret message! One scene in particular had me on the floor: The ending paragraph and sentence of chapter 9. The scene was so unexpected and improbable, and written so deadpan I just roared with laughter. . . "And I was just going on to debate in my mind the idea of buying him [Edwin] some sort of a gift as a reward for his admirable behaviour, when there was a loud explosion and, turning, I saw that Wee Nooke had gone up in flames." [newpara] "It gave me quite a start." Hahahahaha! And then the very first phrase of chapter 10, "Well, everybody enjoys a good fire, ..." I couldn't stop laughing and I'm laughing again writing this. Thanks so much for the book recommendation, I can't wait to read more P.G. Wodehouse. I'd gladly take suggestions from anyone as to what my second read of his should be.

[shonnarobertson]

My copy of Joy in the Morning arrived from Blackwells only yesterday (it took the slow boat to Australia, as I ordered it two months ago 🤣🚢), but I have read it before so spoilers are no problem. I first read Wodehouse when visiting my Nanna as a teenager, along with other wonderful books like Miss Buncle! These stories are full of fun and laughter, and the perfect antidote to a stressful week. I also listen to the audio books a lot, I listen to the Stephen Fry audio books. I’m now on a mission to rebuild my collection of Wodehouse hard copies to match the collection I have on audio, Jeeves and Wooster will always be a huge favourite. Okay, off to make a cup of tea and settle in with Joy in the Morning.

[bettymaugeri]

A enjoyable book discussion with you and your Mom!

[imsathyasekar]

Such fun!! Wodehouse is always a joy, any time of the day! And I so agree with your comparison with Georgette Heyer. I find them very similar in the sense of how we approach their books. While the plots are fun, it's really the language, the dialogues and the pervasive humour that make them sublime

[Bonnie-gczu]

This book was an absolute hoot! Thank you for the recommendation, and for the laughter-filled discussion. I'm loving "Father" (the book, not the character), and have ordered "The Lark."

[belindariffenburg]

Oooh….champagne truffles sounds delicious!!

[martialiafiles]

I have been gathering Wodehouse books with the intent to read them in order, but when you gave the encouragement to read Joy in the Morning I leapt. What a delight it has been. We need laughter, and that feeling of familiarity that somehow accompanies one into Wodehouse's world. What a joy! Please take care of one another, and I wish you both a speedy recovery.

[treasureislandcrafts]

When I saw the title of this video I expected to see a group rereading Betty Smith's charming 1963 novel of the same name. To my surprise, you were all reading a book by another of my favorites, P. G. Wodehouse. Both books are delightful in their own way. I plan to read each one again with pleasure. Thank you.

[bobbirubinstein]

Enjoyed this discussion immensely. It was my first participation. It's such a pleasant interlude spending time with you two. I was knitting and drinking tea, iced as it's hot here in Los Angeles. Wodehouse is a favorite of mine. Please take care of yourselves!

[ginamarie]

Hello Miranda and Donna. I am sending you well wishes for a speedy recovery. I hope that your symptoms are mild. If appropriate, ask about the antiviral treatment, as it worked very well for my father.

Someone once criticized my enjoyment of the Jeeves books... Can you imagine? I find them to be very engaging, entertaining, and clever. Great selection!

[penny]

Praying for a quick recovery for both of you! I think P G Wodehouse is an excellent world builder. I loved every scene in the book. I had never read his work before. Thank you for introducing me to wonderful authors and amazing literature.💕

[sally-ts]

A perfect frothy read for the hot weather. They really are like a glass of champagne. So sparkling and dry. Loved this Wodehouse. I've just finished Father. I read it over two days, staying up until 2am! I couldn't put it down. Just brilliant. I keep meaning to tell you about the Kate Shackleton Mysteries by Frances Brody. They're set in North Yorkshire. I love them. Was so sorry to hear about Covid. I do hope you and your Mum brush it off quickly and feel better very soon.

[stacyharrell-mathers]

Loved the book, thanks so much for the delightful commentary. I laugh along with you girls as if I'm sitting in the room. Wodehouse is brilliant. Thanks for the fun and can't wait for the next book. 🕊🦋💐