Clare's café highlights w/c 19 March

Despite the fact he hasn't set eyes on her for twenty years, Harold decides to deliver his written reply by hand- and so he sets off on an epic walk that takes him from Devon to Berwick-upon-Tweed. The idea he holds onto as he strides out in nothing but a pair of flimsy yatching shoes is, that if he keeps walking, Queenie will hang on to life. It's a tale of perseverance, joy in the unexpected, resilience, loss and retirement. And it has to be said the eponymous hero is a bit of a novelty... how often have you picked up a book about someone over the age of 50? But the thing about this debut novel is the back story... author Rachel Joyce wrote it as a play first and she had in mind her own father who was dying of cancer. It was her way of keeping HIM going for a little while longer. In the end, Rachel's father never did see the play or read the novel but if you choose to pick up a copy there is much to think about. It's a story that reminds us how transitory and precious life is, so, Carpe Diem.

At the opposite end of the age spectrum, we invited two keen teen readers on to the Book Cafe to discuss the book behind the massively hyped movie, THE HUNGER GAMES. Written by Suzanne Collins, the novel centres on two teenagers, Katniss and Peeta, who are forced to fight to the death while the rest of their communities watch it all played out on live tv. Even Big Brother was never this bloody but there's something compelling about this story that young people are tapping into. It helps that there's a bit of a love story thrown in to the mix but eagle eyed classics lovers will spot some unexpected scholarly references.. ie the myth of Theseus (Minotaur trouble? Remember?)

Our two readers, Lara and Lucie said they'd both enjoyed the book and would be going to see the film but I was taken aback by the fact they both thought THE HUNGER GAMES would appeal to a younger readership. Frankly, I found the subject matter dark and the concept unsettling, but, hey, there you go! We should never underestimate the capacity teens have for surprising us. My 16 yr old spontaneously picked dirty clothes off her bedroom floor the other day. After I picked MYSELF off said floor, I began to fantasise- she was finally growing up and taking responsibility for her own belongings. Yeah, right! Just snuck a look at that hell hole and saw that the urban hurricane has been at it again. Looks like we'll be locked in mortal combat later if the room isn't sorted sharpish....

Tuesday's Culture Cafe started with a bit of rock n roll in the shape of Geoff Ellis - he's the man behind T in the Park, now into its 20th year. Geoff has seen them all - the great and the good from the music biz. His career began at the tiny but lovable club, King Tut's in Glasgow but festivals are his thing now. He told me about some of the stars he'd rubbed shoulders with over the years - apparently the biggest acts are the most humble! Radiohead proved particularly easy to please. At King Tut in their pre headline days, Radiohead asked Geoff where they'd be able to grab some food after rehearsals. Without missing a beat, Geoff rolled up his sleeves and disappeared into the kitchen to cobble some grub together... Spool forward a good few years and Radiohead were headlining at T in the Park. They see Geoff and tell him that they haven't forgotten his kindness so many years ago.

I could have chatted to Geoff for days - the guy's got a voice to die for (pure r and r) and he's got so many stories we could never tell live on air. But when I asked who'd impressed him most on a personal level, he shot back - Joe Strummer of The Clash. Apparently Joe had been seen wandering about the festival site one year and noticed that the sound guys were having trouble with the main stage. Grabbing the walkie talkie from one of the technicians, Joe called out to Geoff and alerted him to the problem. He didn't stop there... Joe knew a thing or two about cranking up the volume to11, so he told Geoff he might be able to fix things. He was as good as his word and helped the sound team remedy the problem. By way of repayment, Geoff Ellis agreed to help Joe publicise a bit of an ad hoc gathering outside his tent - leaflets were distributed and a brilliant night was had by all. The great and the good - viva T in the Park!