Dec book meeting?

Hey Ladies,

can we do this meeting after christmas? like maybe 29th or 30th. I'd like to do it earlier in the day for us, so Miranda can definately join us. leave comments on what works best for you.

PS> I'm nowhere near chapeter 32!!

lets go to chapter 32 if we can- thats the perfect breaking point

gone with the wind

hi ladies,

Its time for Gone With the Wind, by Margaret Mitchell.

Summary: Widely considered The Great American Novel, Gone With the Wind explores the depth of human passions with an intensity as bold as its setting in the red hills of Georgia. A superb piece of storytelling, it vividly depicts the drama of the Civil War and Reconstruction.

This Pulitzer Prize-winning story is the tale of Scarlett O'Hara, the spoiled, manipulative daughter of a wealthy plantation owner, who arrives at young womanhood just in time to see the Civil War forever change her way of life. A sweeping story of tangled passion and courage, in the pages of Gone With the Wind, Margaret Mitchell brings to life the unforgettable characters that have captured readers for more than seventy years.

Discussion Questions:

For those of you short on time, there are a lot of pages of description of Georgia and the Civil War- you can skim over these if you are rushed. But if you have time, I would encourage you to read the entire thing.

1. How does Gerald O'Hara fit in society on Northern Georgia as opposed to Savannah?

2. What is the difference in education between Ashley Wilkes and the Tarleton twins? How does this affect their position in the community?

3. Why doesn't Scarlett befriend other girls? As a young woman, whom does she show general affection and why?

4. Why is Ellen so special to Scarlett? Is there anyone else Scarlett admires to the same degree?

5. After overhearing her declaration of love to Ashley, Rhett Butler tells Scarlett "you, Miss, are no lady". Is this the very reason he's drawn to her? What is it about Scarlett that instantly attracts Rhett's eye? Conversely, Aunt Pitty believes Rhett could be a gentleman if only he respected women. Do you agree? Are there any women he does respect? Why them as opposed to others?

6. Why is there a jump in time from Charles's introduction to his death? Were you at all surprised at Scarlett's reaction to widowhood?

8. the many complicated issues of race in this novel. Mammy and Pork consider themselves a higher status than those who work in the field. Why do they believe this? Do they also consider themselves better than "po whites" like the Slatterys?

9. Why does Scarlett love Atlanta so much? How do her feelings differ toward Tara?

10. Most of her fellow Southerners will do anything for "The Cause," and yet Scarlett admits to herself it means "nothing at all to her". Is she being selfish or merely honest? Does her opinion change throughout the novel? And if she doesn't care about The Cause, why does she still hate "Yankees" so much?

11. Who is the better man- Rhett or Ashley?

12. Considering he knows of her love, why does Ashley ask Scarlett to look after his wife, Melanie, while he's at war? Is this fair to ask? Why does Scarlett agree to it?

The Big Day...Tomorrow!

So it looks like we will be holding our discussion group tomorrow at 4 pm Central, 3 pm Mountain time, and sorry Mirand I just can't figure out what time that would be for you.

So I am nervous to be hosting I am trying to figure out the whole skype thing today so I hope everything goes smoothly. If not, my apologies.

I couldn't find any discussion questions online so I just jotted some down as I read and I hope you will add any you might have to this list as well:

1.) What was your favorite and least favorite part of the book?

2.) What were your feelings on the mix of action and biographical flashbacks?

3.)How did you feel about the LDS culture woven into the book?

4.)This book is often criticized for it's "amateur" writing style, what is your response?

5.)How much do you think of the story had a factual basis?

6.) Do you think this book would have been better written by someone without obligation to not disclose sensitive information?

7.)What are your thoughts on the conflict between religious beliefs and job requirements?

8.) What were your overall thoughts on the book?

Train to Potevka

First of all I must apologize for my "absence" (mentally and physically) last month. I had issues getting my book and then when I was all ready to read...BAM...I was called to be the Young Women's President in my ward. It has all been a whirlwind since then but things are starting to calm down.

I have my book this month and am half way through reading it. I hope you've started as well. I think the history of the former Soviet Union is pretty interesting but if it isn't your thing hang in there because the story is pretty action packed.

I thought we could hold our online conference on Saturday the 22nd. If this doesn't work for any of you let me know!

Well that's all for now. Happy Reading!

-Michelle

November's Book

Hey Ladies, Welcome to November!!  I hope you all enjoyed reading Emma.  Mel, Kari and I got to chat via skype last Saturday and it was so fun!  Although, we missed you all.  *hint, hint*  I understand life is busy, trust me, I understand.  But, as the saying goes... The more the merrier.  So I hope to get to chat with more of you this month!  As Thanksgiving is coming up, we'll just have to see how it goes though.  

This months book is:

The Train to Potevka by Mike Ramsdell

Here's the synopsis I found on the author's site.

"Set in the backdrop of the chaotic, volatile events in Russia at the end of the Cold War, A Train To Potevka will take you on an incredible, winter's journey across Great Mother Russia along the 6,000-mile Trans-Siberian Railway. This fascinating story about an American intelligence agent from a small town in the Rockies is a tale of failed espionage, escape, and survival.

A Train To Potevka is a story of sacrifice, hope, and second chances. It is about love of family, home, and country. Most of all, it is a testimony to the basic goodness of man and the compassion and concern of a loving God.

This national best seller is a feel-good story for all seasons and for readers of all ages."

Our hostess is Michelle Nelson.  So Michelle it's up to you to pick a day for conferencing online and to post any discussion questions you would like in a few weeks.  Looking forward to it, this book sounds like a fun read.

Chat with you all soon, Mir

Today's The Day!

Are you pumped?  Are you ready?  Here's a little more info and a little more for you to ponder before we meet later...

Skype conference info:
My skype account is marrottclan in the UK.
I have only a few of you ladies skype info; at the appointed time I will start a conference call between all the ladies who are on my list. Please, if you have skype either put your contact info on here or add me as a friend so you can be a part of our chat. Thanks.

1. Why is Emma so determined to "improve" Harriet Smith?
2. Why isn't Emma able to like Jane Fairfax?
3. Why does Emma remain opposed to Harriet marrying Robert Martin, even after the projected match with Mr. Elton falls through?
4. Why is Emma willing to overlook Frank Churchill's faults?
5. How different are the motives of Mrs. Elton in taking up Jane Fairfax and Emma in improving Harriet Smith?
6. What role does the visit to Donwell Abbey play in the development of Emma's feelings for Mr. Knightley?
7. Why does Emma insult Mrs. Bates during the Box Hill outing? Why does she realize how hurtful it was only after Mr. Knightley confronts her?
8. Why does it take Emma so long to realize she loves Mr. Knightley? Why is Emma's understanding so rapid once Harriet reveals her own love for him?
9. According to the novel, are Jane Fairfax and Frank Churchill justified in keeping their engagement a secret? What are their prospects for a happy marriage?
10. Why does Mr. Knightley love Emma, even though he sees her faults so clearly?
11. According to the novel, does Mr. Knightley have any faults?

For Further Reflection
1. What might motivate someone to try to arrange the romantic relationships of another person?
2. Why are people sometimes unaware of their own feelings toward others?
3. How important are similar economic and social backgrounds to long-term romantic relationships?

(questions courtesy of bookclubforum.co.uk)

So looking forward to your insights!  See you soon.

Discussing Emma

Ok, so I promised you discussion questions yesterday.  Sorry, I'm a day behind :)

Anyway, hope you ladies have enjoyed reading Emma.  I look forward to discussing it with you.  Feel free to answer any questions by simply posting a comment, just make sure to number your discussion comments so we know what question you are referring to.  

Other than that, I'll see you all on Saturday the 25th @ 8:30 pm my time.  I wish I could let you all know specifically what time that is for you, but if you go here, you can figure it out.  I am UTC/GMT time zone.  See you soon!

Discussing Emma: 

1. How do matters of class affect the interaction of these characters, and would you describe class as being rigid or flexible as it is depicted by Jane Austen? To what extent can class be said to be of central importance to the development of the novel, since it is one of the most important considerations in marriage? Does class seem to be treated differently by those in Highbury than it does by outsiders, for example Frank Churchill and Mrs. Elton? Do you think it is significant that no woman in Highbury is of Emma's age and rank?

2. Do you think Mr. Knightley's feelings change as the novel progresses? Why or why not?

3. While matchmaking is the central device in Emma, both for the plot and as a backdrop to develop characters, not all of the matches made in the novel are good. Compare the matches made between Mr. Weston and Miss Taylor, Emma and Mr. Knightley, Harriet and Mr. Martin, Jane Fairfax and Frank Churchill, and Mr. Elton and Mrs. Elton. Which are good matches and which are bad? What character traits in the couples make them suited or unsuited for each other? Why are the mismatches so important to the story?

4. Does Emma act as a good friend to Harriet Smith?  Does Harriet ultimately benefit from Emma's friendship or her attempts to help her?

5.In the final analysis, is Emma a sympathetic character? Does she seem to have good intentions only marred by a slight desire to interfere with other people's lives, or is she thoughtless and unconcerned with the effects she has on others? In your estimation, is Emma ultimately moral or immoral? What specific incidents in the novel lead you to that conclusion?

*I collected these questions from a few book club suggestion sites. If you all want to discuss something else, please add it! Inquiring minds want to know!*

Game ON!!!

Our New October Book....

EMMA by Jane Austen

Thanks, Mel for the suggestion.  My brain has been full of research for the last week and I couldn't come up with a new one.  This will be perfect.  Always a great read, short, fun and easy.  See you ladies October 25th.  Still need to decide on a time.  I'm thinking 8 or 9 pm my time which would be between noon to 3pm for all of you.  Would that work?  Let me know what you think.

Mir

URGENT!!!

SO SORRY!!!

I was unaware that Water for Elephants was a little more mature and graphic than anyone will probably like or appreciate.  Please, read with caution or don't read it at all.  I'm trying to find a new book for October.  Keep you all posted.

I feel like a moron and again I am so sorry.

Wait Listed...

Or rather book listed.

Ok, ladies here is the official HBG Book List for the next six months. If you have a problem with it, duke it out among yourself, you chose these books!

HBG Book List

2008- 2009
October-- Water for Elephants by Sarah Gruen
(Host: Miranda Marrott)

November-- A Train to Potevka by Mike Ramsdell
(Hostess: Michelle Nelson)

December-- Gone With The Wind by Margaret Mitchell
January-- Gone With The Wind by Margaret Mitchell
(Hostess: Melissa Howard)

February-- Bright Sword of Ireland by Juilene Osborne-McKnight
(Hostess: Traci Urquhart)

March-- A Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale
(Hostess: Kari Clark)


Yes, you may have noticed that if it your book suggestion, you get to play hostess with the mostest. What does that mean? Simply that you get to lead the discussion and it comes with the added benefit of being able to set the date for the online skype chat!

So, everyone excited? or at least content? I'd rather hear excitement. Also, I'm not sure if you are burrowers or buyers, but you can get Water for Elephants for $8.37 on Amazon right now, just a tip.

Here are some other thoughts I had on fun reads for the club (hehehe, we are a club! does anyone else feel 10 years old? maybe we should meet in my kids play house?):
The Heretic’s Daughter by Kathleen Kent
The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry
Sinner’s and Social Workers by Norah S. Bernard

Let me know what you think and please, keep sending in your suggestions! I can't be held responsible for all the book picks, it's too much anxiety for me!

Hope everyone has a great week, so excited to start reading and sharing!

Books, Books, Books

I've gotten several responses that you ladies are interested, but I've only gotten a few book suggestions.  Please let me know what you want to read!!!

October book....  drum role please....

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS by Sarah Gruen

Head to the library and start reading.  I'll make a post for this book on October 20th where you can post your comments and discussion comments or questions.  The tentative date for the live Skype chat is Saturday, October 25th (I'll have to work out when the best time for this will be to accommodate everyone).

Thanks for the encouragement and support ladies.  Keep sending in your ideas for books and I'll hopefully have at least a 6 month list coming out in November.  Looking forward to reading, chatting and sharing with you all.

Calling all Hot Book Geeks

I'm doing it.  I'm tired of missing out.  I am starting my own book club.  

My hubby's schedule has prevented me from attending library and various other book clubs, but no more!

What:  A virtual book club

Who:  is invited?  Everyone who loves to read, to talk about reading, to dream about reading, who reads while eating, who reads while driving, who reads while cleaning...  Get the picture?

When:  Starting in October

Where:  Once a month we will meet via Skype for a live online chat about the current read.  Also you will be able to post comments about the read on this blog!!

Why:  Because READING IS HOT!

Share my love of literature?  Join me and let me know what books you think we should read.

Look for more updates coming soon (book list and chat days).  Hope to see you around!