For real this time

I'm reorganizing this book club... even if it's a one woman club for a while.  Because I want to, because I believe in reading to live, to learn, to become more than I was before.

This month I'm reading the Book Thief by Marcus Zusak and inviting you to join me.  I'll be writing a review near the end of the month.  If anyone has read it, wants to read it or joins me in reading it, I'd love to schedule a skype conference for book discussion.

Love to all my Book Geeks around the world.

-Mir

RED ALERT!

This blog is dying.

Ok, in truth, I think it died a loooong time ago.  Anyone know CPR?

How about this for CPR:
     Come together.
          Pick some books.
               Read and review.

Also, though I love the idea of having video conference book club night, we all know realistically it's just too hard to pull of.  So I was thinking of a new format: Simply this, one host blogger each month to lead the discussion.  When she is done reading the book, she rights her review on the blog and opens it up for discussion.  Much more stream lined and accessible.  Hopefully, this way, anyone can join in at any time, whether or not they have read the book, and can carry-on the dialogue on their own time.

Who's with me?

The Skinny

Hey ladies.

Here's the skinny: I made a list of books I want to read this year, so I thought I'd post some of them here and see if anyone is interested in reading one or some of them with me. I've linked all the titles to their Amazon pages so you can read the product descriptions and reviews if you'd like. Please leave a comment and let me know which, if any, spark your interest.

The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton

The Walking Drum by Louis L'amour

Typhoid Mary by Anthony Bourdain

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

East of Eden by John Steinbeck

The Secret Garden by Francis Hodgson Barnett

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte

Summer of My German Soldier by Bette Green

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

Lift by Kelly Corrigan

I know it's a long list, but seriously, this is my short version. The real thing is a few pages long. If nothing on the list suits your fancy, please let us know what does!

.... is this thing on?

Hey ladies! It's been a loooong while. I'm just wondering if anyone is still interested in a book group? We can do it however, whenever you want. Any input? If I don't here from anyone, I'm going to delete this blog site July 1st.

Happy reading :)

Miranda

Meet Me At The Pump Room.

Hey Ladies,

It's that time of the month... we need to set up a meeting time. Like Catherine and Isabella, we'll meet up, dish all our gossip and share our personal commentaries to our joyful delight. (ha ha, that's why the club is called hot book GEEKS) I'm looking at October 24th which is a Saturday. Would it be easier to coordinate on a weekday? Please give me your thoughts for a day and time.

Also, here are some other discussion questions and ideas to ponder:

1) Compared to Austen's other works, and considering that Northanger Abbey was the first novel she sold (not the first published, just the first sold), how do you think it rates? Compared to Austen's older novels (Emma, Pride and Prejudice) is the plot as riveting? The romance as intriguing? The heroine and hero as like-able or as irritating?

2) Northanger Abbey was Austen's parody of sorts on the plethora of gothic novels popular at the time. The question is, is it anything deeper? In other words, what else is Austen trying to say or make a statement about?

3) Side stories: The love triangle of Isabella, James and Captain Tilney; Elanor's marriage to a viscount.

Ok, please leave comments as to the day and time that you think would be best.

Cheers,

Miranda

Memorable Words and the Lure of Escapist Fiction

Hello beautiful ladies!

Week one of October is down; how's Northanger Abbey coming? I know a few that are finished reading already, so I thought to keep everyone interested and involved we'd try something new.*

To get us started, I wanted to share one to my favorite lines from the book:

"Provided that nothing like useful knowledge could be gained from them, provided they were all story and no reflection, she had never any objection to books at all."**

So for our first discussion this month, I've picked two topics to start with:

1) Your favorite line from Northanger Abbey (or fav line so far). If you don't have one you could share a fav line from another Austen book.

2) The idea of this quote- Escapist Fiction. Does that mean sparkly vampires to anyone else? I love me some sparkly vampires and shape-shifting wolves, don't get me wrong. I adore escapist fiction, but it does have a bad reputation in the literary world, and society in general too. Is there anything to gain from it? Is it deserving of a bad connotation? Does it have any value? What are your thoughts; inquiring minds want to know.

*To anyone that is interested and finishing Northanger early on in the month, there are at least two of us reading And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie if you want to read along on that one too.

**Sorry I don't know what page that's on as my copy is a full works copy and thus it's on page 818, but I think it should be on or around page 2.

October's Book

Ok this was a hard call, but this months book is:

Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

Hope everyone is happy with this. Happy reading.

Miranda

ps For any of you that are new to this book group we usually try to coordinate an online chat/conference call via skype near the end of the month to discuss the book. If you don't have a skype account it is free and super easy to download. For details and to download, simply go to:

www.Skype.com/download

However, there will also be a blog post about the book and questions relating to it that you can comment on and discuss with us that way too. Looking forward to reading with all of you beautiful ladies!

Revival: an instance of something becoming popular, active, or important again; a restoration to bodily or mental vigor, to life or consciousness

Yes, it is time for another REVIVAL!

I'd like to kick things off in October with something to get our blood pumping, something reminiscent of the season (sorry Mel, I know you hate Halloween), something autumn, something suspenseful... maybe even a little spooky?

How about Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen? or To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee? or MacBeth by Shakespeare? or And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie? (ok, we're not going too spooky, I want Mel to participate!)

Cast your votes, ladies.... let it begin!

April's Book

After watching "Amazing Grace"  I wanted to read the book The Life of Olaudah Equiano.  It's a narration of life on a slave ship and slavery.  I hope it will be a good read.

Shannon Hale Books

Most of us read Book of a Thousand Days for this last month's book group...well I liked the book so well I read "Princess Academy." I thought it was very well written as well. They are like old fashioned fairy tales with a twist. Onto Austenland, Enna Burning, etc., etc.....Any one else read any of Hale's books?

Revival...

So it's about time for a HBG revival, don't you think? So bust out those books and let's get together! The book (Book of a Thousand Days) is not long, not hard, and different than alot of books that I've read - I really liked it, I hope you all do, too. I was thinking that spring break is coming up for alot of people probably, so I was hoping that March 28th or 29th might work for our meeting. Give me some feedback! I love you all and can't wait to chat!

Jan Book Meeting-

Hi Girls,

hope everyone had a good holiday, got all moved in ok, not morning sick, and anything else I mighta missed.

shall we finish up Gone with the Wind?

Lets try for Jan 31st-
3:30p eastern
2:30p central,
1:30p mountain,
12:30p pacific
8:30p miranda time

ps. are you liking the book? which character do you absolutely hate?
i think the one i just cant stand is ashley....and suellen

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!*