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!

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.

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.