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Post by MaxQuad on Jun 1, 2005 16:18:13 GMT -5
Recent reads: Our Lady of the Forest - David Guterson: Mystical vision or drug-induced haze? Both? MQ It's funny that you mentioned this one Max, when I came into work today it was sitting on the edge of the table next to my desk. Coincidence? Our Lady works in mysterious ways, doesn't she? Or were you doing some mushrooms this morning? MQ
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Post by MaxQuad on Jun 1, 2005 16:53:22 GMT -5
Hah!! I'm reading the crack cocaine of science fiction, David Weber's Honor Harrington series. It's 10 books of pure science fiction military space opera fluff. But it's loads of fun. Stu Stu, say more about these books. Give me a hint as to why it is crack cocaine-like. MQ
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Post by Shutter Girl on Jun 2, 2005 8:27:03 GMT -5
It's funny that you mentioned this one Max, when I came into work today it was sitting on the edge of the table next to my desk. Coincidence? Our Lady works in mysterious ways, doesn't she? Or were you doing some mushrooms this morning? MQ You found me out!! I was considering doing using that book for a book discussion but I think my conservative ladies would have a collective heart attack after reading the first page. Did you read Snow Falling on Cedars? One of my assistants just did a book discussion on Homecoming, she loved it.
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Post by stubedoo on Jun 2, 2005 12:34:45 GMT -5
Hah!! I'm reading the crack cocaine of science fiction, David Weber's Honor Harrington series. It's 10 books of pure science fiction military space opera fluff. But it's loads of fun. Stu Stu, say more about these books. Give me a hint as to why it is crack cocaine-like. MQ Well, they have no socially redeeming value, once you start you can't put them down, when each book is done you feel vaguely ill, then you go through withdrawal symptoms and can't wait to start the next one. If you want to get hooked, the first book is Basilisk Station. The author is David Weber. Stu
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Post by MaxQuad on Jun 2, 2005 17:37:40 GMT -5
Did you read Snow Falling on Cedars? Snow Falling on Cedars is a beautiful book. Yes, I have read it. MQ
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Post by RepairmanJack on Jun 2, 2005 19:19:02 GMT -5
I liked the Dive From Clausen's Pier book MQ. I did it for my book discussion group at the library last year. It made for a very interesting discussion.
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Post by MaxQuad on Jun 2, 2005 21:02:32 GMT -5
I liked the Dive From Clausen's Pier book MQ. I did it for my book discussion group at the library last year. It made for a very interesting discussion. RJ, How many people in the group came down harshly towards Carrie Bell? MQ P.S. Now an Elephant Talker. My, my...I certainly am making my way up the ladder of success. ;D
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Post by RepairmanJack on Jun 2, 2005 22:42:56 GMT -5
Welcome fellow Elephant Talker MQ Actually no one spoke harshly towards Carrie. My book discussion is in the afternoon which means I have all elderly women in it. They felt Carrie needed to live her life. Duty only goes so far and then the time comes to go on with your life.
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Post by MaxQuad on Jun 5, 2005 9:04:52 GMT -5
Welcome fellow Elephant Talker MQ Actually no one spoke harshly towards Carrie. My book discussion is in the afternoon which means I have all elderly women in it. They felt Carrie needed to live her life. Duty only goes so far and then the time comes to go on with your life. There are so many forms of obligation and it is often hard to sort out what is a reasonable definition of "your own life." Nothing is easy...eh? I'd be interested in hearing how the make-up of a discussion group can govern the path of the discussion. Any observations RJ? SG? MQ
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Post by MaxQuad on Jun 17, 2005 18:41:55 GMT -5
Roscoe by William Kennedy.
Many years ago I happened upon Ironweed by William Kennedy (his Pulitzer Prize winner) but for some reason never finished it. While in Stratford a few weeks ago, I strolled down Ontario Street after finishing my coffee at Balzac's and on a sidewalk table in front of The Book Vault were a number of books priced at $3.99 (Canadian) or less. There actually was a remarkable collection - and I picked up a few by T.C. Boyle, Robertson Davies - and Roscoe by WK.
Upon my return from Stratford, I started Ironweed again - one of the early "Albany series" books. It is a remarkable portrayal of the life of down and out Francis Phelan - and his street friends. It may very well change your view of those living on the street, if nothing else - a wonderful book of redemption (in his own way).
I finished Ironweed in Savannah this week and started Roscoe during my return flight. It provides more on the Albany political scene in the 40's, with great characters that quickly come to life. I think I need to buy the rest of the books in the Albany series soon.
By the way, another great $3.99 (Canadian) book that I picked up - A few Short Notes on Tropical Butterflies by John Murray (a physician). It is an impressive collection of short stories, each of which provides a remarkable glimpse into the complexitiesof relationships of various types. It is a serious, yet uplifting book - with beautiful and powerful portraits of difficult emotions.
MQ
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Post by RepairmanJack on Jun 18, 2005 12:54:14 GMT -5
[/quote] I'd be interested in hearing how the make-up of a discussion group can govern the path of the discussion. Any observations RJ? SG?
MQ[/quote]
It is always interesting to see what direction the discussion will go. The make-up of the group really effects the path. Everyone brings their own experiences with them and it is impossible beforehand to know how they will respond. They always surprise me with things that have happened in their own lives that reflect what happened in the book. I prepare a list of questions prior to the discussion in case there is a lull in the conversation. Rarely will I have to use all of the questions though. Sometimes the group takes the discussion in directions I would never have foreseen.
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Post by Shutter Girl on Jun 19, 2005 9:45:49 GMT -5
This is true! My book discussion group consists of 16 very elderly ladies so I have to be careful what books I choose and what is discussed. They have a tendency remain quiet until I prod them. I'm always fascinated to hear their experiences, though.
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Post by Shutter Girl on Jun 20, 2005 18:12:24 GMT -5
In a moment I'm going to start...
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
This is supposed to be one of the best vampire stories ever written, a literary gem. A young woman researches her father's past and finds connections of Draculian proportions. I could use a bit of escapism right now and this book might just be the ticket.
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Post by RepairmanJack on Jun 27, 2005 23:10:12 GMT -5
I'm currently reading Brimstone by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. This is the ninth book by these authors. The tenth book actually came out this month so I am a little behind in my reading I have read the previous eight and highly recommend them. There are a couple of stand alone books, but the majority use the same characters. An occasional reference to earlier events makes it helpful to have read the previous books, but it is not required.
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Post by poodledoo on Jun 29, 2005 13:02:57 GMT -5
I've heard of the book, but haven't read it. Postville actually wasn't heavy reading, believe it or not. The writer had a very easy to read journalistic writing style. I saw a couple of documentaries about that on PBS. At first the locals hated the Hisidic Jews. Then, after the slaughter house brought their economy out of the doldrums some of the Haters changed their minds. There is a large Hisidic community here in LA. They have the best prices on film and camera stuff. Just like in New York. Plus, they keep all the old hat makers in business.
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