Welcome to the Bloggy Book Club, where we shall read to our heart's content.



Scroll down the blog for this month's discussion questions. Read the book and comment on the blog. And have fun!!!

Monday, November 16, 2009

War! Huh! What is it good for?!?

This month's book is War as I Knew It by George S. Patton Jr. If we read with an open mind; we might be surprised what we learn.

I'll post questions later in the month.

Monday, October 26, 2009

October: Robert Frost Poems

This month, we're going to ingnite the conversation a little differently. Instead of my asking the questions, YOU are going to ask them. That's right - ask whatever you want to ask...about the Robert Frost poems, that is. Why TWO roads diverging? Why a YELLOW wood? Did Frost really stop by woods on a snowy evening? And then anyone can answer; everyone feel free to speak up and and add your comments. There are no right or wrong answers. (And no such thing as a stupid question.)

To get us started, here is one of my questions: Do you think the world will end in fire, or ice? And why?

If you are up for some extra credit (or if you want to skip the first bit and just do this), here's a different assignment: Pick your favorite poem from the list of 6 that you read, include the poem in your comment (if it's not one already on the blog), and tell us why you like it.

OH! When leaving your comment, please tell us the names of the 3 poems you chose, and include the entire poem if it hasn't already been posted. Thanks!

I look forward to talking poetry!!!

Saturday, October 10, 2009

It's October!!

Hard to believe, it's already October. Good news: it's time for some poetry. Even better, it's time for Robert Frost! Pick 3 of his poems to read (your choice) and be sure to read these 3 as well, for a total of 6 poems. Then come back to the blog and leave some comments. I will have some conversation starters on the blog soon.
*
Birches
When I see birches bend to left and right
Across the lines of straighter darker trees,
I like to think some boy's been swinging them.
But swinging doesn't bend them down to stay.
Ice-storms do that. Often you must have seen them
Loaded with ice a sunny winter morning
After a rain. They click upon themselves
As the breeze rises, and turn many-colored
As the stir cracks and crazes their enamel.
Soon the sun's warmth makes them shed crystal shells
Shattering and avalanching on the snow-crust--
Such heaps of broken glass to sweep away
You'd think the inner dome of heaven had fallen.
They are dragged to the withered bracken by the load,
And they seem not to break; though once they are bowed
So low for long, they never right themselves:
You may see their trunks arching in the woods
Years afterwards, trailing their leaves on the ground
Like girls on hands and knees that throw their hair
Before them over their heads to dry in the sun.
But I was going to say when Truth broke in
With all her matter-of-fact about the ice-storm
(Now am I free to be poetical?)
I should prefer to have some boy bend them
As he went out and in to fetch the cows--
Some boy too far from town to learn baseball,
Whose only play was what he found himself,
Summer or winter, and could play alone.
One by one he subdued his father's trees
By riding them down over and over again
Until he took the stiffness out of them,
And not one but hung limp, not one was left
For him to conquer. He learned all there was
To learn about not launching out too soon
And so not carrying the tree away
Clear to the ground. He always kept his poise
To the top branches, climbing carefully
With the same pains you use to fill a cup
Up to the brim, and even above the brim.
Then he flung outward, feet first, with a swish,
Kicking his way down through the air to the ground.
So was I once myself a swinger of birches.
And so I dream of going back to be.
It's when I'm weary of considerations,
And life is too much like a pathless wood
Where your face burns and tickles with the cobwebs
Broken across it, and one eye is weeping
From a twig's having lashed across it open.
I'd like to get away from earth awhile
And then come back to it and begin over.
May no fate willfully misunderstand me
And half grant what I wish and snatch me away
Not to return. Earth's the right place for love:
I don't know where it's likely to go better.
I'd like to go by climbing a birch tree,
And climb black branches up a snow-white trunk
Toward heaven, till the tree could bear no more,
But dipped its top and set me down again.
That would be good both going and coming back.
One could do worse than be a swinger of birches.

The Road Not Taken
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Reluctance
Out through the fields and the woods
And over the walls I have wended;
I have climbed the hills of view
And looked at the world, and descended;
I have come by the highway home,
And lo, it is ended.

The leaves are all dead on the ground,
Save those that the oak is keeping
To ravel them one by one
And let them go scraping and creeping
Out over the crusted snow,
When others are sleeping.

And the dead leaves lie huddled and still,
No longer blown hither and thither;
The last lone aster is gone;
The flowers of the witch hazel wither;
The heart is still aching to seek,
But the feet question "Whither?"

Ah, when to the heart of man
Was it ever less than a treason
To go with the drift of things,
To yield with a grace to reason,
And bow and accept the end
Of a love or a season?

Saturday, September 12, 2009

It's September!

Greetings, readers. This month's book is THREE CUPS OF TEA by Greg Mortensen. I've heard good things and bad things about this book...and decided to read it for myself and see what I thought. I'm curious to read your thoughts too!

I might be a little late in posting, just because I'm swamped with required reading for my classes...but I'll get to the bloggy book club eventually and post when I've read the books.

I'm very much looking forward to Frost next month (yay, poetry!!!) and to the book about war and first ladies. I like to be challenged in my thinking and to learn new facts about history, so even though the books are long, I'm expecting that they will be informative and worth the time.

If you're busy, read when you can and comment when you have the time. The blog's always open! Happy reading!

Monday, August 10, 2009

It's AUGUST!

It's August, which means back to school (for some) and a new book for the book club. This month's reading is DAISY MILLER by Henry James. We'll have a post for August comments soon -- and it's never too late to post your comments on previous books!

Happy reading!

Friday, July 24, 2009

July: A Grief Observed (C.S. Lewis)

Feel free to share your general thoughts and opinions on the book - the plot, the characters, the style of writing, the setting, whatever strikes you. Also, you're invited to reference any scenes or passages you found memorable (for whatever reason).

If you'd prefer to answer questions rather than write freestyle, here are some:

1. Did you like the book? Why or why not?
2. Would you read it again or recommend it to a friend?
3. Who was your favorite character, and why?
4. Did it make you think? What about?
5. Did it make you happy or sad, afraid or hopeful...what did it make you feel, was there an overall impression when you finished it?

Friday, July 10, 2009

My Endorsement

This month's book is very short and easy to read - easy as in the language is understandable; the subject matter is of course quite sad (hence the book title) and might not be considered "easy" to read in that sense.

I highly recommend you read this selection if at all possible. My copy of the book is very thin, and half of it is an "afterword" by one of Lewis' biographers. Thus, the actual reading for this month is VERY short. I would guess that there are copies of this book in local libraries because it is a widely-read book and very well known.

This is a very personal book, an insight into Lewis' soul and will help you wade through the difficult work of grief, should you ever experience great loss of any kind in your life.

I've yet to strongly recommend a book this year, but I'm going to do so this month. I know from your comments and emails to me that many of you are very busy and have fallen behind in the readings. THAT'S OKAY!!! Put the other books on your shelf, saving them for another time. But if at all possible, read A GRIEF OBSERVED by C.S. Lewis.

And then let's chat.

Happy reading!

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

June: Death in the Garden (Elizabeth Ironside)

Feel free to share your general thoughts and opinions on the book - the plot, the characters, the style of writing, the setting, whatever strikes you. Also, you're invited to reference any scenes or passages you found memorable (for whatever reason).

If you'd prefer to answer questions rather than write freestyle, here are some:

1. Did you like the book? Why or why not?
2. Would you read it again or recommend it to a friend?
3. Who was your favorite character, and why?
4. Did it make you think? What about?
5. Did it make you happy or sad, afraid or hopeful...what did it make you feel, was there an overall impression when you finished it?

Monday, June 1, 2009

June: Death in the Garden (Elizabeth Ironside)

Howdy! How many of you plan to read Death in the Garden? How many of you have already started? Whatcha think so far???

Monday, May 4, 2009

May: The Ten Year Nap (Meg Wolitzer)

Feel free to share your general thoughts and opinions on the book - the plot, the characters, the style of writing, the setting, whatever strikes you. Also, you're invited to reference any scenes or passages you found memorable (for whatever reason).

If you'd prefer to answer questions rather than write freestyle, here are some:

1. Did you like the book? Why or why not?
2. Would you read it again or recommend it to a friend?
3. Who was your favorite character, and why?
4. Did it make you think? What about?
5. Did it make you happy or sad, afraid or hopeful...what did it make you feel, was there an overall impression when you finished it?

Saturday, May 2, 2009

May Is Here!

And with the arrival of May...it's time for Meg Wolitzer's book THE TEN YEAR NAP. If you're still reading Pettigrew, or watching the movie (ahem!), please continue to leave your thoughts and post comments in the April/Pettigrew section. In fact, discussions are still ongoing for FEB & MARCH too, so it's never too late to read the book and chat.

For those of you who've had enough of April showers and are ready for May flowers...THE TEN YEAR NAP it is. Do you have the book? Have you started it yet? (I have the book but am in the middle of another at the moment, so will wait to start reading.)

I'll have a post up for NAP comments soon. Until then, Happy Reading!!!

Sunday, April 12, 2009

April: Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day (Winifred Watson)

Feel free to share your general thoughts and opinions on the book - the plot, the characters, the style of writing, the setting, whatever strikes you. Also, you're invited to reference any scenes or passages you found memorable (for whatever reason).

If you'd prefer to answer questions rather than write freestyle, here are some:

1. Did you like the book? Why or why not?
2. Would you read it again or recommend it to a friend?
3. Who was your favorite character, and why?
4. Did it make you think? What about?
5. Did it make you happy or sad, afraid or hopeful...what did it make you feel, was there an overall impression when you finished it?

March: Practicing the Presence of God (Brother Lawrence)

Feel free to share your general thoughts and opinions on the book - the plot, the characters, the style of writing, the setting, whatever strikes you. Also, you're invited to reference any scenes or passages you found memorable (for whatever reason).

If you'd prefer to answer questions rather than write freestyle, here are some:

1. Did you like the book? Why or why not?
2. Would you read it again or recommend it to a friend?
3. Who was your favorite character, and why?
4. Did it make you think? What about?
5. Did it make you happy or sad, afraid or hopeful...what did it make you feel, was there an overall impression when you finished it?

February: Revolutionary Road (Richard Yates)

Feel free to share your general thoughts and opinions on the book - the plot, the characters, the style of writing, the setting, whatever strikes you. Also, you're invited to reference any scenes or passages you found memorable (for whatever reason).

If you'd prefer to answer questions rather than write freestyle, here are some:

1. Did you like the book? Why or why not?
2. Would you read it again or recommend it to a friend?
3. Who was your favorite character, and why?
4. Did it make you think? What about?
5. Did it make you happy or sad, afraid or hopeful...what did it make you feel, was there an overall impression when you finished it?

My New Dawn

In the spirit of Easter (Resurrection...New Life...), I'm going to catch up on the Bloggy Book Club!!! I know, as if Easter weren't miracle enough!!! :o)

Again, my apologies for falling behind. I've been a wee bit busy trying to sort out my plans for the future, after being let go from the job I held for the past twelve years. Needless to say, some major thinking has been required of me, not an easy task for a bear of little brain. Alas, I'm back and without further ado will now comment on the past two books (Revolutionary Road & Practicing the Presence of God) and the current one: Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day (by the way, we WILL be getting together to watch the movie version of this book, because it was such a cute flick and the inspiration for my adding this book to the list. Such fun!!!).

If you are still around and reading, please leave a comment! I'd enjoy hearing your thoughts on the books or just that you're alive and well. Of course, if you're still miffed about my slackness (understandable, mind you), you can always heave a virtual tomato my direction. :o)

Monday, March 2, 2009

Please accept my apologies!

I'm sorry that I've been out of contact in Blogworld lately...life is moving at a rate beyond the speed of light (or so it seems), and I'm struggling just to keep up with my daily "real world" duties.

It figures - I read ahead and finished Revolutionary Road back in January (!!) and now it's March (!!) and I've yet to post any of my comments. Yikes!

Truth be told, I was trying to hold off and allow some of the other Bloggy Book Club members to get their thoughts posted before I shared my own. Well...is anybody out there? I've waited about 6 weeks, and still nothing - not even my own!!

Except fthluvhope, who deserves MAJOR kudos - for reading, posting thoughts, AND going to grad school while working and being a wife. (Sound of me applauding.)

I will try to do better on my end, and I hope that at least one other member out there is still reading along.

Hello??

Friday, January 23, 2009

Revlutionary Road: Part One, Chapters 5-7

What are some lines you've enjoyed?
What are some scenes you've identified with?
What has made you think?
Any descriptions you found moving?
What has you scratching your head?
What has made you sad?
Anything made you angry?
What do you think of the book so far?

Friday, January 16, 2009

Revolutionary Road: Final Questions

1. Were you satisfied with the book's ending?
2. Who was your favorite character and why?
3. Would you read this book again? Why or why not?
4. Do you have any final thoughts on this book?
5. And, most importantly, are you up for movie night at the end of the month to have fun and watch the film version of Revolutionary Road?

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Helloooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo???

Is anyone reading Breathing Lessons??? How's it going???

Scroll down the blog for this month's discussion questions. Read the book and comment on the blog. And have fun!!!

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

PLEASE NOTE!

I've never been a member of an online book club before, so this is all new to me. Please bear with me as I (and we together) work out the kinks. As you read over the Book Selections for 2009, please know that I have tried to offer a year's worth of reading that will inspire, challenge, entertain, and reveal.... And as with "typical" book clubs, I hope we can do the same for each other (inspire, challenge, entertain, and reveal) through our blog discussions and interactions.

But rest easy. You are not required to leave comments, to answer book questions, or to participate in any discussions. However, you are always invited to do so whenever you want to. There is no "right answer" and no test or book report at the end of the month. Please don't feel pressure of any sort.

And when it comes to commenting, a gentle reminder to us all---let's be nice! We can express our opinions, perhaps in stark contrast to another club member's opinion, and do so with civility. This book club is meant to be fun, and this blog is meant to be kind.

Happy Reading...and Happy Discussing!!!

Scroll down the blog for this month's discussion questions.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Breathing Lessons Question #1

Have you started reading the book Breathing Lessons yet?

Scroll down the blog for more discussion questions.

(Also, be sure to read THIS POST to find out the details on our next book selections so you can order them and be ready to rock.)

Monday, January 5, 2009

Breathing Lessons Question #2

What parts of the book have made you laugh?

Scroll down the blog for more discussion questions.

Request: When you reference something in the book, please let us know where it is so we can all read along. Include the chapter number, page number, and the paragraph number. Like this: (C3, P245, G3) Thanks!

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Breathing Lessons Question #3

What parts of the book have made you cry?

Scroll down the blog for more discussion questions.

Request: When you reference something in the book, please let us know where it is so we can all read along. Include the chapter number, page number, and the paragraph number. Like this: (C3, P245, G3) Thanks!

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Breathing Lessons Question #4

What parts of the book have made you think?

Scroll down the blog for more discussion questions.

Request: When you reference something in the book, please let us know where it is so we can all read along. Include the chapter number, page number, and the paragraph number. Like this: (C3, P245, G3) Thanks!

Friday, January 2, 2009

Breathing Lessons Question #5

What are some lines you've loved?

Scroll down the blog for more discussion questions.

Request: When you reference something in the book, please let us know where it is so we can all read along. Include the chapter number, page number, and the paragraph number. Like this: (C3, P245, G3) Thanks!

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Breathing Lessons Questions #6

What are some lines/scenes in the book that you have hated?
Scroll down the blog for more discussion questions.