Welcomes and Introductions

[debbaker]

ReaderJane,

I live in Gloucester Cty, NJ---nice to have a neighbor here.

[debbaker]

Norma,

I hope your visit to the hospital wasn't serious.

Message Edited by debbaker on 10-03-2008 10:49 AM

[Luvstoread]

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debbaker wrote:

Norma,

I hope your visit to the hospital wasn't serious.

Message Edited by debbaker on 10-03-2008 10:49 AM

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Hi.  I have a very bad history of kidney stones (10 surgeries now to be exact).  I had another kidney stone attack Saturday and surgery to remove a huge one on Monday.  I have to go back in on the 13th to get more removed.

Norma

[Everyman]

Actually,it's more likely the people living under you who will die. 

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khager23 wrote:

Hi, I'm Kelly.  I'm 28 and addicted to buying books, which I'm trying to stop because someday my apartment will collapse under the weight of them and then I will die.

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[Everyman]

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Luvstoread wrote:

Hi.  I have a very bad history of kidney stones (10 surgeries now to be exact).  I had another kidney stone attack Saturday and surgery to remove a huge one on Monday.  I have to go back in on the 13th to get more removed.

Norma

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I'm very sorry to hear that.  One of my daughters had a bad kidney stone attack a few years ago, she was in agony but had to take a major exam to qualify for her teaching certificate.  She took it (passing with the highest grade) then went immediately to the hospital and into surgery. 

I worked for awhile in a medical clinic, and I know how devestatingly painful kidney stones can be.    One of the docs tole me that they are one of the easiest things possible to diagnose; if the patient is in agony, the pain is localized in one of the kidney areas, and they have not had trauma to the area recently, it's virtually certain to be a kidney stone.  

Thankfully I've never had to deal with one, and my daughter has never had a recurrence, but I can sympathize with you and the pain you must be enduring. Best of luck on your surgeries, and I hope you can find a way to minimize future attacks. 

[chana56]

Norma, best of luck with your surgery.  I'm going in to hospital on the 10th to have a couple of skin lesions removed....just precautionary, they tell me.

I haven't received my copy of the book yet, I'm assuming the Jewish holidays are slowing the mail around here (and it would take longer to get here anyway), so I'm not worried.  In the meantime, I went out and bought Notes On a Scandal - about halfway through it now. 

[meme1]

My doorbell has rung!  Goody, my book is here.  Here is in beautiful western WI where the fall leaves are brightening our cool fall day and my spirits.  Our 38 year old daughter-in-law -- wife to our son, mother to three children ages 6 - 12 -- died from liver failure caused by breast cancer this summer and we are grieving her loss but trying to focus on our good memories.  She and I shared many interests and one of them was reading.  I'll be reading a book and think, "I have to tell her about this book" and then remember that I can't.

[abbyfreeman]

Hello everyone!!!  I am new to this book club and I received my book yesterday and was so excited. I thought maybe I had missed out. My name is Abby and I love to read...I look forward to reading this book... I will get started this weekend.

Abby Freeman

[KxBurns]

Meme, I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. I hope this book club can provide you with at least a small amount of comfort and escape.

Norma, feel better!

And that's right, Carrie -- you'll receive your ARC soon and then it's up to you whether you read the whole book in advance of the discussion (which starts October 20th), or read/participate as the discussion unfolds. Check in News, Schedules & Updates in about 5 minutes and you'll see my schedule for the discussion, which should clarify things!

Karen

[libralady]

I received my book yesterday!  That was fast!  I plan to start reading this weekend.  I am excited as this is my first time participating.  I am looking forward to reading the book as well as discussing it.  It appears that there is a diverse group here and that should make for some lively discussions.  Can't wait. 

[marciliogq]

Hi everyone! Hope we have good discussions about this book. I've just received the confirmation of my ARC.

See you soon!

[dragonchica]

Hi everyone!

I just received The Believers, can't wait to read and talk about it!

Caprice

[bratzs]

hello,my name is cammie,i live in ohio

I just received The Believers,cant wait to read it

thanks

[rneil64]

A great way to finish a work week....coming home to find my book had arrived! Can't wait to get to reading this weekend. Thanks for posting the schedule so I can keep myself on track!

[cjohnson]

Hi!

I'm Cindy and this is my first First Look book.  I received the arc yesterday and am looking forward to reading and discussing it this month.

[darma51]

Hi:  I'm Darma from Massachusetts.  I'm so happy I got into The Believers bookclub.  My book arrived the other day and I'm starting to read it tonight!  Looking forward to the discussions.

[kmfr29]

I received my book today as well!  Very excited to start reading and discussing!

kmfr

[VictoriousMary]

My Book Club name is Victorious Mary and I live in New Mexico.  I grew up in New Jersey and have had many adventures in New York City.

I signed up for this book club and The Believers discussion because the story looked interesting and because it promised to be humorous.  I may not be Jewish but as a Catholic, the description made me think of my own roots and how our traditions are cherished, lived, and yet can get us into family disputes and trouble and make for some fun and funny living situations as life goes on - especially in the cities along the East Coast.  I have many Jewish friends from my childhood who immediately came to mind as I read the description.  They are part of my roots as well.

I am looking forward to getting to know the author.  I might even be interested in reading other Heller books.  I am also delighted to have a group to share ideas and to talk to about the story. 

Thanks.

Victorious Mary

[SweetReaderMA]

Darma,

Where in Mass. are you from?  I am in Lowell.

[Pantsparty]

Hello all

My name is Lindsey. This is my first time ever trying a book club like this; I'm looking forward to it! My copy hasn't arrived yet, though I am suspecting I will see it very soon. Looking foward to talking with you all!