Keeping up

[ponie]

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EbonyAngel wrote:

When I first get my book, I go to the discussion schedule and put a post-it at the top of the page for each section.  That way I can keep track of everything and not post any spoilers.  Anybody else do that?  I also put post-its on the side for interesting things or something I want to mention in a discussion.

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I too use post-its marking things that resonate (or not) with me and the way I think (or don't); themes, reminders of same ideas in different books etc.  How many times have I loved a line or a thought and not marked it thinking Oh I'll remember where this is and then had to go back and find it...OK I know it was on the left page at the bottom...if only I had taken the time.  Well I try to do that now.  It does save time in the long run.  Good idea!

[ClaudiaLuce]

I got my book on Thursday, started it yesterday, and had a hard time leaving it to go to school!!  I gave all my students a good talk about not wanting to read! I can't believe how many of them don't enjoy reading!

This is one of the best First Look's I've read.  I have not been able to put this book down. I can't wait until Monday and our discussions start. Thank you B&N for bringing us this book!

Claudia

[ClaudiaLuce]

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bookloverjb85 wrote:

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ClaudiaLuce wrote:

At home, I am currently reading The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd.  At school, the kids and I have just finished Shakespeares's A Midsummer Night's Dream - pretty good for 7th graders.  They loved being introduced to The Old Bard and getting  to understand the play!

AND, I am re-reading The Crucible as Everyman suggested.  It has been quite a while since I have read it and thought it would be a good idea!

Claudia

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ClaudiaLuce,

How do you like The Mermaid Chair?  I read that book and loved it.  If you like Sue Monk Kidd you may like another book by her The Secret Life of Bees which is also now a movie.

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I loved The Mermaid Chair.  I have seen the movie and now have The Secret Life of Bees in my TBR stack.  I think I will enjoy it.  Thanks for the recommendation, Jen.

Claudia

[ClaudiaLuce]

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dhaupt wrote:

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bookloverjb85 wrote:

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ClaudiaLuce wrote:

At home, I am currently reading The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd.  At school, the kids and I have just finished Shakespeares's A Midsummer Night's Dream - pretty good for 7th graders.  They loved being introduced to The Old Bard and getting  to understand the play!

AND, I am re-reading The Crucible as Everyman suggested.  It has been quite a while since I have read it and thought it would be a good idea!

Claudia

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ClaudiaLuce,

How do you like The Mermaid Chair?  I read that book and loved it.  If you like Sue Monk Kidd you may like another book by her The Secret Life of Bees which is also now a movie.

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Both of those books were great, but the best book by her I think is a NF called The Dance of the Dissident Daughter. It was wonderful!!!

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Thanks Deb, I will add this one to my list as well!

Claudia

[ponie]

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DSaff wrote:

I have tried to post this three times and hope it posts this time. I found this neat site this morning. It is the National Geographic: Salem Witch-Hunt Interactive

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/salem/

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DSaff, an amazing site.  Very interesting.  Aside from The Witch of Blackbird Pond read years ago and more recently The Lace Reader, TPBODD is my first deep venture into the Salem witch trials.  This site was very helpful in expanding my limited knowledge base and deepening my understanding of how things went at that time. This all adds to the richness of my reading of TPBODD. Thanks.  A Laurel for you!

[thewanderingjew]

I have read several of Brook's books. Currently, I have Nine Parts of Desire sitting on my to be read shelf! She does a lot of research which I find, coupled with her writing, makes her books even more enjoyable.

twj

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debbook wrote:
I thought Year of Wonders was a great read. I haven't gotten to any of her others yet, but am meaning to. 

[ClaudiaLuce]

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DSaff wrote:

Like you, I look up the discussion schedule, then I print is out putting the page numbers next to each section. I have participated in book clubs both ways (reading it all then discussing, and reading with the schedule), and hope to read this one with the schedule. While reading, I have a "Post-It" highlighter nearby, as well as a pen. I can highlight, write notes, and flag any parts I find interesting. I also list things I want to look up, and put the notes in the book. The highlights help me focus on parts I want to discuss and enable me to find my favorite quotes when we are done. I have always done this with my Bible and book discussion books, but find I am highlighting things in other books I read as well. It is becoming a habit.

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EbonyAngel wrote:

When I first get my book, I go to the discussion schedule and put a post-it at the top of the page for each section.  That way I can keep track of everything and not post any spoilers.  Anybody else do that?  I also put post-its on the side for interesting things or something I want to mention in a discussion.

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I thought I would keep up with the schedule on this book.  Whoops!  No way!  I can't help myself, I just can not put the book down long enough to keep on schedule.  I am highlighting and making notes so I can discuss the right things in the right sections without spoiling anything for anyone who has not read ahead.  Sometimes I can keep on schedule, but not this time!

[ClaudiaLuce]

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DSaff wrote:

I have tried to post this three times and hope it posts this time. I found this neat site this morning. It is the National Geographic: Salem Witch-Hunt Interactive

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/salem/

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Isn't that a wonderful site! I use it with my school kids when we read Roald Dahl's The Witches and they have a project to do on the Salem Witch trials!  I've been using it for years!

[thewanderingjew]

I enjoyed The Zookeeper's Wife. There are so many unsung heroes that deserved to be recognized. It is a hard subject to read about but it was well done and a worthwhile read.

I found The Mermaid Chair a bit gruesome and perhaps that clouded my judgment but I didn't care for it as much as The Secret Life of Bees either. When the bar is set so high, sometimes it is hard to live up to it again.

Good luck with that new baby! My only regret in life is that I didn't have more children. Now that I have grandchildren, though, I feel immensely blessed!

twj

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Popper19 wrote:

I am currently reading The Zookeeper's Wife (A War Story) by Diane Ackerman.  It's non-fiction, but reads so much like fiction I have a hard time remembering it's real!  The writing is beautiful, but it's a hard subject to read about (Nazi invaded Poland and the underground saving of lives).  I try to read one non-fiction book per month - I started doing it a few years ago as my new year's resolution to broaden my horizons and I've found I really enjoy all the different things I'm reading about and learning.  Generally, I read a book a week - a little slower now with the 6 week old baby added to the family.
Becky in WI
I see a few people were talking about reading The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd - this book is on my all time worst book ever list; however, The Secret Life of Bees is on my all time favorite book list.  I read MC second and I was utterly disappointed.  I don't know if it's just me, or did anyone else who read both have these have the same opinion?

[thewanderingjew]

Hi,

I print out the reading schedule and slip it into the book at the end of each section that I am reading so I know when I have fulfilled the week's "assignment".

I used to use the little tabs to highlight pages I wanted to return to but I found people staring at me strangely when they saw my book riddled with little red tabs sticking out of it, perhaps I overdid it. Also, they tended to give me more intellectual credit than I deserved, maybe thinking it was a scholarly endeavor rather than one I truly view as totally pleasurable, even if I learn something as a byproduct! Now, I use a highlighter so I can easily return to the passages I want to reread. I hesitate sometimes because I don't often write in a book, but then I think, it is mine so I can use it freely in whatever way it brings me joy! My husband and my kids, who often read the books after me, do not seem to object to my markings. To be perfectly honest, I think if I was reading it second, I might find it distracting! Maybe I need to find a better way.

twj

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EbonyAngel wrote:

When I first get my book, I go to the discussion schedule and put a post-it at the top of the page for each section.  That way I can keep track of everything and not post any spoilers.  Anybody else do that?  I also put post-its on the side for interesting things or something I want to mention in a discussion.

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[kren250]

I am having the opposite problem with this book:-(. Anyone else not impressed with it?

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ClaudiaLuce wrote:

!

This is one of the best First Look's I've read.  I have not been able to put this book down. I can't wait until Monday and our discussions start. Thank you B&N for bringing us this book!

Claudia

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[Popper19]

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januttall wrote:

Hey Becky,

The Zookeeper's Wife is in my "to read" pile too!  I love your New Year's resolution.  I have found myself drawn to memoirs over the past year or so myself.  I try to read a few throughout the year.  Have you read The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls?  I really enjoyed that one ('though it was also disturbing at times).  I just finished A Charmed Life: Growing Up in Macbeth's Castle by Liza Campbell for another book club and loved it as well. 

I have a toddler at home, so I know what you mean about not being able to read as much/so quickly.  SOOOOO many books, just not enough time!

Julie

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Julie - I loved The Glass Castle too!!  I know what you mean about it being disturbing.  I've been reading lots of memoirs too - some are excellant - some I can't believe got published.  I'll have to check out A Charmed Life - sounds interesting.

Becky

[Popper19]

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ponie wrote:

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januttall wrote:

Hey Becky,

The Zookeeper's Wife is in my "to read" pile too!  I love your New Year's resolution.  I have found myself drawn to memoirs over the past year or so myself.  I try to read a few throughout the year.  Have you read The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls?  I really enjoyed that one ('though it was also disturbing at times).  I just finished A Charmed Life: Growing Up in Macbeth's Castle by Liza Campbell for another book club and loved it as well. 

I have a toddler at home, so I know what you mean about not being able to read as much/so quickly.  SOOOOO many books, just not enough time!

Julie

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We read The Glass Castle in book club last year.  I too was disturbed by parts of it.  Also read Tales of a Female Nomad by Gelman.  Now there's a story of a woman who launched herself later in life!!!!  One's Soldier's Story by Robert J Dole was very good.  (Making no political statement)

The "plan" to read what I don't normally read - or something outside my comfort zone - has made it possible for me to love even more (kinds of) books than I do already.

SOOOOOO true: soooooo many books....

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Yes!! The more I read outside my "comfort zone" the more I find myself drawn to different things.  This year I've read about a sceintific study of sharks of an island near San Francisco and on the other end of the spectrum Breaking Dawn (the last in the Twilgiht series). I really enjoy reading over many genres.  I'm going to have to check out the titles you mentioned to - as my to-read list continues to grow!!

[liisa22]

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ponie wrote: 

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Tarri wrote:
I'm just ignoring the add tags but anytime you want to give me a laurel . . .

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...And I am trying to figure the purpose of laurels.  To make people feel good about themselves?

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Well, I for one am going to admit that it gives me just a little tingle and a grin to see someone give ME a laurel.  Makes me feel like maybe I've helped someone or made someone laugh.  So, you know, don't hesitate on my part!

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Amen Sister!  I like the laurels and the responses to my comments or questions I pose.  I so appreciate all the help from "those who know" about navigating this site.  I'm learning a lot and having a lot of fun.  Looking forward to the discussions Monday.

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So- If i post something very profound (highly unlikely with me!), I may actually get a laurel.  Well I certainly won't be looking for them.  

[liisa22]

Whoever it was (ponie?) that was disappointed with the  delivery of her phonebook-

The same exact thing happened to me!  Driving into my driveway yesterday, I saw a glimpse of something white on the front porch.  Went to grab it, only to find it was my phone book that was delivered!  Bummer.

But, When I went around to my back door, lo and behold was a brown package from B&N, delivered by the Brown  truck! Thanks B&N and UPS for being SO QUICK !

[DSaff]

That is so neat! I had forgotten about The Witches, but the site would make it come alive.

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ClaudiaLuce wrote:

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DSaff wrote:

I have tried to post this three times and hope it posts this time. I found this neat site this morning. It is the National Geographic: Salem Witch-Hunt Interactive

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/salem/

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Isn't that a wonderful site! I use it with my school kids when we read Roald Dahl's The Witches and they have a project to do on the Salem Witch trials!  I've been using it for years!

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[DSaff]

Another book to add to my TBR list. I haven't read The Lace Reader. Thanks for the title!

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ponie wrote:

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DSaff wrote:

I have tried to post this three times and hope it posts this time. I found this neat site this morning. It is the National Geographic: Salem Witch-Hunt Interactive

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/salem/

---

DSaff, an amazing site.  Very interesting.  Aside from The Witch of Blackbird Pond read years ago and more recently The Lace Reader, TPBODD is my first deep venture into the Salem witch trials.  This site was very helpful in expanding my limited knowledge base and deepening my understanding of how things went at that time. This all adds to the richness of my reading of TPBODD. Thanks.  A Laurel for you!

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[debbook]

Someone recommended MacBeth's Castle to me, I hadn't heard of it before. It's on my wish list to eventually be bought and put in my TBR pile( several shelves actually). I have Zookeeper's Wife on my Kindle but haven't read that either. I didn't realize it was non-fiction. I thought it was fiction based on a true story.

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januttall wrote:

Hey Becky,

The Zookeeper's Wife is in my "to read" pile too!  I love your New Year's resolution.  I have found myself drawn to memoirs over the past year or so myself.  I try to read a few throughout the year.  Have you read The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls?  I really enjoyed that one ('though it was also disturbing at times).  I just finished A Charmed Life: Growing Up in Macbeth's Castle by Liza Campbell for another book club and loved it as well. 

I have a toddler at home, so I know what you mean about not being able to read as much/so quickly.  SOOOOO many books, just not enough time!

Julie

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[debbook]

ditto for Mermaid's Chair

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Tarri wrote:

I did not care for  The Mermaid's Chair either.

I am in Washington, not that far from Seattle, I signed up on the first day and my book isn't here yet.  I am sad. 

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Popper19 wrote:

*snip*

I see a few people were talking about reading The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd - this book is on my all time worst book ever list; however, The Secret Life of Bees is on my all time favorite book list.  I read MC second and I was utterly disappointed.  I don't know if it's just me, or did anyone else who read both have these have the same opinion?

Becky in WI

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[Carmenere_lady]

O.k Secret Life of Bee fans, and there are many of you, can you please tell me why you like the book so much.  I need to find out what I missed.  I thought it boring, with no action and little emotion.  Please open my eyes to the secret to liking Secret Life of Bees.

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debbook wrote:
ditto for Mermaid's Chair

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Tarri wrote:

I did not care for  The Mermaid's Chair either.

I am in Washington, not that far from Seattle, I signed up on the first day and my book isn't here yet.  I am sad. 

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Popper19 wrote:

*snip*

I see a few people were talking about reading The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd - this book is on my all time worst book ever list; however, The Secret Life of Bees is on my all time favorite book list.  I read MC second and I was utterly disappointed.  I don't know if it's just me, or did anyone else who read both have these have the same opinion?

Becky in WI

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