Welcome and Introductions

[Vermontcozy]

Exactly,we all all here for various reasons,but our common link is that we are here to learn,reach out and explore.I have been enriched and I hope that I have touched someone as I have been. VtCozy 

[Eckwell]

Hello everyone.  My name is Ann and I live in northeastern Ohio.  I love to read and have enjoyed all of the First Look discussions in which I have participated.  This book looks particularly interesting as I also enjoy historical fiction, especially American history. 

[LabRatSB]

Hi Everyone,

My name is Seneca and this is my first "First Look Book Club" read.  This is my second book club though.  I currently meet up once a month with the ladies of Greater Expectations book club, which is an all fiction-group.  Can't wait to get started on this one!!

S

[nfam]

Hi I'm Nancy. I live in the Endless Mountains of Pennsylvania and I'm delighted to be back for this First Look selection. I love the interaction at First Look. It's neat to hear what the writer and editor have to say, and, of course, the wonderful comments by the readers.

Can't wait to start! 

[sailorreader]

I am an "early retiree" that likes to keep my mind sharp.  I find that the first look book club is just right for that.  I would not always choose the books that are selected.  So far they have been really interesting and insightful.

[Deltadawn]

Greetings all!

I'm Dawn from L.I.

I just received my private message that my ARC is on its way and I am very excited! Thanks again Barnes & Noble.

I am looking forward to reading The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane and discussing it here with the First Look book club.

Happy Reading!

Dawn

Message Edited by Deltadawn on 03-21-2009 11:08 AM

[CathyB]

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Everyman wrote:

And let me add one more point. I don't know about others, but when I've made a point that I think had some value, I really appreciate when people respond with "good point," or "I agree," or "I like that point, and would extend it by adding that..." 

And if I think somebody else has made a good point, or expressed something particularly well, I think it's just courtesy to say so.  If all one's posts just fall into the vacuum without any feedback, it can get discouraging, particularly for new posters.  So if I see a good post by an old hand I may pass it by, whereas if it's a newer poster I will often say something so they know their participation is appreciated and will be enthusiastic about participating more actively in future.  

Not that it should be faked -- that's no good.  But sometimes a simple "attaboy" is of real meaning to a person.  

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Amanda-Louise wrote:

My problem is that I often have something I would like to say, but as I'm reading the previous posts I find that it's already been brought up by someone.  So, I'm certainly not going to post something that's already been said.

Am I the only person this happens to?  What do others do about this - posting "I agree" or "I was thinking the same thing" is just not appropriate as it just takes up space.

Cheers,

Amanda

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Tarri wrote:

As to those who are hesitant to post, I love to read what other readers think and I'm sure most everyone here does too.  It's part of what make a bookclub so fun. 

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I agree with Everyman - I even gave his post a laurel as I think it is someting for others to consider when participating in the group. I, like Amanda-Louise, have been hesitatnt at times to post when a thought has already been expressed. During Sag Harbor, I tried to post as soon as the topic threads became available but, was not always able to do so.

Looking forward to this book and the discussion.

CathyB

[SandyS]

Everyman,

Thanks for bring this up.  I think new posters are so hestitant to add anything lest they "take up space" on the boards.  Sometimes the best way to start is just by responding to posts and adding a comment.

An earlier post also mentioned it's nice to get feedback and not feel you are posting in a vacuum.

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Everyman wrote:

And let me add one more point. I don't know about others, but when I've made a point that I think had some value, I really appreciate when people respond with "good point," or "I agree," or "I like that point, and would extend it by adding that..." 

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[SandyS]

I'd also like to add another thought to the topic of Posting.  I believe the moderator questions at the beginning of threads are to be used as food for thought and not necessarily as test questions needing to be answered.

I really appreciate when a poster comes at the topic from an entirely new angle.  This usually causes a flow of discussion, not just responding to a set of questions.

Just my thoughts.

SandyS

[Amanda-Louise]

Thanks so much for your responses everyone.  I so love these First Looks, but I get feelings of dread as the discussion draws near and I end up just reading what everyone has to say.  I feel like I'm missing out on a huge part of it.

So......I now feell like 'permission granted' to agree with posts and I wont just be taking up space.  Wow - now I really can't wait for the discussion to start - and to take part in it.

Again, thanks so much for liberating the discussion for me.

Cheers,

Amanda

[deb-oh]

Hey,

My name is Debbi and I am looking forward to another great read from First Look!

Thankx for this great program and the opportunity we have to read and review these books!

[quiltgranny]

Hi,  I'm Quiltgranny Sharon, living in the beautiful Midwest.  I am an avid reader, gardener, quilter and grandmother of 5.  This is my first time with an on-line book club, and I'm pretty excited about participating in a discussion group.  Anxiously awaiting the ARC to get started.

[Thayer]

Welcome Quiltgranny! As I was (and still am) a granny's girl, in my opinion, there are never enough grandmothers around. Look forward to discussing this book with you. 

[artist4nature]

Just another aspect to think of before we get into this exciting new book:

     A lot of readers don't like to join book groups because they are afraid that they will say something wrong.  I have joined a group and have asked others to join and that has been their response.

     I like to call it a discussion group - no right or wrong answers - just how you interpret what you read.

     And I agree, if someone makes a good point it is nice to add a note of encouragement.

    This is a wonderful opportunity that B and N has given us - let's make it a great experience for everyone.

    A4N

[mich921]

Hi all

My name is Michele and this is my very first book club ever! I live in South Florida and love to read like all of you.

I'm glad that I can share my joy of reading with other people and look forward to this book club and maybe joining others.

I hope to make some new friends in the process too :-)

[Read-n-Rider]

Hi, Everyone--I'm Joan, from Central New York, and I've been in on all of the First Look books so far.  I too love historical fiction and am especially looking forward to the current selection.

Like several others here, I am retired and a grandma--I have a husband (almost 47 years), 3 grown sons and 8 grandchildren.  In fact, I received my PM yesterday but didn't see it until today because I was "entertaining" 4 grandkids who were here for a couple of days.  Besides family and reading, my "passions" are my  animals (3 horses, a border collie and a calico cat), gardening, and spending time doing outdoor activities in general.

I'm hoping the UPS truck gets here in time for me to get this First Look book read by the time our discussion is to start.

Joan

[ponie]

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Read-n-Rider wrote:

Hi, Everyone--I'm Joan, from Central New York, and I've been in on all of the First Look books so far.  I too love historical fiction and am especially looking forward to the current selection.

Like several others here, I am retired and a grandma--I have a husband (almost 47 years), 3 grown sons and 8 grandchildren.  In fact, I received my PM yesterday but didn't see it until today because I was "entertaining" 4 grandkids who were here for a couple of days.  Besides family and reading, my "passions" are my  animals (3 horses, a border collie and a calico cat), gardening, and spending time doing outdoor activities in general.

I'm hoping the UPS truck gets here in time for me to get this First Look book read by the time our discussion is to start.

Joan

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Welcome lover of historical fiction, family, reading, ...and Border Collies!  I, too, have a much loved Border Collie.  Ever read Nop's Trials or Nop's Hope by Donald McCaig?

[2614-Judy_]

Hi1  I'm Judy and I really look forward to reading this book.  My bookclub just read The Heretic's Daughter, also about the Salem Witch Trials, and it made for great discussion.  It will be interesting to compare the two books.

[DebsScott]

If I could please (in this particular section since the topic of posting has come up) suggest that when you respond to someone's post you quote that post so everyone can follow along with the conversation.  Sometimes when a lot of people post at once, your response gets lost then we readers may become confused (okay, maybe that's just me...LOL).  Also, if you're posting a comment or question with a new topic, it helps to change the subject line.  That way all responses will have the same title making it easier to follow the conversation. 

Am I making sense?

[DebsScott]

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Thayer wrote:
Welcome Quiltgranny! As I was (and still am) a granny's girl, in my opinion, there are never enough grandmothers around. Look forward to discussing this book with you. 

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Thank you ma'am .  There is nothing in this world like being a grammy (I say this as my grandson is wiggling around under my chair playing with our puppy)...and nothing as sweet and pure as our grandchildren's love for us.