Welcome and Introductions

[Bengel]

Hi! My name is Barb and I live in Baltimore, MD with my wonderful husband and two very high energy, adopted dogs. I'm very exicted about this book!!

I have been involved in a couple of the other First Look Book Clubs, but haven't posted much . I read everything of what others have posted. I'm always reluctant to post things myself... it always seems that someone else has already posted such similar ideas/comments - I don't want to be redundant. I guess I just need to jump in there.

I absolutely love First Look - what a wonderful opportunity to open yourself up to new books that you may not have even thought about reading... thank you Barnes & Noble!

[bookowlie]

I agree, Everyman.  I do think people appreciate it when they get a response such as "I agree", "great idea", etc.  If we were sitting around in person, that's exactly what would take place during a book discussion.

When I first started participating in this book club (a few selections ago), I was a little overwhelmed by the sheer number of posts.  I found it helpful to just jump in, start slowly and go from there.  After a while, I didn't find the frequent posters intimidating; rather, I learned a lot from reading their posts.

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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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[lc_dakr810lire]

Hello, my name is Laura. This is my third First look. I look foward to reading this very promising book. 

[kate23]

Hi! My name is Kate from Syracuse, NY. I've just received word that I'll be getting my arc soon and I'm glad to be able to be a part of the group. I've forgotten for a bit how much I love to read and am happy to be getting back on track. Thanks 

[luvmykiddos]

I am hoping this book will get and keep me interested. With a couple of previous first look books I have been so apauled that I could not even finish them. Fingers crossed for good things to come.

[HannibalCat]

Hi everyone. I'm Cathy from MA. I have been in the club for quite some time. I was also a member of BN University. I loved that and miss the educational side of BN, but this book club is great. I love having people to discuss, listen, and even argue (politely) with. This book sounds like it will be very interesting. I have read The Lace Reader and got a kick out of it. I think the discussion on this book will be very prolific. I look forward to the action.

Eman, great post about responses. I love it when someone directly responds to my post, whether good or bad, preferably good, but its always nice to hear from other readers.

See you online! 

[Everyman]

Well, I got my formal notice today, so I can safely introduce myself.  I've been in several FL clubs, liked the early books more than the past two, but am really looking forward to this one.  Now I just hope the book arrives in time so I don't start out a few days and a few thousand posts behind everybody else!

I've been hanging around BN since it was BNU, back in the "good old days."  I'm working on retiring (though this stock market is making that more challenging).  Live on an island in the northwest corner of the continental US in a retirement home (with a two story library for me and an art room for my wife).  Our two daughters, their husbands, and my grandsons (one each) live in a home on the same property with us, so I see them daily and am having a blast grandparenting.  They're the best grandsons in the world, except of course for every other grandparent's grandsons, who are naturally also the best grandsons in the world. 

[cocospals]

Finally my confirmation came. I too have been in many of the First Look book events and have been a part of the Barnes and Noble community since it was Barnes and Noble University which I truly do miss.  Does anyone else miss it?  I learned so much that I can decorate for Xmas like Martha Stewart, developed a love of astronomy and am extremely concious about light pollution all from classes I took with the U.  Anyway, I am so looking forward to this book...I can't wait!

[GnANorman]

Hi!  My name is Arwen and this is my fourth FLBC.  I'm a navy wife with two busy kids.  I haven't found a bookclub in our new neighborhood, so I am really looking forward to joining in this discussion.  This one sounds terrific and I can't wait for it to arrive in the mail! 

[shelley727]

Hi Everyone!  I'm Shelley from TX.  I teach 2nd grade I hope I will get to read this book!    I signed up for Sag Harbor and got confirmation, but never received the book .  I received confirmation for Deliverance Dane today--so we'll see.  Hopefully I'll get this one.  Looking forward to reading the book & discussing it with you all.    Have a great week!

Shelley

[DSaff]

Yes, I miss BNU! My husband and I took many classes like: Forensics, Italian, Jazz Music History, Astronomy, ......  We loved getting the books and doing the work. memories.......

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cocospals wrote:

Finally my confirmation came. I too have been in many of the First Look book events and have been a part of the Barnes and Noble community since it was Barnes and Noble University which I truly do miss.  Does anyone else miss it?  I learned so much that I can decorate for Xmas like Martha Stewart, developed a love of astronomy and am extremely concious about light pollution all from classes I took with the U.  Anyway, I am so looking forward to this book...I can't wait!

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[Danimal79]

Hi there,

I'm Dani..a 29 year old woman and lover of books!  I've done FirstLook before but was not able to participate in the last 2 discussions that much because of having to have major surgery.  I am going better now and look forward to being more a part of this one.  It looks like it's going to be an interesting book!  

[Ericajh]

Hello!  This is my second first look book.  I also read Sag Harbor and really enjoyed the whole experience.  I live just outside Minneapolis, MN and I am looking forward to getting this book and starting it!

[gl]

Hi,

I'm so excited about the First Look Book Club. I've just signed up and hope that I get in! It will be my fourth time.  Each book has been very different - usually ones that I wouldn't have found on my own and often really enjoy!

I'm a young and newly married lawyer starting my own practice in NY.

Gaby

[DONNAJG24]

Hi Everyone,

My name is Donna and I live in Gainesville, GA. I am married and have a 16 year old son. This is my third First Look experience and I am looking forward to it. I am currently attending college online, so reading is my escape!!!

I look foward to interacting with you all in the future.

Donna

[GadgetgirlKS]

Hi. My name is Emily and this is my second FL book. I am an avid book reader and wish reading could be my full-time job instead of just a hoppy. I am very excited about this book and hope to participate much more in the discussion than I did for Sag Harbor. I have always been captivated by the Salem witch trials and wonder how it is possible that events like this could have ever taken place. I am looking forward to learning more about this topic!

[kyle360]

Hi! I'm a high school student in NC. I have participated in several book clubs before, including First Look. I'm really looking forward to reading Katherine Howe's The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane with you all.

Jason K. Ward

[nlsamson]

Hi!  My name is Nancy and I live in Western Mass, and can not wait to start reading this book.  This is my first First Look, but hopefully not my last.

[cheer4lvw]

Hi!  My name is Michelle.  I'm participated in several First Look book discussions.  Some I have enjoyed, some I have struggled through.  I may not be the most vocal on the boards, but I love learning other people's perspectives and opinions of the same book that I am going through.  I had a real hard time going through Sag Harbor, but I am completely looking forward to this one.  Historical fiction is my favorite genre, so this is right up my alley! 

[abbyg7]

Hi everyone,

I'm Abby from Michigan.

I've done several First Looks in the past.  I've been in a reading slump lately.  I didn't sign up for Sag Harbor, it sounded too much like A Fortunate Age which is still on my side table, unfinished.  This book sounds very interesting, I've always been fascinated with the history of the Salem witches.  I'm hoping this book helps to get me out of my slump.  Maybe the start of spring after a long, cold and snowy winter will help too.

Thank you Barnes and Noble for this wonderful program.  I'm waiting patiently for my ARC to arrive.