Introduce Yourself!

[Chaser]

I know I am quite late coming on board, but I thought I would introduce myself anyway.

I am Abbie, currently living in Chattanooga, TN. I actually heard the title of this book mentioned back when I participated in Barnes and Noble University, but didn't know anything about it. When Oprah featured it, I figured it was my chance to find out.

I was hesitant to start the book at first, to be honest, simply because I learned that the narrator was a hermaphrodite. Narrow-minded, I know. Even though I was not sure what to expect, I am so glad I proceeded and am about midway through the book at this time.

The more books I read, the more I realize the best books introduce something new for the first time - a new culture, a new idea, or a type of person we may know nothing about.

I am really sympathizing with Calliope during her journey through adolescence - it's hard enough to begin with, and I know she is in for some heartbreaking times ahead. I am rooting for her and will hang with her/him as she makes her transformation. I'm thankful that Eugenides had the heart to take on this subject. I know it has increased my sensitivity!

Also, as another poster mentioned, I feel like, historically-speaking, I have been bombarded by new information and have really enjoyed the historical journey I have been on so far. It has impressed me as such a fresh approach to a people group I know very little about.

I am really enjoying myself with the book and look forward to reading your posts as soon as I feel confident they won't spoil anything for me!

[Paul_Hochman]

Welcome, Chaser. There's a ton of helpful and interesting threads here. Read on!

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Chaser wrote:
I know I am quite late coming on board, but I thought I would introduce myself anyway.

I am Abbie, currently living in Chattanooga, TN. I actually heard the title of this book mentioned back when I participated in Barnes and Noble University, but didn't know anything about it. When Oprah featured it, I figured it was my chance to find out.

I was hesitant to start the book at first, to be honest, simply because I learned that the narrator was a hermaphrodite. Narrow-minded, I know. Even though I was not sure what to expect, I am so glad I proceeded and am about midway through the book at this time.

The more books I read, the more I realize the best books introduce something new for the first time - a new culture, a new idea, or a type of person we may know nothing about.

I am really sympathizing with Calliope during her journey through adolescence - it's hard enough to begin with, and I know she is in for some heartbreaking times ahead. I am rooting for her and will hang with her/him as she makes her transformation. I'm thankful that Eugenides had the heart to take on this subject. I know it has increased my sensitivity!

Also, as another poster mentioned, I feel like, historically-speaking, I have been bombarded by new information and have really enjoyed the historical journey I have been on so far. It has impressed me as such a fresh approach to a people group I know very little about.

I am really enjoying myself with the book and look forward to reading your posts as soon as I feel confident they won't spoil anything for me!

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[leelee_22]

LeeLee here, I have MiddleSex. Have had it on my shelf for months. Need to finish it. A lot of detail so not a quick read but great!! Also a knitter, sewer and basically cannot sit still.

Good to meet all of you, have wanted to join some type of book club but no time in the real hours of the day.

[Paul_Hochman]

Hi there LeeLee. Be sure to stop back and peruse these threads while you read the novel, as there's a wealth of information here!

[alexcross4me]

Sorry, I'm late getting in here. I just joined today. I'm actually writing because I'm curious if Middlesex is really that good. I don't usually like the books Oprah picks, except for Night, but I keep hearing about it. So honestly, is it worth it? It seems like a lenghty read.

[Paul_Hochman]

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alexcross4me wrote:
Sorry, I'm late getting in here. I just joined today. I'm actually writing because I'm curious if Middlesex is really that good. I don't usually like the books Oprah picks, except for Night, but I keep hearing about it. So honestly, is it worth it? It seems like a lenghty read.

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Middlesex, in my humble opinion, is well worth the read. Not only is the main character, Cal, a fascinating study, the scope of history and culture covered by Eugenides is especially engaging.

[Jro7701]

Hi! Just joined the bookclub today. I have Middlesex and plan on starting it today. Heard about it on Oprah. Cannot wait to start it and discuss it with all my new online book buddies. Never been in a bookclub before so I am very much looking forward to the new experience.

[Paul_Hochman]

Hi There, Jenni! Peruse these threads as you read the book. I think you'll find them to be a great help and interesting to boot!

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Jro7701 wrote:
Hi! Just joined the bookclub today. I have Middlesex and plan on starting it today. Heard about it on Oprah. Cannot wait to start it and discuss it with all my new online book buddies. Never been in a bookclub before so I am very much looking forward to the new experience.

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[ABI]

I have only heard mad ravings (and literally) about this book. I LOVED The Virgin Suicides, now one of my favorite books of all time. so i get that it's about a hermaphrodite who travels (?) to greece? And that there is much history involved... and what else?

[ABI]

oh yeah, and i'm abi! Haven't visited this discussion before...have mostly been in hp bookclub. but feel i should perhaps branch out a bit now that **sob** it's er (stifles a moan) over...

[Paul_Hochman]

Hi there, Abi. As you get into "middlesex", stop back here and browse these threads. They should be of a great help as you navigate the novel.

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ABI wrote:
oh yeah, and i'm abi! Haven't visited this discussion before...have mostly been in hp bookclub. but feel i should perhaps branch out a bit now that **sob** it's er (stifles a moan) over...

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[ABI]

Oh, I will, certainly.

[Cajolly]

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Bill_T wrote:
Welcome to the conversation. Take a moment here to introduce yourself. Are you reading Middlesex for the first time? Have you participated in any of our other book clubs? Take a moment and let us know a little something about you.

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Hi, I'm a middle aged Gramma who also happens to be a Rural mail carrier. I love to read and this book was captivating. My background is child of the 50's, early 60's. teenager during the moon walk and Vietnam. Became a Mom at 17! 17? what was I thinking? Hippie with my baby in a backpack at the first Earth Day on the FSU campus. Divorced , Disco Diva, married again (for 30 years) 3 more kids and a conventional lifestyle! Now I'm the proud parent of 3outstanding college grad adults and one college student. Life is good

[Paul_Hochman]

Sounds like quite a life, Cajolly. You should write it down!

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Cajolly wrote:

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Bill_T wrote:
Welcome to the conversation. Take a moment here to introduce yourself. Are you reading Middlesex for the first time? Have you participated in any of our other book clubs? Take a moment and let us know a little something about you.

---

Hi, I'm a middle aged Gramma who also happens to be a Rural mail carrier. I love to read and this book was captivating. My background is child of the 50's, early 60's. teenager during the moon walk and Vietnam. Became a Mom at 17! 17? what was I thinking? Hippie with my baby in a backpack at the first Earth Day on the FSU campus. Divorced , Disco Diva, married again (for 30 years) 3 more kids and a conventional lifestyle! Now I'm the proud parent of 3outstanding college grad adults and one college student. Life is good

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[JenH422]

Hi, this is the first time I have ever participated in an on-line book discussion, but I just finished reading Middlesex a few days ago and it still has such a grip on me that I feel like I will only be able to move forward after I have a chance to dwell on this excellent story a while longer. I am practically in mourning because I miss Callie/Cal so much. I am finding it a little hard to keep a line drawn between fact and fiction here -- Jeffrey E. has done such an amazing job bringing this character to life -- I feel like my best friend has just gone away and taken part of me with her.

I realize this sounds a little childish, which is way not me. (I'm old enough to have a son who allowed me to borrow his copy of this book.) But WOW, I wish I could keep reading this story forever.