Introduce Yourself!

[Bill_T]

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.

[Melissa_W Moderator]

I finished Middlesex about 1 month before Eugenides won the Pulitzer and then got lucky enough to hear him giving a reading at the University of Iowa right after he got the Pulitzer. Eugenides is not only a good writer but a good reader, too. I actually prefer The Virgin Suicides, but I think that's because I sympathize so much with the five girls and with their neighbor trying to break into their world. Cal's story in Middlesex is amazing, though, and should be read by everyone.

[Paul_Hochman]

Hi Melissa,

Drop in when you can. We'd love to hear your insight!

Best,

Paul

[ayla4569]

I read Middlesex awhile back. Throughly detailed and a great read. I love how he takes you back into all their lives and keeps you interested the whole way through. I loved every minute of reading it.

[Paul_Hochman]

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ayla4569 wrote:
I read Middlesex awhile back. Throughly detailed and a great read. I love how he takes you back into all their lives and keeps you interested the whole way through. I loved every minute of reading it.

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Thanks for joining the conversation. Have you read the Virgin Suicides? Melissa's got me sold on reading that next.

[LaurenKondrat]

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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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My name is Lauren and this is my first time participating in an online book discussion. I am 24 years old and a high school English teacher. I picked up the book because I had quite enjoyed The Virgin Suicides.

[Paul_Hochman]

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LaurenKondrat 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.

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My name is Lauren and this is my first time participating in an online book discussion. I am 24 years old and a high school English teacher. I picked up the book because I had quite enjoyed The Virgin Suicides.

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Welcome, Lauren!

[CallMeLeo]

Hi, I'm Leonora. I just finished Byatt's POSSESSION and now picked up Middlesex with no idea what to expect only that the critics loved it, it won the Pulitzer, and the main character, Cal is unique. Without having gotten further than the first two pages, it already feels I'm in for a great ride.

[Paul_Hochman]

Hello Leonora,

For some reason Possession to Middlesex seems like a natural progression. You're in the company of two great writers!

Paul

[bentley]

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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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Hello Paul,

Just picked up the book tonight. Did not know what to expect; because at first I wasn't sure that this book interested me. The reviews changed my mind and I am looking forward to discovering this book with the group.

Bentley

[Carolyn66]

I am Carolyn! I just picked up my copy of Middlesex today at our local B&N in Victorville this morning. I did not know that Oprah had announced a new book! When I got to the book store they did not even have them out on the shelves yet. Another gentle man was picking up a copy and when they brought his out I asked if I could have one too -- there were a lot of people waiting for it!

I have not fully participated in any other book clubs, but now that I am a stay at home parent I should be able to fully participate! I really love to read, I am raising 3 children (13, 9, 13). I have 3 dogs and 2 cats, and I really feel isolated since I am no longer working. I knit, quilt, scrapbook, and love to be outside in the mists of nature.

I am looking forward to reading this book --- Carolyn

[Carolyn66]

Melissa --
I have a enjoy Knitting too -- infact I spend a good deal of time at our local yarn shop just feeling yarns, many of which find there way into my ever growing stash! Knitting, Coffee and Book --- is there more to Life!!!! Carolyn

[belimiami]

It's my first time in a book club and I want to see how it goes. After reading a comments on Middlesex I got myself a copy. I'm through with the first chapters. I love the story and style.

Hoping for a wonderful experience!

Beli

[Melissa_W Moderator]

Then you should drop by the knitting group

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Carolyn66 wrote:
Melissa --
I have a enjoy Knitting too -- infact I spend a good deal of time at our local yarn shop just feeling yarns, many of which find there way into my ever growing stash! Knitting, Coffee and Book --- is there more to Life!!!! Carolyn

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[Paul_Hochman]

Good to see you here, Bentley, and a big welcoming hello to Carolyn and Beli. I can't wait to hear all your reactions to the novel.

[johanna49]

I am an elementary school librarian living and working in New Jersey. I have just
purchased Middlesex and will be starting the book soon. I have joined and been a part of many discussions everything from My Antonia to Back to Blosson Street. I also have
posted on the new Kid Lit site. I am looking forward to reading Middlesex.

[Paul_Hochman]

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johanna49 wrote:
I am an elementary school librarian living and working in New Jersey. I have just
purchased Middlesex and will be starting the book soon. I have joined and been a part of many discussions everything from My Antonia to Back to Blosson Street. I also have
posted on the new Kid Lit site. I am looking forward to reading Middlesex.

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Hi there, johanna49. We're looking forward to your thoughts and questions!

[marcialou]

Hi,

I'm Marcia. I read Middlesex a few years ago and will now have to take it out of the library again to participate fully. I loved the book, but oddly, more for it's comment on the immigrant experience and 20th century American history than gender identity. The description of the Detroit race riot was my absolute favorite. If the last third of the book had been as good as the first two thirds I think it would be a candidate for "the great American novel". I liked the ending, though.

Don't get me wrong - I found the gender identity issues interesting, but the other aspects of the book blew me away.

[bentley]

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marcialou wrote:
Hi,

I'm Marcia. I read Middlesex a few years ago and will now have to take it out of the library again to participate fully. I loved the book, but oddly, more for it's comment on the immigrant experience and 20th century American history than gender identity. The description of the Detroit race riot was my absolute favorite. If the last third of the book had been as good as the first two thirds I think it would be a candidate for "the great American novel". I liked the ending, though.

Don't get me wrong - I found the gender identity issues interesting, but the other aspects of the book blew me away.

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You are right..it was a great book first..and then you forgot about the gender identity issue. I also thought that it dealt very much with greek heritage (ancient and modern) and there was a strong connection to Greek mythological gods, goddesses which I thoroughly enjoyed (an American epic).

Regards,

Bentley

[Chaser]

Melissa,

When I read this, I couldn't help but remember the part in the book where loved ones sailing away on a ship held the ball of yarn, and the people on shore held the other end. I thought it was a great description of colors and textures.

What a wonderful idea for those leaving someone behind. Another great use for yarn, I guess.

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Carolyn66 wrote:
Melissa --
I have a enjoy Knitting too -- infact I spend a good deal of time at our local yarn shop just feeling yarns, many of which find there way into my ever growing stash! Knitting, Coffee and Book --- is there more to Life!!!! Carolyn

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