A Suggestion

I have started reading the book for this month. I got a late start on it, but I'm flying through it in the last couple of days. I'm not going to talk about it too much until I finish. But I wanted to suggest that for this one, since it is a collection of short stories, rather than just post our normal general reviews of it everyone should pick a story that they liked the most and do a post about that story in a bit more detail. I think it would be a lot of fun to see what different stories everyone picks out to talk about, and why.

What do y'all think?

Oh Edward!

Alright, here we go...

Really, I constantly had to keep myself motivated to read this book. Nothing really exciting happened and I don't think I really understood where Edward was coming from. I'm all about saving the wildlife, but sometimes he got preachy and extreme about it. He would rather kill a human than a snake? Come on!

He did however make me ever so slightly wish I was sitting next to him. Some of the writing was poetic and I wish I was there to see what he was describing. It was interesting to watch him as a man combine with nature. I think the problem with me though is that I don't feel the same way he does, so it was hard to relate.

So really, other then him being poetic I didn't really like the book. I guess Moab will forever be a mystery to me.

December Book!

Hi All...

Sorry this is so late in coming. It has been a busy couple of days down here, and solidifying a choice is harder than it seems. I have been going back and forth between three different books for a while and have finally picked one. It should be easy to find on Amazon and such.

Without further ado...




I have a deep place in my heart for Raymond Carver. We have yet to tackle a short story collection, and I thought it would be the perfect time to do so with the holiday season upon us.

This collection of short stories was Carver's last published collection. He was one of the few authors who brought the short story back as it were in the 1980's. People often compare him to Kafka, Hemingway, and Chekhov. (Carver refers to the later quite frequently in his poems.)

I can't wait to hear what y'all have to say about it. I hope you enjoy it!

Let's Chat

Hey guys...

Remember a few weeks ago when we talked about being a little more on the ball with the books, and discussing them?

Anybody have anything to discuss so far?

Cleaning Up

So I like the idea that Karen has come up with. Trying to get everyone involved would be a good idea. At least have people create a post each month with their own thoughts on the book we are doing.

I've noticed that most people are just getting their copy of Brandon's choice. What does everyone think about extending his book to November? That way everyone can start to read that book instead of rushing through it and reading Novembers choice. Just an idea... let me know what you think.

One more thing. Can everyone who is interested in continuing this book club comment on this post? I think its time to clean up the authors who are not participating in it. So far I believe Brandon, Brittni, Fe, Karen, Shawn and I are the ones who are still reading and giving our opinions. So, if I don't get a response from anyone else from this post I'll assume they are no longer in the club. Also if anyone else wants to be added as an author and be apart of our good times leave a comment with your e-mail address and I will send you an invite to get involved.

Can't wait to start reading again!

Love you all!

I've Been Thinking...

So I totally love being in this online reading group and we've had some awesome books so far.

I haven't gotten to this month's selection yet, but I've ordered it and am anxiously awaiting its arrival.

I realized that I never posted my feelings on The Shack, mostly because I didn't finish reading it until a week into October.

We're all busy, busy, BUSY people. I am. And I know y'all are too.

BUT.

I'm thinking that maybe we need a little bit more structure in order for this group to really work. I'm not entirely sure how to go about it, but perhaps breaking each book down in fourths and taking some time to post something every week? Or maybe on the last week of each month we can post a different topic each day like themes, characters, symbolism, and overall message?

Like I said, I'm not entirely sure. Partly because I don't really know any of you very well and I don't know your preferences or what works for you. I am just throwing it out there because I think this group is a great idea and I think it can become something amazing.

Oh, and would it be possible to post the selection schedule in the sidebar? I keep going back through the archives to check the list on the original post just so that I make sure not to get ahead of myself.

Anyway, thanks! Y'all are awesome!

An Apology

I owe Brandon a major apology.

This month I've been slacking in the reading department. I have the book at home for this month, I just haven't read anything yet. I feel horrible especially since Brandon has read faithfully everyone's choices, but I haven't done the same for him. I do promise to read this book though. I may just not be able to finish it by the end of this month.

My bad!

Also, I am not sure I remember who is Decembers pick but you have been bumped up to November! We had a friend drop out of the club and wasn't able to pick for her month. So now everyone is moved up a month. Let me know if you have any questions.