Not ''Official'' Book Club Business

Hello Fellow Book Clubbers,
Just wanted to let everyone know that we welcomed Hendrix Mill into our world on Friday morning. All very calm and a gentle introduction by water birth which was awesome. Came home yesterday and we are settling in well. We shall see you at next book club unless new born cuddles drives you towards Reefton.
Irene
P.S I have a new mobile number but reception is intermittent.
5966 8480
0490452860

Coraline and other stories - Neil Gaiman - REVIEW.

Book Club Reviews for Neil Gaimans’ Coraline

This book generated robust debate on what is scary and what is appropriate for kids. I recommend the movie or picking up any of his other books in your spare time.

Anne-Marie   7/10 - Be careful what you wish for…

Trilby-Roux 8/10 - Fantastic imagery.

Tahnee 8/10 - Terrifying in it’s simplicity.

Kaye (absent) 2/10 - Not my cup of tea. Wouldn’t have liked it any bettere if I was eleven.

Colleen 3/10 - It was weird. The author tried too hard to be weird.

Cindy 8/10 - I didn’t read the book, but I had a great time!

Kerry 7/10 - It was a fascinating insight into a young girls mound, with a twist from an old                                    mans’ mind.

Irene 4/10 - Nonsensical musings with an occasional lighter relief.

Hannah 8/10 - It was an enjoyable, scary journey into a childs' imagination.

Julianne 6/10 - There’s no place like home…

Avis 8/10 - This is how I’d like my own daughter to see the world.

Coraline and other stories - Neil Gaiman: posted on behalf of Avis

Coraline is a book aimed at younger readers  - the author wrote it for his 11 year old daughter. At what age would you think it would be suitable to read to kids?

Can scary be good for kids? Has the sanitation of fairy tales impacted on children’s development?

What is the scariest theme from the book?

What do you think about Coraline's Father and his definition of bravery?

Which of the Other Stories did you enjoy, and why?

Niel Gaiman is known for his dark twists on common or classic story elements. How did his stories make you feel?

Address is 4 Lalors Road Healesville. Park on the driveway if you can - the grass is a bit marshy right now. There is a parking spot in front of the letterbox as well.

My mobile is  0430 529 100 if you ladies have any questions.

P.S. There will be much food. Much, much food. You have been warned.

July's Slaughterhouse V.

Thank you to those who came - and for not breaking any of my china teacups!!


Kaye -3/10 - Fanciful rambling

Hannah - 6/10  - Took a long time to get to the point, but don't know what the point was.

Trilby - Hadn't read it and not convinced she shall!!

Avis - 7/10 - Well constructed insight into a breakdown

Tahnee - 2/10 - Prosaic, choppy, unfunny - "So It Goes"

Anne - Marie - 5/10 - For most of the story I was waiting for it to make sense, but maybe in war there is none.

Coleen - Weird. Not Finished. Hope it gets better.

Kerry - 4/10 - I get the underlying story but too convoluted to follow

Irene - 3/10 - Left somewhat bewildered by its' classic listing.

August is courtesy of Avis - Coraline and Other stories by Neil Gaiman
Followed by Trilby with The Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz in September.


And for anyone who wants the cake recipe....
1 cup seeded dried dates
!/4 cup crystalised ginger
1 teaspoon bicarbonate soda
1 cup boiling water
50 g butter
!/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 cup self raising flour
1 teaspoon ground ginger

Combine dates, ginger soda and water in a food processor and leave to stand for 5 minutes.
Add butter and sugar and process till almost smooth
Add eggs, flour  and ginger and process till combined. Pour mixture into a lined 20cm round cake pan.
Bake at 180 for approximately 45 mintues.

Hello Fellow Literary Lovers,
Hope everyone is keeping warm in these wintry conditions.
A few questions to ponder prior to book club on Tuesday.

1. Did the book live up to your expectation?

2. Are we intended to believe Billy's tales of Tralfamadore or do you assume, like Barbara that it is a figment of Billy's brain damaged imagination?

3. How is Slaughterhouse V also a book about America in the 1960's?

4. Why does Billy become 'unstuck' in time?

5. What purpose does Billy's abduction by the Tralfamaforians plot line serve?

6. What irony does Billy's profession bring to the story?

7. How did the saying 'So It Goes' enhance or distract from the significance of death?

8. How do you feel about the idea of a Child's Army - Is this idea still prevalent today?

See you on Tuesday.

Irene
0437358890

The Accidental Apprentice....by Vikas Swarup

June Book Review...The Accidental Apprentice by Vikas Swarup

It was agreed that the book was a reasonable read. With two many unbelievable and unrealistic plots...A book written soley for the movie market...



Tahnee ....       3/10......A Collection of........... (sorry couldn't read my writing.)....stories poorly linked

with unbelievable characters and forced dialogue....

Trilby.......      5/10......A page turner (stolen from Hannah), that failed to meet its goals.

Anne-Marie ..6/10.......really enjoyable read...Bollywood meets Phyrne Fisher.

Kaye..............7/10........Outrageously contrived plot, but really enjoyed it.

Hannah...........7/10........Page Turner.....disappointed in the ending.

Avis................3/10........Obvious full of Troupes.

Irene................4/10........Immersed in disbelieve, and any potential was overshadowed by the    
                                       duplicity of the plot structure.

Deb.................7/10.........loved the book...no pithy comment.....  


Next Month is at Irene's.....book is .....  Slaughter House 5 by Kurt Vonnegut.

August is at Deb's......A Tale for the time being....by  Ruth Oseki...

Deb's new address is.....11 Bamfield Rd.. Mt. Evelyn.

Instuctions as follows.....It is next entry after the big white gates. You enter round the back of house. From the back it is the house on the left because our neighbours are on the property with us.....


apologies from me for July and August.......

Sorry for the late addition of everyone's reviews for last months book, The Orchardist. Seems that while not a favourite everyone found something to enjoy. Kerry - 7/10 - Very melancholic saga Hannah - 7/10 - Bittersweet descriptive Avis - 5/10 - Descriptive language, beautiful story Irene - 5/10 - The plot potential is dwarfed by the superfluous use of language Colleen - 6.5/10 - Authors writing style put me in the story Kaye - 6/10 - no pithy comment Trilby - 7/10 - Instantly immersed. Provocative writing Tahnee - Dreamlike narrative (sorry didn't write the score down) Anne-Maree - 5/10 - Slightly disturbing narrative style contrasted breathtaking landscapes

Is Book Club at Anne Maries on tonight???

The Rosie Project reviews

The Rosie Project was an enjoyable read for most people.  A book, which is lighter than most of the books chosen for this club, pokes fun of a disorder which is very real.  We all agreed not knowing enough about Aspergers, but believe that there are people in our lives who may have this condition( ahem...Ben).  There is a possibility we all have a touch of Aspergers.   Don changing too easily for Rosie was questionable, but many stranger things have happened for sake of love (I moved to Seville).  The way Don narrates this book was discussed which makes the story telling unique.

Anne-Maree: 8/10 loved it. Quirky, funny & shed a tear.

Colleen: 3/10, boring predictable.

Deb; 71/2 out of 10, an unconventional love story, a little far fetched at times, but a thoroughly joyous read.

Tahnee; predictable, but fun, fun, fun, looking forward to the movie.

Cynthia: loved the read, glad it was chosen.

Trilby: 6/10 yet to finish, highly enjoyable holiday rom-com style

Irene: 8/10 three evenings of giggles.

Kay: 7/10 light hearted look at something more serious

Hannah 8/10 enjoyed it.

Next book is at Anne Marie's, "The Orchadist" by Amanda Coplin.

June's meeting is at Kerry's "The Accidental Apprentice" by Vikas Swarup

July's is at Irene's "Slaughterhouse  5" by Kurt Vonnegut.

Have a happy Easter.
Hannah

On a day when I have about ten thousand things, I could do with a bit of Aspergers.  Of course if I did have Aspergers I would be counting the number of things I have to do, it would not add up to ten thousand.  This leads me to my first question...

1.  Have you ever had a first hand experience with Autism? Do you think "The Rosie Project" is a realistic account of a person with Aspergers?

2.  Did you think, as I did, and that Don would make a great PA?

3.  How realistic was the relationship between Don and Rosie?

4.  Do you know of any couples who have or have had an open relationship?

5.  How important to the story was it that Rosie turned out to be "smart"?

6.  Give an example how breaking your routine effects you.  Can be positive or negative.

7.  This book is a comedy based on a serious subject.  Give examples of other such comedies including mediums (T.V shows, film, poetry).

See you tomorrow night
Hannah
0402812945
36 Railway Rd Seville

Their eyes were watching God..Ratings and Reviews

Colleen 7/10
Like eavesdropping on a conversation between two woman.

Hannah 6/10
Sad story about African/American woman breaking out on her own.

Irene 7/10
Timeless story well related for its era.

Kaye 6/10
A tale of Joy and woe.

Meg 4/10
A difficult over complicated read.

Debbie ....it's all too hard.

Cindy 6/10
Great insight into black America culture in that era.

Kerry 7/10
A heart rending story a womans' endurance.

Ann-Marie 7/10
Engaging universal tale of female strength and resilience.

Tahnee - Couldnt finish it.

Our next book....The Rosie Project...Meeting at Hannahs house, the first Tuesday in April.
Aprils reading for the May meeting has already been posted by Ann Marie.
May's reading for the June meeting is The Accidental Apprentice - Vikas Swarup @ Kerry's house.

Enjoy.....Tahnee

Book Selection for May 2014

The Orchardist by Amanda Coplin

pre-meeting questions March 2014

Hello Rabid Readers,

Here are a few questions to mull over prior to Tuesdays 7.30 pm meeting at my house.

1. Have you ever read a book because it was recommended by an author whose work you enjoyed, did you like it, or were you disappointed, what was it?
2. Their Eyes Were Watching God is widely recognised to be of literary importance in regards to race/ethnicity/race relations/African American literature/Feminism and the documentation of a predominantly aural history. Are there any other books that might fall into this genre that you have enjoyed in the past and might recommend here?
3. In my book, a forward by author Zadie Smith, postulates that the book may be lost on those who are not black themselves, discuss?
4. The novel is rich in dialect, discuss.
5. The themes of race and colour, are in my opinion sometimes ambiguous i.e. Janies' looks are often praised because of her long 'straight' hair. Is this because, it makes her more "white", or just a point of difference that makes her stand out...discuss.
6. Is Janies' independence a beneficial side effect of the men she is associated with or does she primarily attract the attention of these men because of her independence?

See you Tuesday. Tahnee

February's Book - Burial Rites Hannah Kent

Burial Rites - Hannah Kent

Thanks to everyone who attended our first meeting back after our Christmas break.  It was even good to see Meg (Meg who?) after her lengthy absence, the big question is whether we will see her again next month and will she have read the next book!!
Most people enjoyed the book with the general consensus that the author skilfully portrayed the harshness of both the environment and the life of the people of Iceland in the 1820's.  We also felt that Agnes' fate was sealed when she met Natan who tricked her into working at his farm. Agnes' intelligence and independence,which attracted Natan, played against her in the end as these qualities were viewed as suspicious in a woman in the 1820's.  Comfort was given to Agnes before her execution with the family at Kornsa and also by Toti the minister who allowed her to tell her story rather than preach to her.  Overall a disturbing but enjoyable read.

Ratings

Tahnee 6    A bleak cold desperate evocation of existence

Debbie 7     Engaging read confusing title

Colleen 7    Dramatic story about scratching an existence out of life

Hannah 7    Interesting lesson into Icelandic life in the 1800's

Meg    7      Tragic and depressing view of Icelandic life

Anne Maree 8 Thought provoking and really enjoyed it

Irene 6        Icelands stark and unapologetic landscape similes all the trials and tribulations of the characters

Trilby 9    Tightly drawn intriguing characters wanted to know more about the family

Kaye  8     A disturbing but enjoyable read.

April's book at Hannah's   "The Rosie Project - Graeme Simsion

Book Club 4th Feb

Hi everyone, there seems to have been a bit of confusion on who is holding book club on Tuesday.  It's at my house (Kaye's) 61 Monbulk-Seville Rd Seville.  I think that you have all been here before.
Anyway here are a list of questions we can discuss re: Burial Rites by Hannah Kent.

• How did you enjoy the book?  Were you engaged immediately or did it take a while to get into it and what emotions did you feel when reading it?
• Fate and destiny are major themes in this work, for Agnes seems fated to have come to the end she does.  Could she have escaped this destiny?  Was there a turning point in her life which she might have avoided?
• What do you believe drew Agnes to Natan, and vice versa?
• Blondal is the real villain of this piece.  What did you make of his decision to lodge Agnes with District Officer Jon and his family? Why did he do that?
• Are Steina, Lauga and Margret changed by Agnes's time with them" Has her fate changed theirs in any way?
• Agnes goes to her death holding Toti's hand, for they have discovered a deep need for each other.  Is this story ultimately about the loneliness of our end in life? Or does it celebrate the comfort that a person can bring to the dying.
• Gossip, rumour and prejudice determine Agnes's end.  She is 'hung' on the strength of a reputation which is largely conjecture and linked to her poverty. Discuss

See you on Tuesday
Kaye

Greetings everyone

The Sentimental Bloke by C.J. Dennis

Thank you ladies for a lovely and lively night.  Lots of subjects covered the least of them, I think was the book.  If not liked it did create some interest.

Review

Irene        In full appreciation of his literary significance having read from cover to cover I am none
   5             the wiser.

Hannah     ummmmmmmm Interesting snapshot of young people in yesteryear
7

Trilby       Vivid slice of life of the times

Kay          Didn't read it but enjoyed the pav and scored on the pav alone.
9

Colleen
9               Marvelled at the way an uneducated man could use words in such a descriptive way

Annmarie  ... and moving on to the next person
6

Tahnee      Neat snapshot of life stages in the 1900's.  Eloquently penned in prose.
6

Deb           I don't do poetry

Kerry        written like a great stage play
6

Cynthia     Read a very long time ago.  Window into the past both with language and imagery
7

Next book  Burial Rites by Hannah Kent at Kay's house in February.

Merry Christmas to you all and a Happy New Year.

The Sentimental Bloke by C.J Dennis

 The first edition was printed in 1915.

#  Do you think good literature is always good literature no matter how old or what era it was written in or am I going to be picked on and  bullied for choosing an old fashioned piece of work.

# Who wrote The Night before Christmas

# I think C J Dennis captures an era of days gone by in words more so than any picture could, do you agree.

# Can everyone sing The Twelve Days of Christmas

# I am not going to pull apart each poem with questions but would like to know if you could feel the essence of the man who wrote them.

# How many presents  were given in total in The Twelve Days of Christmas.

# Could you understand the language without referring too much to the glossary of terms.

# How many of Rudolph’s eight companions names start with ‘D’.

See you at my place on Tuesday for a tasty book review with no singing involved.

Last gate on the right Chandler Road Seville.  Off Victoria Road.

Colleen

 

 

Book Club 29th OCTOBER The book thief

Hello all,

Posting on behalf of Cindy

Hi Everyone
Don't forget that book club is on this Tuesday (29th) as the following Tuesday is Cup Day.  Looking forward to seeing you all and hope you all enjoyed "The Book Thief".
 
Questions to ponder and discuss are as follows -
 
1.  How effective was the "collector of souls" (the narrator) to the telling to this story?
2.  Colour plays a significant role in the descriptions from the narrator.  How important is this to the reader?
3.  "Her whole death was ahead of her". Discuss
4.  What did you think of the characters in this book. Have you a favourite?
5.  Did you learn anything from an historical perspective?
6.  Score
 
Cheers
Cindy
0416 463 826 
605 Victoria Road
Seville
(1st gate on left after you pass Chandler Rd on the left.)

November Book

Hello Everyone.

There was much discussion and debate and  over the title of my book for the December Meeting. 

At Kerry's house I wrongly said the next book was to be The Sentimental Bloke by Henry Lawson.  Some looked it up and said it was The Songs of the Sentimental Bloke by C J Dennis.  Now I admit I had the author wrong but it was an honest mistake.  Even the title I can be forgiven because it uses both.    My Book is titled The Sentimental Bloke by C J Dennis.  Inside it is called The Songs of the Sentimental Bloke with a preface by Henry Lawson.  (see where the mistake came from)

The Sentimental Bloke by C J Dennis.  A selection of 14 Poems/Songs.

My address is Chandler Road Seville.  If you have not been to my house before ring me and I will talk you through to find it or come with someone else.

Don't eat a big dinner I will supply Christmas nibbles.

Colleen
0411799558

October Book Review....

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil   by   John Berendt........

It's hard to believe this book is based on a true crime story. Generally we felt the book read a little like a travel book that introduced many eccentric characters. Berendt's writing was able to bring to life the colorful and eccentric city of Savannah, that included a troubled story of murder..

Apologies from Tahnee, Deb and intrepid traveller Irene.

CIndy and Colleen didn't manage to read the book but felt enthused from the discussion to do so.

Trilby was pleased to announce ..."She made it to book club"...well done you...

Anne Maree    7    .........
Hannah           7    Managerie of characters with a twisted murder
Kaye               6    enjoyed the style of writing became tedious towards the end .
Kerry               6   Amusing, yet spooky. eloquently written. Like to put Savannah on the bucket list.

Book club for November will be in October due to Cup Day .... 29th October....

the book is The Book Thief..by  Markus Zusak

29th October at Cindy's place

 605 Victoria Rd. Seville.   0416 463 826

December's book is TBA by Colleen.....

Midnight in the garden of Good and Evil....John Berendt...

Good Morning Ladies..a few questions for consideration ...Given that book is based on a true story....

Did you get a "feeling" for Savannah as described by Berendt..did you find his descriptive prose enough to feel you where there.

Which character did you relate to and why

Did you like the bemused, gossipy way the characters stories were told

Was Jim William the real protagonist in this story

Do you think the isolation of Savannah and places like, breed eccentric personalities ...


how do you feel about  the Ladies Ritual Card nights, and their needs to conform to a social standard...opposed to Lady Chablis who completley throw social norms out the window.....

how did you feel about Danny Hansford..was he a misused and misunderstood young man or do you feel he was doing exactly what he wanted to.

Did you feel a little spooked at the role the conjoure played ......have you ever been tempted by the
supernatural.....

where you disturbed by the lack of moral fibre  in the story...


lots more i could ask but thats enough for now.

Hope to see you all on Tuesday night

Kerry    224 Schoolhouse road  Woori Yallock    0407 047 298

So....
General consensus was that this book was better suited to a younger audience and that Tony was trying too hard to be funny, where the scenario of hitch hiking round Ireland with a fridge inherently suggested a humorous situation.
Kaye suggested that an oral presentation would have been better and that the humour got lost in the translation to the written word.

A light read that didn't warrant much in-depth analysis.
And to the scores....

Kerry 6/10 Made me chuckle and loved the line "life is a mystery to be lived, not a problem to be solved"
Hannah 7/10 Enjoyable read. Will not be hitch hiking, but will visit Ireland.
Cindy - Looking forward to reading.
Ann Marie - Ill - hope you are feeling better.
Trilby - Ill - hope you are feeling better too.
Colleen - 5/10  Mild Book. Not Funny. Problem with Qu.5
Debbie - Unable to come - hope the house move is progressing smoothly.
Tahnee - 3/10 Great Christmas stocking filler for your back packing 17 year old
Irene - 6/10 Repetitive humour. Funnier for the under 30's.

October's Book is 'Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil' by John Berendt courtesy of Kerry's hospitality.

And Cynthia for November has chosen 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak. Though we need confirmation from anyone who can remember, whether this has already been read and discussed?

And if anyone would like a postcard from Ireland send me your address!!

Thanks for another great night.
irene

Good Evening Fellow Book Clubbers,

Hope you all had a chance to read 'Round Ireland with a Fridge'. Here are a few questions to consider prior to congregating at my humble abode.

1. Did you laugh??

2. How was Tony's nationality relevant to the success of his venture?

3. There are a lot of Irish stereotypes in this book. Is stereotyping acceptable in the global culture that we live in and if so where is the line between what is and isn't acceptable?

4. How do you perceive Tony's outlook on life changed from the start to the end of the book?

5. Which aspects of life do you see the fridge as a metaphor for? And for whom?

6. Has anyone or do you know of anyone who had a similarly silly bet/adventure?

Looking forward to Tuesday at 9 Reefton Drive. Call me on 0437 358 890 if needed.

Irene

And the Mountains Echoed

Romantic night at my place with book club by candle light. Before I get to the reviews CAN EVERYONE PLEASE NOTE, Irene has changed her selection for next month to something more light hearted, "Round Ireland with a Fridge" by Tony Hawks. Hannah and Cynthia were both apologies but both gave scores of 6 for the book. Generally it seems most people enjoyed it, although the writing style tended to detract a little from full enjoyment. 6 - Kaye - enjoyed but not a favourite. Interwoven tales. 4 - Tahnee - Plodding. Vivid descriptive narrative. 5 - Irene - Spread too thin. Led to characters bereft of development and storylines underdeveloped. 6 - AM - Difficult to keep track of all the character connections Debbie - No score. Hadn't read the book.

And the Mountains Echoed - Questions

Questions for tomorrow evenings meeting 1. How well did the fable told at the beginning of the story set the scene for what was to follow? 2. Parwanna described Pari as "the finger cut to save the hand". Was the family really saved. 3. Nali says that everything she did, she did for Pari (although Pari wouldn't have appreciated it). What do you think? 5. So many interconnected relationships. Which one resonated most with you and why? 6. Did you enjoy the style of writing. Subtly linked, but could have been separate short stories. 7. Hosseini normally gives insight into the Afghan way of life through his characters and their stories. Did you feel this as a theme throughout the book. See you tomorrow night @ Lot 1 Karloo Lane, Seville.

The Handmaid's Tale

Hello all,

Most people seemed to like this book.
There was some discussion around tone and whether stealing discussion questions was ok (yup, pretty much ok! :P).

The Scores are as follows-
Cynthia - didn't make it and had a dodgy excuse - the last episode of Rafters was on!  Poor form Cindy :).
Toot - 7/10 Vividly bleak
Mum - 4/10 Bland futuristic story of people with no characters
Deb - 7/10 Thought provoking
Irene - 7/10 Depressingly not beyond the realms of possibility
Trilby - 9/10 - A tight story of a possible future
Hannah  - A good practice of the 'what if' despite the depressing content.

Next month we are at Anne-Maree's and the book is /"And the Mountains Echoed" by Khaled Hosseini,

September's book at Irene's house is "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" by Jonathan Safran Foer.

The Handmaid's Tale Discussion Questions

Hello all,

Looking forward to seeing you all tonight (those of you who are about)....

Questions for the Handmaiden's Tale

1)  Conversation in this book has no speech/quotation marks, but speeches do.  In what way does this effect  the tone of conversations in the book?

2) Do you think Luke's response to the take over and money transfer was complacent?  Why?

3) How possible is it that this dystopian future could actually occur? Do you see any parallels in current times?

4) Is objectivity really necessary when studying the Gileadeans? Is it okay to take an academic view point and not take a moral judgement on other cultures? 

5) Do you think the mating ritual is rape? Why/Why not?

6) What do you think we have freedom to and freedom from currently?  Is the distinction important?

7) Who has the 'best deal' - Wives, Aunts, Marthas, Handmaids, Econowives?

See you all tonight

August Reading

Hi All
The book for August is  "And the Mountains Echoed" by Khaled Hosseini,

A Clockwork Orange - Review

A Clockwork Orange - Reactions were mixed but the novel rated highly overall, 6/10.
I selected A Clockwork Orange as it's one of the novels on my 'must get around to it' list.

 and 'The Ratings' are...

Colleen   4/10
Didn't like it, life is to short to waste time reading the violence and foul language found in this novel.

Cynthia   8/10
Loved it, loved the writing. Struggled with the violence. Liked the plot development.

Kerry       7/10
Initially disliked, struggled with power imbalance. Opinion developed with novel as I could make parallels with today. Glad I read it, although not necessarily enjoyed.

Irene        6/10
A tale woven around a social conundrum that is still unanswered.

Tahnee     8/10
An unapologetic, unbridled, riotous read. Loved the language.

Hannah    6.5/10
Thought provoking.

Ann-Marie 6/10

Kaye (unfinished) Initial thoughts are that it's crap.

Debbie    4/10
Glad it's ticked of my reading list.


We should all be well into 'The Handmaids Tale' Margaret Atwood by now. See you next month!

P.S Ann-Marie, were you selecting the next book?

 

Hello my darling droogs,
Hope you found this months reading real horrowshow like.
I expect to see you all this coming Tuesday 4th June 2013.
Please text me on 0408 053 153 to RSVP and let me know if it's milk or milk plus you desire. Tahnee

1.       Should ultra violent literature be allowed?                                                                         

2.       Should there be restrictions surrounding the sale/availability of ultra violent literature? In today's age how would you control for this when anything is freely accessible on the internet?

3.       Where is the balance between free will and censorship/control  for protection of citizens?

4.       Is there a connection between music/literature and violence. Should the musician/author accept some responsibility for the reinforcement, encouragement of certain feelings/attitudes.

5.       Discuss the use of language Nadsat slang?

6.       Anthony Burgess has a large body of work significantly less well know and less violent than his most infamous novella (he laments that he is most well known for what is not his best work).  'A Clockwork Orange' was written after Anthony was told his death was imminent due to an inoperable brain tumour and thought by himself to be his last novel (He lived for a further 33 years).

7.       I'm of the opinion that the film depiction was more inflammatory and had more negative influence on the individual than the book. Do you agree/disagree? (I haven't seen the film, is visual media more dangerous than the written word?)

8.       Are children just clockwork oranges?

9.       Is there a difference between being good because you choose to, or because you're made to?

10.   Would you recommend the novel to someone else?

 

May 13 book club; The last King of Scotland

The general consensus on reading The last king of Scotland was that it was rather drab or blarrr... We felt there was no likable characters to connect to as many found the main character of Dr. Garrigan to be quiet insipid and spineless. Most of  us have seen the movie and agreed that the movie was far more entertaining than the book which probably influenced how disappointed we were in reading the book. The book prompted discussion around politics, medicine and the disappointment we have experienced in reading some so called award wining books as i chose this book based on it winning an award for the authors first novel. This led to discussion around some award winning films also failing to impress.

SCORES

• Hannah - 6/10 Found it difficult to relate to the main character thus story was lost on me.
• Anne - Marie - 2/10 Not finished totally blarr with and emphasis on the blarrrrrr.
• Kaye - 5/10 Found main character uninteresting and blarrrr
• Irene - 2/10 What a wimp
• Deb - 3/10 I did not read the last 20 pages in protest award winning definately not

Apoligies;
    Trilby- i dont know something about twins keeping her busy, We all can't wait to meet them
     Kerry- forgot book club was on
     Tahnee - overseas
     Colleen - MIA

Other Business;
    This months book, "A clockwork orange" by Anthony Burgess, June meeting at Tahnee's place

    July Book club book Handmaids tale by Margaret Atwood @  Trilby's place PLEASE Remember to bring a plate.

   Anne Marie has put her hand up for Augusts book club so we will need someone for September.

We also threw up the idea again of perhaps choosing themed books such as books that were made into movies or Biography's ect Hannah suggested perhaps putting some themes into a hat and us drawing a theme. To discuss further at next book club as the last two months we have been running with a dwindled group.
See you all next month

Questions for The Last King of Scotland by Giles Foden

Hi,
 Here are the questions for the current book "the last king of scotland" to ponder or not before Tuesdays gathering.
   1. Why do you think the author named the book "the last King of Scotland"?

   2. What is your reaction to the British Embassy's request for Dr.Garrigan to reason with Amin and in failing that "give him something that will make him reasonable. Calm him down" Then later asking Dr. Garrigan to kill Amin.

   3. In the book there was at times reference made of Amin being akin to Hitler what are your thoughts regarding this comparsion?

4. The question is raised on more than one occasion by both Dr. Garrigan and others of why did Garrigan stay on in Uganda and with Amin even after he became aware of  Amins crimes against humanity. Why do you think he stayed ?

5. By staying in Uganda did this make Dr. Garrigan complicit to what was going on around him?

6. For those who have seen the movie how does it compare with the book?


Hope to see you at my place on Tuesday night
17 Ashley court Seville
phone 0417977175 or 59644480
       Cheers Deb

 

Reading Lolita in Tehran plus make up tips but who can be f@#*

   "Reading Lolita in Tehran, A Memoir in Books" by Azar Nafisi, proved to be a difficult marathon of read for most people. The author would often jump from discussions of literature to people and conflicts in Tehran. I confessed that I read this book before William was born and had the time and energy to concentrate!  Love it or hate it, this books sparked interesting topics of conversation.  We discussed how books can sometimes have an impact on us and sometimes change our perspective on different issues.

   The wearing of the veil played a major role in this book, as Nafisi had strong objections to wearing it, but caved in when given the opportunity to teach classes her way.  The women in her special class, once inside the safety of her home, were able to uncover themselves, revealing an array of colours and styles. We discussed how we usually dress and how we don't necessarily make as much effort, even though we have the freedom to do so.  This lead to Irene's confession regarding a tube of mascara she has kept since she was 16!  Olay cream seems to be the widespread recommended product.

Tahnee 3/10 Cloistered and plodding.  A treatise on classic literature or an account of life in Tehran during the war, spread too thin trying to be both.

Kay 4/10 hard to get into, an interesting account of Tehran in the 80's

Irene 8/10 a detail prose showcasing the influences of personal, professional culture and politics.

Debbie 2/10 really wanted to love it, could not get it

Anne-marie 6/10 provoking perspective

Hannah 8/10 enjoyed the detail accounts of both the books and life in Tehran

Next months book is" The Last King of Scotland" by Giles Foden, at Debbie's house
17 Ashby Court Seville ph 59644480, mob 0417977175
 bye
Hannah





 

Hi all I hope everyone gets this message in time. I am coming down with a cold (the boys gave it to me) and cancelling book club for tonight.  We can have it next Tuesday evening, I hope everyone can make it.

Hope you had a good weekend.
bye
Hannah

reading lolita....questions

Hi there. Hope this makes sense as have baby on lap. one contact lense has just fallen out...

What did you learn about Iran from this book?

Have you read any books in the past that have taught you something about yourself?

Have you read any of the books discussed in this memoir? If so, do you agree with Nafisi's understanding of the novel? If not would you now like to read any of them and which ones?

Discuss the different attitudes towards the wearing of the veil and how "this piece of cloth" effects people differently.

Do you have any issues with censorship in Australia?

Address
36 Railway Rd Seville

bye
Hannah

How to add your book to 'Books we've done'

How to link 'Books we've done' to the relevant blog post

Hope this little tutorial helps you out. It's a little fiddly but not too complex.

• Go into the blog post you want to link.  That means finding the blog post you want and clicking on the header so you are only able to see that specific post and not the whole blog.
• Copy the web address from the address bar on the page e.g.http://firsttuesdaybookclub.blogspot.com/2011/05/do-no-harm-carol-topolski.html
• Log into the blog and go into Dashboard.
• Click on Layout
• On the RHS, there is Add a Gadget, then boxes underneath.  The fourth box down is Books we've done.  Click on edit in that box.
• A 'configure list' window should open. 
• Enter in the name and author of the book in Add List item box
• Click on the link symbol next to the box (between the box and the Add item button)
• A script prompt box should appear.  In that box, paste the web address you copied earlier.
• Click OK
• The add item text book will look all funny now.  This is normal!
• Hit add item!
• The book and author should now appear in the list below the add item text box.  The book and author should be in blue
• Scroll to the bottom and hit 'Save'
• You've done it, you techno wiz you!

The Reluctant Fundamentalist - Mohsin Hamid

February's book The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid was an interesting novel about a young pakistani who found his identity through living in the USA just prior to and post 9-11. 
In our discussion of the novel it was felt that the title was quite misleading as although there were elements to the main character Changez that could be perceived as being fundamentalist in nature, this was not a major focus of the novel.  The smiling reaction of Changez to the 9-11 attacks, was likened by our group to the reaction that is felt when someone who has been outspoken about a topic, then falls on their sword.  Although you may have a chuckle about the situation they find themselves in you don't feel any malice towards them.  Changez attitude to america and his job after 9-11 was discussed with reference to how his cultural heritage shaped his view.  We all felt that his view was influenced by the affect that the attacks had on his homeland which he couldn't reconcile with the affluence that he lived with in america.  We also discussed how weird his relationship with Erica was and how in a way neither of them could live with the reality that they were experiencing.  The ending of the novel was left to the interpretation by the reader, there were three possible scenario's discussed each of which could have been a valid conclusion to the book.  Overall the novel was rated as an average read.

Hannah  - 6   Disappointed, wanted to read more about Changez fundamentalist nature

Irene      - 4   Found the singular narrative alienating

Tahnee  - 5    Articulate, brief, engaging

Colleen - 4    Found it boring

Debbie -  4    Disappointing, sad that society is still racist

Trilby  -  5     Interesting to see two perspectives, challenging

Kerry  -   5     Poignant tale about life changing

Kaye   -   5    Enjoyed the conversationalist style of writing, but, found Changez to be a wishy washy character

April's book - Reading Lolita in Tehran  by  Azar Nafisi (Hannah)

May's book - The Last King of Scotland by Giles Foden  (Debbie)

June's book - A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess (Tahnee)

July's book - The Hand Maid's Tale by Margaret Attwood (Trilby)

The Reluctant Fundamentalist Questions

Hi all

Here are the questions that I have chosen for the Reluctant Fundamentalist.  See you at my house tomorrow night.

1. Why did Hamid call the novel the Reluctant Fundamentalist?

2.At the beginning of the book, Changez says that his companion's "bearing" gives him away as an American.  What does Changez mean by this? What are his deeper implications?

3.How can the reader reconcile Changez's smiling reaction to the 9.11 attacks and his words of being a lover of America.

4.In what way does the novel show us that the way in which people view the world is shaped by their cultural heritage.

5. Does Changes lose or find his identity throughout the course of the novel?

6. Assess how nostalgia is a destructive force in the novel.

7. To what extent do you agree that the fate of both Erica and Changez are similar?

8. For a novel with "fundamentalist" in its title, this work has surprisingly little to say on the subject of religion.  When, if at all, does Changez speak of devout fiath divine right, or deity worship.

Blog updates

Hello all,

I have been faffing around with the blog so there are a few changes

• There is a list of who is holding book club when.  There was some discussion last month about swapping some one around so that Hannah isn't doing a double up - does anyone know what the decision was?
• I have added a box where you can enter your email if you are not receiving email updates. No one should have to do that - I have added Cindy's email and Kaye - I have added your gmail address.  It's more for new members from now on, or if you change email address.
• Cindy - I have invited you to be an author - this just means you can put on a blog post when it is your turn.

Hope the new changes are helpful.

Cheers,

Trilby

February book review. Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides Feb

Hi All,
Tonight we welcomed  new member Cindy Paton to our group and we were introduced to Deb's newest addition Lucca.

The review of Middlesex was varied. Most agreed that the first half of the book was interesting for its historical content and introduction of a little known genetic condition of hermaphrodite.
The family issues of incest and marriage between cousins was discussed and concluded that although not accepted by our culture is part of and has existed through time. We all felt the second part of the book lacked the intensity of the beginning and drag on somewhat.

Kaye...       6....    Didn't not like but didn't like it either.......

Irene...        4....   Uneasy blend between genetics and moral ambiguity......

Hannah...      ....   so far Compelling read ...

Deb ...         7 ....  Great family saga.......

Colleen ...    5 ....  Power of genetics interesting.......

Trilby...        6....   Enjoyed. Felt uncomfortable that hermaphroism was used as an example......

Cindy ...                Historical content fantastic. Trials of someone Else's sexuality amazing. Genetic side        
                              interesting........

Tahnee...      6 ....  Historically rich narrative. Enjoyed detailed character development. Manages to take  
                             a tricky topic without sensationalism.........

Maryanne ...  6 .... Liked style and  historical element. Second half didn't engage.

Kerry...........  7....  loved that the story was being narrated from the perception of a mutated Gene.
                              Made me think how hit and miss genetics really are......



March Book Club is at  Kaye's and her book is   The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid.

and April's is at Hannah's ...Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi

April's book

Hi there fellow readers!
The book I have chosen is "Reading Lolita In Tehran" by Azar Nafisi. See you next month.
Hannah

Hi All and a Happy new Year...

Middlesex......Jeffrey Eugenides

1.   do you identify more with Cals story because he"s the narrator......

2.   Did you identify with all the charaters as Cal "Inhabited" each one..

3.   The story moves backward and forwards throughout Cal"s narration ..it starts just b4 Cal's birth and       then moves backwards we only met Cal midway ...Why do you think the story is told this way and     does it influence the way you view the larger themes i.e.   like Desmodena and Leftys early life and  
       marriage.


4.    Did you find it interesting to be exposed to so much  contemporary  History
      throughout the story.... war between Greece and Turkey...the rise of the nation of Islam...WW2,
      and the Detroit Riots.....how do you think this influenced the lives of the charactors.

5.   Where you shocked by the stroy of Desdemona and Lefty's relationship...do you think it was
       morally wrong?



6.    how does Cal's experience reflect on the Nature vs Nurture debate.

7.    Why does Cal decide to live as a Man.

8.     Do you think Dr. Luce had CAl's best interests at heart.

9.      Do you think that the Obscure Object had more of an influence than anyone on Calliope's life.

         How and Why.....

10.    Do you think Cal was happy with his decision to live as a Man


See you all at   224 Schoolhouse Road. Woori Yallock.


A reminder that supper is now being supplied by Hostess.


             
 
         



     

March's book

Hi everyone, my book for March is the Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid.  See you all in february Kaye

The inaugural AGM of the First Tuesday Book Club was held on 4/12/12.  The reports are as follows.

The Secretary:  No report she absconded with the president.

The Treasurer:  No report she absconded with all the money.

The President:  No report.  See above.

So the rest of the plebes left made all the vital decisions necessary to keep the club running smoothly.

No. 1.   As of next year the host for the night is the only one to supply sustenance, that excludes

             Hannah who can't control the urge to bring something along.  Please let her in if she does.

That's it, major problem covered.  We then moved onto the book.

ABANDONED WOMEN BY LUCY FROST

Tahnee:        Didn't read the book but carried out a giant cover up to hide the fact that she didn't
                     read the book.  Please not that she didn't read the book.

Hannah:        Not finished.  (Better than Tahnee)  Looking forward to conslusion.

Kerry:           7  Fascinating look back at history of the women who pioneered the colony.

Irene:            7  Unhappy naration on the human capicity for cruelty.

Trilby:          6 Overly long, interesting but tended to merge into one long story of unhappiness.

Debbie:         No Show

Kaye:            Cherries

Colleen:        7  Showcases terrible like for women.  Women are still fighting for ewuality.

Overall everyone quite liked the book.  It showed the hardships women went through.   We had a round table dicussion  on who, if taken back in time, would have surrived the ordeal.  It was an overall death march, except for Tahnee, we would have all died in childbirth.

Thanks ladies for a great night and a great year it has been enlightening.
Next year is as follows.  Please take note.

February  Kerry. m Middlesex by Jeffery Eugenides.
March      Kaye
April        Hannah
May         Debbie
June         Tahnee
July          Trilby + 2
August     Hannah
September  Annmarie
October    New girl
Novemver  Irene
December  Colleen        

Follow up from Novembers meeting

Hello all,

Following our discussion about twins births and subtle ways of saying no - here are some links if you are interested.

Twins born over 48 hours apart 

Subtle signals of no/go away


Cheers

Trilby

ABANDONED WOMEN BY LUCY FROST

Women played a big part in the settling of Australia but have been largely overlooked in history.  Lucy Frost shows us a small window into the lives of some of our earlier ladies and the part they played in the early colony

 

Do you think these women were criminals or simply victims of circumstance?

 

Was shipboard life a respite that the women did not fully appreciate?

 

What a terrible situation for the children involved.  The English and their rules have a lot to answer for.  What do you think?

 

These women were used and abused like mongrel dogs.  Can you even comprehend how tough each and  day of their life was.   Placed back in time do you think you would be one of the survivors?

Dubliners by James Joyce,


Hannah: 7 Took a while to get into it. Grew to enjoy it.

Tahnee: 7 Real & Vivid. Enjoyed. Great.

Anne-Marie: 6 Score might have been more if I'd finished it. Thought provoking vignettes.

Coleen: 9 Love James joyce. Every story a little package. Concept needs to be explained to those of lesser intelligence.....Hannah excused.

Trilby: Didn't read but now wants to.

Kerry: 8 Must ready again.

Kaye: 3 Good illustration of life at the time. It was well written but not enjoyable.

Irene: 9 A descritpive feast.

Thanks everyone for a great night and for coming all the way to McMahons Creek.
Irene

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Despite receiving some very good industry reviews this book failed to engage all of us (except for Meg).


Meg - 8/10   Engaging with an interesting twist.

Hannah - 5/10  Had to find out what happened in the end.

Colleen - 4/10  Didn't like the foul language.  Bad Read.

Irene - 4/10  Initially captivating.  Gradually disengaged.

Tahnee - 4/10  Smutty thriller.  Squandered potential.  Unlikeable characters.

Kaye - 6/10  Convoluted plot.

Anne-Maree - 5/10  Really disappointing. Promising start degenerated into hard to believe "soap opera".


Book for December is Abandoned Women by Lucy Frost at Colleen's house.

Hello Fellow Book Clubbers,
Here are some questions for contemplation before Book Club which will be on the second Tuesday (13th)  in November due to Cup Day.

James Joyce was born on February 2, 1882 in Dublin, Ireland to impoverished parents. As the son of a devout Roman Catholic mother and a tax collector,
his works are heavily resentful of male figures and the Catholic Church.
1. What is the story which you responded to most, emotionally?
2.How are the themes of paralysis and simony echoed in the short stories?
And in case anyone else didn't know what it means......
Simony: In Christianity  the practice, now usually regarded as a sin, of buying or selling spiritual or Church benefits such as pardons, relics, etc, or preferments
3. How is Charles Parnell an important figure throughout the book?
4. What are the connecting factors that allow this book to be grouped as a collection of short stories?
5. What sort of image does Joyce paint of England? How could his upbringing have influenced this?
6. What causes Joyce's epiphanies to occur? Why does he tend to end his stories with an epiphany
7.Is "Araby" a conventional love story?  At the end of "Araby," why does the narrator say his eyes "burned with anguish and anger" (p. 28)?
8.To what extent does one's birthplace determine one's identity or destiny?
9. Is individual freedom inevitably limited by the social customs of a particular place?

Hope to see you all soon.
Irene

Hiya,
Would somebody please post the address for Book Club tonight?
Thanks,
Irene

Hello Fellow Book Clubbers,

November's book is Dubliner's by James Joyce at 9 Reefton Drive, McMahons Creek.
I seem to remember car pools happened last year for the trip to the wilderness of my home!!! And takes about 45 mins from Seville.
If anybody needs help with directions my number is 0437 358 890. But a good marker is if you pass the Reefton Hotel you have missed the right hand turn onto Reefton Drive by about 100m, along Woods Point Road.
See you all next Tuesday,
Irene

Hannahs query

Hi Hannah im sorry i have not updated the post with last months books details ect... im afraid in my packing frenzy i have misplaced my notes so i am not sure of the name of the book or the address of next bookclub if anyone does could you post it pretty please.
About the only thing i remember from the my night of book club is that we were introduced to our newest member of book club Alexander the book was okay on most accounts a few mixed reviews from memory.
Sorry guys.

query nov's book

Hi guys just wondering if you can tell me the name of the James Joyce book we are doing for next month because I can't remember it and need to get organised.

Thanks and see you next week
P.S can someone tell me the address!
Hannah

Questions for the Secret Scripture

1. Did anyone predict the secret that Dr. Grene uncovered before it was revealed. How did you feel about the secret?

     2. Fr Gaunt played a pivotal role in Roseanne's life, why do you think he took such an interest in Roseanne and her families life? Was it motivated by religion, his views on women or something else?


    3. What did you think of the authors writing style, could you connect?


    4. Do you think this book is reflective of its setting in Ireland or was it reflective of the world in general at the time in its treatment of women?

   5. Joe Brady discuss?



See you all at mine next Tuesday night September 4th.
16 railway road Seville a couple of doors up from Hannah.
PH: 0417977175

Book club december 2012 to 2013

Naturally this is subject to change...

December Colleen( 2012)
Feb Kerry
March Lesley
April Kay
May Tahnee
June Trilby
July Hannah
Aug Deb
Sept Anne Marie
Oct Meg
Nov Irene

The Little Stranger

His guys! Sorry it has taken me a while to write this up.

   "The Little Stranger" by Sarah Waters proved to be a disappointment, especially if you were expecting a book that would chill you to the bone.  Frankly I personally found Deb's ghost story far more freaky.

  Dr Faraday, the narrator, a very unlikeable character, had the romantic idea about coveting Hundreds by marrying Caroline.  The relationship between the two characters, was very unlikely and rather creepy, as it was clear to the reader that Caroline was not interested in Dr Faraday and staying at Hundreds.  It was suggested that Dr Faraday was an opportunist and perhaps in time he was to latch unto another wealthy family.

 The book left other unanswered questions, such as what really happened to Caroline at the end? Was Dr Faraday feeding the hysteria of the two employees?  We also found it frustrating that Dr Faraday was never questioned in regards to Caroline's death.

Colleen: 2/10 boring didn't enjoy it
Tahnee: 3/10 promising but never delivered
Anne-Marie: 7/10 engaging disappointing end
Kay: 6/10 intriguing story, crappy ending
Kerry: 3/10 more enjoyment from discussing the book
Deb: 5/10 a good "filla" book
Hannah: 6/10 needs more spookiness, and more a of a conclusion

Octobers Book

Hi everyone,
here is the title of October's book
Gone Girl, Gillian Flynn

The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters Questions

Hi guys!  Hope everyone is well. Here are the questions...

Is Dr Farraday a reliable narrator?

Despite the happenings at Hundreds, Dr Farraday was the voice of rationality.  Are reason and rationality incompatiple?

How does Dr Farraday's history with Hundred's affect his feelings about the building and the family?  Does Mrs Ayers personal history effect her feelings about Hundreds?

Do you think Caroline was ever invested in the relationship with Dr Farraday?

The War shook up the British class system.  How will Dr Farraday "fit" in the coming years?

I hope there were no sleepless nights over this book.  See you Tuesday.

June 2012 Meeting 'The Life of Pi' and pelvic floor exercises...

Well I loved it, Kerry seemed to enjoy it and everyone else's reaction was a tad luke warm...
Most struggled to believe the narrative.

Apologies: Colleen, Meg, Leslie, Kerry, Ann-Marie

Irene:     5/10: Not for the practically minded.

Hannah: 6/10: At times found it a bit slow.

Kaye:     5/10: A fanciful tale.

Debbie:  6/10: The more enjoyable the faster I read it.

Kerry:    7/10: Via text...a wonderful story masterfully spun, made me wonder how I could believe such an adventure, Pi was such an interestinf and adventurous character that questioned everything and adopted the things that resonated with him.

Ann-Marie: 4/10: Via text... a difficult read, not engaging at all.

Tahnee:   8/10: Unbelievably believable. 

Trilby: Didn't read.

Next months book is 'We need to talk about Kevin' - Lionel Shriver @ Trilby's house

Followed by              'The Little Stranger' - Sarah Waters @ Hannah's house

Followed by              'The Secret Scripture' - Sebastian Barry @ Debbies house

Followed by Meg and Irenes choices........

June Meeting - Questions regarding The Life of Pi

Hello my Renegade Readers. Please see below some questions for discussion on Tuesday night. Look forward to seing you all then.

1.       An important component of books is the ability of the author to induce 'suspension of disbelief' in the reader. Yann Martel wondered how far in could push the reader....

Did you find the story believable, when did it become all too much for you? The floating islands, the meeting of the other blind man, or at the very beginning "I turned around, stepped over the zebra and threw myself overboard"!

 

2.       Do you think you could've eaten raw fish and drank fresh turtle blood? Why did Pi save Richard Parker in the first place, then feed and assist him instead of enticing him over board or letting him starve?

3.       Pi opines that Zoo's (good ones) are more like guarded neighbourhoods then jails and don't deserve the bad press they receive. Agree/Disagree.

      4.       Which version of Pi's experience do you believe?
 

5.       Just to see if everyone picks the same colour as me... If Hinduism is associated with orange and Islam with green, what color would you make Christianity, based on the novel?

 

6.       What do you think of Pi's assertion that we are all "in limbo, without religion, until some figure introduces us to our God"?

 

7.       How is the novel related to religion or religious belief, in one brief sentence.