Book Club

[Buttercup]

Is anyone interested in starting a discussion group around a book we all read?

We could list suggestions for a compelling book, decide on one, give everyone a couple of weeks to get ahold of it, and then come back and talk about it after we decide a time limit for reading it.

I think it would be more interesting if we choose books that might be slightly controversial or thought provoking in some way. If it's a 'feel good' type of book the discussion might die off rather quickly....but hey, I'm open to any suggestion.

Any takers? If so, make a few suggestions of good books you've heard about recently or from the past........

 

[dawny0826]

That's an awesome idea, Buttercup. I can't think of any books off hand but I would be interested in participating.

 

[standing_alone]

I like the idea, but it'd be nearly impossible for me with all the texts I have to read already for college. College ruins everything fun.

 

[standing_alone]

How about reading White Noise by Don DeLillo? It's a book about the fear of death, not exactly controversial, but could spark interesting discussion (plus, I've already read it last semester and wrote a decent essay on it). I'd really like to discuss that book with people on the forums.

 

[Buttercup]

That's an awesome idea, Buttercup. I can't think of any books off hand but I would be interested in participating.

Well I can't decide if it would be better to pick an older book so that people could get it at their library for free. Or, a current best seller. But, that would cost money. What do you think?

 

[Draka]

What about "What Dreams May Come"? It is an older book by Richard Matheson that was turned into a movie that starred Robin Williams. There are differences between book and movie though in the description of the afterlife. It is these differences that make it interesting. I liked the movie, but the book is awesome and goes into quite the belief structure of afterlife and death and suicide and whatnot. I'd love to read it again...it has been awhile since last I read it. At least a few years.

 

[windcarver]

What about 'My sister's Keeper' by Jodi picoult? I've never actually read it, but my sister did, and she said it was really good, and also controversial. It's about a teenage girl that was conceived as a bone marrow match for her sister (who is suffering form leukemia), and what happens when she tries to find out who she really is. I think it would make a very good discussion book.

 

[Pussyfoot Mouse]

I think this is a wonderful idea. I can't remember the last time I picked up a book that didn't have "Insurance" written in the title.

 

[Buttons*]

I'd love to do that! *giggles* more distraction from school!

I havent read anything that hasnt been required in so long, i need a break!!

If you come up with a book let me know!

 

[michel]

I'd love to do that! *giggles* more distraction from school!

I havent read anything that hasnt been required in so long, i need a break!!

If you come up with a book let me know!

I could try and join in (it might even get me back to reading); I used to be an avid reader.

 

[Buttercup]

Cool! Looks like we might have enough interest to get this going.....How about if we wait a couple more days for suggestions, then I'll gather up all the titles submitted,..write up a description of each and then we'll vote on which one we want to read. Then we can let everyone get their copy and I'll set a date a couple of weeks in the future to start discussion. I can remind people to keep reading with this thread but start another one for our talks.....Does that sound like a plan?

 

[Bishka]

That would be great. The Lovley Bones is a good book if anybody hasn't read it.

 

[Ody]

Good idea I would join , but we would have to read heavy books like kafka, or philosophy...

 

[Buttercup]

Bump!

Any more suggestions for books to read? I will post the candidates on Monday and we will vote shortly thereafter......

 

[standing_alone]

Any more suggestions for books to read?

The Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison - it's about racism

 

[finalfrogo]

Seven Years in Tibet by Heinrich Harrer

 

[Shadow Wolf]

Heres a suggestion, Stephen King's "The Stand - Complete and Undedite edition." Took me a couple months to finish it, but it was worth it.

Or H.P. Lovecraft's "The Cats of Ulthar" (I think thats the right city). A good short story, that I really can't mention much about, because it is so short that anything would spoil it, but I will say, cat lovers will like it.

 

[nutshell]

I'm in.

How about Frankenstein. Don't knock the idea. Forget everything you think you know about this story...it's completely different than hollywood.

Other Suggestions:

Sense and Sensibility
Woman in White
Great Expectations
Artist of the Floating World
Beloved
Their Eyes Were Watching God

 

[Draka]

The Green Mile; Stephen King. miracles and magic
The Client; John Grisham. drama and murder mystery
The Princess Bride; William Goldman. Just downright fun

 

[Buttercup]

The Client........Excellent book. And Draka I'm leaning toward the first one you mentioned...can't remember the name right off. What Dreams May Come? Was that it? That was strange movie and I remember having a bunch of questions running through my mind watching it. Could be good for discussion.

Thanks for the suggestions.........I'll do a poll soon so we can decide.