February book!

For February we will be reading Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen. Let us read on ladies!!!

Feb book, etc...

Cat compiled a list of our book suggestions several months ago, but it is unaccessible as she is away from her home right now. I know she emailed it to me, but I can't find it in my email archive. Maybe for now, we can put that list on hold and start over.

Jessie left a comment earlier that she would be willing to lead the February book. Since Kyla, Lisa and myself have recently led other months, that sounds pretty good to me. Does anyone who hasn't hosted in a while want to volunteer for March or April? (Cat? Steph? Michelle? or anyone else who hasn't commented but I know signed up?)

Jessie, just let us know if you are still willing to take over for February and then post what fun book we'll get to read with you. Thanks :)

Dragonhaven Discussion

I hope you have all had a chance to read the book, as it was very good. The story itself was also very different than Robin McKinley's usual style, and I loved how she weaved the modern world into the world of dragons. And because there was never a time set, it meant it was something that could take place next year, or 100 years from now. I have a few questions to start the discussion, but if you have your own, feel free to add it and I'll respond to it as well :).

What did you think about the book's point of view? And did you like it?

I'll start off by saying, that I was very surprised when I first started the book, as this was very different from what I am used to from Robin McKinley. That said, I found that I enjoyed it a lot, and although there were times when Jake seemed to ramble on and on, it actually made it more convincing that the story was really an autobiography of his experiences.

Did you have a guess as to what his headaches might be?

From the very start I knew that they were important, and I remember being annoyed with Jake for not telling anyone about them. At first I thought that maybe his mother had somehow imprinted her presence on him, and later I realized that maybe it had to do with communicating with the dragons.

Did you like the way that the author portrayed dragons?

I actually really like the fact that she portrayed them as intelligent, nurturing creatures, rather than the killers that they are usually shown as. I kept contrasting the book to the movie, "Reign of Fire" with Matthew McConaughey. It also put dragons in the modern world, they had been hiding out for centuries, etc, but in the movie they almost destroy the human race. I much prefer how she made them out. I also loved that each had a distinct personality, and my favorite had to be Bud.

What scene in the book was the most vivid to you?

My favorite scene in the book had to be when Gulp picked up Jake and Lois to save them. I could see it vividly and it had my heart racing as they flew off to escape. It was such a huge leap of faith on both Gulp and Jake's part, and it was also the first time they really communicated with each other.

I hope you enjoyed it and can't wait to hear what you think :).

Book selection system

So I was just wondering how everyone wanted to continue selecting books. Here are a few ideas I had:

1. Stick with the "pick from a jar" system, where everyone submits an idea and we pick monthly.

2. Volunteer for a month

3. Assign a regular, rotating schedule.

What do you think?

February book?

I was just wondering if we have decided on a February book? Any suggestions? Mine are: Exodus, by Leon Uris; or I would love to reread a Jane Austin novel, or another great classic. Do we still have some suggestions left from last time?

Just Curious

I was just curious as to who has finished the book yet. I have to admit, I am eager to talk about it and get everyone's opinion, especially from those who have read Robyn Mckinnley books before. I feel like those old Walmart commercials (I think it was walmart) where the lady is there at the window at some unearthly hour of the morning waiting for the store to open so she could shop. hee hee

So Excited!

I'll start with the fact that I just LOVE Robin McKinley!! I you have never read any of her books, you are missing out. My favorite has to be The Blue Sword, but I have really enjoyed every one of her books. She has a special way of weaving fantasy and helping you get lost in the magic.

As for Dragonhaven, I am so excited to read it. I purposely didn't read anything about the book before hand, mostly because I like to be surprised when I read. However, I am a chapter into the book now, and am very intrigued. So far it is different that her normal style, but mostly because it doesn't take place in the past, like most of her books. It is also told from a boy's point of view, which is different for her as well, since usually her main character is a heroine. I am anxious to read more and see what the story holds.

I hope you all enjoy it as much as I hope to :)!!

January book: Dragonhaven

January book: Dragonhaven, by Robin McKinley

Lisa will lead the discussion on Monday, Jan. 28. Lisa, do you have anything you want to say to get us pumped up for reading the book?