Sunday, July 27, 2008

Unofficial July Book: Eclipse

Did anybody read Eclipse? I did. (Boy, this sounds familiar.)

I think it is my favorite so far, mostly b/c Bella seems to grow up finally. I liked that there was more Edward in it although he was freakishly, even if understandably, controlling in the beginning. I was glad that Bella figured out a way to see her friend, didn't lie to her boyfriend but didn't let him control her. Even if it did backfire on her, but what can you expect. I am a firm believer in girls and guys can't just be friends. One will always want more than the other or it could end up like it did in Eclipse, when she is making out with Jacob. Which leads Jacob to think the wrong thing and probably had a lot to do with his decision in the end.

Some questions:
Do you think girls and guys can be just friends, or in Bella's case, think she can still be friends with Jacob even though she knows of his feelings for her?

Did you feel Edward was to controlling at the beginning? Too much of a pansy at the end? How did you feel about his whole, take the high road stance with regards to Bella and Jacob?

Do you want a yellow Porsche like what Alice got? (I do. But I don't want to have to pay for it or the gas. And maybe in black, or silver, I'm not a yellow car person.)

Do you think Bella is going to be changed? Why or Why not? (She better. I have a feeling that she won't be b/c Stephenie Meyer said that Bella's story was done, so unless she covers how they hide her transformation from her family in Breaking Dawn, but I have a feeling it doesn't happen. I really want her too though.)

Any other questions, my brain is feeling fried recently (too little sleep), shoot...

Friday, July 18, 2008

August Book

Hi girls,

I just thought I would give you the info for our August book now, since I know most of you will be reading Breaking Dawn in August, and so might want to get a jump on getting/reading this month's book, The Man of the Forest, by Zane Grey.

If you can't find it at your library, I found some super cheap ones at Amazon, or they have the entire book on Google Books (if you don't mind reading it off you computer), and if you are like me and want the old hardback version, ebay is a great place :).
I am so super excited to read this again, as it has been years since I picked it up, but it is one of my very favorite Zane Grey books. For those of you who don't know much about him or his books, this is a great site: Zane Grey's West Society.

And I guess that is all, until our discussion on August 26th :). Happy reading!

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Entertainment Weekly

This weeks Entertainment Weekly's cover is of Edward and Bella from the Twilight movie and has an article about Stephanie Meyer and her novels, where she says she already has 2 sequels to The Host in mind and another article about Twilight the movie itself. I added the link so you could look at the movie article if you wanted. I think all of the attention is wonderful, and it gets me even more excited for next months book.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

My "The Host" thoughts

Ok, so it took me a while to do all my last month's book review...but finally, I am excited to hear what everyone is reading for July.

What was your opinion before you started reading and how did it change through out the story?

Before I started reading this book, I thought...man what a thick book, I hope it's good and then when I realized it was about alien takeover I was a little turned off. I am not really info sci-fi alien stuff. Of course I read more and really fell for this story, by the end I was crying when Wanderer was willing to sacrifice herself and Ian's pain and despair of losing her. I really liked the book and enjoy reading other stories from her.

My other question is about how it compares to her Twilight series. Obviously, they are two completely different stories and seem to be for different audiences. How does the writing style compare? Which did you prefer? Any similarities?

To me, the writing styles were so alike it kept me interested, but other than that...no similarities, unless you count an underlying romance. I was able to separate this work from her others and not compare, thus probably why I enjoyed it so much.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I was torn, I loved so many characters...Wanda I grew to love, Ian was so wonderful and so sincere, I don't think the story could have survived without him. Jeb, Jaime, Jared and Melanie...man what a tough choice...

Did you ever expect them to get caught? Were you upset that they didn't?

I did expect them to get caught and was waiting anxiously for the crazy seeker to come and when she did, I was not expecting Wanda's twist to save her and send her on. I was amazed by her constant compassion despite human emotions changing her. I am glad they didn't get caught, I didn't want it and still don't...


Do you think she will write a sequel?

I hope not, I had closure and agree, I don't think the humans can ever take back over, they are outnumbered in the whole galaxy. I enjoyed thinking they all lived happily ever after.

Did you find it strange that you liked Wanderer more than Melanie? (Assuming that you did.) How did it make you feel to be drawn to the "enemy?"

I was rooting for Melanie at first and then them both...they learned to love each other despite everything and became true soul sisters. I was glad to be able to see it from Wanderer's perspective and ultimately that made the story for me.

Thursday, July 10, 2008

New Book schedule

We need volunteers for managing book discussions for the next couple months.

If you volunteer for the month, you get to select the book. Please let me know what month you would like and what book (if you know it) by leaving a comment. And feel free to choose anything you want - we love variety! It is fun to find you like a book you'd never have picked up on your own.

Calendar:
August 26
September 24
October 27
November 20 (*Discussion before Thanksgiving)
December 18 (*Discussion before Christmas)

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Discussion: The Host

Hi everyone! I thought I'd start our discussion on The Host, although I will admit I have not read it yet. I'm very curious to hear how you all liked it. What was your opinion before you started reading and how did it change through out the story?

My other question is about how it compares to her Twilight series. Obviously, they are two completely different stories and seem to be for different audiences. How does the writing style compare? Which did you prefer? Any similarities?

Okay... now someone else ask some questions who actually READ the book. Sorry, ladies! That is my feeble attempt to get us started. I hope all is well with Ashley, since we haven't heard from her. Ashley - let us know when you are back online.

Thursday, July 3, 2008

A few questions . . .

Hi girls, I was just wondering when we were going to discuss "The Host." I have already moved on to a few other books since then and am afraid I am going to forget everything :). Also, I totally forgot what our July book is and who is in charge. Thanks!