Okay, if I didn't know at least one of you reads Robert Jordan's 'Wheel of Time' series, I wouldn't bring this up. Can you believe he died????? It was our biggest joke that he would die and leave us all hanging - having read 11 of his 12 book series. And then it happened. Harry Potter readers - just imagine JK Rowling dying before book seven was completed.
But don't worry, I also read that he left detailed notes on how the series is to end. Crazy!
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Friday, September 14, 2007
The Westing Game
First of all, I hope you all enjoyed this book as much as I did. I read it for the first time a few years ago, and luckily it had been long enough that I had forgotten all the details.
One of the things I really loved about this book were the characters. They were all completely unique and, even within families, had very little in common. This caused most of the drama during the game. So what I want to know is: Who was your favorite character? And why do you think the different pairs were grouped as they were?
My favorite character was Turtle, probably because she seemed to be the underdog in many ways, but refused to fill that position. She was also keenly aware of things that were going on, mainly because she was perceptive, but partially because everyone took her for granted since she was the only child in the building. Even though she was practically nonexhistent to her mother, she made the most of her situation. I also love how she eventually found a "mother figure" in Mrs. Baumbach. And how can you forget how she protected her sister?
As for the pairings, I love how skillfuly Westing chose them. At first they seemed terribly odd, but as the book went on, each person was paired with someone who helped them somehow. Even in pairing himself with the judge, it was a chance to help (as well as keep track of her). He allowed her to finally pay him back, and had the chance to spend time with her, whom he had been close to when she was younger.
It was also interesting to see how Westing seemed to move the players around like they were pawns in a chess game - setting up each part, even down to "sacrificing the queen" at the very end. Did you feel like you had figured it out, or did you discover the answer along with the charactres?
Even though I usually figure things out beforehand, most of the story I discovered as it unfolded, and not any earlier, which just showed how amazing Ellen Raskin's writing is.
Lastly, who do you think Westing wanted to win, and why?
I think he wanted Turtle to win all along. He was her friend, as Sandy, like nobody else was for her. I think he saw some of himself in her. I also think it is interesting that the winner was one of the few actually related to him :).
I hope you all enjoyed this book as much as I did. I can't wait to hear what you think of it!!
One of the things I really loved about this book were the characters. They were all completely unique and, even within families, had very little in common. This caused most of the drama during the game. So what I want to know is: Who was your favorite character? And why do you think the different pairs were grouped as they were?
My favorite character was Turtle, probably because she seemed to be the underdog in many ways, but refused to fill that position. She was also keenly aware of things that were going on, mainly because she was perceptive, but partially because everyone took her for granted since she was the only child in the building. Even though she was practically nonexhistent to her mother, she made the most of her situation. I also love how she eventually found a "mother figure" in Mrs. Baumbach. And how can you forget how she protected her sister?
As for the pairings, I love how skillfuly Westing chose them. At first they seemed terribly odd, but as the book went on, each person was paired with someone who helped them somehow. Even in pairing himself with the judge, it was a chance to help (as well as keep track of her). He allowed her to finally pay him back, and had the chance to spend time with her, whom he had been close to when she was younger.
It was also interesting to see how Westing seemed to move the players around like they were pawns in a chess game - setting up each part, even down to "sacrificing the queen" at the very end. Did you feel like you had figured it out, or did you discover the answer along with the charactres?
Even though I usually figure things out beforehand, most of the story I discovered as it unfolded, and not any earlier, which just showed how amazing Ellen Raskin's writing is.
Lastly, who do you think Westing wanted to win, and why?
I think he wanted Turtle to win all along. He was her friend, as Sandy, like nobody else was for her. I think he saw some of himself in her. I also think it is interesting that the winner was one of the few actually related to him :).
I hope you all enjoyed this book as much as I did. I can't wait to hear what you think of it!!
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Author of 'A Wrinkle in Time' died Thursday
Writer Madeleine L'Engle, 88; Author of 'A Wrinkle in Time'
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, September 8, 2007; Page B05
Madeleine L'Engle, 88, a prolific author whose best-known novel, "A Wrinkle in Time," won the top prize for children's literature and was considered among the most enigmatic works of fiction ever created, died Sept. 6 at Rose Haven nursing home in Litchfield, Conn.
The cause of death was not disclosed by the family, but she reportedly had a cerebral hemorrhage in recent years.
"A Wrinkle in Time," published in 1962, won the American Library Association's Newbery Medal for best children's book. It went through more than 60 printings, was adapted for television and other media and helped establish Ms. L'Engle among the best-selling children's authors of her generation.Yet "children's author" did not begin to describe the breadth of her output, which included more than 50 books of adult fiction and nonfiction, poetry, plays and many volumes of memoirs. Reviewers noted a timeless quality in her best fiction, which blended themes of adolescent pain, spiritual and emotional insight, ethical decision-making and, above all, adventure and entertainment.
Ms. L'Engle was a veteran author by the time "A Wrinkle in Time" was published, and the book cemented her reputation as a major literary figure. The novel weaved together aspects of theology and quantum physics and featured a female protagonist, which was unusual at the time.
The plot concerned three New England youngsters -- the socially awkward Meg Murry, her young brother, Charles Wallace Murry, and her older, more popular friend, Calvin O'Keefe. They use time travel and extrasensory perception to free the siblings' scientist father, who had vanished from the family after discovering a mysterious source of evil. They find him on a planet where absolute conformity rules.
The book introduced many readers to a "tesseract," a principle, according to the narrative, that allows the youths to "travel through space without having to go the long way around."
Ms. L'Engle tried to sell "A Wrinkle in Time" to a dozen publishers before Farrar, Straus and Giroux agreed -- with the caveat that the author should not expect much public reaction. She, in turn, had it written in her contract that the company could have the rights to the book forever, anywhere in the universe, except the Andromeda galaxy.
"A Wrinkle in Time" was an instant sensation and attracted critical praise that culminated in the Newbery.
The novel consistently encouraged debate, with some literary observers speculating that Ms. L'Engle's strong Anglican faith was a major influence.
Writing in the New Yorker in 2004, poet Cynthia Zarin said the book can be read as "science fiction, a warm tale of family life, a response to the Cold War, a book about a search for a father, a feminist tract, a religious fable, a coming-of-age novel, a work of Satanism" -- Ms. L'Engle said that Christian fundamentalists continually tried to ban it -- "or a prescient meditation on the future of the United States after the Kennedy assassination."
Ms. L'Engle demurred from analyzing the book too much, once saying, "It was only after it was written that I realized what some of it meant."
Read more here.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
September book...
Ok, through totally random drawing, at work with witnesses mind you. ;)
Our book this month is:
The Westing Game- by Ellen Raskin
So looks like Lisa will be leading the discussion this month and picking next. I'm excited by the description I read:
The Westing Game is a book by Ellen Raskin that was awarded the Newbery Medal in 1979. It has been adapted into a TV movie, released under both the names "The Westing Game" and "Get a Clue." The sixteen heirs of magnate Sam Westing are called upon at the reading of his will to unravel the secret behind his untimely demise.
Our book this month is:
The Westing Game- by Ellen Raskin
So looks like Lisa will be leading the discussion this month and picking next. I'm excited by the description I read:
The Westing Game is a book by Ellen Raskin that was awarded the Newbery Medal in 1979. It has been adapted into a TV movie, released under both the names "The Westing Game" and "Get a Clue." The sixteen heirs of magnate Sam Westing are called upon at the reading of his will to unravel the secret behind his untimely demise.
New 'Rule'
So this is not really a rule, but I can't think of anything other word to describe this right now.
The powers that be, ok, Melissa and I, thought that it would be a good idea that whomever is leading the discussion for the month also be the one to pick the book for next month. For instance, Kyla led the discussion for August's book, so she will pick September's book from the submisisons.
Also, probably the next most obvious thing is that if it is your book picked, you lead the discussion, again, like one of Kyla's suggestions was "Remember Me' which was chosen and she led the online discussion. Any questions?
Or better ideas?
Happy Reading!!
The powers that be, ok, Melissa and I, thought that it would be a good idea that whomever is leading the discussion for the month also be the one to pick the book for next month. For instance, Kyla led the discussion for August's book, so she will pick September's book from the submisisons.
Also, probably the next most obvious thing is that if it is your book picked, you lead the discussion, again, like one of Kyla's suggestions was "Remember Me' which was chosen and she led the online discussion. Any questions?
Or better ideas?
Happy Reading!!
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
"Remember Me"
1. Who was you favorite character and why?
My favorite character was Menley. First, i love her name. Second, I liked her struggle with determining her sanity - and how she stuck by her guns with Adam in the end. Scott was pretty impressive, I just can't bring myself to like a slime-ball.
2. Those of you who are parents (or soon will be), have you had a time where you felt your parenting abilities were being questioned? How did you respond to it?
Ha ha - well, my child right now is my dog. People are always trying to tell you how to be a better dog owner. there is a certain look you get from other highbrow dog owners if: your dog isn't neutered, he has a long-lead leash, he chews on bark, or does anything else they would never condone. this is such a lame thing to compare what Menley experienced, but it helps me understand a little bit of her situation. It all comes back to not judging a book by its cover, right? Judge not that ye be not Judged? Same thing.
3. Did the ending surprise you? If so, how?
Okay I cheated - About half way through I was so absorbed in the book, that my sanity would be shaken if Menley did not get out of this okay. I had read one book by Mary Higgins Clark - The A____(something)_ Syndrome - and she really shocked me be killing off the main character. I just couldn't handle being on the edge of my seat anymore if that was the case. But I only read the last page - so I knew Menley would be alright. I kind of picked up on the Scott and Elaine thing with the whole picture deal and Elaine always being the root of Adam and Menley's problem.
4. Do you think the Remember House was actually haunted?
No, but Mary did a good job of setting it up so you would believe it was.
5. Any other thoughts or feelings about the book?
I really enjoy Mary Higgins Clark. Have any of you seen her movies that are on Lifetime? They are cheesy, but still fun.
My favorite character was Menley. First, i love her name. Second, I liked her struggle with determining her sanity - and how she stuck by her guns with Adam in the end. Scott was pretty impressive, I just can't bring myself to like a slime-ball.
2. Those of you who are parents (or soon will be), have you had a time where you felt your parenting abilities were being questioned? How did you respond to it?
Ha ha - well, my child right now is my dog. People are always trying to tell you how to be a better dog owner. there is a certain look you get from other highbrow dog owners if: your dog isn't neutered, he has a long-lead leash, he chews on bark, or does anything else they would never condone. this is such a lame thing to compare what Menley experienced, but it helps me understand a little bit of her situation. It all comes back to not judging a book by its cover, right? Judge not that ye be not Judged? Same thing.
3. Did the ending surprise you? If so, how?
Okay I cheated - About half way through I was so absorbed in the book, that my sanity would be shaken if Menley did not get out of this okay. I had read one book by Mary Higgins Clark - The A____(something)_ Syndrome - and she really shocked me be killing off the main character. I just couldn't handle being on the edge of my seat anymore if that was the case. But I only read the last page - so I knew Menley would be alright. I kind of picked up on the Scott and Elaine thing with the whole picture deal and Elaine always being the root of Adam and Menley's problem.
4. Do you think the Remember House was actually haunted?
No, but Mary did a good job of setting it up so you would believe it was.
5. Any other thoughts or feelings about the book?
I really enjoy Mary Higgins Clark. Have any of you seen her movies that are on Lifetime? They are cheesy, but still fun.
Monday, September 3, 2007
1. Who was you favorite character and why?
I liked Scott the best, I absolutely feel for his act. I was so disappointed in him at the end, but I had no idea. I believed he was grieving and misunderstood...
2. Those of you who are parents (or soon will be), have you had a time where you felt your parenting abilities were being questioned? How did you respond to it?
When my kids were young babies, I'd have a few people tell me how to dress my kids,etc. No one ever tried to undermine me as much as our heroine was.
3. Did the ending surprise you? If so, how?
As said earlier, I feel hook, line and sinker...I did think there was a secret room for a while before it was revealed. I knew Elaine was up to no good, but I didn't realize the degree of it.
4. Do you think the Remember House was actually haunted?
I think it was, by Mehitabel definitely. I think she was looking out for Menley.
5. Any other thoughts or feelings about the book?
I liked the book a lot, especially the second time. It had been so long I couldn't hardly remember anything about it, except the train part. I did not like Elaine, what a little sneak...she got what she deserved and I am glad Amy was redeemed in the end. The ending was surprising, but great at the same time.
I liked Scott the best, I absolutely feel for his act. I was so disappointed in him at the end, but I had no idea. I believed he was grieving and misunderstood...
2. Those of you who are parents (or soon will be), have you had a time where you felt your parenting abilities were being questioned? How did you respond to it?
When my kids were young babies, I'd have a few people tell me how to dress my kids,etc. No one ever tried to undermine me as much as our heroine was.
3. Did the ending surprise you? If so, how?
As said earlier, I feel hook, line and sinker...I did think there was a secret room for a while before it was revealed. I knew Elaine was up to no good, but I didn't realize the degree of it.
4. Do you think the Remember House was actually haunted?
I think it was, by Mehitabel definitely. I think she was looking out for Menley.
5. Any other thoughts or feelings about the book?
I liked the book a lot, especially the second time. It had been so long I couldn't hardly remember anything about it, except the train part. I did not like Elaine, what a little sneak...she got what she deserved and I am glad Amy was redeemed in the end. The ending was surprising, but great at the same time.
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