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Rota for Book of the Month Club
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Message 1.Â
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Thursday, 22nd October 2009
The Book of the Month Club (formerly the Reading Group) meets on the 21st of each month (the 15th in December) to discuss a specific book, which was chosen a few months in advance by the volunteer who will be introducing the thread.
The Club has discussed a wide variety of books: fiction and non-fiction, classics, old favourites, new novels and short story collections, as well as children’s books - in fact it has become tradition that the December thread should discuss a book for children.
The only stipulation is that people's choices should be in print (and preferably available in paperback and not too long!). That means they will also be available from libraries. If they aren't on the shelves, libraries will take reservations for a small fee.
Because we need to alert people in advance so they have time to read the books, volunteers need to give details of their choice in advance, preferably at least three months beforehand.
We are currently looking for volunteers to introduce discussions from February 2010 onwards.
Here’s how it works:
Volunteers post in this thread, giving the month they are free to open up, the title and author of their chosen book, together with a very brief description of it. (Don’t forget that ideally we need at least three months’ notice so we can put the word out.)
Then all the volunteer has to do is turn up on the relevant date and start a thread here in The Village Hall. Just title your discussion:
[Month] Book of the Month Club: [book title].
Spoilers are not a problem in the Book of the Month Club. Those who participate will have read the book, so there are no concerns about giving away the plot or ending.
It would be helpful if the volunteer could begin their first post by saying something like:
“Welcome to this month’s Book of the Month Club, where we are going to discuss [book title]. Everyone is warmly invited to dive in – you join clubs and groups in ML just by posting in them.
However, don’t worry if you forget, as the Club’s organiser (that’s me at the moment) will do the necessary when they join in the discussion.
Once a discussion has started, either the volunteer or the organiser will start a Flyer thread in The Bull, with a link to the relevant thread.
Details of upcoming discussions and links to past ones are listed in the post below. -
Message 2
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Thursday, 22nd October 2009
Upcoming discussions:
October 21st: 'God's Own Country' by Ross Raisin (ladyglencora).
This is the tale of a teenage boy who is a loner living on the Yorkshire Moors and how his isolation and preoccupations take a sinister turn. It comes recomended and won the Sunday Times Young Writer Award.
It is available in paperback and is available cheaply on Amazon.
November 21st:'The Sunday Philosophy Club' by Alexander McCall Smith (Rwth).
It is the first of AMC's Isabel Dalhousie novels.
December 15th: 'Carrie's War' by Nina Bawden (Rusters).
This tells the story of two young siblings, Carrie and Nick, who are evacuated to Wales during WWII.
January 21st 2010: 'Revolutionary Road' by Richard Yates (Bette)
Earlier Book of the Month (Reading Group) threads:
2008
March: The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold
F2693944?thread=5236871
April: The Tenderness of Wolves - Stef Penney
F2693944?thread=5354964
May: Cranford - Elizabeth Gaskell
F2693944?thread=5476164
June: Mister Pip - Lloyd Jones
F2693944?thread=5594993
July: The Ghost Map - Steven Johnson
F2693944?thread=5685823
Aug: The Gathering - Anne Enright
F2693944?thread=5798328
Sept: Scenes Of Clerical Life - George Eliot
F2693944?thread=5907339
Oct: The Reluctant Fundamentalist - Mohsin Hamid
F2693944?thread=5972902&skip=20&show=20 (from message 15)
Nov: Silk - Alessandro Baricco
F2693944?thread=6088536
Dec: Mr. Gum and the Dancing Bear – Andy Stanton
F2693944?thread=6153107
2009:
Jan: The Clothes On Their Backs - Linda Grant
F2693944?thread=6257408&skip=0&show=200
Feb: These Old Shades - Georgette Heyer
F2693943?thread=6344872&skip=0&show=200
March: Before I Die - Jenny Downham
F2693944?thread=6422732&skip=0&show=200
April: Slam - Nick Hornby
F2693944?thread=6504321
May: The People on Privilege Hill - Jane Gardam
F2693944?thread=6595962
June: A Long Long Way - Sebastian Barry
F2693944?thread=6695636
July: Watership Down - Richard Adams
F2693944?thread=6771940
August: When Will There Be Good News? - Kate Atkinson
F2693944?thread=6866638
September: English Passengers – Matthew Kneale
F2693944?thread=6941636
You might also be interested in the TVH Book Club, which discusses a particular genre, theme or author each month. That Club opens up on the first of each month. -
Message 3
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Friday, 23rd October 2009
Oct: God's Own Country - Ross Raisin
F2693944?thread=7019563 -
Message 4
Posted by E Yore (U1479700) on Sunday, 1st November 2009
Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:36 GMT, in reply to Rusters in message 3
I'd be willing to lead a Book of the Month Club on Barbara Kingsolver's 'The Poisonwood Bible' - but ideally not before May 2010. Too far away? Otherwise I could possibly manage March but would really prefer May. Thoughts? -
Message 5
Posted by Stripey (U13714328) on Monday, 2nd November 2009
Thank you, E. Yore, May will be fine. Look forward to it, and have a feeling it might be one of those books I shall want to actually buy.
Any volunteers to introduce a book of their choice in February, March or April?
Rusty -
Message 6
Posted by Bette (U2222559) on Monday, 2nd November 2009
Hi Rusty (er .. Stripey??),
Hope there will be takers soon for Feb, March April, which would give a bit of a 'structure' for 2010 reading. How about a thread for suggestions in TB?
I've /very/ much enjoyed the list of books this year (OK, missed a couple of the recent ones, but /will/ get round to them before too long, I hope!). -
Message 7
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Monday, 2nd November 2009
Right you are, Bette. I'll post in TB tomorrow with list of forthcoming books and ask for volunteers.
Poor Stripey-cat - I've been hogging her login. Hope she doesn't return the favour!
Rusty -
Message 8
Posted by Bette (U2222559) on Tuesday, 3rd November 2009
Here is my intro for 'Revolutionary Road', Rusty (doesn't give it justice, but there we are):
"Set in 1955, the novel focuses on the hopes and deception of the 'American Dream': Frank and April Wheeler, self-assured Connecticut suburbanites who see themselves as very different from their neighbors in the Revolutionary Hill Estates. A film of the book, by Sam Mendes, came out in 2008." -
Message 9
Posted by Rwth of the Cornovii (U2570790) on Friday, 6th November 2009
Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:15 GMT, in reply to Bette in message 8
Ok, I will do "To Kill a Mockingbird" in February. There was a film with Gregory Peck (Swoon, thud) and it is probably about keeping an ethical standard when all about you are building a gallows.
If you want me to introduce anything else, just let me know. I'm all set to introduce "The Sunday Philosopy Club" by Alexander McCall Smith on November 21st. So get your copy and begin to enjoy yourselves. -
Message 10
Posted by Bette (U2222559) on Monday, 9th November 2009
Thanks for your contribution, Rwth. I hope others will pile in here with their suggestions. -
Message 11
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Wednesday, 11th November 2009
To recap on upcoming discussions:
November 21st:'The Sunday Philosophy Club' by Alexander McCall Smith (Rwth)
It is the first of AMC's Isabel Dalhousie novels.
December 15th: 'Carrie's War' by Nina Bawden (Rusters)
This tells the story of two young siblings, Carrie and Nick, who are evacuated to Wales during WWII.
January 21st 2010: 'Revolutionary Road' by Richard Yates (Bette)
Set in 1955, the novel focuses on the hopes and deception of the 'American Dream': Frank and April Wheeler, self-assured Connecticut suburbanites who see themselves as very different from their neighbors in the Revolutionary Hill Estates. A film of the book, by Sam Mendes, came out in 2008.
February 21st: 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee (Rwth)
[March and April: We are looking for volunteers to start a discussion on the book of their choice]
May 21st : ‘The Poisonwood Bible’ by Barbara Kingsolver (E. Yore)
If anyone is looking for inspiration on a book to introduce for discussion, they might find inspiration from the recent Times list of great modern novels (maybe the shorter ones though!):
Rusty -
Message 12
Posted by Bette (U2222559) on Wednesday, 11th November 2009
Hi Rusters,
This is 'something completely different' - but I just wondered about a /play/ 'The Visit' by a renowned Swiss writer Dürrenmatt.
Actually, much as I love this play, I would opt for 'Huis Clos' by Sartre too - if anyone is up for having a play as 'Book of the Month'. -
Message 13
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Wednesday, 11th November 2009
Bette, I find it quite difficult to read plays, but I'm up for the challenge. I don't know 'The Visit', but I've seen and enjoyed Durrenmatt's 'The Physicists'.
I don't know Sartre's 'Huis Clos' either, but just looked it up: "Hell is other people" - that's my kinda guy.
Rusty -
Message 14
Posted by Bette (U2222559) on Thursday, 12th November 2009
In reply to Rusters in message 13
Let's see if anyone else is interested in reading a play (I know it isn't to everyone's taste, but at least it shouldn't take too long to read (ie, less time than actually going to the theatre).
Both the above plays are well worth a discussion, IMO - but would be happy to go along with any other suggestions.
Ok, this /is/ 'Book of the month' thread, so maybe a play-reading is just not on!. -
Message 15
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Thursday, 12th November 2009
Anyone got thoughts on Bette's suggestions?
Rusty -
Message 16
Posted by Bette (U2222559) on Thursday, 12th November 2009
In reply to Rusters in message 15
Well, I posted late at night, and this morning my suggestions didn't seem so good
Well, I'd certainly recommend 'The Visit' but I doubt we would get many people willing to read a play - though one never knows unless one asks, I suppose! -
Message 17
Posted by Rwth of the Cornovii (U2570790) on Thursday, 12th November 2009
Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:30 GMT, in reply to Bette in message 16
I've been thinking about books I have really enjoyed and meant something to me, and I came up with Albert Camus' "La Peste" ("The Plague"). If people feel like reading it and would like a spur, I could introduce it in the late spring, say Mid May. Like most literature, it is best read in the original language, French. But there are good translations. One of which I may use to remind myself, despite having a copy in French.
Or there is Antoine de St Exupary's novel "Vol de Nuit". Loved the book, love the scent (Guerlain), what's not to like? Maybe in September. I don't want to hog the months. -
Message 18
Posted by Bette (U2222559) on Thursday, 12th November 2009
In reply to Rwth of Cornovii in message 17
Much as I like 'La Peste' - don't you think it is a rather too long for a 'book of the Month'?
Strangely, I didn't like /at/ /all/ 'Vol de Nuit'. I remember even having a nightmare about it as I dreamed I was the person who had to introduce it, and I had absolutely /nothing/ to say (in my dream, that was!).
I'd be happy to introduce a beautiful book by Luis Sepulveda 'The Old Man who Read Love Stories'. Maybe other people have already come across it:
-
Message 19
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Friday, 13th November 2009
It's entirely up to the volunteers what they choose of course, but it does seem that long and/or "difficult" books attract fewer posters. However, if the volunteer is prepared for that possibility, no matter.
Rwth, E. Yore will be introducing 'The Poisonwood Bible' on 21st May, but the months after that are free (also March and April, but that's probably too soon after your February discussion for you to want to take on).
Very much looking forward to the discussion on 'To Kill a Mockingbird', btw.
Bette, I've not read 'The Old Man Who Read Love Stories' but just looked it up and it looks interesting. I hope you will introduce a discussion about it; I shall read it anyway.
Rusty -
Message 20
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Saturday, 14th November 2009
Please see Message 11 for upcoming discussions.
Rusty -
Message 21
Posted by Bette (U2222559) on Sunday, 15th November 2009
I'll be glad to present 'The Old Man Who Read Love Stories' any time in 2010. I'll slot in wherever there is a space. As I am presenting a book in January, then I would prefer that other posters would take the subsequent months - but let's see what other offers we have!
-
Message 22
Posted by lady glen (U10017481) on Sunday, 15th November 2009
Hello All
I am willing to present a book in April, need a bit of time to choose one but watch this space!! -
Message 23
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Sunday, 15th November 2009
Thanks, you two(!)
Right, so we have something planned from January through to May inclusive, except for March. If no one else comes forward for March, I'll introduce a discussion. I'm vaguely leaning towards Francoise Sagan's 'Bonjour Tristesse'.
Rusty -
Message 24
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Sunday, 15th November 2009
Meant to add, does June suit you, Bette?
Rusty -
Message 25
Posted by Bette (U2222559) on Sunday, 15th November 2009
That's fine for me, Rusty. June it is.
-
Message 26
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Monday, 16th November 2009
Thanks, Bette.
Upcoming discussions:
November 21st:'The Sunday Philosophy Club' by Alexander McCall Smith (Rwth)
It is the first of AMC's Isabel Dalhousie novels.
December 15th: 'Carrie's War' by Nina Bawden (Rusters)
This tells the story of two young siblings, Carrie and Nick, who are evacuated to Wales during WWII.
January 21st 2010: 'Revolutionary Road' by Richard Yates (Bette)
Set in 1955, the novel focuses on the hopes and deception of the 'American Dream': Frank and April Wheeler, self-assured Connecticut suburbanites who see themselves as very different from their neighbors in the Revolutionary Hill Estates. A film of the book, by Sam Mendes, came out in 2008.
February 21st: 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee (Rwth)
March 21st: Rusters to introduce a discussion
April 21st: ladyglencora to introduce a discussion
May 21st : ‘The Poisonwood Bible’ by Barbara Kingsolver (E. Yore)
June 21st: 'The Old Man Who Read Love Stories' by Luis Sepulveda (Bette)
Rwth, E.Yore and Bette, we need a couple of lines about your chosen books.
If anyone is looking for inspiration on a book to introduce for discussion, they might find inspiration from the recent Times list of great modern novels (maybe the shorter ones though!):
Rusty -
Message 27
Posted by Rwth of the Cornovii (U2570790) on Saturday, 21st November 2009
Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:52 GMT, in reply to Rusters in message 26
The Sunday Philosophy Club, by Alexander McCall Smith has just begun.
-
Message 28
Posted by E Yore (U1479700) on Saturday, 21st November 2009
Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:12 GMT, in reply to Rwth of Cornovii in message 27
The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver is a novel about the Price family, who in 1959 move from the southern US to the Belgian Congo. The Prices' story, which parallels the Belgian Congo's tumultuous emergence into the post-colonial era, is narrated by the five women of the family: Orleanna, long-suffering wife of Baptist missionary Nathan Price, and their four daughters – Rachel, Leah, Adah, and Ruth May. -
Message 29
Posted by Bette (U2222559) on Saturday, 21st November 2009
'The Old Man Who Read Love Stories' by Chilean writer Luis Sepulveda, is set in a remote river town in Ecuador. An elderly widower, Antonio, finds comfort in reading romance novels brought to him by the visiting dentist. But when a female jaguar begins carrying out a reign of terror in the area, Antonio's expertise in jungle ways is called upon to get rid of the problem. Written originally in Spanish, the book was dedicated to a man who fought and died to preserve the Amazon jungle, Chico Mendes.
-
Message 30
Posted by Stripey (U13714328) on Saturday, 21st November 2009
Thank you, E. Yore and Bette.
Rwth, when you see this, please would you write a couple of lines about "To Kill A Mockingbird" for inclusion here and on the TB "Reminder" thread.
Rusty -
Message 31
Posted by Stripey (U13714328) on Saturday, 21st November 2009
Upcoming discussions:
December 15th: 'Carrie's War' by Nina Bawden (Rusters).
This tells the story of two young siblings, Carrie and Nick, who are evacuated to Wales during WWII.
January 21st 2010: 'Revolutionary Road' by Richard Yates (Bette)
Set in 1955, the novel focuses on the hopes and deception of the 'American Dream': Frank and April Wheeler, self-assured Connecticut suburbanites who see themselves as very different from their neighbors in the Revolutionary Hill Estates. A film of the book, by Sam Mendes, came out in 2008.
February 21st: 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee (Rwth)
March 21st: Rusters to introduce a discussion
April 21st: ladyglencora to introduce a discussion
May 21st : ‘The Poisonwood Bible’ by Barbara Kingsolver (E. Yore)
The Poisonwood Bible is a novel about the Price family, who in 1959 move from the southern US to the Belgian Congo. The Prices' story, which parallels the Belgian Congo's tumultuous emergence into the post-colonial era, is narrated by the five women of the family: Orleanna, long-suffering wife of Baptist missionary Nathan Price, and their four daughters – Rachel, Leah, Adah, and Ruth May.
June 21st: 'The Old Man Who Read Love Stories' by Luis Sepulveda (Bette)
The book is set in a remote river town in Ecuador. An elderly widower, Antonio, finds comfort in reading romance novels brought to him by the visiting dentist. But when a female jaguar begins carrying out a reign of terror in the area, Antonio's expertise in jungle ways is called upon to get rid of the problem. Written originally in Spanish, the book was dedicated to a man who fought and died to preserve the Amazon jungle, Chico Mendes.
Previous Book of the Month (Reading Group) threads:
2008
March: The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold
F2693944?thread=5236871
April: The Tenderness of Wolves - Stef Penney
F2693944?thread=5354964
May: Cranford - Elizabeth Gaskell
F2693944?thread=5476164
June: Mister Pip - Lloyd Jones
F2693944?thread=5594993
July: The Ghost Map - Steven Johnson
F2693944?thread=5685823
Aug: The Gathering - Anne Enright
F2693944?thread=5798328
Sept: Scenes Of Clerical Life - George Eliot
F2693944?thread=5907339
Oct: The Reluctant Fundamentalist - Mohsin Hamid
F2693944?thread=5972902&skip=20&show=20 (from message 15)
Nov: Silk - Alessandro Baricco
F2693944?thread=6088536
Dec: Mr. Gum and the Dancing Bear – Andy Stanton
F2693944?thread=6153107
2009:
Jan: The Clothes On Their Backs - Linda Grant
F2693944?thread=6257408&skip=0&show=200
Feb: These Old Shades - Georgette Heyer
F2693943?thread=6344872&skip=0&show=200
March: Before I Die - Jenny Downham
F2693944?thread=6422732&skip=0&show=200
April: Slam - Nick Hornby
F2693944?thread=6504321
May: The People on Privilege Hill - Jane Gardam
F2693944?thread=6595962
June: A Long Long Way - Sebastian Barry
F2693944?thread=6695636
July: Watership Down - Richard Adams
F2693944?thread=6771940
August: When Will There Be Good News? - Kate Atkinson
F2693944?thread=6866638
Sept: English Passengers – Matthew Kneale
F2693944?thread=6941636
Oct: God's Own Country - Ross Raisin
F2693944?thread=7019563
The November discussion, 'The Sunday Philosophy Club' by Alexander McCall Smith, is now open:
F2693944?thread=7093890
You might also be interested in the TVH Book Club, which discusses a particular genre, theme or author each month. That Club opens up on the first of each month. -
Message 32
Posted by Rwth of the Cornovii (U2570790) on Saturday, 21st November 2009
Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:57 GMT, in reply to Stripey in message 30
I will do so when I have come to read it. I do know something about it though so here goes:
The narrator is the 12 or 13 year old daughter of Atticus Finch, a widowed lawyer practising in a small town in the Deep South. There is a murder and the locals are very keen on stringing up one of the local negroes. I have seen the film with Gregory Peck (Swoon thud) -
Message 33
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Tuesday, 1st December 2009
I have just started a "reminder" thread in TB with details of books to be discussed in the coming months.
I am going to be away for a few days, so should be grateful if anyone reading this would give that thread a "bump" from time to time:
F2693943?thread=7118825&post=89235057#p89235057
Many thanks.
Rusty -
Message 34
Posted by Bette (U2222559) on Tuesday, 1st December 2009
-
Message 35
Posted by Bette (U2222559) on Wednesday, 2nd December 2009
-
Message 36
Posted by Bette (U2222559) on Friday, 4th December 2009
bump.
-
Message 37
Posted by Herb Robert (U14072548) on Saturday, 5th December 2009
Sat, 05 Dec 2009 09:46 GMT, in reply to Rusters in message 20
I'd be willing to lead a discussion in March, or whenever, on "Legend of a suicide" by David Vann. This is the author's (fictional?) reaction to his father's suicide when he was a child and entirely set in Alaska. Available in Penguin at £7.99. -
Message 38
Posted by Bette (U2222559) on Saturday, 5th December 2009
In reply to Herb Robert in message 37
Sounds an interesting book, Herb. No doubt Rusters will reply and fit it in when she gets back. -
Message 39
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Wednesday, 9th December 2009
Sorry not to reply until now, Herb Robert. I've been away and am only just back. Thank you, 'Legend of a Suicide' sounds intriguing. I'll put you down to introduce it on 21st March.
Updated list of forthcoming discussions:
December 15th: 'Carrie's War' by Nina Bawden (Rusters)
I thought it would be good to carry on the Club tradition of choosing a children's book for our December discussion. This award-winning book tells the story of two young siblings, Carrie and Nick, who are evacuated to Wales during WWII.
January 21st 2010: 'Revolutionary Road' by Richard Yates (Bette)
Set in 1955, the novel focuses on the hopes and deception of the 'American Dream': Frank and April Wheeler, self-assured Connecticut suburbanites who see themselves as very different from their neighbours in the Revolutionary Hill Estates. A film of the book, by Sam Mendes, came out in 2008.
February 21st: 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee (Rwth)
The narrator is the 12 or 13 year old daughter of Atticus Finch, a widowed lawyer practising in a small town in the Deep South. There is a murder and the locals are very keen on stringing up one of the local negroes. I have seen the film with Gregory Peck (swoon thud).
March 21st: 'Legend of a Suicide' by David Vann (Herb Robert)
This is the author's (fictional?) reaction to his father's suicide when he was a child and entirely set in Alaska. Available in Penguin at £7.99.
April 21st: ladyglencora to introduce a discussion
May 21st : ‘The Poisonwood Bible’ by Barbara Kingsolver (E. Yore)
The Poisonwood Bible is a novel about the Price family, who in 1959 move from the southern US to the Belgian Congo. The Prices' story, which parallels the Belgian Congo's tumultuous emergence into the post-colonial era, is narrated by the five women of the family: Orleanna, long-suffering wife of Baptist missionary Nathan Price, and their four daughters – Rachel, Leah, Adah, and Ruth May.
June 21st: 'The Old Man Who Read Love Stories' by Luis Sepulveda (Bette)
The book is set in a remote river town in Ecuador. An elderly widower, Antonio, finds comfort in reading romance novels brought to him by the visiting dentist. But when a female jaguar begins carrying out a reign of terror in the area, Antonio's expertise in jungle ways is called upon to get rid of the problem. Written originally in Spanish, the book was dedicated to a man who fought and died to preserve the Amazon jungle, Chico Mendes.
For links to past Book of the Month discussions, please see message 31 above.
Rusty -
Message 40
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Wednesday, 9th December 2009
I've just started a new "reminder" thread in TB about upcoming discussions. If anyone happens to be "passing", please would they give that thread a bump:
F2693943?thread=7138962&post=89609917#p89609917
Rusty -
Message 41
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Friday, 11th December 2009
Bump (please see message 39)
-
Message 42
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Saturday, 12th December 2009
Bump (please see message 39)
-
Message 43
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Tuesday, 15th December 2009
The December discussion on 'Carrie's War' is now open:
F2693944?thread=7152055 -
Message 44
Posted by Rwth of the Cornovii (U2570790) on Tuesday, 15th December 2009
Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:16 GMT, in reply to Rusters in message 43
I have copied this from Carrie's War #2 and reposted here.
Upcoming Book of the Month discussions:
January 21st 2010: 'Revolutionary Road' by Richard Yates (Bette)
Set in 1955, the novel focuses on the hopes and deception of the 'American Dream': Frank and April Wheeler, self-assured Connecticut suburbanites who see themselves as very different from their neighbours in the Revolutionary Hill Estates. A film of the book, by Sam Mendes, came out in 2008.
February 21st: 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee (Rwth)
The narrator is the 12 or 13 year old daughter of Atticus Finch, a widowed lawyer practising in a small town in the Deep South. There is a murder and the locals are very keen on stringing up one of the local negroes. I have seen the film with Gregory Peck (swoon thud).
March 21st: 'Legend of a Suicide' by David Vann (Herb Robert)
This is the author's (fictional?) reaction to his father's suicide when he was a child and entirely set in Alaska. Available in Penguin at £7.99.
April 21st: ladyglencora to introduce a discussion
May 21st : ‘The Poisonwood Bible’ by Barbara Kingsolver (E. Yore)
The Poisonwood Bible is a novel about the Price family, who in 1959 move from the southern US to the Belgian Congo. The Prices' story, which parallels the Belgian Congo's tumultuous emergence into the post-colonial era, is narrated by the five women of the family: Orleanna, long-suffering wife of Baptist missionary Nathan Price, and their four daughters – Rachel, Leah, Adah, and Ruth May.
June 21st: 'The Old Man Who Read Love Stories' by Luis Sepulveda (Bette)
The book is set in a remote river town in Ecuador. An elderly widower, Antonio, finds comfort in reading romance novels brought to him by the visiting dentist. But when a female jaguar begins carrying out a reign of terror in the area, Antonio's expertise in jungle ways is called upon to get rid of the problem. Written originally in Spanish, the book was dedicated to a man who fought and died to preserve the Amazon jungle, Chico Mendes.
For earlier discussions, please see links in Message 31 of the Book of the Month Rota thread:
F2693944?thread=7019221&skip=20&show=20
Rusty -
Message 45
Posted by Rwth of the Cornovii (U2570790) on Tuesday, 15th December 2009
Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:44 GMT, in reply to Rwth of Cornovii in message 44
I don't want to clutter up the Carrie's war thread by discussing this there, so please forgive the cross posting. At least it saves bumping the thread.
I always keep the Rota Thread in "my discussions" so that all updates can be found and followed up. I just loathe the trails on Radio 4, and like to concentrate on a programme without the distraction of a commercial. So once the introduction of a book has begun, it seems to me that continuity should be preserved. I certainly didn't want to start a long discussion of this in the Book of the Month thread. That is why I am replying here.
Of course if I want to bump a thread, I try and find something interesting to say to avoid disappointing the person who has just clicked 'catch up'. A personal preference, but I hope a useful one.
I have so many reserved books lined up that I'm struggling to read them all. "To Kill a Mockingbird" turned up in a comic strip format last week. With any luck, I shall have caught up by then. I haven't started on Carries War yet, but it is quite short. I may be able to contribute later today. -
Message 46
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Tuesday, 15th December 2009
Actually Rwth I would have preferred it if you had put your point about your dislike of "trails" on this (Rota) thread to begin with, so it didn't clutter up the Carrie thread. [In fact, I don't think the information I give is anything like the Ö÷²¥´óÐã trails, which I agree are intrusive and sometimes give away too much information about their programmes.]
I do think the Book of the Month Club is a special case as, more than is the case with other Clubs, we need to get the info as easily as possible to as many people as possible *in* *advance* of the upcoming discussions. I have always done this, as it covers more bases, as it were.
Just because you keep the Rota thread in your discussions doesn't mean that others do, especially those who are not regulars to the Club.
To be frank, I do think it was a bit high-handed of you to catpee my second post in the Carrie thread giving details of upcoming discussions and a link to this (Rota) thread for past ones.
It wouldn't surprise me if our difference of opinion on the Carrie thread has put people of posting and I wouldn't really blame them.
Rusty -
Message 47
Posted by happyseeingdaisies (U14225122) on Tuesday, 15th December 2009
thank you for the link to this thread (from the Carrie thread) and the info, Rusty. Do discussions of the January book start beginning, middle or end of Januray? (that is, when is it best to have it finished by?)
thanks
snowdrop -
Message 48
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Tuesday, 15th December 2009
Discussions start on the 21st of each month, except in December when the thread starts on the 15, to avoid it being too close to Christmas Day.
Books for discussion should be available in paperback; in libraries too, though it's surprising how often one has to reserve a book because it isn't on the shelves there. I've tried to get into the habit of borrowing/reserving then from the library sooner rather than later, and doing it again nearer the time of the discussion.
I found a paperback copy of 'Revolutionary Road' (the book to be discussed in January) in a charity shop, which was a boon.
Look forward to seeing you in the Book threads.
Rusty -
Message 49
Posted by happyseeingdaisies (U14225122) on Tuesday, 15th December 2009
thank you, I shall hopefully get a copy in time for January discussions, if not, see you in February.
snowdrop -
Message 50
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Monday, 28th December 2009
Upcoming discussions for 2010:
January 21st 2010: 'Revolutionary Road' by Richard Yates (Bette)
Set in 1955, the novel focuses on the hopes and deception of the 'American Dream': Frank and April Wheeler, self-assured Connecticut suburbanites who see themselves as very different from their neighbours in the Revolutionary Hill Estates. A film of the book, by Sam Mendes, came out in 2008.
February 21st: 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee (Rwth)
The narrator is the 12 or 13 year old daughter of Atticus Finch, a widowed lawyer practising in a small town in the Deep South. There is a murder and the locals are very keen on stringing up one of the local negroes. I have seen the film with Gregory Peck (swoon thud).
March 21st: 'Legend of a Suicide' by David Vann (Herb Robert)
This is the author's (fictional?) reaction to his father's suicide when he was a child and entirely set in Alaska. Available in Penguin at £7.99.
April 21st: ladyglencora to introduce a discussion
May 21st : ‘The Poisonwood Bible’ by Barbara Kingsolver (E. Yore)
The Poisonwood Bible is a novel about the Price family, who in 1959 move from the southern US to the Belgian Congo. The Prices' story, which parallels the Belgian Congo's tumultuous emergence into the post-colonial era, is narrated by the five women of the family: Orleanna, long-suffering wife of Baptist missionary Nathan Price, and their four daughters – Rachel, Leah, Adah, and Ruth May.
June 21st: 'The Old Man Who Read Love Stories' by Luis Sepulveda (Bette)
The book is set in a remote river town in Ecuador. An elderly widower, Antonio, finds comfort in reading romance novels brought to him by the visiting dentist. But when a female jaguar begins carrying out a reign of terror in the area, Antonio's expertise in jungle ways is called upon to get rid of the problem. Written originally in Spanish, the book was dedicated to a man who fought and died to preserve the Amazon jungle, Chico Mendes.
Links to earlier Book of the Month discussions can be found in Message 31 above. The December discussion, on "Carrie's War", is here:
F2693944?thread=7152055
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