Yes, that is when our next meeting will be held. Bownut is hosting our Vanity Fair event. Please check your email for additional information and bring suggestions for future readings!!
Hope you had the chance to finish reading this lengthy but enjoyable novel!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Vanity Fair
Although this novel could demand much more familiarity with other works of literature, it gets things rolling right away when you discover the saucy orphan Becky Sharp. The story of two women and the surrounding culture and society is the basis of this satirical novel by William Makepeace Thackeray. It's not just a fun and funny novel to read, it can be a means of introspection. Thackeray has a knack for exposing truisms of human nature that even the modern reader may fall into.
William Makepeace Thackeray was born in Calcutta in 1811 but his family returned to England while he was still a young boy. There he was educated and fell into his own problems with debt. Although a failure at painting, he found his niche as a writer and wrote for several magazines of the day, notably Punch where Vanity Fair was first published serially. He wrote other works and lived on his success in his day. None of that waiting around posthumously for acclaim for this man!
Thackeray was inspired one night to write Vanity Fair which takes it's name from a fictional place starring in another novel called Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan. There are more similarities than just borrowing the name, but you'd have to read that novel to understand more and, lets face it, Thackeray's Vanity Fair is tons more fun to read than the overly moralizing story of Bunyan's. Vanity Fair is written in a modernized (that is, modernized to Victorian England and then back dated 30 years earlier) form of picaresque (think Don Quioxte), a satirical novel following a low born "rogue" who utilizes his, or in this case, her wits to move around in a corrupt society.
So, dig in and we'll see you the second Thursday of November. Yes. That is, next week!!
William Makepeace Thackeray was born in Calcutta in 1811 but his family returned to England while he was still a young boy. There he was educated and fell into his own problems with debt. Although a failure at painting, he found his niche as a writer and wrote for several magazines of the day, notably Punch where Vanity Fair was first published serially. He wrote other works and lived on his success in his day. None of that waiting around posthumously for acclaim for this man!
Thackeray was inspired one night to write Vanity Fair which takes it's name from a fictional place starring in another novel called Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan. There are more similarities than just borrowing the name, but you'd have to read that novel to understand more and, lets face it, Thackeray's Vanity Fair is tons more fun to read than the overly moralizing story of Bunyan's. Vanity Fair is written in a modernized (that is, modernized to Victorian England and then back dated 30 years earlier) form of picaresque (think Don Quioxte), a satirical novel following a low born "rogue" who utilizes his, or in this case, her wits to move around in a corrupt society.
So, dig in and we'll see you the second Thursday of November. Yes. That is, next week!!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Questions to Ponder
Book Club Discussion Questions
1. Who was your favorite character? Why?
2. What do you think motivated Hilly? On the one hand she is terribly cruel to Aibileen and her own help, as well as to Skeeter once she realizes that she can’t control her. Yet she’s a wonderful mother. Do you think that one can be a good mother but, at the same time, a deeply flawed person?
3. Like Hilly, Skeeter’s mother is a prime example of someone deeply flawed yet somewhat sympathetic. She seems to care for Skeeter— and she also seems to have very real feelings for Constantine. Yet the ultimatum she gives to Constantine is untenable; and most of her interaction with Skeeter is critical. Do you think Skeeter’s mother is a sympathetic or unsympathetic character? Why?
4. How much of a person’s character would you say is shaped by the times in which they live?
5. Did it bother you that Skeeter is willing to overlook so many of Stuart’s faults so that she can get married, and that it’s not until he literally gets up and walks away that the engagement falls apart?
6. Do you believe that Minny was justified in her distrust of white people?
7. Do you think that had Aibileen stayed working for Miss Elizabeth, that Mae Mobley would have grown up to be racist like her mother? Do you think racism is inherent, or taught?
8. From the perspective of a twenty-first century reader, the hairshellac system that Skeeter undergoes seems ludicrous. Yet women still alter their looks in rather peculiar ways as the definition of “beauty” changes with the times. Looking back on your past, what’s the most ridiculous beauty regimen you ever underwent?
9. The author manages to paint Aibileen with a quiet grace and an aura of wisdom about her. How do you think she does this?
10. Do you think there are still vestiges of racism in relationships where people of color work for people who are white?
11. What did you think about Minny’s pie for Miss Hilly? Would you have gone as far as Minny did for revenge?
(Questions issued by publisher.)
1. Who was your favorite character? Why?
2. What do you think motivated Hilly? On the one hand she is terribly cruel to Aibileen and her own help, as well as to Skeeter once she realizes that she can’t control her. Yet she’s a wonderful mother. Do you think that one can be a good mother but, at the same time, a deeply flawed person?
3. Like Hilly, Skeeter’s mother is a prime example of someone deeply flawed yet somewhat sympathetic. She seems to care for Skeeter— and she also seems to have very real feelings for Constantine. Yet the ultimatum she gives to Constantine is untenable; and most of her interaction with Skeeter is critical. Do you think Skeeter’s mother is a sympathetic or unsympathetic character? Why?
4. How much of a person’s character would you say is shaped by the times in which they live?
5. Did it bother you that Skeeter is willing to overlook so many of Stuart’s faults so that she can get married, and that it’s not until he literally gets up and walks away that the engagement falls apart?
6. Do you believe that Minny was justified in her distrust of white people?
7. Do you think that had Aibileen stayed working for Miss Elizabeth, that Mae Mobley would have grown up to be racist like her mother? Do you think racism is inherent, or taught?
8. From the perspective of a twenty-first century reader, the hairshellac system that Skeeter undergoes seems ludicrous. Yet women still alter their looks in rather peculiar ways as the definition of “beauty” changes with the times. Looking back on your past, what’s the most ridiculous beauty regimen you ever underwent?
9. The author manages to paint Aibileen with a quiet grace and an aura of wisdom about her. How do you think she does this?
10. Do you think there are still vestiges of racism in relationships where people of color work for people who are white?
11. What did you think about Minny’s pie for Miss Hilly? Would you have gone as far as Minny did for revenge?
(Questions issued by publisher.)
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Intro to the Author
Kathryn Stockett was born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi. She later attended and graduated from the University of Alabama where she obtained a degree in English and Creative Writing. She pursued a career in the magazine business in New York. She is currently living in Atlanta, Georgia, with her family.
As this is Ms. Stockett's first novel, there isn't really other works with which to compare The Help. That being said, she's made a great break out into the world of published novel writers with a book filled with round and full characters that will endear themselves to you.
Enjoy this novel (quickly) so we can discuss it on October 14th at Ms. S's home!!
As this is Ms. Stockett's first novel, there isn't really other works with which to compare The Help. That being said, she's made a great break out into the world of published novel writers with a book filled with round and full characters that will endear themselves to you.
Enjoy this novel (quickly) so we can discuss it on October 14th at Ms. S's home!!
Friday, October 1, 2010
September Meeting
After a couple weeks of postponement, Book Club was able to finally start the new Fall Schedule. There was a great turnout with a fantastic discussion. We are also happy to welcome a few new faces and perspectives!
The majority of our discussion revolved around organ donation and a critique of motherhood from many different perspectives. It was interesting to see how the discussion developed as some people were unable to read My Sister's Keeper before the meeting. Due to this, we have voted that if someone has not finished reading the selection, it's fair game to tell the ending so that the discussion can be full and open.
We'd like to Welcome Ms. N and Ms. C and thank Ms. J for hosting (I really need to verify use of people's names on here!). We look forward to the following months and continue to welcome all who would like to join us. We've opted to move meetings to the second Thursday of each month to avoid some scheduling conflicts.
So, get in gear because the next meeting really is just two weeks away!! We are reading The Help by Kathryn Stockett. Never fear! It's a recent best seller, so the language is easy and it is a compelling and quick read. You'll enjoy it!
The majority of our discussion revolved around organ donation and a critique of motherhood from many different perspectives. It was interesting to see how the discussion developed as some people were unable to read My Sister's Keeper before the meeting. Due to this, we have voted that if someone has not finished reading the selection, it's fair game to tell the ending so that the discussion can be full and open.
We'd like to Welcome Ms. N and Ms. C and thank Ms. J for hosting (I really need to verify use of people's names on here!). We look forward to the following months and continue to welcome all who would like to join us. We've opted to move meetings to the second Thursday of each month to avoid some scheduling conflicts.
So, get in gear because the next meeting really is just two weeks away!! We are reading The Help by Kathryn Stockett. Never fear! It's a recent best seller, so the language is easy and it is a compelling and quick read. You'll enjoy it!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Discussion and Thought Questions
I apologize for not getting on this sooner, but I thought I would give you the link to Jodi Picoult's own website. The follower are questions that may help you think through what you are reading as well as bring more depth to the way you feel about the book.
Find more at: http://www.jodipicoult.com/
Book club discussion questions for My Sister's Keeper
1. Reread the prologue to My Sister's Keeper. Who is the speaker? Is it the same person you thought it was the first time you read it?
2. What is the metaphorical relevance of Brian's profession as a fire chief?
3. Why is Jesse's behavior so aberrant, while until now, Anna has been so compliant?
4. What might be a possible reason for Brian's fascination with astronomy?
5. On page 98, Kate is being admitted to the hospital in very serious condition. She mouths to Jesse, "tell Anna," but is unable to finish. What do you think she was trying to say?
6. On page 122, Julia says, "Even if the law says that no one is responsible for anyone else, helping someone who needs it is the right thing to do." Who understood better how to "help" Kate, Sara or Anna?
7. Did Anna do the right thing, honoring Kate's wishes?
8. Do you feel it was unfair of Kate to ask Anna to refuse to donate a kidney, even though this seemed to be the only way for her to avoid the lifesaving transplant?
9. On page 142, Brian says that when rescuing someone from a fire, that "the safety of the rescuer is of a higher priority than the safety of the victim. Always." How does this apply to his role in his own family?
10. On page 144, Brian says, "Like anything that's been confined, fire has a natural instinct to escape." How does this truth apply to Kate? to Brian himself?
11. On page 149, Brian is talking to Julia about astronomy and says, "Dark matter has a gravitational effect on other objects. You can't see it, you can't feel it, but you can watch something being pulled in its direction." How is this symbolic of Kate's illness?
12. For what reason(s) did Brian offer Anna a place to stay at the firehouse while the legal proceedings were underway?
13. How does Anna's decision to pursue medical emancipation parallel Campbell's decision to end his relationship with Julia after his accident?
14. Do you agree with Brian's decision not to turn Jesse in to the authorities for setting the fires?
15. Do you feel that it's ethical to conceive a child that meets specific genetic requirements?
16. If not, do you believe that there should be specific exceptions, such as the purpose of saving another person's life, or is this just a "slippery slope?"
Find more at: http://www.jodipicoult.com/
Book club discussion questions for My Sister's Keeper
1. Reread the prologue to My Sister's Keeper. Who is the speaker? Is it the same person you thought it was the first time you read it?
2. What is the metaphorical relevance of Brian's profession as a fire chief?
3. Why is Jesse's behavior so aberrant, while until now, Anna has been so compliant?
4. What might be a possible reason for Brian's fascination with astronomy?
5. On page 98, Kate is being admitted to the hospital in very serious condition. She mouths to Jesse, "tell Anna," but is unable to finish. What do you think she was trying to say?
6. On page 122, Julia says, "Even if the law says that no one is responsible for anyone else, helping someone who needs it is the right thing to do." Who understood better how to "help" Kate, Sara or Anna?
7. Did Anna do the right thing, honoring Kate's wishes?
8. Do you feel it was unfair of Kate to ask Anna to refuse to donate a kidney, even though this seemed to be the only way for her to avoid the lifesaving transplant?
9. On page 142, Brian says that when rescuing someone from a fire, that "the safety of the rescuer is of a higher priority than the safety of the victim. Always." How does this apply to his role in his own family?
10. On page 144, Brian says, "Like anything that's been confined, fire has a natural instinct to escape." How does this truth apply to Kate? to Brian himself?
11. On page 149, Brian is talking to Julia about astronomy and says, "Dark matter has a gravitational effect on other objects. You can't see it, you can't feel it, but you can watch something being pulled in its direction." How is this symbolic of Kate's illness?
12. For what reason(s) did Brian offer Anna a place to stay at the firehouse while the legal proceedings were underway?
13. How does Anna's decision to pursue medical emancipation parallel Campbell's decision to end his relationship with Julia after his accident?
14. Do you agree with Brian's decision not to turn Jesse in to the authorities for setting the fires?
15. Do you feel that it's ethical to conceive a child that meets specific genetic requirements?
16. If not, do you believe that there should be specific exceptions, such as the purpose of saving another person's life, or is this just a "slippery slope?"
Saturday, August 21, 2010
To Begin Anew
Hello, fellow Book Lovers! We're about to reconvene as an official club and are changing things up a bit.
First off, our meetings will be held the third Thursday of each month at 6:30. Pay attention to your messages for meeting locations. We will continue to rotate homes and treats as we have done before.
The biggest difference is that we will no longer be exclusive to the "classics" but will be venturing into more current literary successes. In fact, we will begin with Jodi Piccolt's My Sister's Keeper with the first discussion meeting in September.
So, get out your books and let the reading begin!!
First off, our meetings will be held the third Thursday of each month at 6:30. Pay attention to your messages for meeting locations. We will continue to rotate homes and treats as we have done before.
The biggest difference is that we will no longer be exclusive to the "classics" but will be venturing into more current literary successes. In fact, we will begin with Jodi Piccolt's My Sister's Keeper with the first discussion meeting in September.
So, get out your books and let the reading begin!!
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