I thought I would go abstract for an image this month. What do you think? What if reading group members had no faces and wore nothing?
This month I will put a short comment after each reading group pick. Because. I have little things to say about each.
Here goes:
Tiny Book Club:
We were supposed to meet last month, but each of the three of us took turns getting sick. Finally we held our meeting on April 1 at a Polish restaurant and had one of our best discussions about nuclear disasters, the dangers of nuclear anything, and what it must have been like for Svetlana Alexievich to gather all those interviews.
Molly's Group:
I had already discussed this book with another group. If you have read my review, you know that I thought the book was great. Molly's Group met last Sunday and once again I had to defend my views and listen to people trash the novel. Actually we were split about one third pro to two thirds against. Sometimes I wonder how I can love a book and others can hate it with so much passion. Sometimes I start to take it personally. Did this ever happen to you?
Laura's Group:
Another book I loved when I read it last year. I am already prepared to be in defense mode because the reactions to this book at blogs and reading social media were so divided. We meet tomorrow.
One Book At A Time:
I read this one over a year ago and loved it. I wasn't posting reviews at the time so you will have to take my word for it. I predict this group will also love it. Everyone loves Emily Dickinson, right?
Bookie Babes:
I am so excited to read and discuss this. It is set in Persia where the author grew up. In this group we choose our books by voting on a list prepared by a different member each time. So if someone doesn't like the book, she either did not vote for it and can say I told you so, or she voted for it and has to live with that. Our motto is "Take a chance on a book" and we don't get vicious with each other.
What are your reading groups reading in April? Have you ever had a meeting where the disagreements got heated? Actually some of the best discussions happen when there are different responses to the book.
You have an ally in the pro group for Fates and Furies. Loved it! I've still to read Purity but I'm working up to it. I'm not familiar with the others you mention, but I think I might try Miss Emily and The Woman Who Read Too Much. Personally, I've given up on book groups. I'm a group of one, so there's never any disagreement!
ReplyDeleteGood to have an ally! I wonder if one has to have been married for a while to appreciate F & F. You will love Miss Emily. I promise! I understand about book groups but at this point of my life, it is my social life. Otherwise I might never leave the house except to go to the library and do the grocery shopping!
DeleteOur local reading group is meeting on Sunday to discuss The Meadow by James Galvin. Said meadow is high in the mountains on the Colorado/Wyoming border. A beautiful book.
ReplyDeleteDebbie, welcome to Keep The Wisdom! So nice to meet you. I have been to your website and it is wonderful. You read interesting books. I have signed up to receive your posts. And thanks for reporting on your reading group. How did you come across my blog?
DeleteThanks for the welcome, Judy. I've tried to retrace my steps to finding your blog but I can't seem to come up with how I got here. Anyway, I'm glad I did find you, and if I ever remember how, I'll let you know!
DeleteOh, you are Exurbanis! I was on your site today! And I forget how I got there but I signed up for your email notices. The feeling is mutual!
DeleteNicely done; I like reading about your different groups. Our small book group of about 5 or 6 has never got too heated yet; we're too agreeable perhaps. We're supposed to read & discuss Sue Monk Kidd's novel The Invention of Wings next in about 2 weeks. Not my pick. Have you read this one?
ReplyDeleteThanks! I have read The Invention of Wings. I thought it was wonderful and have discussed it in two of my groups. It is a good book for discussion. My review: http://keepthewisdom.blogspot.com/2014/11/the-invention-of-wings.html
DeleteFunny that you mention about you taking personally that people hate your book choices. I tend to take it personally as well [i.e., maybe I should be better read, maybe my taste buds are too easily satisfied (they aren't), you get the picture...) Good thing that I'm not in any book club. I tend to like political and spy thrillers and war stories, which generally don't appeal to the female population. ;-) Those aren't by any means the only books I enjoy, but my reviews tend to be controversial when I talk about those genres.
ReplyDeleteGood to know I am not alone. Hurray for controversial reviews! What are you reading these days?
DeleteI'm reading an advance copy of The Last Painting of Sara de Vos by Dominic Smith. It's art/historical fiction with a vibe similar to The Art Forger by B.A. Shapiro, which we both read. But it's me taking forever to finish it.
DeleteYes, we both read and I believe liked The Art Forger. It looks like the reviewers on Goodreads mostly loved the one you are reading. But it is not grabbing you, right?
DeleteBTW, I liked the way you described the different feels of your reading groups. Your profiles made me picture them!
ReplyDeleteGood! That is what I was hoping.
DeleteHahaha love the image ;-)
ReplyDeleteGood!
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