Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Winter's Tale Better Have Some Dragons In It!
Thanks to Stephanie for hosting this one! The consensus was that Winter's Tale was not our favorite selection. Several people managed to get through the voluminous novel but it was not smooth sailing! Instead of voting, we picked Aug 5th as the next book meeting so you have 7 weeks to get The Rosie Project and read it! Laura is the book sponsor so she'll determine the site. Bridget has volunteered for the meeting after that - she will bring some books synopsis' so we can vote on the fall book selection at the meeting. See you in August!
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Next Book is
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion. Laura is hosting. She is coming up with some dates. Hopefully it will wash out the taste that Winter's Tale left in our collective mouths.... We're looking at late July, early August before back to school gets crazy...
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Next meeting is Wed June 18th
I closed the poll today - it looks like Wed June 18 will be the date. If you haven't started The Winter's Tale by Mark Helprin, it's time to start. At the beginning of June, I will start asking for summer reading selections to vote on in advance so we can schedule an August book club meeting in June. Happy Reading!
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Spring Book Club Meeting
As you know, Winter's Tale by Mark Helprin was the winner by a very narrow margin. It's a long book so get crackin'! Hee! Anyhow, here is the link for the next meeting.... Please vote by Apr 30th!
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Spring Book Club Vote
Time to vote on the next book:
The Long Walk by Sławomir Rawicz
Labor Day by Joyce Maynard
Winter’s Tale by Mark Helprin
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline
Please vote by April 7th. Thanks!
The Long Walk by Sławomir Rawicz
Labor Day by Joyce Maynard
Winter’s Tale by Mark Helprin
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline
Please vote by April 7th. Thanks!
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Serena Discussion Questions
I got these from LitLovers.
Discussion Questions
1. Explore the novel's use of historical figures and events—Horace Kephart, George Vanderbilt, and the creation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. How do these characters contribute to the historical texture of the novel? What are the values attributed to these characters? What does the book have to say about the importance of land preservation versus the need for economic interests?
2. How would you describe Serena's philosophy of life? What does she value most? What importance does she place on honesty? In your opinion, did she ever truly love Pemberton? If so, what do her actions in the end say about what she values most in life?
3. The moon, prominent in both mythology and folklore, has traditionally embodied femininity, romantic love, insanity, and life cycles. Serena is associated with the moon throughout the novel, and her name evokes Selena, a goddess of the moon. How does this association deepen the characterization of Serena? Is the author's pairing of the moon with Serena in any way ironic?
4. Although Serena and Rachel have decidedly different personalities, can you see any similarities between them? How do the juxtaposed scenes at the end of Book One—Serena taming the eagle and Rachel carrying Jacob to the doctor—create parallels between these women? How do Rachel's and Serena's childhoods shape their adult personalities?
5. Although many of the novel's events are dark and violent, there are comic moments as well, as in McIntyre's prophecies of snakes falling from the sky. What are some other comic scenes? What purpose do these episodes have in the larger pattern of the novel?
6. There is a hunting episode near the novel's beginning and one at the conclusion. Compare and contrast the characters and actions in these scenes. What foreshadowing can you see in the first hunting scene? How do these connections help you understand the second hunting episode more fully?
7. From the opening scene when he arrives in Waynesville and dispatches Harmon, Pemberton is in control of nearly everyone and everything he surveys. Considering his lifelong position of authority and control through economic and physical violence, why do you think he was blind to Serena's intentions in the end? Does the conclusion change your feelings about Pemberton? Why or why not?
8. Although the novel offers a kind of realism akin to the historical documentary, there are episodes of the otherworldly and supernatural that cannot be explained rationally. What effect do these scenes and characters have on you as the reader?
9. For instance, do you believe in the "second sight" of the blind Mrs. Galloway? What do these examples suggest about the nature of the world and the actions of human beings?
10. Several reviewers have argued that there has never been a character quite like Serena in previous American fiction. Do you agree? Can you think of other female characters who wield such life and death power with such ruthlessness?
Discussion Questions
1. Explore the novel's use of historical figures and events—Horace Kephart, George Vanderbilt, and the creation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. How do these characters contribute to the historical texture of the novel? What are the values attributed to these characters? What does the book have to say about the importance of land preservation versus the need for economic interests?
2. How would you describe Serena's philosophy of life? What does she value most? What importance does she place on honesty? In your opinion, did she ever truly love Pemberton? If so, what do her actions in the end say about what she values most in life?
3. The moon, prominent in both mythology and folklore, has traditionally embodied femininity, romantic love, insanity, and life cycles. Serena is associated with the moon throughout the novel, and her name evokes Selena, a goddess of the moon. How does this association deepen the characterization of Serena? Is the author's pairing of the moon with Serena in any way ironic?
4. Although Serena and Rachel have decidedly different personalities, can you see any similarities between them? How do the juxtaposed scenes at the end of Book One—Serena taming the eagle and Rachel carrying Jacob to the doctor—create parallels between these women? How do Rachel's and Serena's childhoods shape their adult personalities?
5. Although many of the novel's events are dark and violent, there are comic moments as well, as in McIntyre's prophecies of snakes falling from the sky. What are some other comic scenes? What purpose do these episodes have in the larger pattern of the novel?
6. There is a hunting episode near the novel's beginning and one at the conclusion. Compare and contrast the characters and actions in these scenes. What foreshadowing can you see in the first hunting scene? How do these connections help you understand the second hunting episode more fully?
7. From the opening scene when he arrives in Waynesville and dispatches Harmon, Pemberton is in control of nearly everyone and everything he surveys. Considering his lifelong position of authority and control through economic and physical violence, why do you think he was blind to Serena's intentions in the end? Does the conclusion change your feelings about Pemberton? Why or why not?
8. Although the novel offers a kind of realism akin to the historical documentary, there are episodes of the otherworldly and supernatural that cannot be explained rationally. What effect do these scenes and characters have on you as the reader?
9. For instance, do you believe in the "second sight" of the blind Mrs. Galloway? What do these examples suggest about the nature of the world and the actions of human beings?
10. Several reviewers have argued that there has never been a character quite like Serena in previous American fiction. Do you agree? Can you think of other female characters who wield such life and death power with such ruthlessness?
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Our next meeting is....
Fri 3/7/14 by a very small margin. Location to be determined still.... You've got a month to read Serena!
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