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Ves'Ka Gan
11-24-2008, 05:26 PM
Looking for nominations for our next book club book! We will start discussions around January 1st (maybe sooner if interest in expressed). For now you all have around 2 weeks to nominate books, then we will put up a poll and give you all a week to vote on the poll.

So....GO!

valtr0n
11-24-2008, 05:35 PM
Kurt Vonnegut - Sirens of Titan.

sarah
11-24-2008, 05:37 PM
Tom Sawyer

razz
11-24-2008, 05:56 PM
I would like to put two books up for consideration.

1. Jurassic Park, in honor of Michael Crichton, and because it's one of his easiest to be understood by everyone

2. Travels With Charley, by John Steinbeck

The Lady of Shadows
11-24-2008, 09:23 PM
well, i say let's go old school stephen king and pick firestarter.


or let's go off the grid and pick lamb by christopher moore (http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Lamb/Christopher-Moore/e/9780380813810/?itm=7).
and i know the bear has that one cause i sent it to him. :)

Brice
11-24-2008, 09:29 PM
Just After Sunset :)

jayson
11-25-2008, 12:54 AM
Kurt Vonnegut - Sirens of Titan.

Excellent choice. Works for me.

turtlex
11-25-2008, 03:39 AM
How about Kerouac's On The Road?
Or Salingers Catcher In The Rye?

I'm trying to pick easily located books that a library will likely have multiple copies of.

Tom Sawyer would be great.
Steinbeck would be awesome, too.

I want to throw out Jerzy Kosinski's Pinball. Kind of older but funky and fun if I recall.

Also, I recently picked up The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson because it's supposedly an INTERNATIONAL BEST SELLER ( or so proclaims the cover ). I haven't gotten into it yet.

Or how about something like The DaVinci Code?

I haven't read that Vonnegut so I'd be up for that as well. And I like razz's idea about Jurassic Park.

Are we gonna do an official poll? How do we pick the winner?

jhanic
11-25-2008, 05:06 AM
Steinbeck's Grapes of Wrath. Given the current economic situation, this could be perfect!

John

Sam
11-25-2008, 05:39 AM
If we're going to go with a Crichton, might I suggest Rising Sun.

I like the turtle's suggestion that we go with a King novel. Perhaps Firestarter, perhaps Just After Sunset, both have been suggested already and are excellent choices.

Jean
11-25-2008, 05:54 AM
Guys, nominate them and second them as we do with King characters, ok? I'll make a poll later, but for only 10 titles, so please don't forget to second/third; also, only one nomination per person.

turtlex
11-25-2008, 05:56 AM
Oops.
I had missed that one nomination per person angle.

Okay, my one pick/nomination would be - JD Salinger's The Catcher In The Rye

alinda
11-25-2008, 06:17 AM
Shite I havent finished our first book. I'm bowing out say sorry.:pullhair:

Sam
11-25-2008, 08:47 AM
Ok, I second the nominations for Firestarter and Just After Sunset.

Additionally, I nominate Forever Peace by Joe Haldeman. For those unfamiliar with this title, it is a winner of the 1998 Hugo Award, the award given for the best science fiction novel of the year. It is one of the best out there.

Jean
11-25-2008, 11:46 AM
Shite I havent finished our first book. I'm bowing out say sorry.:pullhair:
how do you mean? you have more than a month to finish it

The Lady of Shadows
11-25-2008, 12:13 PM
okay. hmmmm. the bear has modified the rules.

so, i am withdrawing my nomination for firestarter and offering lamb by christopher moore (http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Lamb/Christopher-Moore/e/9780380813810/?itm=7).

razz
11-25-2008, 12:26 PM
I withdraw my nomination of "travels With Charley" for the moment,
but keep my nomination og Jurassic Park, By Michael Crichton.

Jean
11-25-2008, 12:41 PM
okay. hmmmm. the bear has modified the rules.
No, he didn't. He introduced some, though.

Ves'Ka Gan
11-25-2008, 12:42 PM
I will second Lamb by Christopher Moore, and also Catcher in the Rye but I would like to nominate

Dharma Bums by Kerouac.

Matt
11-25-2008, 02:15 PM
Second Jurassic Park. I love that book and would be able to be involved this time. :cowboy:

Heather19
11-25-2008, 02:55 PM
I third Just After Sunset, Firestarter and Jurassic Park

turtlex
11-25-2008, 02:57 PM
I'm all for JP, or Dharma Bums. Loved both!

jayson
11-25-2008, 03:15 PM
If it is gonna be Kerouac, I would much prefer Dharma Bums to On the Road. In fact let's make that official... I second Dharma Bums. Also, I officially second Sirens of Titan and REALLY hope that becomes the choice.

Jean
11-26-2008, 12:11 AM
Nominated and seconded (thirded etc):

Kurt Vonnegut. Sirens of Titan 3

Mark Twain. Tom Sawyer 2

Michael Crichton. Jurassic Park 4

Michael Crichton. Rising Sun 1

Steinbeck. Grapes of Wrath 1

Salinger. The Catcher In The Rye 2

S.King. Just After Sunset 3

S.King. Firestarter 3

Christopher Moore. Lamb 2

Kerouac. Dharma Bums 3

Jean
11-26-2008, 12:13 AM
Question: do you think we should take King books, too? They will be (or already are) discussed sooner or later anyway.

I nominate Up the Down Staircase by Bel Kaufman and second The Catcher in the Rye and Lamb.

The Lady of Shadows
11-26-2008, 12:23 AM
well i agree with the stephen king thing actually. they do all get discussed elsewhere. i never really thought of that.

and how is firestarter still getting seconded, thirded and whatevered when i withdrew my nomination? :unsure:


ETA: ves seconded lamb so jean you're actually thirding it. :D

Jean
11-26-2008, 12:28 AM
well i agree with the stephen king thing actually. they do all get discussed elsewhere. i never really thought of that.

Yes, maybe I'll remove those nominations, if nobody offers very serious arguments against it.


and how is firestarter still getting seconded, thirded and whatevered when i withdrew my nomination? :unsure:

I thought since it has already been seconded and thirded, it would be unfair to remove it. But if we agree on discussing only non-King books, it will be immaterial anyway.


ETA: ves seconded lamb so jean you're actually thirding it. :D
I know, - I didn't update the list yet. I actually said "seconded" not to violate the language another time.

The Lady of Shadows
11-26-2008, 12:33 AM
ETA: ves seconded lamb so jean you're actually thirding it. :D
I know, - I didn't update the list yet. I actually said "seconded" not to violate the language another time.

but, but. . .

don't we get beam bucks for subsequently posting said violation of the language in the eats, shoots and leaves thread? :lol:

turtlex
11-26-2008, 02:34 AM
I agree about the Sai King books. We all usually read those, regardless. I like that this Club is introducing some books to people. Plus, yes, the SK books are discussed elsewhere.

Míchéal
11-26-2008, 09:12 AM
I nominate 1984 by George Orwell

Sam
11-26-2008, 11:40 AM
Jean is there any reason why my nomination of Joe Haldeman's Forever Peace was left off the list you posted?

Never mind, I see you took my suggestion of Rising Sun instead, sorry.

Brice
11-26-2008, 11:42 AM
probably just an oversight I'm sure he'll get it. :)

Ves'Ka Gan
11-26-2008, 12:18 PM
This is such an exciting & ecclectic mix of books! And every single one of them is one I have only read a little of or not at all! Very excited!:excited:

Sam
11-26-2008, 02:01 PM
I am really surprised to not see any more modern literature than we are seeing though. Most of the books that are being nominated were written in the early part of the 20th century or earlier. Not saying that I don't read early fiction, I do. I'm just surprised.

Sam
11-26-2008, 02:05 PM
I would like to clarify that I didn't intend to niminate Rising Sun, I was simply saying I thought it was better than Jurassic Park. I would like to nominate Forever Peace by Joe Haldeman if I may, say thankya.

Jean
11-26-2008, 03:14 PM
yes, I got it, I will do everything tomorrow morning Moscow time

Jean
11-27-2008, 02:37 AM
Nominated and seconded (thirded etc):

Kurt Vonnegut. Sirens of Titan 3

Mark Twain. Tom Sawyer 2

Michael Crichton. Jurassic Park 4

Steinbeck. Grapes of Wrath 1

Salinger. The Catcher In The Rye 2

Christopher Moore. Lamb 3

Kerouac. Dharma Bums 3

Bel Kaufman. Up the Down Staircase 1

George Orwell. 1984 1

Joe Haldeman. Forever Peace 1

Jean
11-27-2008, 02:39 AM
How long before January 1st do you think we should start voting? Two weeks should be enough, but Xmas and New Year get in the way, so maybe earlier?

Brice
11-27-2008, 02:40 AM
fourth Vonnegut, third Twain, third Salinger, fourth Keroac, second Orwell

Brice
11-27-2008, 02:42 AM
How long before January 1st do you think we should start voting? Two weeks should be enough, but Xmas and New Year get in the way, so maybe earlier?


I think we could give nominations just a few more days and the begin voting immediately.

BROWNINGS CHILDE
11-27-2008, 03:49 AM
I would like to nominate "Something Wicked This Way Comes"
I would also like to read The Catcher in the Rye or Sirens of Titan

Jean
11-27-2008, 03:51 AM
second Something Wicked

Brice
11-27-2008, 03:55 AM
enthsiastically thirding Something Wicked.

Ves'Ka Gan
11-27-2008, 08:48 PM
Second Stienbeck--Grapes of Wrath...

As for the noms--I suppose maybe Monday could be a good time to end the nominations & move on to voting?? Especially if we end up with a longer volume.

Jean
11-28-2008, 12:00 AM
Nominated and seconded (thirded etc):

Kurt Vonnegut. Sirens of Titan 5

Mark Twain. Tom Sawyer 3

Michael Crichton. Jurassic Park 4

Steinbeck. Grapes of Wrath 2

Salinger. The Catcher In The Rye 4

Christopher Moore. Lamb 3

Kerouac. Dharma Bums 4

Bel Kaufman. Up the Down Staircase 1

George Orwell. 1984 2

Joe Haldeman. Forever Peace 1

Ray Bradbury. Something Wicked This Way Comes 3

3 DOORS DOWN
11-28-2008, 01:39 PM
Since i've never taken part in a book club this may sound crazy,but are you nominating books you've read before and know are a good read or books you've always meant to read but never got around to.
Anyway i nominate 1984 by george orwell or the catcher in the rye,i've read neither but always meant to so i may now get a chance.:excited:

razz
11-28-2008, 01:51 PM
1984 has already been nominated and seconded. So i guess that would be a third, and Catcher in the Rye is you nomination?

Ves'Ka Gan
11-28-2008, 02:19 PM
Since i've never taken part in a book club this may sound crazy,but are you nominating books you've read before and know are a good read or books you've always meant to read but never got around to.
Anyway i nominate 1984 by george orwell or the catcher in the rye,i've read neither but always meant to so i may now get a chance.:excited:

I think the nominations are a little of both! The main idea, I think, is to have a book you know is widely circulated in book stores and libraries so everyone has an opportunity to take part.

To reiterate Jean's post about rules though, we are limiting members to one nomination, but you can second ,third, fourth, etc. anything you like.

Jean
11-29-2008, 01:32 AM
The Catcher has also been nominated; 3 DOORS DOWN - you still have your nomination, you can use it till Monday, the sooner the better. To be on the safe side, I will start the poll Tuesday morning Moscow time, but don't forget only seconded etc. books will make it to the poll.

Darkthoughts
11-29-2008, 04:36 AM
I'll fourth Something Wicked, my favourite Bradbury story of all time.

flaggwalkstheline
11-29-2008, 09:45 AM
I nominate Survivor by chuck palahniuk

3 DOORS DOWN
11-29-2008, 10:13 AM
I nominate "The Time Machine by H.G.Wells".

BROWNINGS CHILDE
11-30-2008, 03:41 AM
I will second Time Machine. Havent Read it. Dr. Moreau and War of the Worlds were fantastic though.

Also, for clarity (3 doors down) I havent read the book I nominated (something wicked) but want to. And will soon no matter the outcome of this poll.

cheers

flaggwalkstheline
11-30-2008, 09:17 AM
ive read the time machine but i'll second it anyway

Ves'Ka Gan
12-01-2008, 01:35 PM
I'll second Survivor. Chuck P. is always great reading, and I think this partricular title has some good discussion points.


I think the voting will be tough come tomorrow!

Jean
12-02-2008, 03:19 AM
Nominated and seconded (thirded etc):

Kurt Vonnegut. Sirens of Titan 5

Mark Twain. Tom Sawyer 3

Michael Crichton. Jurassic Park 4

Steinbeck. Grapes of Wrath 2

Salinger. The Catcher In The Rye 5

Christopher Moore. Lamb 3

Kerouac. Dharma Bums 4

Bel Kaufman. Up the Down Staircase 1

George Orwell. 1984 3

Joe Haldeman. Forever Peace 1

Ray Bradbury. Something Wicked This Way Comes 4

Chuck Palahniuk. Survivor 2

H.G.Wells. The Time Machine 3

Jean
12-02-2008, 03:24 AM
Now, we have on the list 11 books that have been [at least] seconded, and the poll contains only 10 options. To be fair, I leave out both books that have been only seconded, and keep those who have been [at least] thirded. These are the books that didn't make it to the poll, but will automatically be transferred to the next nomination session:

Steinbeck. Grapes of Wrath 2
Chuck Palahniuk. Survivor 2
Bel Kaufman. Up the Down Staircase 1
Joe Haldeman. Forever Peace 1

jayson
12-02-2008, 05:31 AM
I voted for Sirens of Titan. Of all of the books on the list which I've read, it's the one I would be most interested in reading again. I know several people have not yet read a Vonnegut book and this would be the perfect place to start as I agree with Valtron that this is his best work.

If it doesn't win, I'm hoping whichever book does is one of the few I've never read.

Darkthoughts
12-02-2008, 05:34 AM
It's the first Vonnegut book I read.

jayson
12-02-2008, 05:36 AM
Well there you go. Who wouldn't want to be like Lisa? :)

Darkthoughts
12-02-2008, 06:00 AM
:lol: In reading habits perhaps...

Ves'Ka Gan
12-02-2008, 03:20 PM
Vote for Dharma Bums. Dammit.

Or else. :evil:

razz
12-02-2008, 03:46 PM
here's question? do we keep the current nominations we have until next bookclub session?
because i think what would be a good idea, is instead of nominating and voting every time, is wee keep the top three books for the bookclub, make a poll for runners up, and those three will be the ones we read for the next three bookclub sessions. after that we start over with nominations.

Sam
12-02-2008, 04:53 PM
Vote for Dharma Bums. Dammit.

Or else. :evil:

Or else what? I voted for Lamb not some Indian rear ends. Did I win something:excited:, or are you gonna spank me:evil:. Either way.:drool:

jayson
12-02-2008, 04:56 PM
I see the logic of Razz's idea, but I prefer the idea of voting anew each time around. Subtract a book from the list and I may vote entirely differently based on what's left. However most people prefer it is fine though. Majority wins and all.

Ves'Ka Gan
12-02-2008, 05:10 PM
Vote for Dharma Bums. Dammit.

Or else. :evil:

Or else what? I voted for Lamb not some Indian rear ends. Did I win something:excited:, or are you gonna spank me:evil:. Either way.:drool:

I'm going to punish you by not threatrening to do anything to you...because I know anything I could do you'd enjoy too much.

razz
12-02-2008, 05:17 PM
I see the logic of Razz's idea, but I prefer the idea of voting anew each time around. Subtract a book from the list and I may vote entirely differently based on what's left. However most people prefer it is fine though. Majority wins and all.
well either way is fine, i'm just not particularily overjoyed to nominate new books every month.

jhanic
12-02-2008, 06:33 PM
I think I'd rather have a different nomination each month, because sometimes I read (or reread) the books that are not selected that month. The nominations remind me of books that I want to read.

John

Sam
12-02-2008, 07:38 PM
Vote for Dharma Bums. Dammit.

Or else. :evil:

Or else what? I voted for Lamb not some Indian rear ends. Did I win something:excited:, or are you gonna spank me:evil:. Either way.:drool:

I'm going to punish you by not threatrening to do anything to you...because I know anything I could do you'd enjoy too much.

Spank tease. :wtf:

jayson
12-02-2008, 07:53 PM
Well, we don't necessarily have to re-nominate. We could simply vote again on the remaining choices.

BROWNINGS CHILDE
12-02-2008, 09:03 PM
I would prefer to renominate/vote. Just my thought.

Jean
12-02-2008, 11:56 PM
I think we'll renominate. In January, I am thinking of presenting the list of "leftovers", and see if they are seconded again, while everyone will be able to make new nominations, too.

Letti
12-04-2008, 02:49 AM
1984

Jean
12-17-2008, 09:47 AM
bump

only two weeks left to vote!

jhanic
12-18-2008, 08:57 AM
Thanks for reminding me, Jean. I totally forgot to vote.

(Somegthing Wicked is the one!)

John

Arthur Heath
12-18-2008, 10:52 PM
I have most of these on my bookshelf and would love to re read any of them.

razz
12-20-2008, 06:07 AM
w00t! JP is catching up!
c'mon, Crichton!

wait a minute, wtf is this, a horse race?!

Jean
01-04-2009, 01:04 AM
It looks like our next book is Ray Bradbury. Something Wicked This Way Comes

Will someone volunteer to be in charge this time? Maybe Ves? t/song? It will involve making up a list of questions and starting a thread, just like we did with Mockingbird.

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/0134-bear.gifhttp://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/0134-bear.gifhttp://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/0134-bear.gif

LadyHitchhiker
01-04-2009, 08:05 AM
Are we still voting?

razz
01-04-2009, 08:40 AM
nope. Voting is done, and the next book of the book club is officially Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury
:thumbsup:
shame JP didn't win though. it was so close

Brice
01-05-2009, 06:01 AM
I'll have to check when I get home to make sure we have a copy, but if we do I'll volunteer to do the questions this time.

Jean
01-06-2009, 01:05 AM
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/Thank20You20Bear.jpg

Brice
01-06-2009, 06:32 AM
No problem, Jean! I LOVE that book. It is an old friend. I started rereading it this morning. :thumbsup:

Woofer
01-08-2009, 11:20 AM
Thanks, Brice! I love this book, too.

BROWNINGS CHILDE
01-08-2009, 07:32 PM
Excellent, been waiting awhile to read this one. Going to buy it tomorrow!:dance:

razz
01-17-2009, 08:16 PM
Quick question:

how long should each...session...last?
I'm assuming that each book is always open for discussion, but in order ot keep the club running smoothly, we should start nominating the next book early as a week after the last book was chosen, that way, by the time each book has had its place i nthe sun, the next book will be ready.

BROWNINGS CHILDE
01-21-2009, 08:41 PM
Agreed, nominations for the next book should begin soon.

Jean
01-22-2009, 01:09 AM
The nominations for the next book will start as soon as I see any activity on the present one; in other words, as soon as someone posts questions for Bradbury's Somethin' Wicked.

BROWNINGS CHILDE
01-22-2009, 03:39 AM
Still reading, and enjoying very much

Brice
01-22-2009, 04:02 AM
I'm sorry! I am still reading too. I'll get questions up soon.

Jean
01-22-2009, 04:08 AM
There's no real hurry! Provided something is happening, a short break between books is all right. http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/0134-bear.gifhttp://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/0134-bear.gifhttp://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/0134-bear.gif

Brice
01-22-2009, 04:08 AM
I expect to have questions at the beginning of the week. :)

Jean
01-22-2009, 04:43 AM
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/bear_thumb.gifhttp://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/bear_thumb.gifhttp://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/bear_thumb.gif

The Lady of Shadows
01-22-2009, 02:50 PM
i'm going to sit this one out folks. enjoy the book and i'll enjoy reading your questions and answers. :rose:

Jean
01-23-2009, 12:38 AM
i'm going to sit this one out folks.
gr gr gr?

Brice
01-23-2009, 03:34 AM
i'm going to sit this one out folks. enjoy the book and i'll enjoy reading your questions and answers. :rose:


Nooooooo! Don't! This book will steal your heart away. I promise. :rose: EVERYONE should read it.

razz
02-08-2009, 07:57 PM
Brice, will you be posting questions soon?:)

BROWNINGS CHILDE
02-08-2009, 11:51 PM
Lets discuss HMMM.

What do you feel is the major theme of the book?

I felt that youth/innocence was paradoxically lost by some characters and gained by others. I felt like many of the adults in the book felt regret about their lost youth and envy Jim and Will for their youth. For example Charles Halloway feels that he is too old to raise a son, and that he and Will have nothing in common, no shared ground where a relationship can be built. For that he feels locked within himself, and his library, and is really a very sad character until the end, where he rediscovers his youth and his joy. I think that this demonstrates a minor theme of the book, that age does not dictate happiness. Other examples of adults pining for their youth include: Mr. Crossetti - he cries when he smells the cotton candy of the approaching carnival and is reminded of his lost youth. Miss Foley is described as lonely and "quickly greying" and generally seems unhappy with who she is. She is distraught by the mirror maze, perhaps because she doesn't care for her repeated aged reflection. Charles Halloway has a similar experience in the mirror maze, where he sees himself as ancient, one step away from death. Miss Foley is apparently drawn to reclaim her youth through the carnivals offerings. Charles halloway also regains his youth, but in a healthier way, he learns to connect with his son, and relive his youth through his son, a trick I think most of us fathers learn at some point.

Jim seems bound to give up his youth throughout the entire novel. This willingness, almost obsession with giving up his youth stands in sharp contrast with the other characters of the book. Jim also has an "experience" with the mirror maze. He tels Will that he wouldn't understand, and we are not told exactly what Jim saw in the mirrors, but he must have seen himself as a vulnerable or otherwise undesirable in his youth. He seems almost determined from that point to ride the carousel.

What are your thoughts about the mirror maze? I felt that it allowed the charactes a moment of "reflection" upon their life. I though this particular symbolism of reflection was absolutely brilliant.

Any other thoughts?

Jean
02-09-2009, 12:21 AM
Thank you BROWNING'S for having tried to help it along! http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/0134-bear.gifhttp://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/0134-bear.gifhttp://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/0134-bear.gif

Please, if someone feels like he has something to say and/or think of a few answerable questions, start a new thread for this. Browning's, you could do that, and just copy and paste your last post; or copy your questions in the starter post, and the answers in the next post - hoping that with time there will be more questions.