I am sorry I am not reading anything for the group right now. I picked up the first of a five book series (The Banned and the Banished, by James Clemens) and I am hooked on them now. I do have Our Mutual Friend, and Mary and O'Neil for next month readings.

Okay, I've been very lame for the last few months, and I'm sure I'll be lame this month too, since I'm leaving in a few days for a big long vacation. But I still am in the group! If I can get any of the books while I'm on vacation, I will. And I'll for sure join in for January!

Well, I've already got a copy of Flowers for Algernon, and I'm up for it, especially since it seems like not too many are into the Please Understand Me idea. Of course, I'm already working on American Gods... and Flow... this might be a record book-juggling for me!

I'll put in the chat section for Please Understand Me. I'm up for another book, but let's make it a short one.

I'm currently reading The Whole World Over by Julia Glass--she wrote The Three Junes--and I like it, but at 498 pages, I'm afraid it's too long.

Hmmm...What about Flowers for Algernon? I wouldn't mind reading it again.

It's probably almost EXACTLY like those management seminars. HAHAHA Of course, most people don't sit in those seminars every day and would enjoy the book. I think it's really interesting.

But guys, should we pick a fiction as well? Nobody seems to be messaging... probably the holidays. Should we take the month off?

I don't see the chat section for this month selection.

Please Understand Me II Temperament, Character, Intelligence looks like the exercises we go through at the management seminars at my job. I have had enough of those....

Yeah, well, that's cause there are about 15 kids in the average household, so there isn't even enough taxpayer money for the school system, let alone the libraries... HAHAHA

I will see what I can do to get the book.

PS to all you Utahns, I never understood how much I hated the Utah County libraries until I lived somewhere else. Now I am back I realize how poor of a library system they have and it is so frustrating.

Walker wrote: "Meg wrote: "Brilliant, Walker! I concur... Can somebody set up a chat section for Please Understand Me (as I am technologically inept)?"

Done. Check it out.

Brilliant, Walker! I concur... Can somebody set up a chat section for Please Understand Me (as I am technologically inept)? The book is all over stores, but I'm sure most libraries have copies as well. If not, any Myers-Briggs reference book would probably do. It's not so much a book that you "read" as one that you skim the relevant sections, so it won't be very time-consuming for the holiday season. Plus, it's highly interactive--almost like a game. All the historical stuff in the beginning is totally optional (in fact, I recommend you skip it, then go back if you're truly interested). My advice: take the test, then look up your section and read how freaky dead-on it is (at least that's what 99% of people say)... then test your family/friends and look up their sections, etc. Should make for some interesting posts on the website, if everyone's up to participating. SO PARTICIPATE!

Seriously--take the test guys! It'll cost you about 15 minutes of your life--and reading the results is fascinating. (I'm an INTP--what Kiersey calls an "Architect"--if anybody's curious.) And if you can't get a hold of the test--message me your email address. I have the questions and an answer sheet in Word format... in fact, I even have the basic description of each type that I could email you if you like.

Meg.

Why not let's put Mary and O'Neil off until January, and come up with something you can get a hold of for December (i.e. Please Understand Me II)? I think it's much more interesting when we're commenting as we read with others.

For my part, I can get just about any book quickly.

If we do it this way, we're set for two months at least.

I'm gonna put in a request for Mary and O'Neil... but I'm sure my library won't get it to me until next month, so I'll be late on the commentary, as usual. Sounds really interesting, though...

Let's get a couple more suggestions and plan through March at least. Speak up guys--we need votes and suggestions!

I'm up for reading anything interesting, fiction or non-fiction. I have not read Keirsey's book and would be happy to do so. I have read Life of Pi and Flowers for Algernon, both good choices. The latter is much shorter, if I recall correctly.

I also want to suggest Justin Cronin's Mary and O'Neil (see my message #10 over here http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/2355...)

Okay, I'm gonna suggest a non-fiction and see what you guys have to say about it. It's a book called "Please Understand Me II" by David Keirsey, based on the Myers-Briggs personality types. I know non-fictions are often dry and boring, but I use what I learned from this book almost daily. You take a test at the front of the book (and if you REALLY want to have some fun, get your spouse/children/friends to take it as well)--then read about the different types of personalities, including how the personalities interact with each other, the careers that suit them best, the strengths and challenges of romantic relationships among certain pairings, etc. I think the more people you test, the more interesting it is. I gave it to my parents, my siblings, my husband, and sort of answered the questions myself for both of my young children, then marked their names on the pages that applied to them. I think it's the best way to get to know the needs, interests, fears, and dreams of the important people in your life. I also take the test as my character each time I get cast in a theater/film role or write fiction. It's just so useful! Plus, it might make for some interesting discussion, since I bet the group of us represents a wide spectrum of personality types.

BUT... if you guys aren't up for a non-fiction... how about Flowers for Algernon or The Life of Pi, both of which have been huge, and (I'm ashamed to say) neither of which I have read... REPLY NOW AND TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK!

Okay, I've got a hold order in for American Gods, though it looks like I probably still won't get it for a couple of weeks.

From the September Hunger Games discussion:

Message 26--Tiffany: "How about a Neil Gaiman book? American Gods maybe."
Message 31--Meg: "My vote is When We Were Orphans then American Gods if no one objects."

Neil Gaiman's American Gods it would appear to be. I'm going to try to pick it up today if I can. Should we create it as an "event" and invite all the members of this group, just as a reminder?

So, guys... I know I chose Neil Gaiman, but did we ever decide on a book? I thought Meredith came up with one of his, but I can't find it in the discussions. If you remember Mer, please let us know. Or if anyone else has any suggestions. If not, I am going to just say "American Gods"

Provo has it! Of course, I still haven't finished How Green, but I will do what I can with what God has given me. That's all any of us can really do, right? I know, I'm deep.

Thanks! It's honestly not a long or hard read. So it should be easy to get it done this month!

I'll stop by Barnes and Noble today and get it. I like your decisiveness Mer.

I will put it on hold right now!

Sweet. I think I'll try to start a thread for August and then people can get to it once they're done with HGWMV.

Unbelievable! My library actually HAS it! So I'm in.

Okay, if people are cool, I'd really like to read Tales from Outer Suburbia by Shaun Tan for August. Do everyone think they can get it? If not, I have back-ups!

Meg- I can't figure it out either. I will text Tif

If anybody doesn't have How Green yet and lives close to the Utah Valley area, I saw it at D.I. in Provo the other day for like $.50 or $1.00 in the paperback section--something like that. DI's my favorite place for books!

Yeah, I guarantee I can be no help, Meg. Sadly, I am also a follower, and this includes the technology aspect of the book club--I only make comments in pre-existing discussion threads. If it comes down to it, I say you can do that too!

Well, dang, I know I did this in April, but I can't for the life of me figure what I did then! I'll keep messing with it, and hopefully someone else will be able to help you before then.

I'm excited to start the book. I just got it from the library!

So, ummm... evidently I'm some kind of discussion leader this month, but I can't figure out how to lead a discussion. Which is somewhat problematic. Does anyone know how I start a July section on the message boards? (in techno-dummy talk, please)

Also, just so you guys know--it takes a little while for How Green Was My Valley to get going. Wait until you read the scene with Huw and his mother in the snow before you consider giving up! That's an order from your fearless "leader." :P (Wow--this is too much pressure. I've always preferred being a follower, personally.)

Yes we shall! I just got the book, so I will start reading it soon, and I'll see if I can recruit some people to join. What we really need is for the people who are members to start reading and commenting. Hint, hint...

Yes. Sorry Mer. I have a final on Tue and then I will get started on the book. It sucks because Eric is choosing not to participate in the book club anymore and Chelsea is busy with the new little one. Our numbers are dwindling, but I am determined that we will triumph! Starting Wednesday...

We're starting the July book now, right? And it's How Green was my Valley? That's the impression I got from this list, but it doesn't say it on the main group page. That is all.

We don't have one for September. I don't think so anyway. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

The book for August is Temple of Kokopelli by Edmund E. Hansen.

Dave said he was willing to get books for everyone. I haven't talked to him in awhile and I know he hasn't posted in awhile. Dave, are you still there?

Meg, I totally get what you are saying. When someone doesn't like a book/movie you love, you feel a need to convince them that it really is great and they need to give it another chance :)

I'm so excited for you guys to read my favorite book! If you hate it, be nice about it. It's funny how we get emotionally attached to a story, even though we have nothing to do with its creation, and then take personal offense if someone else thinks it's poop (great... now I have to go take a rock out of our family "potty mouth" jar...)

Also, I read back through the posts, but I'm a tiny bit slow-- What are the books for August and September? I like to give my library a 2-month heads up when possible, for previously stated reasons... (yep, still waiting on the PKD one, for anyone who's curious...)

Thanks Mer how did you know!

Er, I thought it was implied! Happy (super late) Birthday, Becca!

Psst... Meredith... I think you're suppossed to say Happy Birthday to Becca.

Thanks Chels. Uhum Uhum Merdith *me giving the stare down look* do you have anything to add to your post?

Happy birthday, Becca! I hope all your birthday wishes came true, truly.

Ha! I'm up to number 1 on the holds list for June's book! Also, what's the deal with August? I want a book! But I am Goodreads inept, and can't figure out the private email thingee either. Help!

Yes. We are doing Forest of Hands and Teeth.

And you sent that yesterday, on your BIRTHDAY!!!! and I still haven't gotten a text of your address.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY yesterday BECCA!!! How old are you now?

So wait I am confused are we doing Forest of Hands and Teeth for June. We are right. I sure hope so I have already started reading it and I like it

Dave- I don't know how to do a private email thinger ma bob. Can you get my address from TIff?

Tiff- I will text you my address

Darn. Well, I figured it can't hurt to try. Assuming the Forest of Hands and Teeth is the zombie one, then yes, it's next!

Dave wrote: "Cool lets do the Temple of Kokopelli first everyone send me a private message on good reads that wants a copy. I am also willing to ship out some copies so send me your address as well if you don'..."

Sorry, tried to send you a private message and goodreads either wouldn't let me, or I'm technologically inept (probably the latter). I want one! I live in Springville, but I'm heading through Salt Lake on June 1st. Do you want me to pick it up somewhere or send you a few bucks for shipping?

So which book is next? Zombies?

Poor Tiffany. I send you my sympathy, but there's no way I'll double :) I've already served my time, thank the maker.

I need to purchase all these books and start exploiting all of you... wooooowhaha

I'm second on the waiting list here, so I should be good. But I'm also willing to do something else if need be.

Well, Chelsea, if no one else is having the same problem, I will check at the U library. I'm sure they will have it and I'm going to be buying a copy of the book anyway. So, I will just give you the copy from the library. In fact, it will be a good excuse to leave class early. Tuesdays I have an economics class from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and then an Intro into Research Design class from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m... That information is not important, but I would appreciate any sympathy I can gain and/or people willing to pretend to be me for a few hours of each class period.