Aaron’s Comments (group member since Jul 29, 2013)

Aaron’s comments from the Literally Geeky group.

Something to say about this month's book that just can't wait until the hangout? This is the place for it!

As a big fan of the first movie (don't bring up the sequels), I'm kind of embarrased to admit I've never read the book it's based on before. Figured I'd correct this problem in time for the release of Jurassic World (which I sincerely doubt will be great, but am hopeful it will at least not suck.)

I don't think there's a genre that I outright refuse to read, but there are certainly books on my shelf now that would never have found their way onto it if they hadn't been Literally Geeky selections.

Take 'I, Claudius' for example. I've never been personally interested in Roman history and wouldn't have read this book had Ez not selected it last month. But I ended up enjoying it and learning new things in the process.

For me, that's what joining a book club is about - occasionally stepping out of your comfort zone and discovering new things. You may discover that you still don't like a particular style, genre, author, etc. but at least you can then say that you tried. And you've got a group of people there who've been reading the same book to express your frustrations to.

So I, Claudius - though presented as an autobiography - is actually a work of mostly fiction written by an author who took it upon himself to fill in some gaps (and have a little fun) with Roman history and the people who really lived through it.

What other examples (literary or otherwise) can you think of that also take this 'historical fiction' approach?

Since when does Hollywood mess up book adaptations?

Never mind...

It's not all written in the first person. 50 pages in it switches to a traditional narrative. At least, for the scenes that take place back on Earth.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ = Perfection.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ = Really good, but flawed.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ = Satisfactory. Nothing special.

⭐️⭐️ = I'll probably forget I ever read this.

⭐️ = Waste of a good tree.

Something to say about this book that can't wait until the hangout? Then this thread is for you!

I've been wanting to read The Martian ever since someone suggested it in our anniversary book poll. There's almost as much hype around it as there was Ready Player One - and I loved that book! Can't wait to get started!

Is vanilla lotion involved?

Interesting find!

Must be a reference to the identity issues of S - an amnesiac who was taken in by this group and made into a revolutionary.

I don't believe it helps solve any of the many mysteries in the story, but it's a neat bit of information nonetheless.

Something to say about this month's book that just can't wait until the hangout? You've come to the right place.

I hadn't heard of The Book of Flying before Donovan made it his February selection, but I'm curious what it will be like. Minotaurs in a story are always a plus, so I'll give it a shot.

What do you think?

That's true about the meals in A Song of Ice and Fire. They can be pretty epic. George RR Martin would make a good wedding planner.

Too soon?

I think the decoder is supposed to be used with the footnotes, but I haven't figured out the pattern yet.

I haven't read Eragon, but had a very similar experience with the Harry Potter series. When the books ballooned up into 700+ page range, I quit. Not because I won't read a book that size. The overall story just became too bloated for my liking. The fifth book was my last.

Have something to say about this book that just can't wait until the hangout? You've come to the right place.

I was a little nervous choosing S. I have a feeling it will be either completely loved or absolutely hated - no middle ground. I just hope the book's odd structure and presentation are more than just a gimmick.

So the book you all chose as our one year anniversary read back in July is being made into a feature film and Christopher Nolan has been offered the director's chair. Thoughts?

Personally, I don't think it will work. The copyright issues for the material alone will be a nightmare.

It would have an excellent soundtrack, however.

Part of last night's House of Suns discussion was about the open ending and (as of yet) lack of sequel.

How important is closure to you in a book?

Is there a story or group of characters you would love to spend more time with but can't due to the material running out?

Anything to say or discuss about this month's book that just can't wait until the hangout? This is the place to do it.

Literally Geeky-wise, my favorite picks this year have been Ready Player One and Little Brother.

As far as non-book club material goes, I haven't read anything this year that really knocked my proverbial socks off (sorry, Pat Rothfuss). Although there have been some great graphic novels such as East of West and the Locke & Key finale. Saga continues to be excellent as well.

Centaurs, a walking/talking sheet of paper, and a complex conversation with an alien in its digestive system after which one of our main characters was politely pooped out.

And I'm not even 100 pages in...

What are some of your favorite stories set in a galaxy far, far away?

I myself don't have much experience with the genre, so I'm looking forward to doing some intergalactic exploring with this month's book.