L Y N N’s
Comments
(group member since Nov 10, 2018)
L Y N N’s
comments
from the Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge group.
Showing 1,341-1,360 of 4,909
Megan wrote: "1) What, if any, expectations do you have for this book?I have high expectations - it has won so many awards and have heard so much about Toni Morrison's profound work."
Yes! I appreciate your use of "profound" in describing her writing!
"2) Have you read any other of Toni Morrison's books before?
I am not familiar with this author and have not read her work before. I feel like Beloved is a good place to start."
I hope that proves to be true!
"3) What Popsugar prompt do you plan to use Toni Morrison's Beloved to fulfill?
The Ainsfield-Wolf Award prompt"
It is an obvious good match, IMO!
"4) Did you plan to read this book even if it wasn't a Monthly Group Read selection? This year? Or any other time in the future?
I passively planned to read this book. It makes a great book club book, since it is abstract and a little confusing. I definitely will have to take my time with it to digest each sentence and really understand what is going on.."
It sounds as if you are well-prepared!
Ron wrote: "Okay just got up to page 24. It's certainly a difficult read for me."I believe you are not alone in this! I find Morrison's books to be dense and complex to me. Certainly nothing I can just "zip through"!
"1.) I rarely, well hardly ever, read books on slavery even in 1873."
That's interesting, especially given your preference for nonfiction. I am preparing to start The Hemingses of Monticello: An American Family this week. It is a brick and I've never read this author before, but I had no idea about the extent of Jefferson's personal relationships with his slaves, etc. While I feel as if I have read much about slavery, I do realize many of those books were "historical fiction" rather than nonfiction.
"2.) I'm struggling to keep an interest because it is fiction, not that I'm not trying. It's just a story I'm not used to.."
Well, personally, when a book feels "difficult" to read I many times find it a challenge to maintain my interest and motivation to continue. I felt that way this past week completing Paradise and after having read one of his books, I suspect I will feel that way about Percival Everett's writing as well.
Ron wrote: "Lynn wrote:Perhaps "fiction" is a genre with which you have had little experience/exposure, rather than being "weak." :)
Good for you for expanding your reading horizons! I think that is one of the most valuable aspects of Goodreads, at least for me!
I think it's a bit of both actually. While I have had exposure to fiction at the same time I just find it a bit boring if I'm being honest. I know it's a great way of escapism, I just prefer to learn about people via what they've gone through in our reality."
That's so insightful! While I adore fiction, I also have a deep appreciation for and interest in nonfiction. But I am so tempted by fiction that I often overlook nonfiction! Though I have recently begun to rotate a nonfiction book into my reading alongside other fiction books (I am often "reading" 4-6 books at the same time now that I'm 'older'!) and am glad to be including more nonfiction. I have discovered that I can handle stepping in and out of nonfiction books to a great degree, though some are written to read more like fiction to me and hold my interest so much that I can read them straight through. It is an interesting conundrum. :) Each of us must find what works best for us!
"I'm coming to find it's a great aspect of GR too. I've already read a couple of books that I normally wouldn't have otherwise from other groups. This is my first group read here which, while it was on my tbr, is probably one I would not have gotten to on my own even though I kept saying I would."
I have branched my own reading into 'new-to-me' areas as well through Goodreads. I feel it is one of the best aspects of the program!
"Katrina wrote:
Wow!!! I'm surprised that this is a #BookTok recommendation. It's such an old book it's amazing that this generation wants to read it. Wonder if it has something to do with her recent death.
That's interesting. Guess we just search in a variety of places on there. It's one I see come up constantly."
I think Morrison's books are all considered to be "classics" by most readers. I think it is good that older books are considered to be worthy of recommendation as well as newer releases. :)
"Heather L wrote:
3) What Popsugar prompt do you plan to use Toni Morrison's Beloved to fulfill? The Anifield-Wolf Book award winner prompt (#10)
Oh I had not even considered it for that one. I suppose I could put it there. Glad to see it can work for at least 3 of the prompts so that might be one I consider so I can use a different book for the #BookTok Rec."
I have yet to discover a book that can't be used to fulfill multiple Popsugar prompts! :) I think that is one of the aspects I most enjoy about reading challenges--discovering just how many prompts any one book can complete.
"Lynn- thanks for the "chapter" questions. I'll certainly be answering them. They're just what I need to keep track. Will definitely be keeping them in a notebook so I can have them on deck for when I need them."
I feel as if this book lends itself particularly well to this approach, at least for me! :)
Katrina wrote: "Lynn wrote: "I have now read through page 50 in the hardcover edition, or "chapter" 4.One thing that struck me in these first 50 pages is Morrison's deft use of symbolism. And...that is one aspect of a book ..."
Sorry about so many posts in a row. I just have to respond as the thought hits me."
Please, never apologize for posting in a discussion! That is the value of this forum! :)
"Anywho, I have about 55 pages in. I am working through the book alongside the audiobook. I thought this would make it more digestible for me than the first time reading it."
That sounds like a great idea! Who is the narrator?
"1) What are some symbols you noted in these first 50 pages/4 "chapters"?
One notable symbol is on page 15. "I got a tree on my back and a haint in my house, and nothing in between but the daughter I am holding in my arms." The symbol here is the tree. At one point a tree on the back was a reference to the "whip" scars of slaves. In several texts, these scars are said to resemble tree branches. Sethe does go on to explain this meaning as she goes on with her story. As I am thinking about it now though, this could also be a symbol of injustices that people of the African diaspora have endured throughout American history; ultimately leading to lynching hanging from trees."
Yes, I felt the tree symbolism was very strong. And as you note, on many levels. I appreciate the connections you've made here!
"Also, there is this old superstition about not naming your dead. It is said that the dead can't rest unless their grave has their name on it. So the discussion about the headstone in the first few pages foreshadows the ghost haunting of the house. Although the stone was marked it was not marked with the deceased name leaving the baby in a state of unrest."
Ooohhh...that is a powerful connection! Thank you for noting that. I certainly didn't catch it, so I'm grateful you did and alerted the rest of us!
"2) Do these symbols "work for you" and/or increase your understanding of the text?
I think this symbol gives the reader some idea of Sethe's pain and why she can't let it go."
Agreed!
"3) Any thoughts on the naming of the Sweet Home slaves? (Paul A, Paul D, Paul F)
I would say this is to show that as slaves they were treated like livestock. You don't name livestock, you just tag them."
Agreed. So dehumanizing...
"4) How would you describe Paul D and Sethe's relationship at this point?
It is evident that they have some kind of attraction to each other. I think Paul D's attraction if genuine but Sethe's is nostalgic because Paul D is a connection to her past before she was an outcast."
I agree. I also felt Sethe's attraction to him was mainly due to his connection to her past. He has obviously sought her out...
"5) What long-term effects do you believe will result from Paul D's fighting the ghost/spirit?
I have read the book before so I will skip this one."
Thank you for being considerate of other readers! :)
"6) Why do you believe neither Sethe nor Denver ever fought with the ghost/spirit?
I think Sethe has so much guilt about the loss of her other daughter that she feels like she deserves this torture. Denver simply doesn't know any other life. This has been going on all her life and at that time women didn't run off on their own."
Ooohhh, yes! I agree! I believe Sethe felt it was due her... And poor Denver! She known only that house and a bit of land around it. I felt so sorry for her.
Katrina wrote: "1) What, if any, expectations do you have for this book?The only expectation I have for this book is to enjoy it more than I did 20 years ago. Back then it just seemed like a jumble of random events with no real connection. I think I have matured some and might have a better understanding of the themes/issues presented in the text.
You sound just like me before I reread this! And I hope your rereading experience is much enhanced as was mine. I just seemed to 'get it' much better the second time around.
"2) Have you read any other of Toni Morrison's books before?
I have read all of Toni Morrison's books for a class in college. I took a class that studied all of her works."
Oh, my! That had to have been quite the reading experience! I just finished Paradise and I swear, I can't believe just how dense and complex her writing is!
"3) What Popsugar prompt do you plan to use Toni Morrison's Beloved to fulfill?
I am using this to fulfill prompt 10 ~ Anisfield-Wolf Book Award winner. It could cover the following prompts as well: 12 ~ Book about the afterlife; and 25 ~ Book about a secret."
Excellent observations! It certainly could cover multiple prompts!
"4) Did you plan to read this book even if it wasn't a Monthly Group Read selection? This year? Or any other time in the future?
I never really planned to read this book again. I didn't enjoy it the first time and I am not a re-reader. There are very few books that I reread voluntarily. It's just not my thing."
Agreed! I have always felt the same way about rereading. But now that I am in my mid-60s I find I enjoy rereading some books every once in awhile. The one exception for me is the Harry Potter series which I have read through 3 times and I am itching to do that at least one more time...
Heather L wrote: "I am going to try to read this one, though may not get to it until later in the month."That's fine. Whenever you get to it! I'll be checking throughout the month!
1) What, if any, expectations do you have for this book? No expectations as I don’t know much about it beyond the one paragraph back cover blurb.
I typically prefer not to know much about a book before reading it...
2) Have you read any other of Toni Morrison's books before? Have not read her before.
Great!
3) What Popsugar prompt do you plan to use Toni Morrison's Beloved to fulfill? The Anifield-Wolf Book award winner prompt (#10)
I think this is a good fit for that prompt!
4) Did you plan to read this book even if it wasn't a Monthly Group Read selection? This year? Or any other time in the future? I had it down as a possible Popsugar read last year and did not get to it. It went on my short list of five possible reads for this year’s prompt #10, as mentioned above, and moved to the top of the list when it won the group poll."
It would appear the Universe aligned! LOL
Wow! I am heartened to see so many posts! I have finished the team readathon and will launch back into this discussion tomorrow morning! And I briefly saw someone apologize for posting thoughts. Please! Do not apologize! That is what we are here for, after all!!
HAPPY HAPPY THURSDAY! I'm back!! ;)This week has been jam-packed with complications and repeated attempts to communicate with providers on behalf of my good friend. Fortunately, none of this had to do with impaired health for her, but just getting appointments scheduled and kept and paperwork completed and submitted…and… It just seems to never end right now. Every spare moment I’ve had I’ve tried to devote to reading for the 2022 Reading Challenge’s Summer Team Readathon. Go Team Holy Grail! I’m truly hopeful that as of next Wednesday all will have been accomplished and she will be well on her way to recovery from this final procedure. I must admit, I was amazed at the fact that the surgeon and scheduler spent an hour and 15 minutes with us showing videos of the TAVR procedure, making sure we (okay, I…) understood everything. You have to understand that my friend’s attitude is she is petrified until she meets the provider and once she feels comfortable with them, she tunes everything out. That is why she has me there. I want to know the risks, the benefits, details of the proposed procedure, etc., and they spent as much time as needed to make sure I had all the information I wanted on her behalf! Since this is a procedure that could possibly be in my own future due to a heart murmur having been detected last year, I was all over it! While my friend just kinda sat there, stating this is why she has me with her! LOL I was just so impressed with the providers! If all goes according to plan, they will go through the groin to insert a brand new aortic valve. Hopefully the valve will seat well without any complications, otherwise they may have to open her up and manually stitch the valve in place as they used to do. A tech from the company that developed this procedure and tools will be in the operating room along with the surgeon and her cardiologist. Anyway, it is fascinating what they can do and just how far they have come in further developing such literally “life-saving” procedures!
I apologize for my lack of participation here, but that should finally end next week and I’ll be back to “normal,” whatever that might be! LOL
Our weather in central Indiana has been rather pleasant lately. More like spring than summer. Along with a tornado watch last night, but those just come with the territory. (Literally and figuratively! LOL)
ADMIN STUFF:
First and foremost, 23 members voted to select Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas as our September Monthly Group Read to fulfill prompt #6 A book written by a LatinX author in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15) in the US! We will need a “savvy superstar” to lead that month’s discussion. Please message Nadine or me to volunteer!
Speaking of which, we still need a "marvelous manager" to lead the August discussion of The Dog Stars! Please message either Nadine or myself to volunteer!
Our discussion of Beloved by Toni Morrison is ongoing. I will be reading more in it this weekend and posting more questions/topics for anyone interested. I have neglected that this past week but will pick it up again and we will persevere! You can find that discussion here. And the place to post any book you’ve read to complete prompt #10 An Anisfield-Wolf Book Award winner is here. This is in honor of the United States' most recently added holiday--Juneteenth on June 19, 2022! (aka African American Freedom Day or Emancipation Day) This award "recognizes books that have made important contributions to our understanding of racism and human diversity."
The comprehensive listing of Monthly Group Reads for 2022 is here.
QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
Is there any one prompt from the 2022 Popsugar challenge that you are dreading/avoiding/putting off? If so, which one is that? Why does it seem so dreadful to you?
Fortunately, I really dreaded prompt #11 A #BookTok recommendation, but I read People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry for our January monthly group read and got it done.
Why did I dread it so much? I just can’t face downloading yet another app or accessing yet another ‘thing” on social media. Seriously, Goodreads is the only social media app I use consistently. So you should feel either honored or annoyed! LOL
****
I’ll just list the books I am currently reading and then some I have planned. I will hopefully find time to complete this more comprehensively over the weekend…
CONTINUING:
Beloved by Toni Morrison
Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan
The Heron's Cry (Two Rivers #2) by Ann Cleeves
Inspector Imanishi Investigates by Seichō Matsumoto, translated by Beth Cary
PLANNED:
The Sentence by Louise Erdrich
The Comforts of a Muddy Saturday (Isabel Dalhousie #5) by Alexander McCall Smith
The House of Unexpected Sisters (No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency #18 by Alexander McCall Smith
Silent in the Grave (Lady Julie Grey #1) by Deanna Raybourn
Teri wrote: "I had to set this book aside and just finished it last night. Really enjoyed it. Cas, Lena, and Ventillas were great characters. For reasons some of you have stated, it wasn't a perfect book. But a..."Cool! Glad you enjoyed it as well!
I have now read through page 50 in the hardcover edition, or "chapter" 4. One thing that struck me in these first 50 pages is Morrison's deft use of symbolism. And...that is one aspect of a book that, to me, definitely indicates a "literary classic." Many times as I read such a book I believe I unconsciously make the symbolic links, but sometimes I have difficulty delineating them in words...
1) What are some symbols you noted in these first 50 pages/4 "chapters"?
2) Do these symbols "work for you" and/or increase your understanding of the text?
3) Any thoughts on the naming of the Sweet Home slaves? (Paul A, Paul D, Paul F)
4) How would you describe Paul D and Sethe's relationship at this point?
5) What long-term effects do you believe will result from Paul D's fighting the ghost/spirit?
6) Why do you believe neither Sethe nor Denver ever fought with the ghost/spirit?
Ron wrote: "Lynn wrote:Some 'pre-reading' questions:
1) What, if any, expectations do you have for this book?
-I honestly have no expectations. I don't know anything about this book so I'm not too familiar ..."
Perhaps "fiction" is a genre with which you have had little experience/exposure, rather than being "weak." :)
Good for you for expanding your reading horizons! I think that is one of the most valuable aspects of Goodreads, at least for me!
Nadine in NY wrote: "Britany wrote: "I finished today and I really enjoyed it! I'm so glad this was the group pick for this prompt. Was anyone else a little mad that ..."
Yeah I thought there'd be more to that. [s..."
Ha! I love that descriptor--(view spoiler) LOL
cat herine wrote: "Yeah, I felt the build up sort of fizzled out in the end [spoilers removed]Also, [spoilers removed]"
I did think the (view spoiler)
I just REALLY want a sequel! I feel there is so much unfinished material that it is perfect for MORE! And I now own a copy of Isle of Blood and Stone which I hope to read in July!
Nadine in NY wrote: "Joanna wrote: "Just finished this. Great book, and like many above, I would definitely enjoy a sequel, or something else in this world, and will also check out others by this author. ... Nadine, ...
Yes it was a bit frustrating that that was raised as a huge obstacle and then never discussed again. Lucier's editor should have caught that and insisted on some sort of resolution."
I would tend to disagree. To me, this doesn't need to be mentioned and hence the reader keeps wondering... What if? ;) But I like those types of "loose" endings!
Katrina wrote: "Lynn wrote: "I am rereading this and at the same time reading an analysis of the text. I have read this book twice already. The first time was over 20 years ago and I found it very confusing and ra..."Ah, yes. In my case, I believe my additional readings about slavery and the mistreatment, abuse, and murder of so many non-whites added to my knowledge base enough to better understand this book when I reread it almost 25 years later. I hope that will also be your experience! And hopefully, the discussion will help distill your understanding to make this an enriching reading experience.
Ron wrote: "Sounds like a good read. I've had it on my classics TBR for a while. It's just been patiently sitting in one of my book boxes. Guess now would be a good time to pull it out. *****
Lynn,
I look ..."
I'm glad to know this may help you tick off a classic from your TBR listing! And help you diversify your reading a bit from nonfiction. As you may know, I have the opposite challenge, trying to incorporate more nonfiction into my fiction-loaded reading schedule! :)
I think your emphasis on nonfiction may actually be of benefit to you with this book...or not!
I look forward to your comments!
Some 'pre-reading' questions:1) What, if any, expectations do you have for this book?
2) Have you read any other of Toni Morrison's books before?
3) What Popsugar prompt do you plan to use Toni Morrison's Beloved to fulfill?
4) Did you plan to read this book even if it wasn't a Monthly Group Read selection? This year? Or any other time in the future?
Dubhease wrote: "Internet problems are hard. Our city had a derecho (a fast moving wind storm.) We got lucky that our power was out for 12 hours on Saturday. Some people are without power for going on 6 days."Ugh. No power sucks!
"I'm making good progress on my too long Japanese book. And I started another "Wrinkle in Time" sequel. I never intended to read these books. I had given my younger daughter "A Wrinkle in Time" for a birthday and she found it confusing. So, I read it with her. She had no interest in subsequent books and now I'm hooked on the series."
Gosh, this is kids series I need to read. I read the first one to my own children when they were young, but haven't returned to that series in the meantime!
"Finished:
Jacob Two-Two and the Dinosaur"
Now that's what I call an intriguing title! ;)
"QOTW: I'm doing well. My goals is to read 52 books. It's week 21 and I've read 22. (Plus I'm working on another 2.) If all goes according to plan, I'll only have two books for December which is always the busiest month of the year."
Wow. You are organized and on it! YAY!
Theresa wrote: "Holy Smokes! I'm the 2nd to post?! That's a first!"LOL Enjoy!
"Sorry Lynn you are having internet access problems. Life truly does stop when there is no internet!"
Although seeing that comment in print makes me realize that we truly are spoiled, aren't we? We have reliable shelter, food supply, no bombs exploding...
"Finished:
Foes, Friends and Lovers - this would fit Found Family or Victorian prompt really well (I already had filled those) - includes great fascinating detail on Victorian small rural businesses from agriculture to art to craft, all set in a cooperative type setting which creates a found family."
"Found family" is one of my favorite concepts!
"Clark and Division - set in Manzaner and Chicago - more historical novel with a murder mystery than crime fiction - won Edgar award this year - 5 star read."
Ooohhh...this is now on my TBR listing!
"Currently reading:
Ulysses"
I'm not really interested in reading this one except for the fact that I feel as if I should...someday...if I live long enough! LOL
"QOTW: I'm doing great with PS - 35/50 done and none that are left will actually be a challenge to fill, as I have plenty of options in my TBR to fit them.
As for other challenges - over in Play Book Tag Group I have finished my part in the History Walk Challenge, and I am so far up to date in the others. My various private challenges are up to date as well. And though I'm behind in 3 buddy reads, one should be finished this weeked - only 130 pages to go in The British Are Coming: The War for America, Lexington to Princeton, 1775-1777, A Clash of Kings reading time has been spread out further, and I hope to make a big dent in Ulysses this weekend.
I'm up to date in my Feminerdy Book Club. I am behind in the reading I'd planned of the Edgar nominees, but that was always loosely timed."
YAY for YOU!
Nadine in NY wrote: "Lynn wrote: "Thank you so much, Miss Nadine for getting the discussion started! Welcome to yet another Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday MONDAY! May is just about over and done! That doesn’t seem r...
You made it back!!! Hooray!"
Internet connectivity still seems a bit iffy, but tomorrow perhaps I'll finally discover what needs to change. I'm just crossing my fingers that my laptop will last another month or two... It's a bit touchy. And then the phones! Yikes! I sure don't want to replace all the electronics at the same time! I'm hoping for some better luck with them for now. :) (Ever the optimist! LOL)
