spoko’s Comments (group member since Mar 05, 2021)

spoko’s comments from the EVERYONE Has Read This but Me - The Catch-Up Book Club group.

This begins our group discussion of our Modern book selection, The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride, nominated by Nicole.

This discussion will be full of SPOILERS.

Did you enjoy the book? What stood out to you? There are a diverse group of characters in the novel—who stood out to you? How does the novel’s portrayal of race relations differ or overlap with other books you’ve read? What questions were you left with?

The Secret Garden has been selected as the Catch-Up title for June 2024. Please feel free to continue with points from previous discussion, or bring up something new!

Do remember that this is the SPOILER thread, in case you would prefer to finish reading before proceeding here.

Thanks everyone—nominations are now closed, and the polls are open! Help us pick the next Catch-Up read by casting your vote here.

Thanks everyone—nominations are now closed, and the polls are open! Help us pick the next Classic read by casting your vote here.

Thanks everyone—nominations are now closed, and the polls are open! Help us pick the next Modern read by casting your vote here.

V wrote: “On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous

Hey, just saw your reply. Are you available to read it this month?”

Unfortunately, no. I’m traveling quite a bit over the next 4-6 weeks, and I don’t usually read much when I travel. The soonest I could really do would be the beginning of July, if you’re interested in that.

I second Sea of Tranquility.

I second A Study in Scarlet.

I’ll second We. That sounds quite intriguing.

I second The Martian.

I nominate The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton (351 p., pub. 1905)

I nominate The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead (213 p., pub. 2019), last read by the group Jan 2021.

I nominate Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir (476 p., pub. 2021)

If you’re through the sections scheduled for April:

⟡ Which of the characters do you think have grown or changed the most since Parts 1 & 2? Have you changed your viewpoint on any character(s)?
⟡ What about the newer characters? Have any stood out for you?
⟡ Did Tolstoy’s portrayal of the French invasion challenge or change any previous ideas you had about it? How about his portrayal of Napoleon?
⟡ Tolstoy has begun to dive deeper into philosophical & spiritual themes. Do you like that aspect of the novel, or would you prefer it without them? Have you found yourself strongly agreeing or disagreeing with any philosophical viewpoints?

This begins our group discussion of our Modern book selection, Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi, nominated by Abbie.

This discussion will be full of SPOILERS.

Did you enjoy the book? What stood out to you? What did you think of the novel's unique time-travel concept? Would you be drawn to visit the cafe? What questions were you left with?

This begins our group discussion of our Classics book selection, Cannery Row by John Steinbeck, nominated by Peggyzbooksnmusic.

This discussion will be full of SPOILERS.

Did you enjoy the book? What stood out to you? This book relies very strongly on a sense of place—what did you think of the Row itself? Which characters stuck out for you? What questions were you left with?

The Handmaid’s Tale has been selected as the Catch-Up title for May 2024. Please feel free to continue with points from previous discussion, or bring up something new!

Do remember that this is the SPOILER thread, in case you would prefer to finish reading before proceeding here.

Thanks everyone—nominations are now closed, and the polls are open! Help us pick the next Catch-Up read by casting your vote here.

Thanks everyone—nominations are now closed, and the polls are open! Help us pick the next Classic read by casting your vote here.

Thanks everyone—nominations are now closed, and the polls are open! Help us pick the next Modern read by casting your vote here.