The Next Best Book Club discussion
Cynthia's Seasonal Challenges
>
OFFICIAL SPRING CHALLENGE - 2009
Sharon wrote: "A clockwork orange - I started this last night and I am not sure if I want to carry on with it. Has anyone read this and what did they think?
"
I did my senior term paper on it (so quite a while ago) but really enjoyed it--I think partly because it was so disturbing and at the time very radical thinking for me. As someone else said, once you get the slang it is a much easier read. The movie and book are pretty close, but the book is more intense in my opinion.
I read A Clockwork Orange last year and then watched the movie once I finished the book. I liked the book (once I got accustomed to the made up slang) but did not like the movie. Both are extremely disturbing but I seem to react differently to disturbing books as opposed to disturbing movies. The movie follows the book rather closely.
It's on the list of "1,001 Books to Read Before You Die" and given its popularity and controversy I think it's definitely worth the read...but with caution. It's a very jarring, uncomfortable book with a lot of violence, rape (including the rape of minors) and drug use so possibly not for ALL readers. I think mature teens and all adults would be capable of deciding that for themselves.
♡ Eva ♡ wrote: "Ryan wrote: "So far, 50 points! Yay!!10 points - The Silent Man-Alex Berenson (In honor of Armed Forces Day)
15 points - Handle with Care-Jodi Picoult (Get to know the author)
What did you think of Handle With Care? I'm reading it right now and am about 100 pages away from the end. I love all of her books but this is one of the best for me. I can't put it down and I wish it was longer!
Eva, I liked it but not as much as some of her other ones. This one kinda reminds me of My Sister's Keeper but I enjoyed that one much more. Just a few too many convenient coincidences and I thought the ending was pretty weak.
I've just finished The Visible World by Mark Slouk for 15 points. Thank you for making one of the tasks to read a book set in a place that you're going to during the spring break! I wouldn't have read this book if you hadn't. I'm off to prague in a couple of weeks time so this is the book I choose centred in prague. It has got me really interested in the history of the czech republic which I knew very little about before. Loved the last section of this book!
5 POINTS
1. A Neil Gaiman book
2. Adrian Mole and the Weapons of Mass Destruction by Sue Townsend
3. Half of Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
4. ?
5. The Shack by William P. Young
6. The Girls by Lori Lansons
7. ?
8. The Difficult Second Book by Chris Moyles
9. ?
10. ?
10 POINTS
1. The Gathering by Anne Enright (Set in Ireland)
2. Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel
3. His Illegal Self by Peter Carey (Aussie Author)
4. Mr Pip by Lloyd Jones (Born 23rd March)
5. Carter Beats the Devil by Glen David Gold
6. East of the Sun by Julia Gregson
8. The Welsh Girl by Peter Ho Davies
9. I Capture the Castle (no. 1 of TNBBC top 10 list)
10. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson (One of Meg's 5 star rated books).
15 POINTS
1. ?
2. Shakespeare by Bill Bryson
3. Water for Elephants by Sarah Gruen
6. Shape of Water by Andrea Camillia (translated from Italian into English
7. The Girl who was going to die by Glyn Maxwell and The End of Mr Y by Scarlett Thompson
8. The Almost Moon by Alice Sebold
9. The White Tiger by Aravind Acliga
10. ?
25 POINTS
1. The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson and The Reader by Bernhard Schlink
2. ?
3. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Chasing Harry Winston by Lauren Weisberger (from Angela's bookshelves)
4. Woman in White by Wilkie Collins
6. ?
7. ?
8. Eragon and Eldest by Christopher Paolini
9. ?
[image error]
Rory wrote: "Ryan wrote: "So far, 50 points! Yay!!10 points - The Silent Man-Alex Berenson (In honor of Armed Forces Day)
15 points - Handle with Care-Jodi Picoult (Get to know the author)
Ryan: How did you like the Lois Lowry books? She's one of my favorite YA novelists. You've read The Giver?
Rory,
I enjoyed the three Lois Lowry books (The Giver "trilogy") very much. I know that she has a few more that I will probably pick up. My wife really liked Number the Stars. The Giver was sitting on my son's bookshelf and I never read it before so I thought that I better pick it up. Very good. :)
Kritika wrote: "I finished Princess Academy by Shannon Hale (15 pts task 1: I'm a Capricorn)and Flowers for Algernon (5 pts task 10)Kritika's total points so far
85+15 = 105 points!!
I'm also half done with Karen's Task. I finished The Road for the 'R,' and I'll read A Great and Terrible Beauty for 'G'... if only I could get my hands on it!
How did you like The Road? I just started it............ and it's............. I don't know...
25 POINT TASKS1. KAREN’S TASK - As we are all totally completely addicted to GR (Goodreads), let's read…
- A book which title starts with the letter G AND
- A book which title starts with the letter R.
- Books like The Gargoyle or A Raisin In the Sun – that have titles beginning with A OR THE followed by a G or R word are acceptable for this task.
The Great Divorce - C.S. Lewis
I often disagree with Lewis, but I always enjoy him - and I love an author who makes me think! I could definitely go back and spend a lot more time on this book, reading and rereading each page.
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead - Tom Stoppard
This was another re-read, but the first time I read it I hadn't seen it performed. I caught a lot more of the references and oddball humor this time around. Fun!
[image error]
Sharon wrote: "A clockwork orange - I started this last night and I am not sure if I want to carry on with it. Has anyone read this and what did they think?
"
I read it years ago and don't really remember much but I have been wanting to reread it sometime soon. How far in are you? I'll be interested in hearing what anyone thinks also.
Sharon wrote: "A clockwork orange - I started this last night and I am not sure if I want to carry on with it. Has anyone read this and what did they think?
I absolutely hated Clockwork Orange. I know that it's supposed to be a classic, but I was not impressed and thought it was just awful. Plus I got I got into an argument with my professor about it, so that didn't help. And I hated the movie too.
Haha, looks like I'm the only one with that opinion so far though. :)
I would have one if I could remember the book! LOL There have definitely been some classics that I've felt were a waste of my time though. I hate when people expect EVERYONE to like a book just because it's a classic. They each can't be for everyone!
[image error]
8. Get To Know The Author - Read a book by an author AND then either attend a reading by that author OR read/listen to an interview with that author.
link to interview- http://www.bookbrowse.com/author_inte...
Handle with Care was SOOOOOO good- I loved it! I've read all of Picoult's book with the exception of I think two and I've either loved or really liked them all. This has to be one of her best IMO. I recommend to anyone who likes her already or who likes thought provoking fiction. I didn't want it to end and that doesn't happen very often for me!
Note to Self: Do NOT read Clockwork Orange.
Hello all!Well here are my preliminary goals for the Spring Challenge (still have to fill some in):
5 pts--
1. The Children of Hurin - JRR Tolkien
2. The Confessions of St. Augustine
3. World Without End - Ken Follett
4. Run For Your Life - James Patterson
5. Jesus, Interrupted - Bart Ehrman
6. Women i Love - DH Lawrence
7. Foul Play - Janet Evanovich
8. ?
9. To Kill A Mockingbird - Harper Lee
10. Roses are Red - James Patterson
10 pts --
1.An Irish Country Doctor - Patrick Taylor
2.The Mexican Mafia - Tony Rafael
3.Full Moon Rising - Keri Arthur
4. 7th Heaven - James Patterson
5. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince - JK Rowling
6.?
7.Promises in Death - JD Robb
8.?
9.The Color Purple - Alice Walker (#11)
10.Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants - Ann Brashares
15 pts.--
1. The Prince - Machiavelli
2. The Poems of John Donne
3.East of Eden - John Steinbeck
4.The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World - Cara Goldsbury
5.?
6.Crime & Punishment - Dostoevsky
7.?
8.?
9.?
10. C is for Corpse/D is for Deadbeat/E is for Evidence - Sue Grafton
25 pts.--
1. Great Expectations - Charles Dickens/Rights of Man - Thomas Paine
2. John Adams - David McCullough
3.Eclipse/Breaking Dawn - Stephanie Meyer
4.The Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck
5. Much Ado About Nothing - Shakespeare
6. ?
7.?
8. Twilight/New Moon - Stephanie Meyer
9. The Black Hand: The Bloddy Rise and Redemption of "Boxer" Enriquez, a Mexcan Mob Killer - Chris Blatchford
Was away on vaca for couple of days and knocked off:Twilight and New Moon by Stephanie Meyer -- 25pts
Ashley wrote: "Haha, looks like I'm the only one with that opinion so far though. :)"I agree with you completely. Well, I've actually only seen the movie, but I could barely even sit through that. Generally, when I watch a movie I have the desire to go read the book, as I usually end up liking it even more. However, "A Clockwork Orange" was a HUGE exception. I have absolutely no desire whatsoever to read the book.
I really liked A Clockwork Orange, but I agree with Eva that not every classic has to be a universal favorite. In fact, that analysis applies to all books: one person's five-star read is another person's doorstop.
Courtney wrote: "Ashley wrote: "Haha, looks like I'm the only one with that opinion so far though. :)"I agree with you completely. Well, I've actually only seen the movie, but I could barely even sit through t..."
I usually do like classics, but I really did hate this one. And I had the worst time with the movie too. Definitely not one for me, but, as everyone else has been saying, to each his own. Including me. :)
I'm trying to finalize my Spring Challenge reading list. For the epistolary novel task, does anyone have a suggestion as to whether I should read:Dracula by Bram Stoker
The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Any other suggestions? I've already read Ella Minnow Pea and I really enjoyed it. The epistolary format was a perfect fit for the story.
Can anyone recommend a good book set in France?
Nicole, I loved Dracula, it is definitely worth reading.
I've heard good things about The Screwtape Letters, and am reading Perks right now. It's good so far, a cute YA story.
I just read Cyrano de Bergerac, which is a French play, set in France, and I loved it. So fun. If you have seen the movie Roxanne with Steve Martin, that is a modern version of Cyrano. Les Miserables is also set in France, and I LOVE it. It's one of my favorites.
Good luck!
For the epistolary - have you read 84 Charing Cross Road or The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society? I loved both of those.
Nicole wrote: "I'm trying to finalize my Spring Challenge reading list. For the epistolary novel task, does anyone have a suggestion as to whether I should read:Dracula by Bram Stoker
The Screwtape Letters by..."
Epistolary suggestion: Les Liaisons Dangereuses
There are so many choices for good French literature. Do you want "classic" or contermporary?
My update:10 point challenge
4)Read a book by an author who was born in March, April, or May.
ONE FOR THE MONEY by Janet Evanovich (she was born in April)
my points- 75
Nicole wrote: "I'm trying to finalize my Spring Challenge reading list. For the epistolary novel task, does anyone have a suggestion as to whether I should read:Dracula by Bram Stoker
The Screwtape Letters by..."
Hunchback of Notre Dame is set in Paris too. I love that one. But beware if you've seen the Disney movie...they are nothing alike.
4. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles Task – Read or listen to a book while you are on a plane, on a train, or in a car (or other mode of transport like a bus/combinations of transportation)- For this task you can’t, for example, start a book in the airport and finish it on the plane...the book must be read entirely while inside one of those modes of transportation.
- But the plane/train/car etc. does not have to be moving the entire time for it to count – exe. you can start reading the book once you board the plane before it takes off.
- DOES NOT have to be read in one sitting.
The Fortune Cookie Chronicles Adventures in the World of Chinese Food
7. For Arbor Day – Do your part to save some trees by…
- Reading an e-book OR
- Listening to an audiobook OR
- By reading a book and “recycling” it - giving it away to someone else like a friend or through an online book swap/trading site or by donating it to a local library or charity.
Midnight Sun
That brings me up to around 40 points, I think.
I forgot that I could use books read in March that I finished before joining the challenge. For task 15.9 I read The Green Book and ate pizza with pesto instead of tomato sauce and a salad.That brings my total to: 20 points
Hey you guys... sorry about my lateness... I have no internet right now... I sent my challenge to Cynthia, but it looks like I might be too late??? :(
I don't know if it's too late but she's been waiting for you. maybe you could send her a message on her page directly? I'm not sure but I think I saw a post about her going out of town so I'm not sure if that's happened already. ???
Cynthia is out of town...she posted a message maybe one or two pages back saying that she would be on vacation and away from a computer until Sunday. Darla--maybe send her a private message? I'm sure she'll respond to that when she's back.
25 POINT TASK:8. CASSIE'S TASK - For her friend Melissa (who told her about goodreads and is a YA Librarian): Read two young adult novels.
Blue Bloods by Melissa de la Cruz and The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
TOTAL POINTS: 25
Finally have some tasks to report.5 pts:
#6-In Honor of Women's History Month-Read Certain Girls by Jennifer Weiner
15 pts:
#8-Get to know an author-Read Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult and listened to interview
Total points-20
Darla wrote: "Hey you guys... sorry about my lateness... I have no internet right now... I sent my challenge to Cynthia, but it looks like I might be too late??? :("
You can join the challenge at any time.
April wrote: "Darla wrote: "Hey you guys... sorry about my lateness... I have no internet right now... I sent my challenge to Cynthia, but it looks like I might be too late??? :("
You can join the chall..."
April, Darla's not joining - She was one of the winners from the Winter Challenge - she's referring to the 25-point task idea Cynthia was waiting for. :)
Just finished:25.1
Grave Sight, Charlaine Harris
Run for your Life, J. Patterson
+25 points
Both very good, very fast reads.
Total Points:
65
Just finished one:9. SARA'S TASK: Title with 12 or more words
The Year of Living Biblically: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible As Literally As Possible by A.J. Jacobs
25 Points, making my total 105 points.
This book was okay. It had a couple parts that gave me good laughs but other than that it was boring.
I finally finished my first challenge!8. CASSIE'S TASK - For her friend Melissa (who told her about goodreads and is a YA Librarian): Read two young adult novels.
I read:
ENTER THREE WITCHES by Caroline B.Cooney
and
PRINCESS IN THE SPOTLIGHT by Meg Cabot
"Enter" was a Y/A version of Macbeth through the eyes of a young girl living in Macbeth's castle. It was written with age appropriate language, but included all the violence of the original. I love the fact that the author in her afterward encourages the reader to read the original aloud either alone or with a group of friends.
"Princess" is the second installment of THE PRINCESS DIARIES. I thought I'd just go for the second story as I saw the movie, but the books are apparently very different. A fun read with a slightly different Mia than Anne Hathaway and Disney portrayed.
I've now started my "12 word title challenge" with a book about a brothel in Chicago at the turn of the 20th Century. (Thought I'd go to the other end of the spectrum from Y/A novels).
Total Points:
25
Just finished 15.9 Read a book with a color in the title AND eat a meal that includes at least 2 foods that are that color. I read The Red Tent, which I unexpectedly loved, and had home made pizza with tomato sauce and red bell peppers.
Ok... slow start, but I have oneRead a past or present group read: Water for Elephants
Completed 3/12
15 points.
Nicole wrote: "Just finished 15.9 Read a book with a color in the title AND eat a meal that includes at least 2 foods that are that color. I read [b:The Red Tent|4989|The Red Tent|Anita Diamant|http://photo.go..."
Nicole, am so pleased to learn you liked The Red Tent! I had no expectations for it, but it had been recommended to me by my daughter. I think it, more than any book I've read, gives me a special appreciation for being a woman. (I always knew we were special, mind you.)
I had heard The Red Tent was good, but some how I expected it be slow and fairly depressing, though it was the exact opposite. I would absolutely recommend it!
Just finished Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris for 5 points - a fantasy/sci-fi novel. Loved it![image error]
Total points: 125
I was browsing through the posts from yesterday, and since we have a bunch of teachers, but also quite a number of people who enjoy YA, I thought I'd mention a program called In 2 Books (http://in2books.epals.com/penpal08/). Basically you get matched up with child that's I believe in 4-6 grade and you read a book together, and then have email discussions. It encourages them to read, but helps with writing skills when they contact you.Their website talks about being affiliated with a number of different schools, I think teachers might filter, or at least review letters on both ends. But I didn't know if the teachers might want to look into it, or other people might want to get a penpal. The kids choose the books, and I was able to fit my penpal's book into the challenge! :)
Nicole wrote: "I was browsing through the posts from yesterday, and since we have a bunch of teachers, but also quite a number of people who enjoy YA, I thought I'd mention a program called In 2 Books (http://in2..."
That sounds like a program I would have enjoyed as a child. I will certainly look into it.
That sounds like a program I would have enjoyed as a child. I will certainly look into it.
Nicole, that sounds like an awesome idea! I think I would love that, now, and would have when younger too. Great idea, I am looking into it now!
Nicole wrote: "I was browsing through the posts from yesterday, and since we have a bunch of teachers, but also quite a number of people who enjoy YA, I thought I'd mention a program called In 2 Books (http://in2..."Wow- that is really awesome- that has to be so helpful for the children too. I'm going to check it out right now! Thank you so much!
I agree, I looked at the site, and will look more into it after I finish this stack of papers.
SuzieR wrote: "And thanks for the Neil Gaiman recommendations - sorry, can't remember who it was now! I will check those out!That was me! I just realized, though, that my two favorite Gaiman works are a bit on the darker side. And since Stardust is much lighter and happier, maybe they aren't the best things to read next (but they are still REALLY good). For something funny, Good Omens The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch is good. And I haven't read it yet, but his The Graveyard Book is YA and won the 2009 Newbery.
The Next Best Book Club
Books mentioned in this topic
Tempting Fate (other topics)Romeo and Juliet (other topics)
Romeo and Juliet (other topics)
Why Don't Penguins' Feet Freeze?: And 114 Other Questions (other topics)
Where the Sidewalk Ends (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Anita Shreve (other topics)Markus Zusak (other topics)
Neil Gaiman (other topics)
Paulo Coelho (other topics)
Douglas Adams (other topics)
More...
And thanks for the Neil Gaiman recommendations - sorry, can't remember who it was now! I will check those out!