Big Library Read 2013

[AACPL]

Through 6/1/13, unlimited library patrons can download "Four Corners of the Sky" from Overdrive! Read the book and join us for a discussion here on Goodreads! If you'd prefer to borrow a paper copy, you can find that here.

[Evelyn]

AACPL wrote: "

Through 6/1/13, unlimited library patrons can download "Four Corners of the Sky" from Overdrive! Read the book and join us for a discussion here on ..."

Thanks for the heads-up. I downloaded a copy on my iPhone.

[Jen]

Neat connection to the area since Annie is an Academy grad.

[Stephanie]

Yes, I noticed that once I got started with the book! It's just coincidence, though, since this is a national promotion!

[Victoria]

I also thought it was a regional choice, given the Academy connection. It's pretty good so far. Keeping my attention anyway.

[Stephanie]

I'm getting to the end of this book, and the promotion is coming to an end! I'm going to post a few discussion questions. Just hit "reply" to share your thoughts. I have a few, but I'm going to let you guys talk first! For now, I'll leave out questions that include major spoilers, but after the 1st, all bets are off.

And if there's something you want to discuss that doesn't fit into a question, go right ahead!

[AACPL]

Question 1: Annie said of her father, “He’s a crook. That’s a fact.” to which Raffy replied, “Facts have nothing to do with this.” Is Jack really just a criminal, or is there more to him than Annie wants to admit? What kind of person do you think Jack really is?

[AACPL]

Question 2: Do you think Annie and her father are at all alike?

[AACPL]

Question 3: Look at Clark and D.K’s reaction to Annie joining the Navy. Both of them are veterans of the Vietnam War with vastly different experiences and feelings towards the military. How has that affected their views of world? If you know anyone who was or is in the military, how has that service affected their world view?

[Stephanie]

Okay, I've finally finished the book today. Anyone else? Let's discuss!

[Victoria]

I'm about 70% done, but not sure if I will finish. I may force myself to because I enjoyed parts, but overall I think it's too long and could have used more editing.

[Monica]

I finally finished it too. What an exasperating read! I mean, parts of it were quite delightful, but I got so bogged down in the rest of it.
I wanted to feel connected to Annie and the rest of the family, but could rarely get below the surface. Maybe it would be more meaningful and compelling on film?

Did anybody really love it? I'd love to hear what you got out of it that I missed...

[Stephanie]

Monica and Victoria, I didn't want to just come out and say it, since I'm the moderator, but since you did...I agree. I was surprised at some of the stellar reviews in the media. Better editing would have made a big difference (and a quicker read!). I enjoyed the book in the beginning, but as it took shape, it seemed to dissolve into farce at parts, and many of the characters seemed one-dimensional.

[Jen]

Yeah, I did't understand the glowing reviews either. The premise was good but the execution not so much.

[Victoria]

I think it's going to go poof from my Kindle today and I haven't finished. I was trying to, but just didn't find the time and fell asleep last night! So I don't think I will be a very good reviewer since I won't know how it wraps up.

Edited: I finished! My opinion hasn't changed. I disliked the end as much as the rest. I didn't really understand why there had to be an extensive wrap up for every single character in the book, even her ex-husband Brad. Who cared what happened to him? That just made the ending drag on even further. Well, I guess ou all know how I felt about the book!

[ally]

I agree - this book just dragged on and on. I was not convinced that the Dad was a good guy despite being a "crook." He was a terrible Dad!! I also got bogged down, derailed even, with all the errors. The author needed an editor who knew something about the Naval Academy. No one refers to it as "Annapolis," nor are midshipmen called cadets.

[Victoria]

Good point on the Naval Academy items! I knew less about it back in the summer when I read this than I do now, I am now a Plebe sponsor family! I'm still learning the lingo,