Oly Reads first book discussion!

[Blujbird]

I am recovering nicely thank you very much...June 7th works for me. I really am going to make it this time, heck I may even read the book.

[Agathafrye]

So, now the question is... at Jackie's house again? I promise I'll come this time if you host, Jackie. :) Alex, if we have it at Jackie's, we'll go together (although you haven't actually said you were going to be able to come this time, I've decided that you'll be available). Next question... 6pm? S'okay?

[Jackie "the Librarian"]

Sure, here is fine. I can't promise Mac & Cheese, though. We could all chip in for pizza, maybe? Or potluck?

[Agathafrye]

I'm down with either option. Let's say pizza and potluck. They both start with P, so it really makes a lot of sense (?).

[A.J.]

Wow, you're psychic, Agathafrye! I am down for the 7th. And going together sounds great.

Also, welcome home. Coffee soon. I'll stop by the lib and/or you can call me whenever.

[Merwyn]

Is this Girls' Night Out or what? Would the dogs be sicced on me if I came and tried to talk about Turtle Wexler and Berthe Erica Crow?

[Jackie "the Librarian"]

No dogs, Rummy, just two shy black cats. Please come, and tell us your views on the Turtle and the Crow.
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[Agathafrye]

Hooray, a man's perspective on "the Westing Game!" Hope you'll come, Rummy. Alex, if I don't talk to you soon (you know how we do), I'll be at the library on the 7th until we close at 5. You could meet me there if it works okay for you.

PS- y'all should check out the great stories in Alex's online literary journal, the Abacot Journal, which is now on its second wonderful issue.
http://abacotjournal.wordpress.com/

[A.J.]

Thanks for the hypin', Kelsey! And while I don't want to highjack the thread, I'm too excited not to share: The Abacot Journal is going to be listed in a new book called Best of the Web 2008, put out by Dzanc Books in July. Yippeeeeeee!!! Ok, I'm done.

Kelsey-I'll meet you at the lib on the 7th at 5 if I don't see you before that, which I'm sure I will.

Jackie-Those are gorgeous kitties. I love sleek black cats.

Everbody else-I look forward to meeting you all, with book talk and good food!

[Merwyn]

I just got my copy of Westing Game from the library yesterday (I can't find my copy which is packed away somewhere.) I've read it many times before but it's been years since the last time.

I've already read half the book last night. I would've read the whole thing in one setting but sometimes there's too many interruptions (phone, dog needing an urgent walk, etc.) and when there's too many while you're on the same damn page you just can't get into it anymore and have to put it down. Kinda frustrating, when being immersed in something exciting or interesting is one of the fundamental reasons for reading in the first place.

[Meridee]

Sorry to miss again. Same excuse as last time. We will be out of town. I did read the book. Cute. Not real overwhelmed by it so I would really appreciate it if you guys that do meet up could post some of your insights and points made during your discussion- that is if you have time what with the food, drinks, and interaction. I hope that you all have a great get together.

We are going to be celebrating our oldest grandchild's high school graduation! How did I ever get so old?

I still have my copy of Boom by Tom Brokaw, did anyone want to borrow it to peruse? Just let me know. I live downtown and could meet you here where I live or several other locations if they aren't too far.

[Agathafrye]

No worries, Meridee. I don't see why we can't talk about the book online and in real life. Maybe I'll try to come up with some questions and post them to the list. Overall, I can say that I thought the book was very entertaining and not quite as dated as I thought it might be. I can see myself really enjoying this as a 12 year old. It's got just a hint of subversion to it that would make it appealing for an adolescent on the cusp of teenhood.

[Agathafrye]

"I would've read the whole thing in one setting but sometimes there's too many interruptions (phone, dog needing an urgent walk, etc.) and when there's too many while you're on the same damn page you just can't get into it anymore and have to put it down. Kinda frustrating, when being immersed in something exciting or interesting is one of the fundamental reasons for reading in the first place."

I know, I often feel that life is just one big interruption to keep me from my reading. It's a big conspiracy, I tell you. :)

[Agathafrye]

TWO DAYS, Y'ALL! I'll be there with some food, ready to talk about my new favorite character Turtle Wexler. Who's with me?

I'll leave you all with this totally awesome student project...
http://library.thinkquest.org/CR02149...

[Jackie "the Librarian"]

I'll be there! Yeah, I know it's my house, but still...

Cool website, Agathafrye!

[Judy]

I'm afraid that I won't be there as I have a conflict. But I'll be there in spirit.

[Blujbird]

I want to come, I didn't read the book though. Where exactly is Jackie's house? What time? I just really want to meet some of you. Thanks Jenny

[Merwyn]

T.R. Wexler's a great character. I liked how everyone was partnered perfectly - but I'm jumping ahead, we'll cover that tomorrow I'm sure.

It says it's to be a potluck - what all should be brought?

[Jackie "the Librarian"]

Jackie's house:
1413 4th Ave E, Oly, WA 98506
(360) 236-1721
The cross streets are Henry St. to the west and Central St. to the east. I'm across 4th, and about three houses up from The Olympian offices. You have to go up a slopey sidewalk past a bunch of ferns from the street to get to the house.

The house is a two-story white with green trim, Tudor-cottage style (arched entry, peaked roof).

There's a dentist/chiropractor's office two doors down for parking, if you don't want to park on the street. The closest bus stop is in front of the Salvation Army church just past Central St.

[Susan]

Sorry guys, I will not be able to make it after all. We have tickets to see Anthony Bourdain in Seattle tomorrow. How come all the fun things happen on the same night, and then my schedule will be free for weeks?... Next time hopefully. Have fun!

[Blujbird]

What time tomorrow?

[Agathafrye]

6:00... it's on the front page of the Oly Reads group in the "events" section. Susan, next time f'shizzle. Enjoy Anthony Bourdain- I'm so jellis!

[Jackie "the Librarian"]

Hey, Susan, I saw your article in VOYA. Very cool!

[Blujbird]

Hey everyone, I enjoyed meeting you all and I loved Rummys gingerbread cake, thanks Jackie for hosting us!
So, did you all pick a new book for July?

[Jackie "the Librarian"]

Yes, great party, everyone! So different from the first one - it was great that most of you had actually read the book this time!

I can't remember if we decided on The Thirteenth Tale, or something else for the next discussion. Does anyone recall?

[Merwyn]

That's the only title I recall. Although, really, I'd be equally happy if next time was like last time where we spent maybe 3 minutes talking about the book and the rest of the evening just discussing books in general (and anything else for that matter...it's not often we get out of the apartment for a reason other than Happy Hour.)

[Agathafrye]

I kinda like the "three minute talking about the book" format too. I was calling it the book-not-discussion group. I had a good time! Let's toss some book suggestions around and see what everybody thinks. I liked "The Thirteenth Tale," but if Jenny is reading that for another group maybe we should read something else.