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What We Talk About When We Talk About Love
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Archives > [F2F Book Discussions] February 2014: What We Talk About When We Talk About Love: Stories by Raymond Carver [Genre: Short Stories] | Moderator: Monique

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message 1: by Monique (last edited Jan 26, 2014 05:49PM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Monique (attymonique) | 2130 comments Hello, bookish friends! I'm Monique and I will be moderating the discussion for our February book, Raymond Carver's What We Talk About When We Talk About Love: Stories.

The book is a collection of 17 short stories, around a 130+ pages, more or less. It's a pretty short read so I'm going to defer posting a reading plan for now just to give time to everyone to find copies. (view spoiler) Just check back here in a few days for the reading plan.

Here's the reading plan, friends, as promised. You don't need to follow this strictly, but remember that I will be posting questions per week based on this. :)

READING PLAN

WEEK 1 (Jan. 26 - Feb. 1)

- Why Don't You Dance?
- Viewfinder
- Mr Coffee and Mr Fixit
- Gazebo

WEEK 2 (Feb. 2 - 8)
- I Could See The Smallest Things
- Sacks
- The Bath
- Tell The Women We're Going

WEEK 3 (Feb. 9 - 15)
- After The Denim
- So Much Water So Close To Home
- The Third Thing That Killed My Father Off
- A Serious Talk

WEEK 4 (Feb. 16 - 22)
- The Calm
- Popular Mechanics
- Everything Stuck To Him
- What We Talk About When We Talk About Love
- One More Thing

------------------------------------------

Meantime, let's acquaint ourselves with the writer, Raymond Carver. :)

From Amazon:
Raymond Carver was born in Clatskanie, Oregon, in 1938. His father was a saw-mill worker and his mother was a waitress and clerk. He married early and for years writing had to come second to earning a living for his young family. Despite, small-press publication, it was not until Will You Please Be Quiet Please? appeared in 1976 that his work began to reach a wider audience. This was the year in which he gave up alcohol, which had contributed to the collapse of his marriage. In 1977 he met the writer Tess Gallagher, with whom he shared the last eleven years of his life. During this prolific period he wrote three collections of stories, What We Talk About When We Talk About Love, Cathedral and Elephant. Fires, a collection of essays, poems and stories, appeared in 1985, followed by three further collections of poetry. In 1988 he completed the poetry collection A New Path to the Waterfall.

Carver's work is classified under the genre/category called dirty realism, a term coined to define a North American literary movement. Writers in this sub-category of realism are said to depict the seamier or more mundane aspects of ordinary life in spare, unadorned language. To be specific, dirty realism is "the fiction of a new generation of American authors. They write about the belly-side of contemporary life – a deserted husband, an unwed mother, a car thief, a pickpocket, a drug addict – but they write about it with a disturbing detachment, at times verging on comedy. Understated, ironic, sometimes savage, but insistently compassionate, these stories constitute a new voice in fiction."

Hope you guys could join in the discussions! :)


Tina (tinamats) | 2665 comments Yay!

I've read this book na, so maybe I'll just read the other Carver I borrowed from Angus while you all read this. :)


Tricia (triciuhhh) | 1752 comments Yey :) (view spoiler)


message 4: by Mae (new) - rated it 5 stars

Mae (jamaeca) | 330 comments *twirls in*

Hello! I come bearing gifts, as promised. :D

(view spoiler)

*twirls out amidst a cloud of purple glitter*


Gwaxa | 350 comments Mae wrote: "*twirls in*

Hello! I come bearing gifts, as promised. :D


For those who need ebook copies of our book of the month, just clicky the linky:

mobi
epub

Happy reading!

*twirls out amidst a cloud o..."


Thanks, Mae. :D


Meliza (mecawish) | 720 comments Mae: Thank you... :P (So girly entrance and exit...)


Mabelle Ortega | 139 comments Thanks a lot Mae! ;)


Maria (mariasm) | 2441 comments Tricia wrote: "Yey :) [spoilers removed]"

ditto!


Louize (thepagewalker) | 1831 comments Thank you, Mae!


Alexa (codenameblue) | 935 comments Thanks Mae!!


message 11: by Louize (last edited Jan 19, 2014 08:07AM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Louize (thepagewalker) | 1831 comments For those who need a quick fix, hehehe

(view spoiler)


message 12: by Monique (last edited Jan 20, 2014 07:51AM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Monique (attymonique) | 2130 comments Thanks for sharing, Mae and Mommy Louize! <3

I will post the reading plan at the end of this week and we'll start on Monday, January 27. :)

Meantime, here are a couple of things you guys can answer, just to kick off and get everyone in on the discussion. Remember: we'll talk about love. :)

(1) Finish the sentence: When I hear the word "love," I think about ________.

(2) What is your love language? Do you show it by saying words of affirmation, physical touch, acts of service, receiving/giving gifts, or spending quality time with your special someone? If you don't know it yet but are interested to know your primary love language (or how you best express your love), you can take this test . (view spoiler)

If you do take the test, tell us about the results. Are they accurate? Do you agree? Why or why not?


Maria (mariasm) | 2441 comments (1) Finish the sentence: When I hear the word "love," I think about (view spoiler)

(2) What is your love language?(view spoiler)

If you do take the test, tell us about the results.(view spoiler)


Tricia (triciuhhh) | 1752 comments 1. Love (view spoiler)

2. Love Language (view spoiler)


Lynai | 1188 comments 1. When I hear the word "love," I think about (view spoiler)

2. What is your love language? (view spoiler)


Louize (thepagewalker) | 1831 comments (1) Finish the sentence: When I hear the word "love," I think about (view spoiler)

(2) What is your love language? (view spoiler)


Krizia Anna (krizia_lazaro) | 520 comments Ahhhh I cannot see the link on my phone!! Can anybody dropbox it to me? :)


Angus (angusmiranda) | 4337 comments When I hear the word "love," I think about (view spoiler)

My love languages are (view spoiler). Below are my scores:

(view spoiler)

I think the results are pretty accurate. I took the test three times and it yielded the same figures. I haven't taken the exam before and this is the first time that I've heard of the five love languages. I agree with the results because they match the love languages I mentioned above.


message 19: by Cary (last edited Jan 22, 2014 07:16PM) (new)

Cary (forestercary) | 1370 comments When I hear the word "love," I think about (view spoiler)

What is your love language? (view spoiler)

My Scores
(view spoiler)


message 20: by Tina (new) - rated it 5 stars

Tina (tinamats) | 2665 comments When I hear the word "love," I think about (view spoiler)

What is your love language?
(view spoiler)


message 21: by Marie (last edited Jan 20, 2014 09:40PM) (new) - rated it 3 stars

Marie | 295 comments Thank you Mae for the ebook!

When I hear the word "love," I think about (view spoiler).

What is your love language? (view spoiler)


Krizia Anna (krizia_lazaro) | 520 comments 1. When I hear the word love i think about my son :)
2. My love language is physical touch :)


Tricia (triciuhhh) | 1752 comments Louize wrote: "(1) Finish the sentence: When I hear the word "love," I think about being blessed. I am blessed to be nurtured by a wonderful family; blessed that God is using me in His service thru our church; b..."

<3


Monique (attymonique) | 2130 comments Thank you for your answers, friends! :)

SIS: Don't we all associate "love" with our family? They're the epitome of the word. And why am I not surprised that Physical Touch is your primary love language? Haha!

TRICIA: That's the best definition of love, yes? :) Aha, another "touchy" person, haha!

LYNAI: I can almost hear the wedding bells in my head. :) And yay for Quality Time! :D

MOMMY L: Amen to all those! Hmm, I thought for sure though that your primary love language would be Acts of Service, and I'm a little surprised it didn't make it to your top three. But it's good to know that you and hubby always express your love through any of the five. ;)

BUDDY: Some people do find it hard to forgive *and* forget, though. Does this mean they won't be able to love a person they haven't forgiven? :) Ah, Acts of Service. Maybe that's why you're an appreciative person. :)

CARY: Amen again! :) And I hope you'll have someone who will render acts of service for you this year! Yihii! :P

COUSIN: No arguments there - loving is an act of courage. :) And again, yay for Quality Time! :D

MARIE: Short and sweet. And true. :) Can anyone dispute your last statement? :)

KRIZIA ANNA: Our kids will always symbolize love, yes? :)


message 25: by Meliza (last edited Jan 21, 2014 12:02AM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Meliza (mecawish) | 720 comments 1. When I hear the word "love", I think about happiness. It just feels happy to love and be loved.

2. What is your love language? First is Quality Time. Next with the same score: Words of Affirmation and Acts of Service.


Gwaxa | 350 comments (1) Finish the sentence: When I hear the word "love," I think about (view spoiler)

(2) What is your love language? (view spoiler)

If you do take the test, tell us about the results.
(view spoiler)

Are they accurate? Do you agree? Why or why not? (view spoiler)


message 27: by Mae (new) - rated it 5 stars

Mae (jamaeca) | 330 comments When I hear the word "love," I think about (view spoiler)

Okay, serious na.

When I hear the word "love," I think about (view spoiler)

What is your love language? (view spoiler)


message 28: by Veronica (last edited Jan 21, 2014 02:36PM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Veronica | 734 comments When I hear the word "love," I think about (view spoiler).

What is your love language? (view spoiler)


message 29: by AennA (last edited Jan 21, 2014 07:25PM) (new) - rated it 3 stars

AennA (aennabanana) | 536 comments What is Love? Love is....

(view spoiler)


Love Language

(view spoiler)


message 30: by Tina (new) - rated it 5 stars

Tina (tinamats) | 2665 comments AennA wrote: "So, I end up giving them my cursing stare, instead. :)"

We can always call it your own "look of love". ;)

--

I forgot to mention that my lowest score in the love language test was Physical Touch. I'm not really touchy, only to the people I'm closest to. I like hugs, though, but I think I only really do it to say, "I missed you!" or "Goodbye, thanks for your time today" or "I will hug you because I think you need one/I need one". (view spoiler) There was one time, though, I was so down that I told my friend not to hug me because I will just cry but she still did and yes, I did cry. :P


message 31: by Monique (last edited Jan 21, 2014 07:07PM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Monique (attymonique) | 2130 comments MELIZA: *cue rainbows and butterflies and hearts* :)

GWAXA: Uuuy, strength. Can I ask you to elaborate further on the F2F? :D

MAE: I like Pat Benatar's "We Belong" more, haha! Naks, pa-deep answer. :))

RONNIE: Yay, your partner took the test? So sweet that you got the same answers. <3

AENNA: Aw, Lady Tonks is touchy-feely! I'll remember that when you fix that cursing stare at me, haha! :D

COUSIN: Physical Touch is my second love language. :D


message 32: by Cary (last edited Jan 21, 2014 07:22PM) (new)

Cary (forestercary) | 1370 comments AennA wrote: "What is Love? Love is....

Love. When I hear the word "love" I think of no specific definition, but I can imagine huge arms reaching out wide open, ready for a warm embrace. Love is the core of hum..."


anna, I can't imagine you being touchy hahaha


Maria Ella (mariaellabetos) | 1353 comments Napansin ko na puru girly and physical touch ang laman ng thread :D

Anyways, when I think about love i think (view spoiler)

Wait, test results? here you go(view spoiler)

Sending warm fuzzy hugs~ :)


Angus (angusmiranda) | 4337 comments Monique wrote: "Some people do find it hard to forgive *and* forget, though. Does this mean they won't be able to love a person they haven't forgiven?"

What I'm trying to say is it takes a lot to forgive *and* forget. If one is able to do that (partner, family, friend, God, et al), the person's love must be pure and unconditional that it made him or her to forget the sins of (insert object of love here). [Cue Katy Perry]. Does this mean they won't be able to love a person they haven't forgiven? I guess not, in the purest sense of loving.


message 35: by Bennard (new)

Bennard | 730 comments (1) Finish the sentence: When I hear the word "love," I think about (view spoiler)

(2) What is your love language?
(view spoiler)


Gwaxa | 350 comments Monique wrote: "GWAXA: Uuuy, strength. Can I ask you to elaborate further on the F2F? :D"

Hahahaha. Pwede din. Although wala naman akong ishe-share na story of heartbreak or triumph. ;)


Maria Ella (mariaellabetos) | 1353 comments Pwede na bang gumulong sa kilig rito -
However, if I think hard enough, Rhena's face pops up in my mind. Hahaha. :D

Hi Benny~~~ :D


message 38: by Tina (last edited Jan 22, 2014 12:10AM) (new) - rated it 5 stars

Tina (tinamats) | 2665 comments Angus and Monique: maybe it's not so much as forgetting, but you know, releasing the hold of the offense on you and the other person. Stop holding them against it, and all that. Ika nga sa Frozen, "Let it go." :D Just my two cents. :)

Also, natatawa ako. Kaya siguro up to sawa tayo tumambay dito sa TFG. Halos lahat Quality Time ang primary love language. :D


message 39: by Cary (last edited Jan 22, 2014 12:09AM) (new)

Cary (forestercary) | 1370 comments Tina, kaya pala mga clingy! haha.


message 40: by Bennard (new)

Bennard | 730 comments Ella: Hello. :p Wag ka muna kiligin, medyo maaga pa. :D


Monique (attymonique) | 2130 comments ELLA: "Kilig"? Wala nang mas gi-girly pa dun ah! :P

BUDDY: Perhaps, a topic for further discussion? :D

BENNY: Naman! Bakit kelangan pang mag-isip, at "hard enough" pa para lang sabihin mo na "Rhena"? Hahaha! :P

COUSIN: Yan pala ang basis for the pa-morning-an F2Fs and HOHOLs. :))


Angus (angusmiranda) | 4337 comments Tina, Buddy: What We Talk About When We Talk About Forgiveness?


message 43: by Tina (new) - rated it 5 stars

Tina (tinamats) | 2665 comments Angus: well, I read somewhere before you mentioned it here na to love is to forgive. Keri naman. :D Hehe. (view spoiler)


message 44: by Meliza (last edited Jan 22, 2014 04:18AM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Meliza (mecawish) | 720 comments Wow. Quality Time is included in everyone's Top 2 (or 3) love languages.


message 45: by Mae (new) - rated it 5 stars

Mae (jamaeca) | 330 comments Benny: Quattro Formaggi? ang daming cheese eh. :P

Meliza: Love languages ang usapan dito. Ibang usapan na yang body language. XD


message 46: by Meliza (last edited Jan 22, 2014 04:19AM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Meliza (mecawish) | 720 comments Shocks! Hahaha. Bakit body language nasulat ko? Pwede i-edit? LOL


Ranee | 1902 comments Hi guys! I'm typing inside the nurse station (rebelde kunwari)against hospital regulation

(1) Finish the sentence: When I hear the word "love," (view spoiler)

(2) What is your love language?
(view spoiler)


Maria (mariasm) | 2441 comments SIS: And why am I not surprised that Physical Touch is your primary love language? Haha!

Hooooooy! What does that mean, ha?!! lol Salbahe! hahaha

To those who have Physical Touch and Quality time as their top 2 love languages (view spoiler)

Chami: (view spoiler)


Louize (thepagewalker) | 1831 comments Maria wrote: "To those who have Physical Touch and Quality time as their top 2 love languages [Kaya pala tayo nagkakasundo, ano! hahaha, Apir!"

True, that!

Kapag galit kami, pisikal din! >.<


Maria (mariasm) | 2441 comments Louize, apir ulet! :D


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