Horror Aficionados discussion
Group Reads
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March 2014 Group Read: Geek Love
Okay, time to read this one. I've had it forever.
Alright! This is on the tip top of my tbr (the ones removed from the shelf and stacked on my desk).
Been there. Done that. In my opinion, one of the worst books ever written. At any rate, there are those who do appreciate it. I'm just not one of them.
Great will get a copy of this soon as possible.
I've read this several times and can't wait to see what you all think. It's one of my favorites but it isn't for everybody.
Loved Geek Love! I hope the group likes it as well. :)
Dagnabit, I wish I had more time to read! I'm still two weeks away from starting this at my current pace.
off to the library I go!
Kim wrote: "Been there. Done that. In my opinion, one of the worst books ever written. At any rate, there are those who do appreciate it. I'm just not one of them."I tried reading this but after several chapters I just couldn't do it. Not sure why it doesn't appeal to me but does to so many people. What's wrong with meeeee?
I just could not seem to get into it as well, I did finish it though, and although I did not seem to appreciate it at the time, the story has haunted me since.
Tressa: Finally, a kindred spirit! The story made no sense. I tried to like it. I tied keeping an open mind... I really did! But for all it's originality, it never went anywhere. It was very descriptive but in the end I need a bit less talk and more action. I read it for the sake of another group I'm part of but in the end felt it was/is a complete waste of time.
At least you two saw it through to the end. I just couldn't, but wanted to since all my friends were doing it. Damn you, peer pressure!
Kim wrote: "But for all it's originality, it never went anywhere. It was very descriptive but in the end I need a bit less talk and more action.."You might've hit on something there. I'm not a fan of a lot of action and was taken by the strangeness of it all. The descriptions and bizarre characters still linger with me and I reread it last probably over a decade ago.
I think part of the problem with me is that I have a mental block about specific subjects that just don't interest me: circuses (with the exception of The Pilo Family Circus), drug addiction, alcoholism, magic, heists. All subjects that bore me and I don't want to give them a chance.
Only one copy available to the city's entire library system, with multiple holds on it :( To the used bookstore now I guess.
I wasn't sure if I'd be participating this month, but my library had three eBook copies available, so I guess I have no excuse! I'll start in a few days when I'm caught up on some other stuff.
Never heard of the book before it was picked but two of my GR friends gave it 5 stars and each have opinions and taste that I value so I have added it on my TBR list but not sure how much if any of it I will get read during March.
Well i found it unengaging, i struggled through 6 chapters and it just got more boring. this gets a zero rating from me! Life is too short.
Kim wrote: "Been there. Done that. In my opinion, one of the worst books ever written. At any rate, there are those who do appreciate it. I'm just not one of them."Meranda wrote: "Delighted!"
I wholeheartedly agree!
Tressa wrote: "Kim wrote: "Been there. Done that. In my opinion, one of the worst books ever written. At any rate, there are those who do appreciate it. I'm just not one of them."I tried reading this but after ..."
I would agree with you. Not all books will appeal to us all, but i found nothing in this one.
Wayne: It's true. Not all books can be appealing or unappealing to everyone (case in point). However, I'm always amazed and even a bit disappointed, if truth be told, that anyone in their right mind would find this nonsense remotely entertaining. C'est la vie!
Mod
I don't find it remotely entertaining.
Jon: In which way is expressing ones opinion in any way ruining it for anyone. Personally, I think the author ruined it. That's just my opinion of course. I'd like to think that those who chose it would neither fault me for that nor any way hinder their own views or desire to read it for themselves.
Mod
You could wait until they finish it before sharing your opinion.
Kim wrote: "Wayne: It's true. Not all books can be appealing or unappealing to everyone (case in point). However, I'm always amazed and even a bit disappointed, if truth be told, that anyone in their right min..."I never claimed to be in my right mind but why on earth would you be disappointed by the fact that someone found the book entertaining?
Jon it is a group read surely we are all entitled to an opinion, that hardly ruins a book for someone who is reading and enjoying it.
Mod
You are. But this is the first Group Read that I've been a part of where there has been such a negative reaction to a book the group voted for.....before it appears any of the people who voted for it has started reading it.
Jon: I'm glad you asked, for I'd like to set the record straight. I obviously (or not) personally found it extremely pretentious and disheartening, to say the least. Moreover, I wasn't trying to imply that people should or shouldn't feel the same way. Maybe I overstepped my boundaries and if that's the case, I apologize. I merely meant to convey my own opinion and in no way persuade or even convince others to feel the same. After-all, diversity is refreshing. How boring would life be if we were all the same?
Mod
You are. But this is the first Group Read that ..."
I didn't actually vote for this one, but I do plan on getting a copy and reading it for myself. Personally, I don't believe in taking anyone else's opinion in lieu of my own.
Mod
No problem, Kim. I just want to let the group have an open mind going in.
Mod
You are. But this is the fi..."
I'm glad.
Kimberly: As well you should. I'm relieved to know my own opinion did not dissuade you. It wasn't meant to. By all means, enjoy!
Mod
I'm still learning the ropes.
Jon: No need to apologize, least of all to me. I didn't take offense, really! I find GR the perfect medium for this sort of thing. Might I add you're doing a fabulous job... I respect your views, whether or not I agree. That's another matter entirely. For now, I'll just leave it at this: I'm a big girl (figuratively not literally) and I can take it.
Mod
I hope the discussion at the end of the month is as lively as this has been.
Thank YOU, Jon. It was a pleasure; Invigorating even. Happy reading!
So what's everyone think of the Binewskis so far? Perfectly normal couple, eh?
Barks & Bites wrote: "So what's everyone think of the Binewskis so far? Perfectly normal couple, eh?"LMAO Bark, that cracked me up. Yep. Normal. Nothing to see here. :)
Charlene wrote: LMAO Bark, that cracked me up. Yep. Normal. Nothing to see here. :)"Hey, we all need to make a living, right?
I think they are very thrift and efficient! We can all learn a lesson from them about economizing in a down economy and using/adapting what's at hand.
On a semi-serious note....I do not know a lot about the bizarro and splatterpunk genere's, but is Geek Love kind of a forerunner or classic example of one or the other? Is it held in high esteem by fans of the genre?
I'm not sure this fits into either of those categories, Hudson. Bizarro is usually wayyyyy more graphic than this book is, and splatterpunk-well, I don't remember anything really bloody or gruesome in Geek Love. Except one portion that would be spoiler-ish to post here now.
This book gets shelved as literary fiction. I would say it's not a forerunner of either bizarro or splatterpunk. It's a very hard book to put a label on, which, to me, is part of its appeal. I'm struggling to even come up with another book that it's similar to. Still thinking about it...
This book was nominated for a National Book Award and a Bram Stoker Award. I love things that blur the lines between genre and literary fiction, so I'm excited to begin!
thanks, great read no matter what genre.
Got this email today - This is a courtesy email from World of Books, regarding your recent order for Geek Love by Katherine Dunn.
It is with deep regret, that I must inform you the order has been returned to us by the postal system, due to being damaged in transit.
This damage has resulted in the condition of your title being unacceptable to re-send.
What a crock of crap so now have to find another copy and wait even longer for it to be sent in the mail :/
Horror Aficionados
Books mentioned in this topic
Incognito: The Secret Lives of the Brain (other topics)We Have Always Lived in the Castle (other topics)
The Pilo Family Circus (other topics)
Please use spoilers.
Have fun.