March 2014 Group Read: Geek Love

[Gregor]

Stacy wrote: "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 ..."

Oh, man, that's horrible. I hope you manage to get another copy soon.

[Figgy]

Stacy wrote: "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 ..."

I'll check stock levels at the supplier when I'm at work tomorrow. Depending on where in Aus you are, if they have plenty, you should be able to go to/call any QBD store and get it within about a week.

[Kimberly]

Stacy wrote: "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 ..."

Stacy, I sympathize--been there! I think I'm going to check out some of the local libraries at this point.

[Nurse]

Thanks guys, looks like will have to go to the library as they don't have any other available copies at this time, only way I would be able to get another copy is from America (still cheap) but takes 4 + weeks to send. Not a good start considering I haven't ordered with that company before!!

[Figgy]

Stacy wrote: "Thanks guys, looks like will have to go to the library as they don't have any other available copies at this time, only way I would be able to get another copy is from America (still cheap) but tak..."

Sorry Stacy, forgot to check in after work last night.

This book is actually an Indent title, which means it takes any store in Aus (online, or Brick and Mortar) four weeks to receive it from the publisher, as the local publisher only keeps stock overseas. And they are SO SLOW. So unless you find a shop with it in stock, it IS going to be a bit of a wait.

To the group owners/moderators, it might be an idea to try and announce books one month in advance if possible, to give people enough time to get hold of titles like this.

[Leslie]

Oh my! This is my favorite book of all time and i've been looking for an excuse to read it again. I remember many years ago, i recommended it to a friend who became irate with me because he was so disturbed by it. Not for the faint of heart. It's about a different type of horror---the horror of humanity.

[(shan) Littlebookcove]

I'm getting the sense I had with "we have always lived in the castle" with this. and crytal lil the plot so far is insane!

[Ctgt]

I thought I would be the only one who didn't really like this book, guess I was wrong.
Not really a spoiler but (view spoiler)[I despised almost every character in this book. (hide spoiler)]

[Wayne's]

Ctgt wrote: "I thought I would be the only one who didn't really like this book, guess I was wrong.
Not really a spoiler but [spoilers removed]"

It seems a lot of people did not enjoy this one. I would be curious at the end of the month to see what people thought of the book.

[Wayne's]

Ctgt wrote: "I thought I would be the only one who didn't really like this book, guess I was wrong.
Not really a spoiler but [spoilers removed]"

It seems a lot of people did not enjoy this one. I would be curious at the end of the month to see what people thought of the book.

[11811 (Eleven)]

I'm struggling with it too. It could just be a mood thing on my end so I may set it aside for now. I couldn't get into We Have Always Lived in the Castle either but again, I haven't given up on it. Both books are too legendary not to give another shot someday.

[Tiffany]

I've read about 20% so far. I actually like how unlikable the characters are. They are really intriguing to me, and I'm so curious about Crystal Lil. I would like a more engaging plot, but that may be coming soon.

[Katy]

Charlene wrote: "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. :)"

I just got my copy and started it last night. Um, quite the unusual premise! Curious to see where she takes it.

[Laurie (barksbooks)]

MiZzy wrote: "I'm getting the sense I had with "we have always lived in the castle" with this. and crytal lil the plot so far is insane!"

Geek Love and We Have Always Lived In the Castle are two of my favorite books. I guess it's true what they say about differing tastes. I wish those authors who get so up in arms about negative reviews would read this thread and realize that everyone has different experience with a book.

[Laurie (barksbooks)]

Ctgt wrote: "I thought I would be the only one who didn't really like this book, guess I was wrong.
Not really a spoiler but [spoilers removed]"

I can understand that. These are not people with kindness in their hearts.

[Tressa]

Barks & Bites wrote: "Geek Love and We Have Always Lived In the Castle are two of my favorite books. I guess it's true what they say about differing tastes. I wish those authors who get so up in arms about negative reviews would read this thread and realize that everyone has different experience with a book.
..."

Amen! Plus even books hailed as Great [fill in country here] Novels have people who loathe them. Can't please everyone, so why try? Just write the story YOU want to tell the world. It will be ignored, praised, adored, appreciated, loathed, and so on.

[Ctgt]

Barks & Bites wrote: "I can understand that. These are not people with kindness in their hearts. "

And it's not like I haven't read and enjoyed books with crappy or evil characters before but for some reason this one just grated on me.

You are absolutely right Bark, some books click and others just don't and probably never will. I am glad you and others here were able to enjoy the book. Just wasn't for me.

[(shan) Littlebookcove]

Ok so far I LOVE IT! It was a bit of a struggle to get in to but honesty now I’m in and I'm hooked the whole “Binewski” clan and there story’s. The fact Olympia has a child and she’s now a grown woman Its just a really bizarre book! But I can tell its going have a big heartbreak.

[Leslie]

Yay, MiZzy! Welcome to the dark side! I'm sad to read all the negativity since this book has such a special place in my heart. The first time I read it, I wept through the last few pages...such a twisted and emotional ride for me. But I understand the reaction. It's not easy material. Love it or hate it, you have all inspired me to read it for the 3rd time (after I finish my current read).

[[deleted user]]

Thriftbooks.com has many books i was having trouble finding elsewhere and they are cheap and in great condtion.

[Walter]

According to David Eagleman's excellent book, Incognito: The Secret Lives of the Brain, there is a part of the human mind which - while capable of learning - is incapable of quantifying said learning. He gives a couple of examples; the sexing of baby chicks (knowing whether a baby chick is male or female) and German plane spotters during WW II (who could distinguish German planes from British planes by the sound of their respective engines).

In both cases, the chick sexers and the plane spotters were unable to articulate to students how they did what they did. The only way they could teach others was to observe while the trainees guessed which was which, then correct them when they were wrong or verify when they were right. Eventually the trainees also learned how to perform these tasks, but could no more explain how they were doing so than their instructors.

It might be that a similar part of the brain kicks in when we read (or watch TV, listen to music, etc.). We know what we like, or don't like, and can explain why to a certain degree, but not completely. We just 'know' when we like, or don't like, something. And being unable to fully articulate why this is so, some people get defensive when they can't explain their likes and dislikes to their own satisfaction (or to the satisfaction of others), any more than a chick sexer can tell you exactly how he knows the chick in his hand is female. He just knows.

[Tressa]

Excellent analysis, Walter. When I ponder what I consider innate talent, your explanation is what goes through my mind. I kind of knew how to play the guitar in my twenties, but no matter how much I practiced, I couldn't get it good enough. And I'd get frustrated hearing stories about how some people can pick up a guitar for the first time and learn quickly. Then they not only just learn how to play it, but put an extra spin on their play that others can't copy. It's not just practice but something that is already inside of them.

[Clovis]

In my blog in Portuguese, I wrote in the first post: We all win two gifts of God when we are born: one individual and another collective. The individual is a capacity of do something well made, a natural ability. The collective is the ability to do anything, be it fly, live under the sea, traveling through space, die and be born again. It's called "imagination". Still do not know what was my gift, but I'm using my imagination for this search.

[Tiffany]

I'm aware that this is going to be an unpopular opinion, but I ended up enjoying all of the unlikable characters! I thought they were somewhat reminiscent of Palahniuk's characters (and, upon further investigation, it seems that Palahniuk cites this book as being very influential to him). I definitely understand why this was nominated for a National Book Award since there was a ton of characterization and many marks of literary fiction, but I'm somewhat surprised that the Bram Stoker committee thought this was a good choice for the Stoker awards. It lacked many traditional horror elements such as very gruesome scenes, suspense, tension, etc.

I was hesitant at first, but I'm really glad that I read this one. It's a book I'm going to have to think about for a while.

[K4tie]

I'm not sure how I started getting updates on this, but now I can't wait to find "Geek Love" if only to see if I love it or hate it. I'm weird, I just might put it on a pedestal.

We have always lived in the Castle is on my list to read soon simply because it looks creepy and it's by the writer if the Haunting of Hell House. I will probably also love this one as well.

Muahahaha to bad evil characters that some of us love to hate! Oh wait I mean love. Yeah... :)

[Ctgt]

Tiffany wrote: "I'm aware that this is going to be an unpopular opinion, but I ended up enjoying all of the unlikable characters! I thought they were somewhat reminiscent of Palahniuk's characters (and, upon furth..."

Actually Tiffany, I think the way you, Barks, Leslie, MiZzy and many others feel about this book is the more popular view. It just so happens that those of us who didn't enjoy it as much chimed in early in the thread.

I completely agree with you on the literary style and also wondered about the Stoker nomination after having read it.

BTW-Cheers to the whole love it/hate it debate! What a boring world if we all loved the same things!

[Tiffany]

The character I found most reprehensible was also the character I found most interesting: Arty. (view spoiler)[ I liked the idea of the cult following that he had. Growing up, his whole goal was to be as famous as possible. When the cult started following him and wanting to be like him, he acted superior and distant, but deep down he absolutely needed their attention and approval. He was the most arrogant and the most insecure. I appreciated that he was complicated instead of just being evil. He was an interesting little sociopath for sure. (hide spoiler)]

[Barry]

A great horror novel should be capable of inducing, at least temporarily, a DSM-listed diagnosis in the reader. It sounds like this one is working.

[(shan) Littlebookcove]

I like arty and a I adore chick but I just know artys going do something bad the whole cult thing and artys outlook to it is very dark.

[Misty]

I finished the book this morning. I don’t think I would have read this book on my own; however, I found it to be enjoyable. I fell in love with Chick and knew that deep down he was a good person and wanted to do right by everyone he came into contact with.

I absolutely detested Arty and, on more than one occasion, I wanted to jump in the book and strangle him myself! I felt bad for Oly; I believe, like Chick, that she was a good person. I felt little emotion regarding the twins or Crystal Lil or Al.


This is the very first time I’ve ever belonged to a book club or group, so if I should be giving more information on my opinion, please tell me!

[Wayne's]

Ctgt wrote: "Tiffany wrote: "I'm aware that this is going to be an unpopular opinion, but I ended up enjoying all of the unlikable characters! I thought they were somewhat reminiscent of Palahniuk's characters ..."

As one who chimed in early I would not say to anyone that they would not enjoy this book. I did not enjoy it but fortunately for us all we are able to read a variety of novels and enjoy them or not based on our own opinions and reactions.

[Zafir]

Book is great so far , I honestly don't know why some people detest it . It some of the most original fiction I have ever read .

[(shan) Littlebookcove]

just fully finished this today. the first emotion I get is sadness. but gladness that I got to read stuch a wonderful strange and haunting tale I've never hated a char in a book as much as I've hated arty. but oly I adored her and the lengths she went too. All in all Excusing my finding it a hard story to get into. I loved the polt and found it amazing thankyou for voting this as a group read I for one really enjoyed it.

[Missy]

I just finished the book last night. This book was ok, it sort of seesawed my emotions. Parts couldn't really keep my interests, some parts seemed random and some parts had me completely mesmerized.
Is it me or is arty and miss lick parallel characters? They both seemed so lonely. I don't understand Olys anger with Miss Lick's extracurricular activity since Arty promoted the same ideals.

[Philtrum]

I read it a couple of years ago and I thought it was absolutely terrific.

Bizarre, inventive, new, strange, endearing, weird.

All of the above.

I've never read anything quite like it.

But I'd be the first to admit that it won't suit all tastes.

[Zafir]

Fantastic ! One of the most original fiction I have ever read! The plot is so crazy yet so believable , amazing book indeed .

[Ben]

this is a podcast about the book http://booksonthenightstand.com/2014/... bit behind in listening to their podcasts but people might want to check it out