Think Outside Your Box and Expand Your Mind

[Sarah]

@Peggy - I'm probably going to read Purple Hibiscus by the same author as Half of a Yellow Sun. It's set in the same time frame. I've already started googling about the time period. Want to start the book now! Feeling impatient. :-)

[Peggy]

I have that on my tbr too Sarah, but don't own it. I'm impatient to start reading too!

[Sarah]

@Taenka - I'd say animal testing is controversial. I know many people who refuse to donate money to seemingly worthwhile causes (Cancer Research, British Heart Foundation) because they use funds raised on animal testing. Some would shoot these people down for their beliefs whilst others would whole heartedly agree. I would say animal testing falls under medical research (unless it's animal testing for cosmetics obviously). And many scientists believe computer simulations are far more accurate. And these scientists may be ostracised because of this too.

[Marie (UK)]

my TBR is growing by the minute,

[[deleted user]]

Deborah wrote: "ok....saw the heads up and deleted post about evolution (though it can be a controversial topic I don't think my choices were and I still get to read them!)

So, I am going to read [book:In the Cou..."

I took the evolution road as well! So disregard my Darwin post. What if we find a book that deals with evolution vs religion?

[Kristie, Moderator]

I think I've decided on my books. I plan to read:
Hidden Girl: The True Story of a Modern-Day Child Slave
and
Unbearable Lightness: A Story of Loss and Gain

I have a few others lined up if I finish those:
Becoming Nicole: The Transformation of an American Family
The Dorito Effect: The Surprising New Truth About Food and Flavor (not sure this one fits, it seems a bit controversial to me, but let me know if it doesn't quite fit)
All the Bright Places

[Sarah]

I reckon that would work Kelly B as it would fall under the religion banner. Evolution can be a heated subject among some that's for sure. I worked in the Earth Science department at a Uni for a few years and the Paleontologists and Evolutionary Biologists often were approached by people via email, phone and face to face over the fact that dinosaurs never existed, the earth isn't that old, the big bang never occured and we don't decend from apes. I remember hearing about one rather heated debate.

[[deleted user]]

Sarah wrote: "I reckon that would work Kelly B as it would fall under the religion banner. Evolution can be a heated subject among some that's for sure. I worked in the Earth Science department at a Uni for a fe..."

So are those big bones they are always digging up from man?!!

Sorry, I could not help myself.

I found Monkey Girl: Evolution, Education, Religion, and the Battle for America's Soul. Here is a little blurb from Amazon

Told from the perspectives of all sides of the battle, it is a riveting true story about an epic court case on the teaching of "intelligent design," and what happens when science and religion collide.

I am going to read this one regardless. Thanks Sarah.

[Sarah]

Sounds interesting Kelly.

[Sarah]

On the subject of religion, i was thinking about reading The 19th Wife which focuses on the mormon church which i don't know much about. It would also fit the monthly challenge but it's over 500 pages so i'll have to leave it for another time. I've found some interesting reads whilst gophering.

[Lynda]

Kristie, I think the food debate in America, at least, is definitely grounds for controversy, especially with the introduction of GMO's, the role the USDA plays, Big-Pharma, our healthcare industry, obesity, and the cost of organic and pastured food. So, your Dorito book should pass muster.

I think I've settled on:
Chasing the Scream: The First and Last Days of the War on Drugs
A Planet for Rent - this is a satire on Cuba in the 90's
Trace: A Journey through Memory, History, and the American Land - if I have time

[Kristie, Moderator]

Lynda wrote: "Kristie, I think the food debate in America, at least, is definitely grounds for controversy, especially with the introduction of GMO's, the role the USDA plays, Big-Pharma, our healthcare industry..."

That's what I was thinking. From what I gathered through the summary, this book basically implies that our healthy foods are being mass produced and grown rapidly, so they are basically watered down and losing flavor. In the meantime, companies have come up with flavorful chemicals that they are adding to non-nutritious, fattening foods. We are hardwired to want the flavorful foods that used to be nutritious, so we are eating the chemical filled junk and that's what causing obesity. I'm curious if he's going to make claims about the chemicals causing cancer, etc. as well. Sounds interesting to me.

[Lynda]

Agreed it does sound interesting. I've been considering it for a while, so I'll be interested to hear what you think about it.

[Janice, Moderator]

j'mom, does Unsaid qualify for treatment of animals? I see that you've read it. I'm a bit confused as to what it's about, but I have to read it for my real life book club in March. The toppler may be a good way to fit it in.

[jaxnsmom]

I didn't get parameters set, so I'm letting a lot more topics count than I planned. Especially with all the excitement that I'm seeing. I don't want to curb any of that. So I'm going to be allowing a lot of your choices.

[jaxnsmom]

Debra wrote: "Could sexual orientation be expanded to include those people with alternative sexual lifestyles like BDSM. Thinking Fifty Shades of Grey. It certainly is a controversial subject."

Sure, go for it.

[jaxnsmom]

Rusalka wrote: "Wondering about the controversial aspect, Jmom. Does it have to be controversial to you?

Example - I recognise that climate change in some parts of the world is a controversial topic, but for me i..."

Rus, you numpty, you're overthinking it and confusing everyone. AGAIN. But that's to be expected.

The topic doesn't have to be controversial to you, so you can read your book.

[jaxnsmom]

Teanka wrote: "I wish treatment of research animals/ ( or maltreatment of animals in general ) was also a subject, I'd like to read something about that.

Middlesex has been on my tbr or a long time ..."

The medical research topic was supposed to be expanded to include research involving animals, even though a lot of it wasn't for medical purposes. So that would be fine.

[jaxnsmom]

Peggy wrote: "Interesting topic! I love to read books about such topics, especially when it's fiction and a good book but you learn something in the process.

I loved Henrietta Lacks, can really recommend readin..."

I really enjoyed listening to What is the What. Besides the refugee story, it's a really good look at the history of the Sudanese war.

It sounds like you'll have to take off work and hide out during Toppler week to read as many of the books on your list as possible.

[Rusalka, Moderator]

jaxnsmom wrote: "Rus, you numpty, you're overthinking it and confusing everyone. AGAIN. But that's to be expected."

Thank you. I thought that would be the answer, but once I started thinking it, I needed you to squash it for me.

[jaxnsmom]

Kelly B wrote: "I took the evolution road as well! So disregard my Darwin post. What if we find a book that deals with evolution vs religion?"

Very controversial in a lot of areas - I know there were a lot of problems with teaching evolution in schools. Good topic.

[jaxnsmom]

Lynda wrote: "Kristie, I think the food debate in America, at least, is definitely grounds for controversy, especially with the introduction of GMO's, the role the USDA plays, Big-Pharma, our healthcare industry..."

How does A Planet for Rent fit in?

[Peggy]

jaxnsmom wrote: "Peggy wrote: "Interesting topic! I love to read books about such topics, especially when it's fiction and a good book but you learn something in the process.

I loved Henrietta Lacks, can really re..."

That is actually not a bad idea! ;-)

[jaxnsmom]

Janice wrote: "j'mom, does Unsaid qualify for treatment of animals? I see that you've read it. I'm a bit confused as to what it's about, but I have to read it for my real life book club in March. T..."

It affected me emotionally, so I don't know what its impact will be for you. It takes a while, but animal research does become an important part. So yes, it qualifies.

[Marie (UK)]

I am not sure many of us will be reading lots of books but i sure have added lots to my to read shelf just seen this as a possible BOM in another group and wondered if it would fit

Inside the O'Briens

I will probably start with Middlesex

and
Thin Wire: A Mother's Journey Through Her Daughter's Heroin Addiction

if they both count

[Marie (UK)]

I feel i have to put in a cheer for the Library i have been adding books to my shelf willy nilly since people started putting their ideas here and am pleasantly surprised how many are available in our local libraries.

[Caecilia]

What a wonderful idea. It took me a while to fully understand the scope of the this challenge :)

The topics should be ones that are controversial in some way.

Religion
Sexual orientation
Race
Politics
Cultural beliefs - offensive and/or barbaric
Mental Illness
Medical research using human cells/bodies - ownership, financial compensation, moral issues
Eating disorders
Genocide
Human trafficking and slavery
Suicide

May I suggest: Sexual Harrassment here?
-- I'm going to read Krakauer's "Missoula" book soon, that would definitely fall under this controversial category.

[jaxnsmom]

Marie wrote: "I am not sure many of us will be reading lots of books but i sure have added lots to my to read shelf just seen this as a possible BOM in another group and wondered if it would fit

Inside t..."</i>

[book:Inside the O'Briens doesn't really fit, but the other two are good.

And I have to agree about how wonderful libraries are!

[KimeyDiann]

This is a perfect challenge for me right now. I've been thinking I would really like to read something about a topic that I don't know a lot about. I guess I'm in an "I want to learn something new" mood.

I have been thinking about finding something about Malcolm X and the Black Panthers since the controversy has came up surrounding Beyoncé's new single and superbowl performance.
Bonnie and Clyde is another I have been thinking about, but I'm not sure it would fit in this toppler.

I would really like a book that explores different religions, but I'm afraid anything I could find would be too dry for my tastes.

If anyone is looking for a fiction book, I think Me Before You would definitely fit this toppler's theme as it deals with the subject of assisted suicide.

[Janice, Moderator]

The Audible Daily Deal for today is Too Bright to Hear Too Loud to See for $3.95. It would fit in with mental illness.

[Marie (UK)]

what about this

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

[Marie (UK)]

if you were going to gopher books what would be the name of the goodreads shelf?

[Kristie, Moderator]

Marie wrote: "what about this

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1..."

That one should work. It is about a girl that committed suicide and one of J'mom's subjects is suicide.

Thirteen Reasons Why

[Almeta]

Marie wrote: "if you were going to gopher books what would be the name of the goodreads shelf?"

Many of my choices are on my shelf Packing Heat, since they carry some sort of "hot" message.

[Kristie, Moderator]

Almeta wrote: "Marie wrote: "if you were going to gopher books what would be the name of the goodreads shelf?"

Many of my choices are on my shelf Packing Heat, since they carry some sort of "hot" message."

lol Love that shelf name, Almeta!

[[deleted user]]

KimeyDiann wrote: "This is a perfect challenge for me right now. I've been thinking I would really like to read something about a topic that I don't know a lot about. I guess I'm in an "I want to learn something new"..."

There was a show on the History channel, I believe, about the women of the Black Panther group not long ago. Aldo the ttue story of Bonnie and Clyde also aired, very interesting.

[Teanka]

Sarah wrote: "@Taenka - I'd say animal testing is controversial. I know many people who refuse to donate money to seemingly worthwhile causes (Cancer Research, British Heart Foundation) because they use funds ra..."

You're right, Sarah. Thanks! I think it might be treated as medical research, true :).

[Almeta]

For those of you who are thinking of reading about male homosexuality and AIDS, I highly recommend Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan.

[jaxnsmom]

I edited post 1 so please take a look.

The Toppler will take place from Saturday February 20th noon EST to Saturday February noon EST.

[jaxnsmom]

I'll assign teams on Saturday. Points will be for each book read, with some surprise bonus points.

[Caecilia]

:) Looking forward to the challenge.

Btw, is "sexual harrassment" also on the topic list? May we add it?

[Rusalka, Moderator]

Caecilia wrote: "Btw, is "sexual harrassment" also on the topic list? May we add it?"

Just throwing out my first reaction when I read this, not really thinking out of the box. For my life and what I observe, it happens multiple times every day. Up to Jmom of course.

[Caecilia]

Rusalka wrote: "Caecilia wrote: "Btw, is "sexual harrassment" also on the topic list? May we add it?"

Just throwing out my first reaction when I read this, not really thinking out of the box. For my life and what..."

fair point.
perhaps - we can introduce a more general title for this kind of topic, something like: "Feeling Ab/Used" - or would that be too general, now? hm.

[Sarah]

A lot of the topics included fall under the umbrella of discrimination for me. People are discriminated against for many reasons. Religion, Race, cultural traditions/differences, gender, sexuality, addicts/recovery addicts, organ/blood donor, have mental health issues and/or attempted suicide, political alliances, ex-cons, the homeless etc. And not only are they reasons people are discriminated against they also have a lot of controversy around them with many viewpoints on the subject. I guess I'd lump sexual harrassment under the gender banner.

[Caecilia]

Sarah wrote: "A lot of the topics included fall under the umbrella of discrimination for me. People are discriminated against for many reasons. Religion, Race, cultural traditions/differences, gender, sexuality,..."

:) thank you, Sarah. well-said. true. discrimination.
and thank you, also for placing sex. harr. under the "gender" banner.

[Sarah]

J'mom is in charge of all things toppler so she gets final say on what counts and what doesn't. That was just my take on the topics as a whole and where it might fit in.

[Caecilia]

*blush* - so sorry.

[Rusalka, Moderator]

No need to apologise! We all have thoughts and opinions in here that we are soooo happy to share ;)

But each challenge/activity has a boss, and Jmom is that boss in the Topplers, so we just have to wait for her ruling in this case :D

[Sarah]

Nothing to be sorry about, no worries Caecilia. It can take a little while to work out what's what when first joining a group. J'mom is in charge of the topplers, Rusalka and Janice do the monthly challenges and I do the group reads. But we all chip in to point people in the right direction as we're all in different time zones and not around all the time to pick something up.

[Peggy]

I got my copy of What is the What in the mail today. I didn't realize it's over 500 pages, so a bit too chunky for a toppler. I'll go for one of my other options.