Team First for Knowledge

[Pragya]

I am gravitating towards The Last Runaway. Loved Girl With a Pearl Earring by the author.

[Lisa]

Pragya wrote: "I am gravitating towards The Last Runaway. Loved Girl With a Pearl Earring by the author."


Hi Pragya….both sound good.


I am on lunch break. We went out on the boat and I took a book I own and started Speak which should be an easier read.

Back at the house I started Infidel which looks excellent.

I'll start with those.

[Pragya]

Lunch break and boat ride sounds good, Lisa.

I love the author of Speak, would love to hear your review once you're done.

[Rusalka, Moderator]

Welcome Pragya!
And so good to see you!!

I was just thinking about you the other day, so very glad to have you on the team :D

[Rusalka, Moderator]

Right. Caffeinated, caught up, fixed computer issue. Off to start Song of Solomon before my last hockey game of the season in 2 hours.

[KimeyDiann]

I've started my first topper book. It looks to be a pretty quick read so i might actually get to read three books this time!

[jaxnsmom]

When I saw this, the first thing I thought was "Rusalka has to see this and set one up for her chicks"

http://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&...

[Rusalka, Moderator]

I see your ploy. Give me a puzzle so I don't read.

Does make a cute hatch though.

[jaxnsmom]

It's just too cute. You have to set one up, I bet the girls would love it. Maybe you should work on it tomorrow :)

I spend too much time there working puzzles. I love being able to pick the shape and number of pieces. Jigsaw puzzles are something I shared with my mom.

[Rusalka, Moderator]

My mum loves them too, and always has one on the go. We kinda wander past and put in a couple of pieces when we're there.

Hah. Nice try. Lucky for you, work will have me well and truly distracted tomorrow anyway.

[jaxnsmom]

Homework doesn't have to be turned in immediately after finishing a book. You have until Monday at midnight EST.

[Marie (UK)]

this is the homework - to be turned in by Monday 29th midnight EST ON the following thread https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Oh, didn't I mention homework? ☺

Besides the 10 points for each book read, there will be 10 bonus points for completing the homework. After reading your book I want you to write about some of the points listed, and/or any other relevant points. Not all of the points apply to every situation, and you don’t have to talk about all that do.

The book read

What issue it’s about

What did you learn?

What are the legal, ethical, and moral implications?

Can you see the other side's viewpoint or understand where it comes from? (This doesn’t mean you agree with it)

What causes the issue?

Are there compromises, treatments, or preventative measures?

What actions can be taken to stop/control/prohibit intolerable actions?

As citizens of the world, how much responsibility do we have to do something about inhumane actions? And what kind of actions can we take?

Is having a label helpful for others to understand, or does it give a negative connotation that affects others views?

What leads a person to certain behaviors, and what can be done to help someone caught in the cycle? Is there a way to prevent them?

Who determines what constitutes the issue (like discrimination, sexual harassment or bullying)? Does reporting harassment result in appropriate action being taken, or turn you into a pariah?

Does inappropriate behavior invite inappropriate response?

[Rusalka, Moderator]

Link in the first thread as well in case anyone can't find it.

[Rusalka, Moderator]

Just found a receipt in my book from Framingham, Massachusetts from 1998.

It says "No return on open CD, Cassette, Video unless defective". I cannot remember when I last saw a reference to a cassette on a receipt!

[Lisa]

Too funny.

It's so strange how times change and now the things "I" grew up with are becoming obsolete. My granddaughter who is 11 likes "old timey" stuff…like rotary phones, lol. Sometimes I feel ancient.

[Marie (UK)]

who else is reading middlesex? I am almost half way through - can identify several issues but not the ones i thought?

[Rusalka, Moderator]

I also love that book has traveled around the world to my little house.

[Lisa]

Sorry Marie I'm not reading it now.


I'm about halfway finished with Infidel. This book is amazing and I haven't even gotten to what makes Ayaan so amazing. What a story it is.


I won't be around early tomorrow since I will be selling at the big flea market here. Have fun everyone.

[KimeyDiann]

Well, i have finished my first book and done my homework on it, but since i didn't expect to finish that book so quickly, i need to pick another and I'm having trouble deciding. I'm thinking something mental illness related, but everything i look at just doesn't seem to grab my attention. The ones that have looked appealing are either too long, too short, or too expensive. ( I have this thing about spending more than $8 or so on ebooks). So, back to gophering for me.

I hope everyone is having fun reading and expanding your minds!

[KimeyDiann]

I think i found a book! Lol. The Grass Sweeper God which is a book about a transgender person born in the 1950's. I hope it is as interesting and informative as the blurb i read.

[Susan]

Rusalka wrote: "Right. Caffeinated, caught up, fixed computer issue. Off to start Song of Solomon before my last hockey game of the season in 2 hours."

Playing hockey?

[Teanka]

Marie wrote: "who else is reading middlesex? I am almost half way through - can identify several issues but not the ones i thought?"

I plan to read it, Marie, but I haven't started yet. I had a pretty bad headache yesterday and didn't read a lot at all. My first toppler book is The Drowning Girl about schizophrenia. So far, it's spot on - I'm learning a lot.

[Rusalka, Moderator]

Susan wrote: "Rusalka wrote: "Right. Caffeinated, caught up, fixed computer issue. Off to start Song of Solomon before my last hockey game of the season in 2 hours."

Playing hockey?"

I play field hockey in the summer. Shorter sticks, on grass, with a hard plastic ball (no pucks), no pads (besides small shin pads).

[KimeyDiann]

KimeyDiann wrote: "I think i found a book! Lol. The Grass Sweeper God which is a book about a transgender person born in the 1950's. I hope it is as interesting and informative as the blurb i read."

I abandoned this book at the 10% mark. The writing is SO BAD! It might have been a good story, but I couldn't get past the horrible writing.

Instead I have started The Back Building , it deals with mental illness. So far it is very interesting... and the writing is so much better that my last attempt. lol.

[jaxnsmom]

***Regarding the homework - it's really your feelings about the book and the issue. It isn't a book report and it doesn't have to be long. Sort of like when we've already been discussing some issues. If you don't want to do that part, your teammates will be glad to have the points for the book you read, and not be bothered about anything else. There is no guilt. I bet there will be a few who don't do it for one reason or another. ***

Keep it fun for yourself!!

[Debra]

I've been absent for awhile. Was totally wiped out by the Academy Award nominees movie marathon Almeta and I attended on Saturday. Four great movies. Four more this coming Saturday. Had to take a long nap on Sunday. Couldn't get into my book until much later that day. It's very cerebral, but excellent. It's Waking Up: A Guide to Spirituality Without Religion. It is certainly controversial!

1. What is your favourite book Ever? - Stephen King is my favorite author as most of you know. He has never disappointed me. I think my favorite is the Dark Tower series. It's his magnum opus. https://www.goodreads.com/series/4075.... However, I've read tons of great books in a variety of genres, some I would have never read if it wasn't for GoodReads.

2. What person from fact or fiction would you invite to dinner? - Stephen King, of course. He is so unassuming and I know he would make me feel totally at ease, and make me laugh. I'd probably be so star-struck I'd be tongue-tied and a total ninny!

3. Other than reading what is your favourite pastime? - Aside from reading like a fiend and am really enjoying knitting. I've done some really beautiful things so far.

4. Of what are you most proud? - Gosh, I'm so hard on myself. I guess I'm proud of how well I handled having lymphoma (a type of cancer) and how uncomplainingly and bravely I faced the chemo and radiation.

5. How far have you travelled - favourite or furthest holiday destination. I visited a friend in Scotland for about 3 weeks. We traveled all around. It wasn't tourist season, so we missed out on a few sights, but overall it was a great adventure. Funny thing is, he never had toured his own country, so it was all new to him, too.

[Teanka]

Debra, I'm curious which movies did you watch and which one did you like the best so far? So far, my favourites are Spotlight and Bridge of spies. It sounds like a great idea to go on a movie marathon like the one you mentioned :).

[Marie (UK)]

Debra wrote: "I've been absent for awhile. Was totally wiped out by the Academy Award nominees movie marathon Almeta and I attended on Saturday. Four great movies. Four more this coming Saturday. Had to take a l..."

well done you with the the lymphoma and treatment

[Ollie]

hey guys. I wasn't really sure where to put this, but I'm afraid I'm going to have to withdraw. I hate to let you guys down, but our two year old was diagnosed with Focal Parietal Epilepsy on Friday. We'd only seen two silent seizures before they did an EEG, but when we got the results back it turns out he's having dozens of seizures back to back every time he goes to sleep.

Anyway, things are kind of crazy here right now and there hasn't been any time for reading. I'm really sorry :(.

[Pragya]

Brittany, I am so sorry to hear that. Please take care of him. I hope he gets well soon. Don't worry about the toppler. Life comes first. You and your family are in my prayers.

[Theresa~OctoberLace]

Finished The Poisonwood Bible during lunch hour. I'll start another after work.

[KimeyDiann]

Brittany wrote: "hey guys. I wasn't really sure where to put this, but I'm afraid I'm going to have to withdraw. I hate to let you guys down, but our two year old was diagnosed with Focal Parietal Epilepsy on Frida..."

I'm so sorry to hear this, Brittany. Lots of love and prayers to your family. My best friend has silent seizures that are significantly worse when he sleeps. They didn't start for him until he was a teenager . Medications have been able to keep him seizure free though. Best wishes for your son's (and your) health.

[Marie (UK)]

Brittany wrote: "hey guys. I wasn't really sure where to put this, but I'm afraid I'm going to have to withdraw. I hate to let you guys down, but our two year old was diagnosed with Focal Parietal Epilepsy on Frida..."

Brittany your family are the most important thing right now, look after yourselves and your son and i hope they find something to control the seizures quickly

[Marie (UK)]

Although i have enjoyed both the books i have read so far - I am seriously not enamoured with the others on my list so been gophering again. What does anyone think about the following fitting the theme

Your Heart Is a Muscle the Size of a Fist

The Dry Grass of August


OR
Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption

[Marie (UK)]

Theresa~OctoberLace wrote: "Finished The Poisonwood Bible during lunch hour. I'll start another after work."

added to the reporting thread

[Lisa]

Brittany wrote: "hey guys. I wasn't really sure where to put this, but I'm afraid I'm going to have to withdraw. I hate to let you guys down, but our two year old was diagnosed with Focal Parietal Epilepsy on Frida..."

Keeping you and your family in my thoughts. Best of luck for your baby.

[Lisa]

Marie wrote: "Although i have enjoyed both the books i have read so far - I am seriously not enamoured with the others on my list so been gophering again. What does anyone think about the following fitting the t..."

I've read The Dry Grass of August and I liked it.

From your choices though I would pick Just Mercy:)

[Rusalka, Moderator]

No worries Brittany. thanks for taking time out to tell us. Real life always comes first. Hope your little one is okay and responding well. Make you look after yourself as well as him. hugs

[Janice, Moderator]

I'm so very sorry to hear your news, Brittany. Don't fret about the toppler. It's meaningless when faced with real life concerns. Take care!

[Debra]

Teanka wrote: "Debra, I'm curious which movies did you watch and which one did you like the best so far? So far, my favourites are Spotlight and Bridge of spies. It sounds like a great idea to go on a movie marat..."

We saw Bridge of Spies, Room, Mad Max Fury Road, and The Big Short. I think my favorite is Bridge of Spies, but The Big Short comes in a close second. I've got both books on order, and also want to re-watch most of the movies with my hubby. He doesn't want to watch Room.

Room wasn't as hard to watch as I thought it would be, having been in some agony while reading the excellent, but intense, book by the same name. It followed the book very well and the acting was amazing, especially the child actor. He was a doll, and was able to bring up a wide range of emotions. Anyway, those who are hesitating to see it because they don't want the discomfort, don't let that hold you back.

[Debra]

Marie wrote: "
well done you with the the lymphoma and treatment "

Thanks, Marie!

[Debra]

Brittany, I'm so sorry to hear about your son. Hugs and warm wishes for you and your family.

[Rusalka, Moderator]

I wasn't sure the movie would do the book justice, Debra. Good to know, thanks!

[Debra]

I finished Waking Up: A Guide to Spirituality Without Religion and am going to report it. It was excellent, but I'm sure many people would be very upset by it.

[Lisa]

Debra wrote: "Teanka wrote: "Debra, I'm curious which movies did you watch and which one did you like the best so far? So far, my favourites are Spotlight and Bridge of spies. It sounds like a great idea to go o..."


I just read The Bog Short and I really want to see the movie.

[Debra]

The movie was excellent Lisa. I want to see it again with my hubby.

[Debra]

I'm now listening to A Single Man and am confident I will be able to finish it by Saturday. I originally thought I'd only get one book in, but this one is a short one, and I've already listened to 1 of 4 disks.

[Cherie]

Even though I was not participating in the toppler, I am reading the posts. I saw the mail from Brittany and posted a note to Jmom to ask if I could replace Brittany on your team. I did not see a response from her, so I am posting here. I have completed one book that would apply, but not planning on reading any others. If she says okay, I will do the homework for it.

[KimeyDiann]

Debra wrote: "I finished Waking Up: A Guide to Spirituality Without Religion and am going to report it. It was excellent, but I'm sure many people would be very upset by it."

I keep going back and forth between adding this book to my TBR or not. I've clicked the link for it several times over the past week or two and then close it without adding. I added it this time. I quite honestly don't know what I believe. I lean towards Christianity, but I've always had questions and doubts and have never taken the time to truly explore other beliefs or my own spirituality. This toppler and the one book I have finished for it so far are encouraging me to finally branch out and learn more. Not just about different belief systems, but about myself as well. Your comment that some people will find the book to be upsetting encourages me to want to read it.

[KimeyDiann]

Debra wrote: "Room wasn't as hard to watch as I thought it would be, having been in some agony while reading the excellent, but intense, book by the same name. It followed the book very well and the acting was amazing, especially the child actor. He was a doll, and was able to bring up a wide range of emotions. Anyway, those who are hesitating to see it because they don't want the discomfort, don't let that hold you back. "

Thanks for the reminder about the movie version of Room. I looked for it when it first opened in theaters, but it wasn't playing anywhere near where I live. I was hoping to be able to watch it when it is available to watch at home.