Le Guin, Ursula K ; A Wizard of Earthsea ; Informal Buddy read ; Starts 20 June 2018

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

Synopsis
Ged, the greatest sorcerer in all Earthsea, was called Sparrowhawk in his reckless youth.

Hungry for power and knowledge, Sparrowhawk tampered with long-held secrets and loosed a terrible shadow upon the world. This is the tale of his testing, how he mastered the mighty words of power, tamed an ancient dragon, and crossed death's threshold to restore the balance

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

      ~ Buddy Style Reads ~
    Three Ways to Enjoy a Book!

At NRBC we use three styles of buddy reads. These will be indicated in the thread title as “Buddy Read”, “Relaxed Buddy Read” or “Informal Buddy Read”.

A “Buddy Read” has a discussion leader and a reading date is set to start the book. A reading schedule is posted prior to the start date and discussion questions are posted each day regarding that section of the book. More information about these types of reads is below. An example is here, showing a reading schedule here.

A “Relaxed Buddy Read” is similar to our usual “buddy reads” except there are less questions and break points. For example, a book may be split into three sections and those reading the book should pause at the end of the section to answer some discussion questions, make comments, or ask their own questions to other readers. An example is here.

An “Informal Buddy Read” doesn’t have a discussion leader and participants are asked to consider some generic questions when making comments about the book. An example is here.

A “Read and Watch Buddy Read” may be set up as any of the above, but we will also watch the movie or T.V. series - or even go to a play! - and make comparisons, discussing what has been left out or changed as well as the actors and actresses. There is a long debate of what one should do first: read the books or watch the movie? We usually read first, but it isn’t essential. Also, if you would like to join in, but don’t want to watch the movie, show, or play, but only read the books, that is fine, too. An example is here.


MORE UNDER SPOILER
(view spoiler)[

“Buddy Reads” (“BRs”) include:

• A reading schedule which can range from 50, 75, to 100 or so pages a day.

• Discussion questions posted daily by moderators and occasionally group members
   who help one of us out. If you want to be a Discussion Leader, let us know.

• If the book is really long, we'll plan a break day.

• Members do NOT have to answer every question, they are meant to stimulate
   conversations about the books AND allow us to glance back upon them when the
   sequels come out. This helps us to remember what exactly happened in the previous
   book.

• We find the buddy style of reading to be more fun than just posting one or two
   sentences about a book. We feel this is what distinguishes us as being a ‘book club’
   rather than just another GoodReads ‘group.’

• If you can NOT start the book on time, feel free to join in at a later date. They are
   set up to make it easy to do so.

• Moderators are people too, so occasionally we get sick, have to work late at our real
   jobs, or have something that keeps us from writing the questions. Please forgive us;
   we're only human and we don't get any compensation for what we do--not even
   free books!

• Discussions and questions are set up to make you think, analyze, and see things you,
   or even we, may have missed. Feel free to add your own thoughts at any time, if you
   think we've missed something.

• If you've read the book, feel free to let us know what you thought about the book.
   You can do so at the end of the buddy read, or, if you can't wait, add spoiler tags
   before you comment like:

   **************BEWARE! SPOILER FOR THE END OF THE BOOK**************

   Or insert a (view spoiler)[spoiler (hide spoiler)]. If you do NOT know how to do so, just check out our
   GoodReads 101 explanation on how to Insert a Spoiler.

• If you are looking for a reading buddy, post an inquiry in our Buddy read requests thread. Use that thread, if you want to have a repeat read of a BOM
    or buddy read, too.

• Have fun! We always do when more than one person joins in. And we look less silly
   if someone else discusses a book with us. (hide spoiler)]

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

R

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

So looks like I can't get this from my libraries, but the kindle version is only $3 so I'm good to go whenever suits everyone. I will be reading slow between now and mid June though because I have my uni exams then and that takes lots of my reading time :(

[Kat (wanderfulbooks)]

When are we starting? :) What postgrad course are you taking Karen?

[Eldarwen]

We could always set this one to start after your exams are over, Karen?

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

It's a grad diploma in psychology. 10 subjects and I'm almost done with 4.
I love the subject matter - it is fascinating - but I *hate* the assessments. lol

I'm happy to start whenever suits everyone, and then I'll just read in dribs and drabs while on the train :)

[Teddie]

Ok if I join you guys on this? I read it back in middle/high school, but I’ve been wanting to reread.

[Eldarwen]

Of course, Teddie! The more the merrier! :-)

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Welcome on in Teddie!

[Teddie]

Great! :) I just got it from the library, so I can start whenever.

[Sophie, The other one]

Hopefully I'll be able to get this from the library and join you all.

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Yay! Will be great to have you Dr Sophie

[Kat (wanderfulbooks)]

Karen ⊰✿ wrote: "It's a grad diploma in psychology. 10 subjects and I'm almost done with 4.
I love the subject matter - it is fascinating - but I *hate* the assessments. lol

I'm happy to start whenever suits every..."

I'm imagining the required readings and write ups *shudders* All the best Karen! I feel you!

[Sophie, The other one]

Wow that sounds like a full on course Karen! Glad you enjoy the stuff even if assessments are not so great...

[Elen]

I really would love to join you too [Team Hermione Granger].
But I am pretty busy til mid-June, bc of final exams, writing and defending the BSc graduation thesis. After that I have Graduation but it's not so important and won't steal my reading time :D

Is it okay?
*It would be my first buddy read*

[Deanna]

I have this already as well, so I can start anytime.

[Jenny]

Morning all. I have been meaning to read this series for years, so I am thrilled to have a good excuse to put it at the top of the pile.

I can start anytime as well. (Team Remus Lupin)

[Dev]

i'm a bit on the fence about this but i've been meaning to read a book by this author and it's only about 200 pages so i guess i'm in. it would honestly be ideal for me to start in early june [plus i feel like a LOT of the tower teams buddy reads have set themselves up for mid to late may starts] but like i said it's short so really i can just move some stuff around and start whenever you guys want.

[Rose]

I'm on hold at the library. I'll jump in if it come on time.

[Jammin Jenny]

I've been meaning to read this author as well - I'd like to join whenever we start. I just put in a request at my local library.

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Great to see you all!

So how about we start June 20? Then it isn't so close to the other BRs and a few days after the June BOM for those joining that too?

[Jammin Jenny]

That sounds great to me!

[Dev]

that sounds good to me. i know we're all excited to start all our buddy reads but i think it's definitely a good idea to try to space things out

[M]

Am I to late to join this Buddy Read. I haven't picked up this book in over a decade and would love to read it again

[Deanna]

M wrote: "Am I to late to join this Buddy Read. I haven't picked up this book in over a decade and would love to read it again"

We're not starting until mid-June, so there's still plenty of time to join. I need to go jot the date on my calendar now that it's official.

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Join away M!

[Karen Michele]

I'm planning to join this one!

[Eldarwen]

Yay, Karen Michele! :-)

[Kristina]

I have the trilogy because I swiped it from my brother's box of books. He'll get it back if he asks for it. Mwah ha ha.

[Karen Michele]

My hold on the book just came in, so I'm ready to roll!

[Eldarwen]

I'll read a chapter or so tonight :-)

[Karen Michele]

I'm quite impressed with the book! I've wanted to read more of Le Guin's books after enjoying the Annals of the Western Shore Trilogy, Gifts, Voices and Powers.
I love the classic nature of the magic. I'm also quite a fan of familiars, so I like that as well. It's fun to read of another wizard being trained while participating in a Harry Potter challenge!

[Jenny]

I started the audio today, but I am not crazy about the narrator. Switching to the paperback when I get home.

[Deanna]

Finished chapters 1-3 today. This is my first Ursula Le Guin book, so I don't really have any expectations.

Ogion - (view spoiler)[It seems odd to me that he seemed to be teaching Ged so little. I'm sure there was a method to his instruction, but Ged didn't stay around long enough for me to figure it out. (hide spoiler)]

Jasper - (view spoiler)[I can't decide if he really looks down on Ged or if that is simply Ged's perception. He does seem to be used to having others look up to him. I was a little surprised he seemed so quick to pledge himself to Lady of O, and I wonder if that promise is actually binding and if he will keep it. (hide spoiler)]

Ged - (view spoiler)[He clearly has a lot of power and is eager to learn, but at the same time lacks the maturity to understand the implications of what he wants to do. I have a feeling that he is going to have to learn several lessons the hard way until his maturity and understanding catch up. (hide spoiler)]

[Elen]

Chapter 1 - 4.

It's my first Ursula book too. I love the writing style - old style, what I really like, it's little bit slow reading but really enjoyable.

Ged - (view spoiler)[A little boy who wants to know everything about magic now and fast. He is so impatient and immature. (hide spoiler)]

Story: (view spoiler)[It's very interesting way of using magic - you have to know their name to be able to use its power. Also, I liked how in first chapters everything was explained! (hide spoiler)]

Ged and Jasper - (view spoiler)[Rivals, who want to prove each other that one of them is more powerful than other. (hide spoiler)]

[Elen]

Finished

Wow. What a journey. The beginning was pretty slow, but when you get hang of the book, I just flew through the book.

(view spoiler)[Jasper needles Ged, so they do a "duel". In which, Ged casts a powerful spell and releases a shadow. After that, his journey and story really start. He learns, travels the world. And when he meets again with his friend Vetch, they go shadow hunting.
*Drum rolls* Shadow was all this time part of Ged himself. And he just had to accept that and become whole. (hide spoiler)]

Overall, I really liked the story, writing style. I will continue with series.

[Jenny]

I am a couple chapters in, and I do love the writing.
(view spoiler)[What I am not loving is Ged. I know he is a teenage boy, but I keep wanting him to make better choices. My guess is that all of his life lessons will be learned the hard way. I also keep picturing Jasper as Draco Malfoy. I wonder if they will end up friends. (hide spoiler)]

[Jenny]

I hope to finish this tomorrow, before the next Quidditch match. I will be slightly distracted once that starts.
The story is getting to the point for me that I want very much to know what happens next, so it shouldn't be to do.

[Eldarwen]

I've been distracted by Red Sister but I'll start reading this weekend.

[Deanna]

Finished 4-6.

The shadow - (view spoiler)[It was no surprise that Ged would eventually do something reckless because of his jealousy of Jasper. I was a little surprised that he chose the one spell that had first caused him to see the shadow. (hide spoiler)]

Dragons - (view spoiler)[It was a better plan, I think, for Ged to confront the dragons directly rather than wait for them to come to him. It gave him the chance to take them on when most were young and small. I was glad that he chose to do the right thing and put the safety of the villagers ahead of his own need. (hide spoiler)]

Hunted - (view spoiler)[It seems odd to me that he is heading north even after he was warned of danger in that direction. It was a shame that he did not trust his instincts and got into so much trouble. (hide spoiler)]

[Rose]

I just started this one last night, on chapter 5 now. I think I've been spoiled by reading the Left Hand of Darkness first, because I wasn't expecting the less complex plot and writing style in this one. I feel like I'm a good way though this book but not really much has happened

Except: (view spoiler)[I'm assuming that the shadow creature is a major foe in the series? (hide spoiler)]

Also, I'm a sucker for magic school so I really wish there were about three hundred more pages on all the obscure lessons they learn and their daily schedule. lol

Also, I would like to sign up to get a cute little rodent to follow me everywhere

[Deanna]

Rose wrote: "I just started this one last night, on chapter 5 now. I think I've been spoiled by reading the Left Hand of Darkness first, because I wasn't expecting the less complex plot and writing style in thi..."

I wish there had been more about the magic school as well.

[Deanna]

Jenny wrote: "I am a couple chapters in, and I do love the writing.
[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I didn't like Ged much at the beginning either, but he does learn from his errors along the way. (hide spoiler)]

[Jenny]

Deanna wrote: "Jenny wrote: "I am a couple chapters in, and I do love the writing.
[spoilers removed]"

[spoilers removed]"

I am a little over halfway through, and I do Like Ged now. This gets so much better the further along one reads.

[Deanna]

Finished 7 - end

The first half of the book was a bit slow, but the plot picked up and held my attention by the halfway point.

Ogion - (view spoiler)[I was glad when Ged landed back at Ogion's house after fleeing as a hawk. I really felt like he would have done much better to remain there in the first place. At least Ogion is finally able to give him advice that is helpful even if it is also perilous. (hide spoiler)]

The hunt - (view spoiler)[I'm not sure I understand why the shadow led him so far away. It seemed to me that the final confrontation could have happened anywhere, but I may have missed something on my first reading. (hide spoiler)]

Vetch - (view spoiler)[is certainly a far better friend than he deserves, but I am glad that they went on the last part of the journey together. It seemed right since they were both witness to the beginning. (hide spoiler)]

[Elen]

Rose wrote: "Also, I'm a sucker for magic school so I really wish there were about three hundred more pages on all the obscure lessons they learn and their daily schedule. lol

Also, I would like to sign up to get a cute little rodent to follow me everywhere"

I would love to read more about the magic school too. Just school life will be awesome. :)

Me too!! I would love to have a little otak with me everywhere!

[Jenny]

Yes. Otak is so fun, but my two kitties might object.
I want to be able to turn into a big bird of prey at will. I have flying dreams- have had since I was a kid- and it would be so cool to actually be able to do it!

[Jenny]

Finished, but going to bed now. I will add more thoughts soon.

[Jenny]

I liked this. I kind of wish I had read it as a child, the wonder of it and the characters would probably have resonated more with my younger self. But, I am enchanted enough to want to read the next one too. Another buddy read anyone?

(view spoiler)[ What sold it for me was Ogion and Vetch. The fact that both of these steady characters saw in Ged what he couldn't see in himself, made me look at him more favorably.
There was one moment at the end that was jarring to me. When Ged and Vetch are reunited, and are thinking about the different paths they took to get to nineteen years old, I realized that they were only nineteen! It seemed as though too much had happened for that to be the case. Oh well.
Also, now I want to know if the world that Le Guin built is flat or round. Perhaps it is addressed in the next books. It seemed as though they were sailing to the edge, but didn't find it. (hide spoiler)]