Fleishman is in Trouble

[Mindy]

I got some laughs out of Libby's reciting all the feminist/workout t-shirt sayings that Toby encountered.

[Paige]

Amy wrote: "Hey Tim - while you make several salient points and I appreciated the quotes from the author interviews, I can absolutely see Caroline’s point and I’d much prefer to hear you say “oh wow, it really worked for me!” Instead of “I’m not trying to change your mind...[but you’re wrong].”"

I know this wasn't directed at me, but one of the reasons I like this group over many others is that people in this group largely don't just say "oh wow, it really worked for me!" To me, that's about the most boring comment someone can make, as it really tells you nothing. Disagreement is uncomfortable sometimes but conversations about books where I've really disagreed with another person about it--where I've hated it & they loved it, for instance--and had the chance to articulate that disagreement, hear their rebuttal of it, quibble some more, etc., have been so valuable to me in that those experiences gave me much more appreciation for their side of the argument and for the book. I may have still held on to my view, but I had more respect for the book after hearing passionate defenses of it. Same with a books I have loved; people tearing it down helps me understand what did/didn't work for me, and at times I've revised my thoughts about it based on opposing opinions. I'm grateful when that happens. I love reading (and participating in the discussion of) two opposing opinions about something, it helps me understand what I think and develop more skills for reading and thinking about the world.

[Ruthiella]

Caroline wrote: "Clearly I'm still thinking about this one even if I don't like that I am and reading it may have contributed to a depressive epis."

This book and Trust Exercise are the two that really got under my skin. I didn't "like" either of them, but haven't been able to stop thinking about them since turning the last page.

[Amy]

Paige wrote: "Amy wrote: "Hey Tim - while you make several salient points and I appreciated the quotes from the author interviews, I can absolutely see Caroline’s point and I’d much prefer to hear you say “oh wo..."

yup, I'm all for passionate debate about the relative merits of a book... but this forum leaves the criticisms of debators for the online commentariat (and even then the community tends to protect it's own and limit any insults for any egregious judges rather than passionate lovers or haters among the tourney fans.

[Bretnie]

Ruthiella wrote: "This book and Trust Exercise are the two that really got under my skin. I didn't "like" either of them, but haven't been able to stop thinking about them since turning the last page."

Different takes on a polarizing book always makes for some interesting discussion!

Mindy wrote: "I got some laughs out of Libby's reciting all the feminist/workout t-shirt sayings that Toby encountered."

Me too :) And her comment about all the moms in Disneyland in yoga pants and then her own realization that of course she's in yoga pants also.