What should we read next?

[Cici]

Anyone one have any ideas?

[Jennifer, Owner/Moderator]

Sounds good, most the votes supported a Thousand Splendid Suns, so I will delete many of the current comments on this thread to make room for next month- Feb group read comments!
Thanks everyone! Also the thread for A Thousand Splendid Suns is now open to accommodate comments, and such.

[Jennifer, Owner/Moderator]

I believe Feb. we will read The Illiad and The Odessey (both) because many have not read it, and Jessica brought up how wonderful it would be to read a Mythology book, which hasn't yet been done in DBJ!

[Cici]

I AM SOOOOOOO EXCITED!!!! MOCKINGJAY IS COMING OUT THIS YEAR! (3rd book of the Hunger Games)
What do you think will happen in the 3rd book??

[Cici]

Oh, it comes out august 24th i thought it was april 24th :( seems sooo far awayyyyy....

[Jess]

Good deal ^_^

[[deleted user]]

Cici wrote: "Oh, it comes out august 24th i thought it was april 24th :( seems sooo far awayyyyy...."

Very excited for this! Any news on who plays which character in the movie version of Hunger Games??

[Cici]

no clue, i did watch fan made trailers and who they would pick, i thought the guy from HOUSE would make an awesome Haymitch. i'd like hayden pantierre the girl from HEROS to be Katniss. who do you think would be good for the movie??

[[deleted user]]

I was kinda thinking Alec Baldwin for Haymitch. And I was thinking the girl from Life Unexpected as Katniss - I don't recall her name. But the Heroes girl would be good, too. As for Peeta - someone like Ashton Kutcher, but younger - you know, kinda goofy looking, but with a great smile. And what about the jungle boyfriend? No one from Harry Potter or Twilight, but the Jacob guy is ripped and might be good for the jungle boyfriend.

[Cici]

Alec Baldwin WOULD make a great Haymitch. I would love for Ashton Kutcher to be Peeta, too bad he's getting old. Actually, I pictured Peeta being kinda chubby?? He is a bread maker. lol. I pictured Gale being the tall, handsome more manly looking guy.I thought Peeta was such a sweetheart, but I really wanted her to be with Gale. But when her and Peeta were together, I rooted for Peeta and I was like, give him a chance!!! I'm not sure what team I'd be on, because I loved them both. I've never seen Life Unexpected.

[[deleted user]]

I am definately on team Peeta right now, but could be persuaded to switch sides depending on the next installment. I picture Gale as a Robin Hood type scruffy guy - like Jonas Armstrong from the BBC production of Robin Hood (yum!), but younger. Just started to read Catching Fire (finally got it back from my friend who borrowed it last NOVEMBER - she gets no more loans unless I have read it first). I was happy I fell right back into it like an old comfy blankie.

[Cici]

Catching Fire is very good too!!!! I'm happy your enjoying them, I kinda want to read them again before Mockingjay comes out, I can't wait!!!!

[[deleted user]]

Cici wrote: "Catching Fire is very good too!!!! I'm happy your enjoying them, I kinda want to read them again before Mockingjay comes out, I can't wait!!!!"

After rereading catching fire with my neice we have both decided we are on Team Gale! I tried looking on the Internet for spoilers for Mockingjay, but nothing to be found. Her lips are sealed - bummer!

[Cici]

Jenn wrote: "Cici wrote: "Catching Fire is very good too!!!! I'm happy your enjoying them, I kinda want to read them again before Mockingjay comes out, I can't wait!!!!"

After rereading catching fire with my..."

No!!! Why would you want to read the spoilers?!?! Cheater!!! haha! I would be sooo mad if someone ruined it for me!!! I think I'm more Team Gale, too... Peeta just has to fall inlove with someone else so it's fair.

[[deleted user]]

Cici wrote: "Jenn wrote: "Cici wrote: "Catching Fire is very good too!!!! I'm happy your enjoying them, I kinda want to read them again before Mockingjay comes out, I can't wait!!!!"

After rereading catching..."

Or Peeta might die . . . trying to save Katniss or Haymitch?

You are right about the spoilers, I usually don't go looking, but my niece was here and we got carried away. I usually get really mad at people who spoil things for me, especially TV shows I have on the DVR. I usually don't even read reviews of movies first so I am not influenced by other's opinions. I'm a nutcase. I accept it.

[Cici]

peeta dying would be a good way, i mean it is sad and i wouldn't want him to die. do u think katniss will die for everyone?????

[[deleted user]]

Cici wrote: "peeta dying would be a good way, i mean it is sad and i wouldn't want him to die. do u think katniss will die for everyone?????"

I think that would be like Harry Potter dying. If she dies what's the whole point of the love triangle? And I would be mad! And cranky!

[Cici]

yeah, but it wouldn't be expected!!! I don't want her to die either, I don't want any of them to die, there has to be another way.....

[Jennifer, Owner/Moderator]

I cant wait for MockingJay to come out! You guys are horrible for starting this conversation *cries* its tempting me to sit here all day and talk about the hunger games series darn it!

[Cici]

Love! Love! Love! The Hunger Games!

What is everyone reading by the way?????

[Jennifer, Owner/Moderator]

Alec Baldin or Hugh Laurie are my choices for Haymitch.

Alexandria Daddario or Nina Dobrev as Katniss (she just looks how i would picture her)-- dont know about her acting abilities tho...

Drew Fuller as Peeta

Gaspar Galliel or Taylor Lautner as Gale

Elle Fanning as Primrose

Joan Cusack or Reese Witherspoon as Mrs. Evergreen

Jack Nicholson as The Mayor

Hrm I dunno lol- Ceasar

Gerard Way or Johnny Depp as Cinna

Heather Graham or Amy Poehler as Effie Trinket

Emma Stone as Avox

Willow Smith, Jodelle Ferland or Alana Locke as Rue

Stanislav Lanevski as Cato

Molly Quin as Foxface

Hayden Panittere as Glimmer

Scott Neufville or Adam Gregory as Thresh

Lindsey Fonseca Clove

[Cici]

Great choices for the ones I know! But I would LOVE for Hayden Panittere to be Katniss but she'd have to dye her hair dark, thats who I pictured. I'd love for Johnny Depp to be Cinna!!! and reese to be Mrs. Evergreen! I cannot wait for the MOVIEEEEEEE

[[deleted user]]

Those are some great choices, but for Effie I think someone older - beaten down by the fact that someone from district twelve hasn't won in 25 years, always watching her contenders die - like Joan Allen or Kathleen Turner. Some Hollywood royalty to bring a little credibilty - like they did when they cast Harry Potter. If not, it will turn into simply a teen fest like the Twilight movies did - no great adult actors turned those movies into crap from some books I really enjoyed (but not as much as Hunger Games!). Please let Lionsgate do a good job!

[Cici]

do you guys know if they even have the cast yet? It's supposed to be out next year, they have to be filming. I really really hope it's as good as I think it will be!!!

[[deleted user]]

Cici wrote: "do you guys know if they even have the cast yet? It's supposed to be out next year, they have to be filming. I really really hope it's as good as I think it will be!!!"

No cast yet - imbd lists it as in development so they are still nailing down the cast. There are some YouTube videos done by fans, but that's it Lionsgate also recently got the rights to One For The Money (Evanovich's first Stephanie Plum mystery) and they announced that Katherine Heigl is Stephanie Plum. It is the same production company that did The Ugly Truth. No word yet on who is Joe or Ranger.

[Jess]

What are we reading for May? ^_^

[Cici]

???? I'm finishing up the book thief and I think Jenn and I want to read the Red Tent and I think a few of the others are reading Pirate Latitudes???? So you pick!!!!!

[Jess]

Ahhhh!!! *nose goes!* :P Will do. I'll go see about them at the library ^_^

[[deleted user]]

I just downloaded The Red Tent and will start this weekend - after I finish reading 32 very captivating research papers on a hazardous chemical of their choice . . . snooze . . . .

[Steven]

Hey there, I had an offer from an author named Timothy James Dean for his book Teeth which is a World War 2 story that involves a really big monsterous sized croc. The author made an offer to my Book Freaks group for signed first addition copies from him for 8 bucks and that includes the shipping, and he said he could work out a deal for a Kindle version as well. I haven't gotten any takers yet in my book group but maybe this group might be interested. Just thought I'd give you all a heads up as well.

[Cici]

wow 8 bucks is pretty good for a signed book and free shipping!

[Steven]

yep, I have the book myself and he sent it to me so I know he is a trust worthy source. I also read the opening to the book and thought it was really cool so far...had to stop myself cause I was in the middle of another book at the time.
If you want to read any more reviews on the book to make a decision on, check out his facebook page for the book. He has quite the following so far.

I can let him know and send him a message about this group and have him make the offer to you guys in here also. There hasn't been many people jumping at it in my group so far.

[[deleted user]]

Mockingjay countdown . . . 28 days.

I am so excited! That is for sure our August 24th group read! Cici, Jennifer, Jenn! I can't hardly wait!!!!! I have already reserved a copy on amazon for my kindle and I want to do the Snoopy dance just thinking about it . . .

[Steven]

Hey Cici, I haven't filled you in since the last on here about Teeth. I am a little over half way through this book and love every minute of it. This book is so good I am kind of taking my time cause I don't want it to end. I am so looking forward to the next book in his trilogy and very interested now in a lot of the true events that revolved around this time in history. This guy will make you really afraid of crocs. He's done for them what Jaws did for sharks.

[[deleted user]]

Steven wrote: "Hey Cici, I haven't filled you in since the last on here about Teeth. I am a little over half way through this book and love every minute of it. This book is so good I am kind of taking my time cau..."

I was afraid of crocodiles before (see Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Romancing the Stone, Crocodile Dundee and other popular 80's movies). Since none live in Michigan, though, I think I am OK. Well maybe at the Detroit Zoo. Of course this train of thought never really stopped me from thinking of sharks everytime I would fall while water skiing and waiting for the boat to come back for me. I still always think every piece of seaweed that hits my leg is that shark.

Did you know that Jaws was the first feature film I ever saw? I was 6 years old and my parents took my brother and I to the drive-in for a double feature - Jaws and Orca. I sometimes wonder about their judgement.

[Cici]

So is teeth about crocs then?? Yes jaws really scared me as a kid so did the blob. Even. Though I know sharks aren't in out lake I sometimes get a little panicked swimming in the lake and not being able to see the bottom that something will get me..

[Cici]

For sure mockingjay will be our next read!!! I cannot wait!!!!!!

[Steven]

Hey Jenn, question Lake Michigan does that connect to the Mississppi in anyway? I can't remember. If so a saltwater croc that is on a path and desides to brave the elemnts could end up up that way maybe. Not to scare you :o) Ha ha ha Actually I live down the road from the Columbia River here in Washington State and that does empty into the ocean so who knows. Chaos theory from Jurassic Park...nature finds a way ...right. As for Jaws I loved those movies and live on Long Island most my life and swam in the oceans that that shark was supossed to live in...not good but do you remember Blood Beach...just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water...you can't get to the water ha ha ha.
Oh also if you want some more to be a bit freaked about watch the Discovery channel show River Monsters...all I can say is WOW and I'm getting a pool.

[Steven]

Oh and Cici,
Teeth is not just about crocs. The croc is an added, and a big added, element of danger that soldiers on a rescue mission into the heart of the New Guinea jungle have to struggle through. There is a definite human element of the struggles of war and how to treat your enemies or should I say be humane to one another. So much going on in this piece of work that your mind will take some time to wrap around it all. I promise a great adventure with this title and you might find a different level of respect, not just for crocs, but for everything in nature. This book makes me look at things in such a different perspective and how small we are in the grand scheme of thing yet so how important.

[[deleted user]]

Steven wrote: "Hey Jenn, question Lake Michigan does that connect to the Mississppi in anyway? I can't remember. If so a saltwater croc that is on a path and desides to brave the elemnts could end up up that way ..."

I am not sure about which river connects to Lake Michigan, there may be a man-made connection/lock system. There is a lot of concern about the Asian carp coming into the Great Lakes via this connection. But Lake Ontario connects to the St. Lawrence Sea Way which connects to the Atlantic Ocean! A new worry while water skiing and tubing! Yikes!!!! No way I can read that book now - my anxiety level would be way too high while trying to relax on the boat!! Ugh!! I think I need cake now - your wife make anything good lately??

[[deleted user]]

Just finished the latest Spellman Files and I wonder if this is the last one - everything seemed wrapped up nicely. Am on the The Art of Racing in the Rain - a friend of mine who is also a dog lover recommended it and I am only on chapter 4 and I have already laughed and cried! Don't know if I can make it through this roller coaster ride!

[[deleted user]]

26 days! Need a recap of Catching Fire (I donated this book so I can't reread - the library is out) - Cici, did you ever reread? What was the ending? I know we discussed this before, but we never really settled it. Jennifer, any insights?

[Steven]

Hey Jenn, my wife is working on a huge sandcastle cake for my niece right now and then she has an Avatar cake she is doing for another person. I tell ya we are gonna need a bigger kitchen for making all these cakes in soon...I love the extra left over cake tops mmmmm so yummy. Oh and now she is really getting into making specialty cup cakes as well. She's been working on a receipe for these apple filled spice cup cakes with cream cheese frosting tops...all I can say is they have all been way yummmy so far :o)~

[Steven]

Oh and thank you for the info about the lakes out by you. Very interesting that one empties into the Atlantic. I didn't know about that one and now it's got my creative juices flowing. Oh and you should still read Teeth cause the human elements and interaction are very interesting and you will end up with a personal connection with the characters. Makes you think about war in such a different way.

[Cici]

Oh my goodness! WOw, everybody's just chatting away :) this makes me happy. I don't know if I can keep up...
The sandcastle cake sounds impressive, I hope she takes pictures and puts it in a portfolio, u can share pic. with us 2!
I never did read it again, CF. I think haymitch and gale save katniss from the arena and take her to district13... thats all i can recall, but usually books recap whats happened before they get into the story???
I have watched the river monsters before. The one about the fish that could live on land as well as in water and had a bunch of teeth and had to be destroyed if spotted.
Did you know the Bull Shark is the only shark that can survive fresh water? It is one of the more aggressive sharks... my son loves sharks we've done researching for prjects... I guess years back somehow a Bull SHark got into the mississippi river and just went nuts, probably because of the fresh water and was killing a bunch of people??? Now that I didn't research, I've just heard that.
I'll eventually get to teeth, i have so much to read. i still have a couple anne rice borrowed from my friend and another borrowed book "Einstein" but they have to wait until I read mockingjayyyyyyy

[[deleted user]]

Steven wrote: "Hey Jenn, my wife is working on a huge sandcastle cake for my niece right now and then she has an Avatar cake she is doing for another person. I tell ya we are gonna need a bigger kitchen for makin..."

These cupcakes sound great and if you lived by me I would break into your house and steal just those. But I would leave you money on the counter because stealing is just really, really bad Karma (and breaking a major commandment). Stephen, do you think that Teeth is appropriate for high school age students (ages 14-18)? I am always looking for titles to suggest to my students when they have book reports/reviews for English class. Even though I teach chemistry, a lot of the kids look to me for book advice because I read so much.

Back to work in 4 weeks! Ugh! I feel like I haven't slept enough to go back in 4 short weeks! I'll stop whining now.

[Cici]

Your such a busy girl, jenn! You teach chemistry too??

[Steven]

Hey Jenn, if you lived by me I am sure you wouldn't have to steal a cup cake we would share with you. Heck you could even have a piece of the cake tops they are so good especially when they have just come out of the oven...talk about the most tastiest cake ever :O)

As for the book Teeth, I definitely recommend it to high school students. The one thing I noticed while reading this book, there really isn't any bad language but it is also filled with such cool historical facts and facts about crocs and New Guinea and the author makes it interesting and fun with the way he involves it in this action packed adventure. This author Timothy James Dean is possibly the next Michael Critchon (which I will miss big time)
I have even gotten a copy of the book to send with my son when he goes back to school up here that I am having him donate to the library. My some's attention span is like that of the dog from Up when it comes to reading a book to or with and he had me reading this book to him for almost 2 hours the other day and now I can't finish it unless I finish it with him...it's that good.

[Steven]

Hey Cici, I will have to send you my wife's facebook link. She has all her cakes in her photo album there. The cake was really good, it was a smores type cake.

As for the Bull Shark, I will have to look that one up.So are you and your son gonna kick back and watch Discovery channels Shark Week stuff? My son loves those types of shows also. Oh and he loves Modern Marvels on the History Channel too...that show kicks butt.

[Cici]

Ooh a s'more cake! Earlier on in my pregnacy I ate a s'more every morning for breakfast for a week with my micro s'more maker. Yummy :) I'm actually watching shark week now. Tonight at 9 they have how to survive a shark attack and it looks pretty awesome and scary. I won't be able to watch it with my son, he's out of state visiting with his dad and family there, but I did let them know it was shark week so he didn't miss it.