THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB discussion
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PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF TO YOUR FELLOW JAMES MASON MEMBERS!
message 851:
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Ashley
(new)
Aug 10, 2010 11:24AM
Thanks for the invite Rick! I live in Summersville, WV on the lake. It is beautiful here but the winters can be brutal and that is when I get most of my major reading done. My husband just recently retired from pro-wrestling (yes, he worked for the WWE as I get this question a lot. He wasn't major but he was a trainer and worked with Randy Orton, John Cena, Batista, etc.) I am disabled from a nasty car wreck so my books are very important to me as I get bored. My husband is the greatest as he buys me all the books I want! We are working on starting a film company for which he has written 4 screenplays and he has written his autobiography which is published, Worker Last of a Dying Breed, available at www.logansworldonline.com. He is also working on 2 works of fiction. I love all books except romance. As you might have guessed I am a lover of books and films lol! We enjoy going to a convention called ScareFest, which is in Lexington, Ky (www.scarefest.com) where we have met Sid Haig, Bill Mosley, Leslie Eastwick, Tom Towles, Ken Foree, etc. Yes, we are horror fans lol! I am looking forward to conversations with all of you and if you are a horror fan I highly suggest ScareFest where we can really meet. We also travel to other conventions through out the year. I guess you can say we are nerds lol! But we have fun being nerds! Thank you again for the invite and I hope to have some good conversations on here!
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Dave wrote: "Hi, I'm Dave. I joined GoodReads a ways back, but there are so many different forum areas, I'm only now getting to most of them. This looks interesting. Thanks for the invite, Rick.I wrote [book:..."
Great video with good points! It was a sad tragedy and unfortunately it seems to be happening more and more, such as the man that recently killed some of his fellow employees because he felt discriminated against. How do we stop this and how do we know who is going to do stuff like this? Unfortunately we can't. I live in WV and the shooting in VA hit us particularly hard. I can't imagine what these people were going through but I can't help but think that maybe if we were all nicer to everybody and didn't single people out that maybe we could prevent this. This is all just such a sad world we are living in. I hope your book helps people to understand these kinds of things and I applaud you for taking it on!
I just spent some time watching the Columbine video posted from Dave, and am currently reading his book, "Columbine." So distressing, and such a good book, I might add, Dave. I watched other videos in the same vein. One thing I take issue with is the idea of "What have we become?" as if it is the collective "we" that are to blame for the two boys who brought about the mass destruction at Columbine. As a child of the '60's, I would have hoped we as a society would have learned that it's not a collective We who actually causes these things to happen, but a few who grasp hold of an idea/ideal and make off-shoots of themselves. I give you Helter Skelter and Charles Manson, for instance. He and his group are an abberration of the times, not a symbol of the decade and its meaning. Many a kid has been laughed at and harassed at school throughout time; many a kid has thought about and researched dark arts and done playacting, etc...it takes another level of mind to carry out a mass murder. There are criminal minds in our society and have been throughout the ages. My theory is that these boys are/were no different than any sensational murderers, they just chose a theatre that would get them the most notoriety. And, since that time, we have copycats who seek the same kind of recognition. It's not our faults...the collective "we"...unless we refer to the media which takes so much time and space to glorify this type of behavior.
Thanks for that, Deborah.I'm right there with you on the concept of collective guilt. It was an easy, and perhaps understandable reaction among the media and then the public that "we" must have done it.
I don't think you'll find that contention in my book. Eric, in particular . . . scary, cold-blooded killer.
I have to agree that there are people who are different from the majority of us and are just born that way. That, to me, is what made The Bad Seed by William March so scary ... the possibility that a sociopath can be anyone you meet and can be born into any family. Environment can cause some severe emotional issues - severe neglect that results in reactive attachment disorder, for instance. Ultimately, each of us is responsible for the choices we make. Few of us had perfect childhoods (my parents were NOT the Cleavers!), but we do not plan mass or even minor destruction. We go to work, love our families & don't abuse others. You made a very good point, Deborah. Thank you.
I'm Michelle and I live in upstate NY. I have a DD, a hubby, 3 cats and a horse, and an incorrigible reading habit =) I read pretty much anything, but tons of fantasy (including urban fantasy and the better YA stuff - not just sword-and-sorcery) and scifi are the mainstays of my literary diet, along with reading classics I missed in school and re-reading stuff that I read years ago and don't remember. I've been on Goodreads for years, but just started looking into the groups recently. Thanks for the invite, Rick!
Welcome, Michelle, Sarah, Ashley, Dave, and Catherine!
Mod
Rick
Mod
my pleasure, Michelle- very happy to have you as a member!
Hi, my name is James and I am currently doing an English Lit and Lang course from home. I'm an avid reader, but my latest course has dictated my reading schedule for the forseeable future. Looking forward to discussing Northanger Abbey.
Mod
Welcome James!
For sure check out the BuddyRead for Northanger Abbey-
great group of folks there- who will make you feel very much welcome!
Rick
Hello to all the new members! Welcome to our group!! This is a great group. James, we'd love to hear your thoughts on Northanger Abbey.
Mod
James wrote: "Hi, my name is James and I am currently doing an English Lit and Lang course from home. I'm an avid reader, but my latest course has dictated my reading schedule for the forseeable future. Lookin..."
Martha- so nice of you to reach out to James! such kindness is what the James Mason Group is all about!!!
Hello, my name is Sorriso Attraverso Tutto. It means Smile Through Everything in italian I believe.
My fav genre is fantasy.
My fav book is Hunger Games or Pawn of Prophecy
My fav author is David Eddings.
My fav genre is fantasy.
My fav book is Hunger Games or Pawn of Prophecy
My fav author is David Eddings.
Hi; I'm new to the group. right now I'm poring over all the books on the club shelf, I'm sure I have read more than several. Right now I'm finally getting around to the classic "Pride and Prejudice," I'm 91% finished. Thanks for the Invite Rick. I would like to become more active as my awareness of the group expands. Just wanted to say "hi" to everybody.People can see a bit more about me on my profile page...Seth
Thanks Rick for inviting me -:)! I'm Valjeanne Jeffers Immortal and Immortal II: The Time of Legend.I'm also a big SF reader & film fan. But I love mysteries -- especially British film mysteries -- and Shakespeare -:). My all time favorite is "A Midsummer's Nights Dream."
So interesting to have you with us, Seth and Valjeanne. Welcome! Deborah
Hello to all new members!! And Welcome!! Thanks, Rick! This group is truly special.
Mod
Rick
Hello, I am a librarian and book columnist (http://www.examiner.com/books-in-boul...) in Colorado. I, too LOVE Jane Austen and have a special weakness for Classic British Literature. I'm glad I'm not the only one, because even my coworkers seem to think I have horns when I gush about the classics!
Hey guys..
It would be great if I got some more feedback on this, especially from Authors. Can you pleaseeee read it?
http://www.goodreads.com/story/show/5...
It would be great if I got some more feedback on this, especially from Authors. Can you pleaseeee read it?
http://www.goodreads.com/story/show/5...
Mod
It would be great if I got some more feedback on this, especially from Authors. Can you pleaseeee read it?
http://www.goodreads.com/story/show/5..."
Not a writer here- but really seems like very fine writing- I am going to place your request at the top of the Author Forum Discussion so as many members can see it and comment on it as possible. Hope it helps!
Rick
Rick wrote: "Le Pion De La Prophétie wrote: "Hey guys..
It would be great if I got some more feedback on this, especially from Authors. Can you pleaseeee read it?
http://www.goodreads.com/story/show/5......"
Thakn you alot!
It would be great if I got some more feedback on this, especially from Authors. Can you pleaseeee read it?
http://www.goodreads.com/story/show/5......"
Thakn you alot!
hey i'm knew to the group...My names athena and I LOVE reading...if I have the time for it. I don't usually because i ahve school and I'm in all jhonors classes and spend most of my time in the band. I have band 3 times a day I stay usually from 7 in the morning to 5:30 at night but now that we have football games it will be from 7 in the morning that I'm there to whenever the game ends...So I'll try to be on as much as possible but I can't usually get on all week becasue I have to have homework done first...so yah hey
Mod
Welcome Athena
Happy to have you as a member of our Group
we are a terrific group of folks- of all ages from teens to seniors, from all backgrounds and beliefs- which makes us that much more inclusive and valuable- I value free speech so very much...but I do not want any foul language or innapropriate material on our Group- so feel free to alert any other member if you notice any curse words ect- and we will delete them- if we have not already- I say this to you because you are one of our younger members and I do not want you exposed to any innappropriate language or content- the wonderful thing about this Group is that such situations are EXTREMELY RARE!
WELCOME!
Thats nice because there is sure a lot of it at highschool and it's nice to get away from it. Thatnks for the invite to the group. I'm not the youngest in the group though am i?
Mod
We have members of very varied ages- from teenagers like yourself to old fogies like me!
but regardless of age- I really frown on foul language as I am quite sure most members in our Group do- it is different to read a book that contains it- most do as part of the realistic portrayalod the characters- but there is no need to post any comments with curse words- but again- we are such a great Group- with so many caring and wonderful members- that has not really been an issue- I just wanted to re-iterate it.
Thats great. I really don't like the cursing so I won't be a problem. I have never cursed in my life adn don't plan on it... theres no reason for it. There's other ways to express your feelings. So sounds like a cool group thanx.!
I have to go! I have a dance to go to tonight and have to eat dinner adn get ready so I'll be back on this group later! Bye!
Hi, I'm glad to join. I read anything. Usually have two-three books going at a time of which one will be what I call a cupcake book - sweet, delicious and not too taxing. Today's cupcake is An Inconvenient Elephant by Judy Reene Singer. I happen to have a thing for elephants.I am also reading In Light of India by Octavio Paz - it is rich and thoughtful and enlightening, and I happen to be Anglo-Indian.
Finally I am reading Marilyn Jager Adams, Beginning to Read: Thinking and Learning About Print. It seems appropriate, as a serious reader, to understand how reading happens, but it's also necessary to understand as I happen to be a teacher of 4-5 year-olds, on the cusp of potential love affairs with literature. I feel the responsibility of figuring out how to make this happen.
I read a varied range of books, but particularly love mysteries, my favorites being Elizabeth George and P.D. James. (It saddens me that Phyllis is in her 90s as it means that sooner than later, her writing career must end.) I met Phyllis once and found her surprising. She wore an unassuming beige mac/raincoat, a silk scarf tied around her head and knotted under chin, and sensible shoes, but her hands were bejewelled with great big rings, all of which would have gone clunk if dropped on the dressing table. I thought she was fabulous!
My favorite books of all time include Pride and Prejudice, which I consider to be almost flawless, To Kill a Mockingbird, which was a coming of age book, and Ex Libris by Anne Fadiman, which just about sums up all my views on good books and good writing. (How many on this list pick up a pencil to edit the local paper or relish finding typos in a local bistro menu? If you're one, you'll love this book too).
I am doing the 50 books a year challenge - this is where you'll find my reviews.
I look forward to learning from my colleagues on this list; it's wonderful to be in such fine company! Gheers.
Mod
Dawn wrote: "Hi, I'm glad to join. I read anything. Usually have two-three books going at a time of which one will be what I call a cupcake book - sweet, delicious and not too taxing. Today's cupcake is An I..."I like that phrase, cupcake book. The book you read as escapism instead of watching tv. I think we all do that kind of reading. I guess some people would refer to them as guilty pleasures, but no one should feel guilty about reading anything.
Just joined, I hesitated for a minute because I don't read predominantly British books (or even a lot of British books) but Rick asked me to join and I want to give the group a try. I am not a writer of books but since joining Goodreads I have made an effort to give a brief review of every book that I finish. If you find a book that I've read that doesn't have a review that means I read it before joining Goodreads.
I am an avid reader (I just counted it up and I have read 102 books so far this year). I read all kinds of books (mystery; historical, contemporary and time-travel romance; some scifi but not like I used to; non-fiction on whatever topic grabs my attention; YA; and whatever else catches my attention).
I'm 58 years old, currently live in Columbus OH but will be moving to Phoenix AZ as soon as I can get packed and moved--closed on a house there in July. I have two daughters, two grandchildren, and one adorable great grandson who is sitting on my lap in my profile picture. All of my family has migrated to Phoenix and it is time that I am there too. I'm missing too much of their lives.
I look forward to participating in this group.
Mod
I am not a ..."
Wonderful to have you here Denise!
As you check out the many posts you will see that the Group has expanded to include all genres of books- not just British- I made a commitment to keep the original name of the Group as I originally started it as a tribute to my favorite actor,James Mason. But all books, US, UK ect ect are discussed!
I am a new member here. I joined because I am an ardent Anglophile but also because the name of this group stirred a memory--when I was very young my parents were driving cross-country and I used to listen, quietly, to their conversation. I recollect a lengthy disquisition on James, Pamela, and Portland Mason. I was not much younger than Portland, but as I recall (and my memory always leaps to the hyperbolic) she had published a martini mixing guide or something equally premature for an 8 year old. And--Lolita, Rebecca, Georgy Girl, North by Northwest!
My favorite period is 19th century British. I also like modernism.
Doulton wrote: "I am a new member here. I joined because I am an ardent Anglophile but also because the name of this group stirred a memory--when I was very young my parents were driving cross-country and I used ..."
Welcome!!
Welcome!!
Thanks to Rick for the invite, I am looking forward to jumping in and being a part of what seems to be a great group. I have loved to read since childhood and am probably one of the few women who prefer to buy books over shoes! Jacqueline Carey is one of my favorite authors, I can't say enough about her writing! Anne Bishop is another I have enjoyed reading recently. Don't misunderstand, I am a lover of all things classic as well. As I said, I am very glad to be a part of this group.
Casey
Casey
Hello! I'm Isla. I love books, writing, anything to do with words. I'm 12 years old, so go easy on me! ;P
Mod
welcome Casey! so happy to have you as a Member of our Group- your Group now!!! feel free to invite friends who you feel will be interested in the Group!! That goes for all our Members!!!
I know you will be a wonderful asset to the Group, Casey
Best
Rick
Mod
Isla wrote: "Hello! I'm Isla. I love books, writing, anything to do with words. I'm 12 years old, so go easy on me! ;P"
Isla- welcome- and it is extremely important that this Group remain family friendly as we have folks of all ages- so I am quite sure that you will not find any foul language or innapropriate posts on here- please let me know if you do
Best
Rick
Mod
wonderful anecdote! I named the Group as a tribute to James Mason's (my favorite actor)memory- even though we have expanded to include all literature and books
so happyto have you as a member! and for sure check out the James Mason Polls- listed on top right of Group Page!
PS...invite friends!!:>)
Mod
VERY much appreciated, Le Pion De La Prophétie - as I never considered this "My" Group- but rather "OUR" Group!
Rick wrote: "Le Pion De La Prophétie wrote: "I will invite soon!! :)"
VERY much appreciated, Le Pion De La Prophétie - as I never considered this "My" Group- but rather "OUR" Group!"
Thats nice!!
VERY much appreciated, Le Pion De La Prophétie - as I never considered this "My" Group- but rather "OUR" Group!"
Thats nice!!
Thank you for the invitation to join, Rick! Here's my intro: I'm Kathleen and I'm the author of the four-part Macsen's Treasure Series, historical novels set in fifth century Britain. I'm also a reader--mostly historical fiction but I enjoy literary fiction and the occasional thriller as well.
My books are listed below. Currently I'm re-editing Into the Path of Gods for an ebook edition. It was published 12 years ago and my writing and research skills have both improved so much that the book doesn't match the tone of the later three. Once I'm done with this, it's on to another project!
Nice to meet you all!
Mod
Here's my intro: I'm Kathleen and I'm the author of the four-part Macsen's Treasure Series, historical novels set in fifth century Britain. I'm also ..."
wonderful to have you as a member!!! Your books all look fantastic Kathleen!!
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