The Next Best Book Club discussion
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Map of True Places - Brunonia Barry Joins The Discussion!
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I submitted to win. Any idea when we'd be reading it? I need to plan my reading. :-)
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the winners have been notified. Click the link to see who won!!
Thank you to everyone who participated. This was the best giveaway turnout yet!!!!! I will notify the winners when the books have been mailed.
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Feel free to start discussing the book tomorrow. I will only have one thread open, since this is not an offical group read (one that was not voted in).
The more you discuss the better for us to get a feel of the book, and perhaps convince others to run out and purchase it!
Chat away! And congrats to the winners again!!!!
I need to finish the book I am on now and then I'll start. Hopefully by the weekend.
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First, let me say a big thank you to Lori and Harper Collins for sponsoring the giveaway.I devoured this book...
I had been seeing it on all the popular book sites and knew that there must be some great marketing behind it, so was very interested to see what it would be like.
This was my first experience with Brunonia Barry. I have had The Lace Reader on my TBR for a long time, but it hadn't come up in my reading rotation.
Having said that, I wasn't quite sure what to expect from Barry as an author. I really enjoyed Barry's writing style, her prose, her ability to give you such a great "picture" of the places where the story takes place. Reading about the Salem area made me want to go there and live like her characters!
The story itself moved along very rapidly for me. I honestly couldn't put the book down for the last 200 pages. Although there was a lot going on, with a lot of subplots and introductions of smaller pieces of the story all along the way, I loved the way everything was interwoven and ended up fitting together so nicely. There were several times where I thought I knew where she was going with the plot, and in the end, I was so wrong! I'm not writing any story summary here, but will gladly go into more detail if others don't. Also, I'm not posting any spoilers yet because I want to wait for some others to chime in.
I went and bought The Lace Reader when I was halfway through this book because I enjoyed this one so much.
If you enjoy family stories, have ever questioned whether your life is on the path you think it should be, dealt with mental illness, aging parents, loved and lost, I think this will be a great read for you to check out.
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I cannot wait to see what everyone has to say as more people get started reading it...
The conversations should be interesting.
I'm starting this today, and I can't wait!
Karina wrote: "starting the book today!"Me too
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I do plan to skip the spoilers and see what you are thinking though!!
I just finished it last night, and really enjoyed this book. It has enough twists and turns to constantly remain interesting, and is very well written.
Lori - Please delete this if you think it's inapproprite.I'm not trying to take members away from TNBBC, but Brunonia Barry has joined another group (of which I'm the moderator): The Book Addicts. I'm not asking you to switch your discussion to that group's site, but Brunonia is stopping by to answer questions. Just wanted to mention it to you, in case you have a question for the author beyond the book discussion.
Hope no one is offended!
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In the meantime, I welcome the invitation.
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I want to thank Brunonia for so graciously agreeing to participate in the discussion. What a wonderful opportunity for us to ask her questions as we read the book together.
If you havent picked up the book to start reading, please be sure to do so now!! Don't miss the interaction with the author!!!
Sounds great. I'll be sure to begin reading it soon and be ready with a few questions!
That is so exciting! I was out of town last weekend, so I've barely opened the book thus far, but I'm super excited to start, and I've cleared some time specifically for this book! How awesome that we'll get to interact with the author!
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It's an excellent book. I can't wait to hear what Brunonia can add to it.
I have one book I am finishing, then I will start The Map of True Places. I am looking forward to it and, if Barry is able to join the group, it will be cool to have her involved in the discussion.
Just about halfway through the book and it is great so far. I don't know if I am just completely emotional this week seeing as I cried at the end of Gran Torino and during Up this week, but reading the condition of Zee's dad tugs at me! I feel so bad! I love the interaction between them, regardless of all the issues.
Sherrie Y wrote: "First, let me say a big thank you to Lori and Harper Collins for sponsoring the giveaway.I devoured this book...
I had been seeing it on all the popular book sites and knew that there must be ..."
Thanks, Sherrie. I have been invited by Lori to drop into this discussion. I'm really glad that you enjoyed the book.
Lori wrote: "I am waiting for Brunonia to let me know she has joined so I can start to really spread the word! I'm very excited about this!"Hi Lori,
I thought I'd drop in this afternoon. Thanks so much for leading this discussion!
Brunonia
Les wrote: "I just finished it last night, and really enjoyed this book. It has enough twists and turns to constantly remain interesting, and is very well written."Thanks so much, Les.
avisannschild wrote: "I just started reading the book too and so far it's great!Lori, I'm happy to hear you finally got your copy! Do you know when Brunonia will be joining this discussion?"
I'm here, and will be checking in periodically. I am on the last leg of a book tour heading to Denver tomorrow.
Karina wrote: "Just about halfway through the book and it is great so far. I don't know if I am just completely emotional this week seeing as I cried at the end of Gran Torino and during Up this week, but reading..."Thanks, Karina. The character of Finch was inspired by my dad who suffered from Parkinson's. We lost him in 2005, but I was able to spend a great deal of time with him in those last years, and I'm sure that's coming through in the story.
Hi Everyone,Thanks so much for reading The Map of True Places and for inviting me to join your discussion. This is a story about finding your true place in the world when you don't have a map to guide you. Though it is fiction, there is a part of it that I lived: moving back home to New England after many years in Los Angeles, helping my parents through their last days. I live in Salem, and you can probably tell that I love it here. My husband and I used to ask ourselves where you can go after you've lived in L.A.. At the time, we didn't know that the answer was Salem, which has the same kind of open spirit where just about anything can (and does) happen. Like the characters in both of my novels, I found I had to go back to go forward.
I look forward to our continuing discussion. Let me know if you have any questions.
Thanks Again,
Brunonia
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I am so thankful that you are able to find time to join us, while still on tour. That must be such an exciting yet draining experience for you.
I would like to ask what it was like to write a story that reflects so much on your life experience with your father. Even though it is fiction, as you said, it takes the reader through so much of what you have been through personally. Was it difficult for you to revisit some of those memories?
i'm moving this to the top of my TBR, i'm probably going to need to purchase it, since the wait list at the library is pretty long. we're actually reading The Lace Reader for my library book group this month. it sounds like The Map of True is going to be another good one!
Brunonia, thanks so much for joining us!I just have a few questions: What was your inspiration for the premise of this novel? How long did it take you to write it?
Brunonia, It is soooo cool that you are here!! I loved reading The Lace Reader and I am waiting - probably for a long time for The Map of True Places. I found that you really drag the reader into the story until they are willing to read all night!
I finished this book in two sittings, but feel that I need to allow my thoughts to digest a little bit before I am able to really articulate how I felt about this book. ... So, I'll be back tomorrow! ;)Although, I will say that my feelings for this story are much more positive here at the end than they were in the beginning...
Ashley wrote: "I finished this book in two sittings, but feel that I need to allow my thoughts to digest a little bit before I am able to really articulate how I felt about this book. ... So, I'll be back tomorro..."Lori wrote: "Brunonia,
I am so thankful that you are able to find time to join us, while still on tour. That must be such an exciting yet draining experience for you.
I would like to ask what it was like to ..."
Lori wrote: "Brunonia,
I am so thankful that you are able to find time to join us, while still on tour. That must be such an exciting yet draining experience for you.
I would like to ask what it was like to ..."
It was a bit difficult to write about caregiving with my dad, but it was also theraputic. Both of my parents were disabled at the time, my dad from Parkinson's and my mom from very severe Rheumatoid Arthritis. It was important to them that they stay at home and together, so we did everything possible to make that happen, and they were able to stay in together. Jessina is a compilation of some of the home health aides who helped make it happen. Caregiving is depressing sometimes, so we would all help each other. Some of the book reflects what happened, and some was my effort to work through the details of caregiving and change the ending somewhat. I think we write about what we're trying to understand. At least I do.
Brunonia wrote: "Ashley wrote: "I finished this book in two sittings, but feel that I need to allow my thoughts to digest a little bit before I am able to really articulate how I felt about this book. ... So, I'll ..."Bhumi wrote: "Brunonia, thanks so much for joining us!
I just have a few questions: What was your inspiration for the premise of this novel? How long did it take you to write it?"
It took a little over two years to write. There was also about six months of research involved, but I was able to do most of that while I was on tour for The Lace Reader.
The inspiration came from two seemingly unrelated events: One morning I was watching the riggers on the tall ship (Friendship) climbing about a hundred feet in the air, and it was making me nervous. I wondered about the people who do this for a living plus the ones who work as reenactors of any kind. In a way they are choosing to live in another century, and there is something really appealing about it. Then I had the idea for Finch, someone who is unintentionally losing himself to another century and to his illness. Soon, I started hearing Zee's voice commenting on both thoughts, and their psychological ramifications, and I knew that I had my protagonist.
I don't want to post any real spoilers, but sometimes it's hard for me to truly express my thoughts and/or feelings without going into shady waters, so if you haven't read the book, and abhor any and all spoilers, this might be a little risky for you... My apologies. This book was really hard for me to get into when I started it. I struggled with certain elements of the writing style. I've heard people refer to the great visuals this book creates. I am not a hugely visual reader, and there were times that I felt like Ms. Barry was trying so hard to create all these great visual passages that she tried too hard.
However, once I adjusted to the writing style and became used to the way this author chose to blend her words, I definitely got into the story. Part One was not the best for me, but as soon as I got past that I flew through the book. It says a lot about an author and their characters/story that it was engrossing enough I stopped noticing the parts of the writing I didn't love. I really enjoyed most of the characters and their interactions with others. Once Zee realized she needed to be living for herself, I understood and liked her better as well.
I loved the small connections and hints that were interwoven throughout the entire story that helped craft an overarching feeling to the story that left me with so much more once I turned the final page than I expected. At first the strong connections to the fairy tale Maureen wrote felt weird and oddly creepy. But, as I read on, I loved it. -Side note, I also loved the story her mother was writing and was angry when it ended. I know they kept referring to it as the never completed story, but I really expected there to be an ending there. (So, Ms. Barry, if you'd like to include that for me, I would be much obliged. ;) Thank you...)
So, all in all, this book was much stronger than I anticipated and I would say that I was very pleasantly surprised by the book. I am not in love with paranormal-type fiction parading as realistic fiction (although I have absolutely NOTHING against it being written or read by others) so I doubt I will pick up The Lace Reader.
However, I will definitely be watching for whatever Ms. Barry comes out with next.
Hi Brunonia,Thanks so much for joining us - it is an honor!
I was wondering if you could expand on your comment about the 6 months it took to do research for the book.
I am interested to know if you already had a great knowledge of the Salem shipping industry and nautical navigation or if it was all new to you? Did you take any classes similar to what you wrote about? And, have you seen the stars on the horizon at dawn or sunset?
Also, you said one of your inspirations was seeing the riggers on the Friendship - were you able to interview any of them?
I haven't read the book, I just want to give a high five for Boston. I went to high school in Beverly, which as you know is Salem's creepy, obese little brother who may be carrying a knife for no explainable reason.
I stayed up too late last night finishing the book. The couple of unexpected twists near the end got me hooked!***SPOILER BELOW***
I am not sure how I feel about Zee not finding out the truth about Melville being her father. On one hand, I know she already had alot to deal with and work through but on another, I think that is something everyone deserves to know.
Brunonia,
I'd be interested in hearing your explanation of why you had Melville throw the book and suicide note into the sea.
I just finished the book, and as I have stated earlier, the relationship that hit me the most was between Zee and Finch.**SPOILERS BELOW**
I really connected to with what Zee was going through with her "father" as I went through the same thing with my grandfather, who suffered from "old-age" lukemeia and dementia, and couldn't remember my name in the end. Putting a loved one into a home is a tough choice. Jessina reminded me of my grandpa's CNA at the veteran's home and I cried after one of the chapters where she is described dressing Finch. It really brought back the memories of the home my grandpa was in and it is so fresh in my mind, as he has only recently passed.
I loved the imagery in the book although I also don't necessarily agree with Melville not revealing himself to Zee as being her father, but I understood.
I wasn't completely satisfied with some of the endings of the plot twists, including the whole Roy being Lilley's lover and how that ended, but it was fitting that he ate the cake and poisoned himself.
All and all it was a good read, something which I will definitely recommend to others.
Alex wrote: "I haven't read the book, I just want to give a high five for Boston. I went to high school in Beverly, which as you know is Salem's creepy, obese little brother who may be carrying a knife for no ..."lol! Thanks Alex! You are very funny.
Just started reading, so I'll be back in a day or two with some thoughts once I have finished. Its great so far!
Julie wrote: "I stayed up too late last night finishing the book. The couple of unexpected twists near the end got me hooked!***SPOILER BELOW***
Hi Julie. Melville made a promise to Finch that he would never reveal the truth. He wants Zee to know, and was planning to tell her, but he could not break his promise. He had hoped to change Finch's mind, but then Finch's condition changed and it became impossible.
I went back and forth on this one but decided, in the end, that Melville would believe that Zee has had enough trauma in her life, at least for now. Melville has acted as a father figure for a long time, and Zee has considered him a father. So he is playing the role without the credit. As much as he would like her to know, he decides to keep his promise because that's who he is. He was prepared to take whatever blame might come his way, but he doesn't need her to know as much as he needs her to be okay. If he tells her, and it has disastrous consequences, he can’t take it back.
I am not sure how I feel about Zee not finding out ..."
If anyone wants to comment, I'd love to hear your thoughts about the unfulfilled dreams of the mother. I just finished my book tour for The Map of True Places, and this was one of the most often discussed topics. It certainly has been true for me, I have tried to fulfill those dreams, particularly the ones my mother never expressed. Has anyone else had the same experience?
Hi Brunonia,I just wanted to tell you that I bought The Lace Reader when it first came out in hardback. I regret to say that I just got around to reading it. It was fantastic! I loved all of the characters and was so surprised at the end that I actually went back and reread it! I truly loved this book. It has been my favorite so far this year. I grew to love Salem and cannot wait for a visit to this historical town.
I must say that next week on vacation at the beach I will be picking up a copy of The Map of True Places. It will not go unread like the Lace Reader did. It will be first on the list during vacation!
Thanks for such an awesome book!
Sherrie Y wrote: "Hi Brunonia,Thanks so much for joining us - it is an honor!
I was wondering if you could expand on your comment about the 6 months it took to do research for the book.
I am interested to ..."
Hi Sherrie,
I got a chance to ask questions of all sorts of people connected with the Friendship as well as two riggers there. I didn't take a class in celestial navigation, but read all the books I could find, including very old ones. I really had to learn quite a bit about celestial navigation before I was able to write about it. At first it was like learning a new language, but, after a while it began to make sense. I wouldn't yet trust me to circumnavigate the globe, but maybe someday. And yes, I got to take dawn and dusk sights on the ocean. I did know something about Salem in the Age of Sail but had to learn a great deal more and credit some very good sources for helping me there. I knew quite a bit about Parkinson's because my father suffered from it. The psychology and practice of psychology took quite a bit of research. I know something about bipolar disorder, but needed to know more about psychologists in general and interviewed several regarding both treatment and ethics. If you go to brunoniabarry.com, you will find a suggested reading list.
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Harper Collins has generously allowed me the opportunity to hold a giveaway contest for The Map of True Places - the newest release from author Brunonia Barry.
I have 10 copies to give away to US/Canada residents only. (Sorry, not my decision guys).
The rules are really quite simple:
Be the first 10 commenters on the giveaway post located here - http://thenextbestbookblog.blogspot.c... - and tell me why you would like a copy of Brunonia Barry's new book. Please be sure to leave your email address so I can contact you for your mailing address. The books will be shipped from Harper Collins.
The winners of The Map of True Places must agree to participate in a mini-group read and discuss the novel here in a folder designated for the book - like we do for our monthly group reads.
This contest will remain open until I have received the tenth comment on my blog. So it could be over very quickly. Get going everyone!!