Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion
Previous BRs - Authors; M - P
>
Martin, George R.R. - A Game of Thrones (buddy read/1st in group series read) Start date June 9th 2011
message 51:
by
Sarah
(last edited Jun 07, 2011 03:38PM)
(new)
Jun 07, 2011 03:37PM
So if I have this right we should read the pages before the date. i.e. for June 9th we should have the prologue through ch. 3 read on June 8th. Then on June 9th we would read ch. 4 through ch. 7 so we would have it done for June 10th. Is that right or am I making it complicated for myself? lol
reply
|
flag
Awesome readalong, but I'm already done reading this book :)
Hiya,Is it too late to participate? Book 5 (?) just came out here and I am looking for an excuse to read them again ( even though i do have three review books to get through thie week :P)At this point i volunteer to do questions/comments as this will be nmy first buddy read and not quite sure what to expect but if you still need someone towards the end I may be able to help out then :)
I've been wanting to read this! I've been watching the show. Count me in!
I've already read this book, but I'll lurk around.
I've been meaning to read this. I really like the show.I'd like to participate. :)
I'd like to join in!Haven't really done any buddy reads so I'm not sure what to do in terms of the questions/comments, but I'll be as active as I can.
I'll definitely participate! I've been meaning to get around to reading this series for a while and this will give me some motivation to do so.
Its 8th June here. I guess I might be the first person to start.
Count me in! Had planned to start reading it as soon as the first Season ended! =)
I would like to join in on this buddy read but this is such a busy month for me and I'll have a good handful of days where I won't be near a computer. With that said, I'm not sure what I will be able to do in terms of participation but I'll do what I can do. This sounds like fun!
what is buddy reading exactly??? I've already started, but I'm only a few chapters in and sooo confused.
I'm not sure what a Buddy Read is either, but I'm game! I just got this book on Audio from the library so I'm good to go!
A buddy read is when someone suggests reading a book in our
Read It With Me
topic and one or more people wish to join in. It wasn't voted on to be a 'Book of the Month', but this one seems so popular I added it to our list of books we're currently reading and took our current Series read (which, by the way, will still continue through the end of the month - Patricia Brigg's Mercy series) and bumped it to our already read bookshelf. Most of the buddy reads we've done recently end up having a set number of chapters we read each day. In the case of this book we've decided on 4 chapters a day. Anyone can choose to take over one of the days readings and ask the questions that are buzzing around in their mind as they read the book. Someone might want to know the first impression of a character that just entered the story. Someone may wonder if anyone has any clues as to what is going to happen because of a comment a character made. It's actually quite fun to see what some people come up with. Sometimes we'll be right and other times way off. If you read fast you may want to start a little late and join in on answering questions later or wait until the end to post, but it's more fun if you participate as we go. Hopefully, that answers your questions. I believe Shay has volunteered to start us off with questions.
I am going to start this one with you tomorrow, hopefully I can catch up with the pace.
I would like to join you. Will try my best to keep up! :-)
*hopping* Well, has anybody else read it? I'm dying to discuss (well, at this point, nothing much) the opinions/moods, whatever guys. I'm hooked only after 2 chapters. I didn't want to put the book down after the 3 chapters (and I did it only because my commute was over). As of now, I can say, why oh why didn't I pick it up earlier?
Just finished chapter 3 less than a minute ago.I'm really enjoying it.
I want to participate too. I read first half of the book, I can finish the first book until the end of June and discuss it with you :)
I'd like to join in the reading, although I seem to already be on chapter 20 (Eddard)....I've been watching the show and trying to catch up to that, but I enjoy reading what other people think about how the story is going and their thoughts and views on characters and such. I don't know about asking questions for each chapter, but I may like to add to the discussions...Thanks! :)
I'm very interested in reading this book, but I don't want to formally commit to writing questions and then not be able to do it and let everyone down. :-( (Work schedule has been pretty busy...)But this has been on my To Read list for a few months now, ever since I saw the preview for the new show. I haven't actually been watching the series because I had planned on reading the books. I can always catch up with the DVDs. :-)
I think what I'll do is start reading and try to keep up. If I'm a good girl and am able to, then at least I'll be more confident for the next Buddy Read.
I'll attempt to fill in the gaps with questions if more people would prefer to just read and answer questions as we go.
I just picked up the paperback at B&N, so I'm definitely in without languishing for weeks in the library queue.
Nikk, If you'd like to pick a date I've got them listed on the post of this topic. Let me know. We'd love some help with asking questions.
I plan on starting the audiobook soon, so I'll pop in & check out the discussions.
i'd like to join you but i'm not sure i can keep up with the 4 chapters a day rule, i'm a binge reader (if i get into a book, i have to read it till the end).
it's my first time to participate in something like this but I've had the four books for a while now (in audio book)and this is a good opportunity to start w/ them. I'd like to read along..
Hello eveybody.I have never done this and I'm not exactly sure how it's going to work, but I would like in on this. This book has been on my to read list for a while now and I have some time off between my exams so.. count me in!
actually the four chapters a day works well for me as I am currently reading a couple of other books at the moment includingn one i need to review on thby the weekend so it means I can join in and still keep up with my other readign also :)
Ok ....I ll give this a try....hoping I can keep up ....never done a buddy read...but really want to read this series.....sounds like fun....any chance that the rest of the series will be done on a buddy read?
I bought the book today at Target. Thanks for the tip, Lisarenee. I would love to join the buddy read, but I will be moving at the end of June, first of July. This month is full of packing, working, cleaning, and multiple trips to Fort Worth. I don't know how much reading I will be able to do. Therefore, I will not formally participate in the buddy read. However, I will pop in now and then and offer my two cents and comment on other comments if that is permitted!Yall have fun!
Larger, Interactive Map. Also a description of the "Houses". Beware spoilers as this is the HBO site:http://viewers-guide.hbo.com/game-of-...
Questions: Prologue through Chapter 3
Some general questions:
1. Many fantasy stories have a "medieval" feel. They incorporate elements that seem or are very fitting to the medieval time period. Why do you think authors do this?
2. Tolkien was asked many times how WWII affected his writing of The Lord of the Rings. Was it allegorical? Tolkien always insisted that it wasn't. That being said, does Martin "mean" anything by setting the North vs. the South? Those things obviously "mean" something to us- the Civil War, North and South Korea, Vikings, etc.
3. For some reason, many epics start with an execution (or perhaps a death/murder). What is the author's purpose in doing that?
4. Does the direwolf, and her pups, appearance foreshadow anything? What do you make of the pups numbering the exact amount of Stark children?
5. The orphan is a powerful literary symbol. Especially historically where one's birth determined career, marriage, etc. Orphans are free to, sort of, create their own destiny. What, if anything, will Dany (Daenerys) choose to do to break with her "destiny"?
Shay’s Questions, answered: Prologue through Chapter 3Some general questions:
1. Many fantasy stories have a "medieval" feel. They incorporate elements that seem or are very fitting to the medieval time period. Why do you think authors do this?
Because it’s a cool era! Neater weapons. The fighting can be more mano-a-mano, which IMHO is more honorable; since history was not well recorded then, it is a more mythical period in our history allowing for the development of world-building; has more of an uncivilized feel to it; it’s darker, more brooding; it was the era of superstition and belief in witchcraft, lending itself well to fantasy.
2. Tolkien was asked many times how WWII affected his writing of The Lord of the Rings. Was it allegorical? Tolkien always insisted that it wasn't. That being said, does Martin "mean" anything by setting the North vs. the South? Those things obviously "mean" something to us- the Civil War, North and South Korea, Vikings, etc.
How could WWII not influence Tolkien’s writing? As far as Martin? Could be, even if on a subconscious level.
3. For some reason, many epics start with an execution (or perhaps a death/murder). What is the author's purpose in doing that?
Death as “Rebirth” or a fresh beginning? Adding to the mystery of all the whys for the execution and what will be revealed down the road. Setting up the characters responses to it.
4. Does the direwolf, and her pups, appearance foreshadow anything? What do you make of the pups numbering the exact amount of Stark children?
I would say foreshadowing. A sigil is supposed to have magical powers.
5. The orphan is a powerful literary symbol. Especially historically where one's birth determined career, marriage, etc. Orphans are free to, sort of, create their own destiny. What, if anything, will Dany (Daenerys) choose to do to break with her "destiny"?
I don’t know, but I don’t like her brother, Viserus. Maybe Dany will run away from her brother so she won’t have to marry Drogo? As a princess, she may have some power (mystical or as a displaced royal); maybe someone will be willing to shelter her. However, since she was born in a storm, I’m guessing it won’t be the first of her life! She is awfully young, but maybe she and her husband will come to love one another. Unlike her brother, she doesn’t seem to want much; hopefully she will find a warm, comfortable, peaceful place to dwell.
Great questions, Shay.I'll just go with Q4 for now - 4. Does the direwolf, and her pups, appearance foreshadow anything? What do you make of the pups numbering the exact amount of Stark children?
Keep this question in mind throughout your reading of this book. It definitely foreshadows something.
AH wrote: "It definitely foreshadows something..."Do their lives (and deaths) run parallel?
Keep reading and make your own decision on that one. :)
Many fantasy stories have a "medieval" feel. They incorporate elements that seem or are very fitting to the medieval time period. Why do you think authors do this? I think this is to make it seem further away from reality. if it was closer to our reality, it changes that escapist feel a little and makes things easier to relate to every day life whereas by giving us a more medieval feel it makes it seem further away both in time and space and more unlike reality. I also like lisa's answer that it gives a more uncivilised darker feel.
2. Tolkien was asked many times how WWII affected his writing of The Lord of the Rings. Was it allegorical? Tolkien always insisted that it wasn't. That being said, does Martin "mean" anything by setting the North vs. the South? Those things obviously "mean" something to us- the Civil War, North and South Korea, Vikings, etc.
Possibly, but then by the same token, if it was East v West, once could read it as Communism vs Capitalism among other things as East and West also have a lot of symbolism for society even just in the Northern hemishphere the further north you go the colder it gets while if you go south it gets warmer..
I tend to be totally oblivious whe it comes to things though so it could be there and have gone straight over my head :P
Lisa Kay, your answers are too good. Almost what I was thinking.. which means I have nothing more to add really.
Hi all! If you still taking on members I would love to join. I've had this on my shelf to read for a while and it will be nice to have some company while I do!
I better get reading otherwise i'll fall behind!
1. Many fantasy stories have a "medieval" feel. They incorporate elements that seem or are very fitting to the medieval time period. Why do you think authors do this?I think a lot of fantasy stories have the "medieval" feel to them because (IMHO) there is a lot more description within a sword fight rather than a gun fight, i.e. the way the wind sounds as the sword is swung through the air and how it may slice into someone...etc. vs. he shot the guy and the guy fell down....Well, I mean, I know there's usually more to that, but that's the impression I get from most gunshot scenes...It seems more, I don't know, I guess intimate, more "honorable" in a way...My husband and I collect samurai swords because they just have that "awe" affect...
2. Tolkien was asked many times how WWII affected his writing of The Lord of the Rings. Was it allegorical? Tolkien always insisted that it wasn't. That being said, does Martin "mean" anything by setting the North vs. the South? Those things obviously "mean" something to us- the Civil War, North and South Korea, Vikings, etc.
I don't know if Martin actually "means" anything by this set-up, it may just be that people are more familiar by this and it can bring to mind those wars for the audience, and, depending on who they preferred the winner of those wars to be, could affect who they want to win between the Starks and Lannisters (I don't know if this is considered a spoiler or not since they seem to hate each other so much, I assume they will fight at some point)....
3. For some reason, many epics start with an execution (or perhaps a death/murder). What is the author's purpose in doing that?
It's funny, I just got through reading "Pillars of the Earth" and it also started with an execution, a hanging in the town square. It certainly seemed to peak my interest in the story right off the bat (Pillars and GoT) especially how the characters were hunted down in the first scenes of GoT...very cool.
4. Does the direwolf, and her pups, appearance foreshadow anything? What do you make of the pups numbering the exact amount of Stark children?
I will assume that the numbering of the direwolf pups correlating with the number of Stark children will have a meaning (or two or three...) since it seems like a pretty poignant scene in the beginning of the novel, and since Jon found Ghost, these two together will provide a pretty interesting part of the story. Since direwolves are supposed to not be south of the Wall, I'm also wondering what kind of "powers" or "abilities" these wolves may possess...and what in world could have possibly killed the mother direwolf the way that it did....that's pretty scary in itself, especially so close to Winterfell as it was.
5. The orphan is a powerful literary symbol. Especially historically where one's birth determined career, marriage, etc. Orphans are free to, sort of, create their own destiny. What, if anything, will Dany (Daenerys) choose to do to break with her "destiny"?
The first thing I hope she does is kick her brother's behind! What an a$$!! "Dragon" or not, I would have beat him with a bat if I'd been her (or a really big stick...lol). I really hope he gets what's coming to him (and I don't mean the throne). I think she'll end up marrying the leader of the barbarian tribe (whose name escapes me right at this second of course) and hopefully she'll end up with more power than her brother. I hope she ends up with the army...what she does with it then I suppose will have to determine on who wins between the Starks and the Lannisters....
Awesome questions!! Can't wait for the next ones :) I like having to think about what I've read, especially for epic sagas like GoT and WoT :)
@Nikk - Good points. I mean, they have to be located somewhere, and I am sure we can find a correlation to a historical or current war in our world history, for any situation, if we look for it.Also, I am familiar with Tolkien’s life; however, I know nothing about Martin, except he wrote a book that became an HBO series.
Argh! I searched nearly all the boxes in the hot attic and the boxes in my closet and I still cannot find my copy. I'll try to do a more thorough search over the weekend. If I still can't find it, I suppose I can borrow it from a friend. *sigh*
I answered these before looking at other responses so I'm sorry if they are repetitive. 1. Many fantasy stories have a "medieval" feel. They incorporate elements that seem or are very fitting to the medieval time period. Why do you think authors do this?
I think the reason many fantasy stories have a "medieval" feel is because that time seems magical. At least, to me. It feels like magic and knights and kings were very real during the medieval time period. Plus, there is a lot of room to make up anything you want. While if an author was to pick something from a more recent time period there is more of a restriction.
2. Tolkien was asked many times how WWII affected his writing of The Lord of the Rings. Was it allegorical? Tolkien always insisted that it wasn't. That being said, does Martin "mean" anything by setting the North vs. the South? Those things obviously "mean" something to us- the Civil War, North and South Korea, Vikings, etc.
I'm not exactly sure if North vs. South will have any particular meaning in this story but it definitely could. But since it is our interpretation, and we bring our knowledge into how we conceive the ideas that an author presents, the Civil War, etc. could have a large part in our definition of the story.
3. For some reason, many epics start with an execution (or perhaps a death/murder). What is the author's purpose in doing that?
I believe this execution in particular was used to show the honor that Ned Stark has. He is upholding his responsibility by executing the man himself because he meted the punishment. I think he's setting up an example of how a man should behave for his sons, and that is why they all witness it. I do not believe the daughters ever would/will witness an execution like that. Plus, Stark makes it personal.
4. Does the direwolf, and her pups, appearance foreshadow anything? What do you make of the pups numbering the exact amount of Stark children?
I believe it might foreshadow something because Catelyn seemed particularly upset at the way the direwolf died. Maybe it means something for Catelyn in particular since she is the mother. Maybe she will be executed or will have to fear attackers. I don't believe in coincidence in novels, and I think everything an authors puts into a story is for a reason. I'm not sure exactly what I think it will mean right now but I know the pups will be significant, particularly since it is the exact number for the Stark children.
5. The orphan is a powerful literary symbol. Especially historically where one's birth determined career, marriage, etc. Orphans are free to, sort of, create their own destiny. What, if anything, will Dany (Daenerys) choose to do to break with her "destiny"?
I don't think Dany has much of a choice in anything at the moment. She is being forced to try to marry the Khal Drogo because her brother wants an army. She is a woman so she doesn't have a lot of power because of her gender. To go further, she's 13. There is no way she has any say in anything until she's older or until she marries. By becoming a Queen she will have some ability to further her own destiny but it will still be outlined by her husband.
I hope Dany is able to find herself a home. Poor girl... being traded by her brother for an army...
I can't imagine why Viserys even wants to re-claim the throne. How can he really remember his home? He was 8 when they fled and maybe it is some childish fantasy of his to be a King and he hasn't out grown it. He has a particularly nasty temper, but I believe he feels like his destiny was taken from him. The book said he had an older brother, and if they are following progeniture (where everything is inherited through the father's line and it would follow to the eldest son) then he would not have been entitled to anything except for getting special recognition or a high standing title. He would never have been King.
I think it's just about the status. Even being brother to the king is a lot higher than what he's got now. He's got no money, no real allies, no home. So he either does what he's doing and try to claim back the Targaryen throne or he accepts life as a commoner.
Which I can't imagine would sit all that well with "the dragon"...
Nothing But Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
A Time to Kill (other topics)Halfway to the Grave (other topics)
A Clash of Kings (other topics)
River Marked (other topics)
A Game of Thrones (other topics)
More...
