Books on the Nightstand discussion
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Karen
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May 17, 2012 08:26AM
Not sure if this was suggested before, but I was moving my copy of Lauren Groff's "Arcadia" to the top of my TBR pile of books and thought of how much I enjoyed her previous novel, "The Monsters of Templeton." I recommended this book to many friends and every one of them seemed put-off by the title. Have people had similar experiences when recommending books with odd, or misleading titles?
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Potential topic for discussion: pros and cons of author signing events. I started thinking about the etiquette of these gatherings when I heard the rebroadcast of Terry Gross' (NPR's Fresh Air) interview with the late Maurice Sendak. Sendak admitted he hated author signings, and in his later years refused to do them because he felt uncomfortable, and the children who were thrust upon him with their beloved copy of Where the Wild Things Are were terrified.
I love to attend author readings/talks (wish I could have made it to Booktopia in VT!) but I don't enjoy waiting in line to have the author sign my copy. And, if you're far down the line, the author often looks up at you with impersonal, glazed eyes, and the whole thing makes me feels weird, obsessive and stalker-ish. Thoughts?
Karen wrote: "Not sure if this was suggested before, but I was moving my copy of Lauren Groff's "Arcadia" to the top of my TBR pile of books and thought of how much I enjoyed her previous novel, "The Monsters of..."Karen, I found the title of The Poisonwood Bible to be off-putting for years! I don't know why, but I thought that it sounded dull and dry. Thankfully I read it anyway, and really enjoyed it. Another example for me is The Night Circus, which I was sure I wasn't going to like, because after reading about circuses, I was sure it wasn't the book for me- and I've now read it 3 or 4 times.
I've also had things go the other way, where a title sounded right up my alley, but the book turned out to be not so much- although I can't think of specific examples at the moment.
I read an amusing article on npr's website today about how Ruta Sepetys' novel Between Shades of Gray is getting confused for the very different Fifty Shades of Grey: http://www.npr.org/2012/05/17/1527785...I was wondering if there were other examples of this that people could think of?
Just finished your episode on book snobbery. Maybe certain books lack literary merit, but if it gets someone reading I'm all for it. Now I'm looking for suggestions to transition them to the next great read. For example, loved the Da Vinci Code? Try The Name of the Rose or even Sacre Bleu next. What about recommendations for Twilight? The Secret, 50 Shades of Grey? I'd love a show on "Bad Book" Bromides: transitioning from literary losers to fantastic fiction.
Callie wrote: "I read an amusing article on npr's website today about how Ruta Sepetys' novel Between Shades of Gray is getting confused for the very different Fifty Shades of Grey: http://www.npr.org/2012/05/17/..."that's funny. i was mentioning between shades of gray to our school librarian and she laughed and said, "don't confuse it with the other book! very different."
i am curious if you've ever done an episode on biographies or autobiographies on musicians? i know there are some interesting ones out there, but i want some recommendations that are worth the effort. books where you really learn about the artists' method for creativity and inspiration. not books where the musician simply delves into drug use and self-indulgent behavior.
I left you a voice mail a few weeks back about a topic I'd like to hear you talk about: BOOK AWARDS, how relevant they are, controversies surrounding them, etc. In that vein, I just found out that there's another new award beginning this year - sponsored by the ALA (American Library Association) and the Carnegie Institute; here's an article about it for your reference: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releas...Thanks!!
Pamela wrote: "I left you a voice mail a few weeks back about a topic I'd like to hear you talk about: BOOK AWARDS, how relevant they are, controversies surrounding them, etc. In that vein, I just found out tha..."I'm interested in this topic as well. Used to be a time that I read every prize winner, but then felt like it was a scam concocted by publishers to increase sales. So many, probably most, of the books I love are not prize winners. So do prizes really matter? Why?
Mod
Me, too!
I'm interested in the trilogy trend. So many authors seem to be doing this lately, and I am conflicted about whether to read the books as they are published, or wait until the entire series is out. With the Hunger Games for example, I waited to read the first two until a month or so before the last one was out. However, I read Divergent when it came out, and now I'm regretting that decision. How much of that story will be fresh in my mind when I read the next in the series this summer? What do you all do? Do you re-read before the next one? Do you wait? Or are you able to keep the details fresh, and simply read the books as they are published?
I read an interesting article on Huff Post today that I think would make a good podcast topic. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/andrew-...It's about whether YA books should have a rating system like movies.
Betsy wrote: "IIt's about whether YA books should have a rating system like movies. That is an interesting idea. I know most of the YA I read when I was in that age group Babysitter's Club, Sweet Valley High, etc weren't too racy, but there was this book about (graphic) rape at the library that was on a totally different level. Now-a-days Twilight has more sex and descriptive violence than, for example, Harry Potter.
Mod
Good question. Thanks for asking.
I not only feel conflicted by trilogies, I also find it frustrating. On the one hand at least most trilogies are advertised as such, so you know up front that you're going to have to wait for the whole story. On the other I wonder why not just write the whole and finish it. I may be a bit cranky on this but feel it is a way to produce more revenue.
I have not ever read all three together. Usually I'll pick up the first and based on its appeal to me will decide whether to continue. This is the case with The Last Werewolf by Glen Duncan. I liked it and plan to read the next. This is not to say I will read the third. Depends.
Elizabeth wrote: "I'm interested in the trilogy trend. So many authors seem to be doing this lately, and I am conflicted about whether to read the books as they are published, or wait until the entire series is out...."I'm usually annoyed with book two in trilogies - I was with Insurgent recently - as it's often just a wrapup of book 1 and a scene setting for book 3, not really a finished story by itself. In many cases, I think it would be better to just write two (longer?) books, that could hold their own, but the fashion seems to dictate trilogies :-)
Louise wrote: "In many cases, I think it would be better to just write two (longer?) books, that could hold their own, but the fashion seems to dictate trilogies."Good observation; the ones I am thinking of seem to follow along with this.
Hi Ann and Michael,I have two suggestions! First up, how about under appreciated male authors? I started thinking about this when I was listening to this week's podcast. I know there are some out there and I'll put my plug in, again, for Richard Yates!
Secondly, what contemporary authors do you think people will be reading in 100 years time? Today's Shelf Awareness had this question. I found it interesting that in 1929 when they asked this question the resounding answer was Galsworthy, who today most readers don't know. Their current list is interesting, and I had look up Lydia Davis, I'd never heard of her. Got me thinking who I would put on my list!
http://www.flavorwire.com/294992/cont...
I recently heard an interview about Project Bookmark Canada (projectbookmarkcanada.ca), which is putting plaques at sites where real or imaginary stories took place. (Interview is in the April 16, 2012 podcast of The Next Chapter (www.cbc.ca/thenextchapter/podcast.html).I was strangely moved by visiting Platform 9-3/4 in London's King's Cross railway station. And I have still to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC, where the protagonists of From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs Basil E. Frankweiler hid.
What places have readers been inspired to visit? This might make an interesting call-in show.
Mod
Maybe an ancillary of this is that I have read books because I've known where they were taking place -
William X. Kienzle who wrote mysteries that took place in Detroit or
which took place in Toledo or parts of
which took partially took place in Columbus.It's thrilling to be reading and know exactly where something is taking place.
Linda wrote: "It's thrilling to be reading and know exactly where something is taking place. "
As a second coda to the topic of reading locales, last year I participated in the Where Are You Reading? Challenge (hosted by Sheila at her blog, Book Journey.) You would read a book and then pin a google map with the location of the setting of the book. The objective of the challenge was to read a book set in each of the United States. I didn't make it; but I had a lot of fun trying! Setting is oddly the one thing many readers tend to skim past when reading, preferring the action and dialogue to carry the plot; but once you start really noticing how the place impacts the story, it really adds to the reading experience!
As a second coda to the topic of reading locales, last year I participated in the Where Are You Reading? Challenge (hosted by Sheila at her blog, Book Journey.) You would read a book and then pin a google map with the location of the setting of the book. The objective of the challenge was to read a book set in each of the United States. I didn't make it; but I had a lot of fun trying! Setting is oddly the one thing many readers tend to skim past when reading, preferring the action and dialogue to carry the plot; but once you start really noticing how the place impacts the story, it really adds to the reading experience!
Steve wrote: "Hi Group,I'd be flattered if you'd talk/write about my new book. It's full of locales, so you can check off many ...
Steve, your blatant advertisement approach worked; I don't usually pay attention to things like this, but I did look up the book on Amazon, and the blurb about it hooked me when I read that "he navigates dangerously through Hebrew School", LOL, and then goes to on to say that he experiences numerous places I've lived and many that I haven't ... I'm going to give it a try. Thanks and good luck to you.
Pamela, thanks. Please let me know what you think after you read it. I look forward to hearing from you again. And I hope the book is of interest to others in the group.I'd really appreciate a "like" on facebook, too...
http://www.facebook.com/TravelToTheGSpot
I have a question about graphic novels and I am not sure if it has been covered before. I am looking for good graphic novels where a female is the protagonist. I am also interested in comics with a strong female lead! Can you make any suggestions? Thanks!
Kristen, have you read Persepolis
? It's a memoir rather than a novel, but it's excellent.
Callie wrote: "Kristen, have you read Persepolis ? It's a memoir rather than a novel, but it's excellent." yes, I have read it and loved it. I just tried out an app on my new iPad from marvel. I can browse story arcs and read comics through the app. I have been trying to learn more about comics after reading The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, especially since I work at a library and I want to learn more about what children and teens at my library are reading.
Yesterday as I was browsing this app, I realized that if a child asked me for recommendations on comics for girls, I would have no idea what to recommend. Since comics can be a gateway drug to reading, I would really like to learn. And then there are graphic novels. I want to be able to suggest materials to reluctant readers who are in their teens. What comics or graphic novels would you recommend to a girl after reading Persephone? Thanks!
@kristen,i'm not widely read or read at all in this area, but have you tried manga? typically you have strong female protagonists. i can't suggest any one thing, but i know many of my female students enjoy reading manga.
Kristen wrote: "I have a question about graphic novels and I am not sure if it has been covered before. I am looking for good graphic novels where a female is the protagonist. I am also interested in comics with a..."
Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Season 8 comes to mind; though if you haven't watched the TV series, it can be little difficult to get into.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Season 8 comes to mind; though if you haven't watched the TV series, it can be little difficult to get into.
Tanya/dog eared copy wrote: "Kristen wrote: "I have a question about graphic novels and I am not sure if it has been covered before. I am looking for good graphic novels where a female is the protagonist. I am also interested ..."I had also thought about mentioning Buffy, but it is way out there even if you did watch the series.
Callie wrote: "
I had also thought about mentioning Buffy, but it is way out there even if you did watch the series."
Yeah, I thought about that too; but I wasn't quite sure how to explain the "out there" factor or even if it was relevant considering how many others seem to love it.
I had also thought about mentioning Buffy, but it is way out there even if you did watch the series."
Yeah, I thought about that too; but I wasn't quite sure how to explain the "out there" factor or even if it was relevant considering how many others seem to love it.
Kristen wrote: "I have a question about graphic novels and I am not sure if it has been covered before. I am looking for good graphic novels where a female is the protagonist. I am also interested in comics with a..."Kristen,
I can tell you that my daughter (16) enjoys the Fables series Fables, Vol. 1: Legends in Exile.
Thank you all for your suggestions. I didn't think of Buffy, but that is a great idea, especially because it is already popular. I want to be able to recommend works that other girls would read. Thanks also for the Fables recommendation. So many to choose from!
Kristen wrote: "I have a question about graphic novels I like this series and so do my nieces Amulet, Vol. 1: The Stonekeeper. Also, check this out for other suggestions: http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/le...
Kristen wrote: "I have a question about graphic novels . Rapunzel's Revenge is a good one for younger girls and pre-teens, although I enjoyed it immensely myself.
Hello There I was hoping you could do a program (chosen from shortlisted books of 2011 & 2012) on short but "Must Read" Novels (example- The Sense of an Ending, which I'm almost finished reading as well)because lately I have been reading long novels that were worth the time (example-Ready Player One)however I have been feeling left behind on so many more of latest books as I am definitely not a particularly fast reader.
Thank you in advance for your time
Have a great day!
So last night I was thinking that since I got my Kindle for Christmas I have been buying books like I buy music on itunes, that is to say, impulsively. Since my account is tied to my credit card, I hardly have to think about the money. Also, knowing that I can have the book in two seconds makes it difficult to want to walk to the library, see if they have it in, put a hold, wait for it to come in.I know that there has been some news related to Apple and others pricing books higher and publishers worrying about how much money they make on these lower priced ebooks. I thought about my own habits, and it seems that I actually spend more money on books now that they are so accessible. So even though I am buying them at lower prices as an ebook, the publishers are making more money. Does anyone else experience this? Has anyone studied this?
Megan wrote: "So last night I was thinking that since I got my Kindle for Christmas I have been buying books like I buy music on itunes, that is to say, impulsively. Since my account is tied to my credit card, ..."This is an excellent idea for a show topic!! I too just buy what I want when I want it, and have no idea until the end of the month when I get my credit card statement how much I have spent. I tend to agree... that books at $9.99 tend to add up faster through more quantities than they did when they were $15 -$25. I would be very interested to no if ereaders lead to increased sales. But also did it impact margin and thus net income? If so, how much is from an ebook being cheaper to produce that paper/hardback (I don't know if it even is or not), how much is from the multiplier effect (buying more because it's cheaper which ads up to more, kind of like sale items at a clothing store), and how much is from books just being more accessible to people now then having to physically go to the store/library or wait for an order from Amazon to come.
Amy wrote: "Megan wrote: "So last night I was thinking that since I got my Kindle for Christmas I have been buying books like I buy music on itunes, that is to say, impulsively. Since my account is tied to my..."Very interesting topic. I read about 1/3 of my books on a Kindle and/or Kindle app on my phone; however, I still buy about 2/3 of my books. I am finding that the prices for newer paperbacks are often higher that the cost of the paperback on Amazon. There has been a lot of legal controversy over e-book pricing and purported conspiraces regarding such pricing. The New York Times weekly Book Review podcast has talked about it quite a bit lately.
That said, I have been buying too many Kindle books also, especially when they offer "special deals" and the Kindle singles. I've had a Kindle for over 4 years, and I am going back to preferring the hardback books more and more; it's not about the pricing -- it's the feel of paper, the ability to mark passages in my books (it's just not the same when you highlight or write a note on an e-reader), pride of ownership, my bookshelves looking full & happy, and for me it's mostly about supporting independent bookstores - - where I love to shop, hang out, hear an author speak, meet up with book group and writing group friends, have a coffee, etc.
I just discovered a relatively new indie bookstore near me (in south Florida) and I have volunteered to help them do PR and marketing, simply because I love the place so much and they don't have the funds or staff to do it themselves. I want everyone to know about such a wonderful place. I'm letting my passion for reading and good books lead the way ...
Mod
Way to go, Pamela!
Pamela wrote: "Amy wrote: "Megan wrote: "So last night I was thinking that since I got my Kindle for Christmas I have been buying books like I buy music on itunes, that is to say, impulsively. Since my account i..."Woo hoo, Pamela! What a marvelous thing to do! I wish you and the bookstore the very best of luck!
Mod
You both will benefit from the experience I'm certain! Thank heavens for volunteers.
that sounds awesome pamela. i hope you aren't affected by the deluge in florida right now.
I know it's probably too late, but Canada Day is on Sunday and I think a podcast highlighting the literature of my home and native land would be a great idea. Everyone knows about Margaret Atwood(or they should!) but there is an abundance of other great Canadian writers that deserve attention. Half Blood Bluesby Esi Edugyan (shortlisted for last year's Booker Prize), Far to Go: A Novel by Alison Pick (longlisted) and Practical Jean: A Novelby Trevor Cole are just a few great books released in the last year.
The thing about eBooks vs paper is that an author makes maybe 10% of the price of a book book and 70% of an eBook. The financial aspect is a significant one for creators, always has been. Supporting eBooks supports independent expression. Independent bookstores are cool, too. Did you know that the substance that stiffens trees is called "vanillin?" It's related to vanilla and as paper ages its released. Your old books smell like food, that's why you love 'em. Of course, Amazon takes its cut every time you download a Kindle book, but the lion's share goes to the author, not the corporation. Bookstore books benefit publishers far more than authors.
Books are nice. I miss bookstores. eBooks are much better for authors.
Steve Cohen
Travel To the G-Spot -- The Guide Book
I've been hanging out in the Gone Girl discussion...and can't believe how strongly people feel about this book. Ann and Michael, maybe its time to revisit it with a "spoiler alert"..and talk about what makes this book so controversial...or maybe its time for one of the group telephone talks you've done in the past?
Mod
I have very purposefully staying away from this thread since I am next on this book from the library. I should have it by the end of next week. After I have read it, I will jump into that thread.
Lately I've been reading long novels like Ready Player One by Ernest Cline, The Rook by Daniel O'Malley and started reading The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern so I was hoping perhaps you could do a show on Short but "Must Read" Books (preferably between 2010-2012 and listed)So we the readers could get more out of our reading experiences,esp me cause I'm a slow reader and don't have too much time to read and therefore feel I'm missing out on other books which I should be reading. I also read The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes which I considered to be an ok length for me if that's anything you would like to go by(but anything around that length is good)One last note of my 2 cents worth and that is to say I would like the books to actually end and not be part of a series cause then that would defy the purpose of what I really looking for.Thank you for all you do and have a great day!
Another podcast show request popped into my mind just as I posted my last one.I would love it if you could also do a show on Southern writers and their books.A few examples you could go by might be Looking for Salvation at the Dairy Queen, The Help and The Secret Life of Bees etcThank you kindly for your patience.
Muffysbookclub© wrote: "Lately I've been reading long novels like Ready Player One by Ernest Cline, The Rook by Daniel O'Malley and started reading The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern so I was hoping perhaps you could do..."have you read
? it fits your description.
Books on the Nightstand
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