Our Shared Shelf discussion

I was just curious as to whether there were any others not planning on reading February's book. Personally, I know that I will be unable to read this book and when we held our book club meeting (first meeting yesterday, yay!), I found that there were others not too keen on reading 'The Color Purple' either.

For our next meeting we have an amazing person talking about Reclaim the Night which will get us talking about some of the issues touched on in Purple. However collectively we decided to read another book for February: 'The Fictional Woman' by Tara Moss.

Can I ask why you're not reading this book? I just finished it today and really enjoyed it. Not something I would have normally read so I was happy to have had the suggestion.

I may or may not read it, but only because I already read it years ago. I'm thinking about re-reading because I'm much more mature now ( in years if not actual maturity...) I think I will have quite a different perspective now than I had years ago.

I'm not reading the book this month because I've already read it and it wasn't so long ago, so reading it again won't really have a huge difference for me. But, I will watch the movie and participate in the discussions, so in a certain way I will revisit the story.

This is a great book and quite honestly I don't see a reason why not read it. I know there other great choices - which we will get throughout the year - and that they are as good as the color purple. So the big question is why not reading it?

Question existing: why are you here? It's a bookclub, darling. Not a cyrcle of people passionate about golf. It's all about reading books, actually. Reading good books at that, coz no one suggested Sandra Brown at all, and perhaps they never ever will, not even our founder, who know better.

Just read it, and then if you dislike it, you'll have to trust that the next book will be more enjoyable, or that you'll even love it.

Lauri wrote: "I may or may not read it, but only because I already read it years ago. I'm thinking about re-reading because I'm much more mature now ( in years if not actual maturity...) I think I will have quit..."

I read it in my early 20s then I read it two years ago, in my 30s. I did pick up different things from the re-read because of life changes, views, experience, and wisdom. I recommend re-reading it. You might discover something new.

...I am curious and confused at the same time, why chose not to read this book? ...Part of the point of alll this is to be open minded and challenge stereotypes. Personallly, I am halfway through it and I really love it.

I would recommend reading it! I'd never actually heard of it, and I had no idea what to expect, but I started to read it last night and I couldn't put it down until I'd finished it. I'd planned to have an early night but I couldn't bring myself to put it down when there was still more to read. It's one of the most engaging and poignant books I've read in a long time so I'd highly recommend reading it! Also, it's not massively long - I read it in a few hours - so even if you don't like it, it's not like it'd take up weeks of your time.

I'm not reading this months book but that's because I'm currently in the middle of about three different books.
I've said this once and I'll say it again. I don't think it matters if you read the books in order or decide to look at another book by a feminist. It's about opening yourself up to new ideas and being able to discuss them with like minded individuals.
So by all means, read something else, skip a month here. Perhaps the discussion about the book will entice you to read it at a later date.
It's a BookClub, not an assignment with a due date....

I only joined the bookclub this month so I have not read the other book so that is a different story but choosing not to read the book for the sole reason to read another is a bit strange. I get the fact that you may not have interest and we won't always have interest in the books but I don't really see the point on reading a different one instead especially if it wasn't even suggested. Sounds like a different book club to me.
It is a very great book if you give it a shot I can't keep my hands off it I started reading it two days ago and I am half way through. This book really does give you a better insight as to how women were treated back in the 30's especially a black women. It really shows you how they would have felt on a daily basis and how scared one would be to get beaten or even having a man come near them in some cases. This book really does make you feel like you are the character and you really know and understand how she is feeling and what she is going though. You are missing out.

Okay I can see not reading the book for a few reasons.

First off, saying that our founder, 'knows better', what kind of books to read is ludicrous. There is no one authority on which books we should read when. Given that, you did join THIS book club (there are other feminist book clubs out there as well).

Secondly, as someone who has already read it, and watched the movie, dissecting things that were changed between the two, I can see this book being a bit triggering for certain people.

The truth is I started to re read it and had to stop. It's triggering in certain aspects to me and so if I am not in the right mind set, I can NOT get through certain passages without shaking, and being useless for a day at least!

Now for those NOT reading it, I don't see how telling people you aren't does anyone any good. I also don't see how discussing it is going to work if you haven't read it! Seeing the movie is NOT the same. Some of the larger issues aren't even put in the movie or are glossed over completely!

I have also decided not to read the color purple this month. I am planning on picking up with the book next month. My reason is that I have read the book before, in high school, so I know what the story is about and I think it would be too triggering for me to read again. While I enjoyed it in high school, and typically I enjoy rereading books while I'm at different times and places in my life, I am currently in trauma therapy dealing with my own past childhood sexual abuse. Reading this story would likely bring up emotions and memories for me that I am not ready to deal with. When I read it in high school, I had yet to recover these memories and begin to deal with them so it wasn't as difficult for me to read.

There are real reasons that someone might choose to not read this book, such as the fact that it is too triggering. Let people make their own choices about how they participate in this book club. Read it, don't read, watch the movie, read somethings else, do what you want. It doesn't hurt anyone.

Also, I clicked on this link to see if there were other people choosing not to read the book because they knew it would be triggering or because they had to stop because it was too triggering. In that way I think that it is helpful to say that you aren't reading it. Knowing that you aren't the only one in a group who is triggered by a book can be helpful. And sometimes talking about being triggered can help as well.

Sorry for the multitude of messages. They can after I read different posts.

Catrice wrote: "Okay I can see not reading the book for a few reasons.

First off, saying that our founder, 'knows better', what kind of books to read is ludicrous. There is no one authority on which books we shou..."

Please don't take my comment out of context, because you are not a mal intended journalist

''Reading good books at that, coz no one suggested Sandra Brown at all, and perhaps they never ever will, not even our founder, who know better.''

I might not read it, but that's more because I don't know if I'll be able to get it from the library or not. No doubt someone else from the book club in my area got to it first heh

Elena wrote: "Catrice wrote: "Okay I can see not reading the book for a few reasons.

First off, saying that our founder, 'knows better', what kind of books to read is ludicrous. There is no one authority on whi..."

I don't think it's supposed to be out of context, it's just that it's pretty hard to understand.

I've tried rereading the sentence multiple times, but I still don't know what you mean.

I don't get why you chose not to read this month's book. I mean joining this bookclub means to read books it recommend,right?(of course,you can chose not to read if you've already read it)
Plus,this book is soooo great!!!

Astrid wrote: "Elena wrote: "Catrice wrote: "Okay I can see not reading the book for a few reasons.

First off, saying that our founder, 'knows better', what kind of books to read is ludicrous. There is no one au..."

I felt that she had taken it out of context, here's what I mean: books are chosen carefully, books that could serve us, enrich us, inform us of ways and things we wouldn't have known. Emma recommends books that she thinks are true to the nature of this booclub, this bookclub was started as a way to learn more about FEMINISM. So she won't choose a Sandra Brown novel or a fairytale by Andersen.
*If someone chooses not to read the books recommended monthly, that is up to them not me, I won't judge that.

As I already saw the film, and I don't like to read a book once I saw it's film adaptation, no. Although it seems to be a really good work.

Agustin wrote: "As I already saw the film, and I don't like to read a book once I saw it's film adaptation, no. Although it seems to be a really good work."

Got the same, although I never saw the film of this book, but with other films I have the same problem: you know what's going to happen and that's why there is (in my opinion) less action.
Don't get me wrong, reading books after watching a film can be fun, the books are always more detailled and more interesting to read! :p

To answer your question Tara, I am reading the book :p
I have it here on vacation and when I have the time, I'll read some chapters :) Can't wait!

<3 Simon

Agreed with the comment above, I've seen the movie several times, and it's one of my favorites. But it's difficult, it's painful, and it's triggering, and with what I'm going through in my life at the moment, I really don't need more pain.

Bullying and browbeating people into reading a book is kinda missing the point of this whole book club.

Ana wrote: "Agreed with the comment above, I've seen the movie several times, and it's one of my favorites. But it's difficult, it's painful, and it's triggering, and with what I'm going through in my life at ..."

Hi Ana,

I don't know what's going on in your life right now, but it does now seem good I think...
If you are having trouble, please feel free to contact me anytime because it seems pretty serious :/

Maybe you don't really get it, or you just misunderstand (these things happen! ) but we are totally not trying to bully people because they're not reading the book! A lot of people are not reading it, and that's not a problem at all!

Hope you understand it and if I'm maybe wrong, let me know!
<3 Simon

Simon wrote: "Agustin wrote: "As I already saw the film, and I don't like to read a book once I saw it's film adaptation, no. Although it seems to be a really good work."

Got the same, although I never saw the ..."

Yes, and sometimes, the film adaptation is quite unfaithful to the source material, and the few cases in which I read the book after having seen the film are The Lord of the Rings and The Shining. When I read the latter after having seen Kubrick's movie, I was totally surprised at the enormous differences it had from King's novel.

And I agree, reading the book is more fun because you use your imagination :)

Another reason to read the book this month: Alice Walker herself is leading a read a long of the book via Facebook and has already shared some fantastic thoughts: https://www.facebook.com/authoralicew...

I find this baffling to be honest. Before this book club I hadn't joined a single book club. Why? Because I felt that I may not like all of the books chosen. When Emma Watson announced she was going to create a book club I instantly wanted to join. I felt and still feel that feminism is an important movement but also confusing one at times. What better way to embrace the subject than to join a book club! I was proven right with the first book, I have to say I didn't know Gloria Steinem before the book was announced but the book had such a huge positive impact on me that I looked forward to book 2. I'm now just 40 pages in to The Color Purple and it is fantastic. I think you have to approach #OurSharedShelf openly and read every book along with everyone, if it didn't speak to you then you can share this and discuss but to skip a month seems like you may be missing the point of this. Jump in with both feet, I've already learnt so much about feminism and even myself that I'm very grateful for this experience.

I already read The Color Purple, and I have a long reading list so wouldn't have time to re-read it.

Waiting for next month's book...

While it may seem counterproductive to not read a chosen book for a book club, especially one as masterfully written as The Color Purple, we need to respect why people may choose to skip it. Certain passages of that book can be extremely triggering and difficult to get through, depending on where you are in your life. I and a friend have chosen to put this month's pick aside for that very reason. Am I going to revisit it a later date? Of course I am. In a few months, I will hopefully be in a better place and will be able to properly appreciate and process the book's subject matter.

And this is a real issue. To skip something simply to skip it without trying is ludicrous, yes, but keep in mind that there may be real reasons for it. Let's not judge and brush people off.

Read a book
verb
1. Meeting a long-lost friend.
2. Feeling oblivious to text.
3. Skimming through.
4. Embracing in a one-time experience.
5. Re-living a personal nightmare.
6. choose your own definition

Yeah, so, let's consider personal nightmare. Some have such experiences in their past or present. Good for you if you don't.

Feminist
noun
A person who understands that there are many ways to walk through life.

I think that most most people posting on why not reading this month's book are just curious, especially due to the way it was posted. It sound it so mysterious. Of course, it is a powerful book and it can be triggering, so it makes sense to skip it and there's no problem at all.

I also think that most people want to know why they are not reading in order to know if they can help them (like if they do not have a copy or it hasn't being translated to their native language). Again, it is their choice we respect it, although we would really like to see everyone reading it. But I'm happy they have found other people who are not going to read it and can discuss another book.

Finally, I apologize if my comment was a little bit too direct. It was not my intention to judge or to offend anyone. Let this be a lesson for upcoming books, since we not always be able to read them or simply chose not to. Furthermore, let's all be careful when posting. Liking a book too much can be tricky, in special if you defend it too passionately.

Rachel-- thank you for the heads up about the Facebook discussion with Alice Walker herself!! How cool is that?!

helen2U wrote: " Emma recommends books that she thinks are true to the nature of this booclub, this bookclub was started as a way to learn more about FEMINISM. So she won't choose a Sandra Brown novel or a fairytale by Andersen."

I'm still confused as to how I took things out of context. You clarified, up above, but it still don't understand, and I apologize. Here's what it looks like to me.

You're first quote was:
"Reading good books at that, coz no one suggested Sandra Brown at all, and perhaps they never ever will, not even our founder, who know better."

To me it seemed you were saying that our founder, Emma, would know better what books we should read. Which is what I stated I thought was incorrect.

Your second quote:
"Emma recommends books that she thinks are true to the nature of this booclub, this bookclub was started as a way to learn more about FEMINISM. So she won't choose a Sandra Brown novel or a fairytale by Andersen."

Which reads to me that Emma WON'T choose certain books, in this case Sandra Brown or Anderson. As if you have already decided what type of books do and do not belong here, via what you believe Emma will or will not choose.

I won't argue anymore, about anything, because it's exhausting. Thank you for your efforts.

I'm sorry you felt I was arguing I was honestly confused. If I'm not understanding I'm asking to understand, see if I'm reading it wrong, or wrong enunciation on something.

Enunciation wouldn't really have anything to do with internet posts unless someone was reading it aloud to you, as the definition of it just means 'fullness and distinctness or articulation; as, to speak with a clear or impressive enunciation.'

Kikki. If you can't handle me at my Strider, then you sure as Helms Deep don't deserve my Aragorn wrote: "Enunciation wouldn't really have anything to do with internet posts unless someone was reading it aloud to you, as the definition of it just means 'fullness and distinctness or articulation; as, to..."


And when I read, I enunciate things in my head, I also change the enunciation and emphasis as I go. But hey, thanks for the lesson.

the enunciation of the word doesn't really change the meaning unless its something like read and read? I mean no disrespect btw, I'm merely clarifying on a word I believe is not really being used accurately.

I see how this book can be triggering for someone who has a past of abuse. It is a really good reading but you need to think about your psychological state too. It is a very good book! (I'm midway through and I began 2 hours ago). It i not a light reading. Just do what is the best for you and keep evolving in your thinking. I would not recommend it to people ho have suffered abused and still have roube living with that terrible truth. It could maybe help for someone who is more advanced in therap maybe? I am not an expert. Abuse on women is a reality and especially on black women in that time, so I feel it is a big s lap of reality for those who know nohing about the life then and abuse that can be endured.
Do what you are comfortable with. It is important to get out of the comfort zone but it is trigerring.

Simon wrote: "Ana wrote: "Agreed with the comment above, I've seen the movie several times, and it's one of my favorites. But it's difficult, it's painful, and it's triggering, and with what I'm going through in..."

Hi Simon,

Thank you for your kind words. I may have misunderstood; it's happened before, and is one of the reasons I hesitate to join forums of any kind. However, it cannot be denied that a) the title of the thread is condescending at best; b) some people here keep pushing for the book to be read, and c) the tenor of the whole thing is quarrelsome. The last item alone is off-putting enough.

Again, I may be misreading it. I'm just here to exchange thoughts and see if there are interesting discussions to be had.

Agustin wrote: "As I already saw the film, and I don't like to read a book once I saw it's film adaptation, no. Although it seems to be a really good work."
The words in this book can change your take on the book and the issues. The words are integral to the whole experience so although you saw the film, I would highly recommend that you read it as well.

Unless the book is a trigger book for you, I don't get why you would join a book club and then not participate. Yes it's your choice and we always support choice. But even so, why announce that you are not participating this month to a group that wouldn't know if you were or were not reading it? I just think there might be something there to look at as you continue your personal growth.

Skipping the February read but only because I read it recently.

Sandy wrote: "But even so, why announce that you are not participating this month to a group that wouldn't know if you were or were not reading it?"

That's what I have been wondering from the beginning of this debate. Ok, don't read, but why announce it?

I was actually kind of relieved when the book for this month was one I have already read because I have a lot of required reading this month, but if I hadn't already read it, I would have made time for it. Although I love the discussions we have on Goodreads, I participate mostly to learn more from the books themselves, so rereading is not my top priority.

sorry to any of you this may offend...but why join if you don't participate? as a mother, I discourage this type of behavior in my children.. if you sign up, give it your all and be a part of it. that is how you learn!!! the only reason not to read this is if it hits to close to something in your life and therefore could trigger anxiety or depression etc.

How do we found out what the book of the month is? I was expecting an anouncement on twitter

Thanks so much Kodac :)

Robin Bo wrote: "I'm not reading this months book but that's because I'm currently in the middle of about three different books.
I've said this once and I'll say it again. I don't think it matters if you read the b..."

Wow, I was not expecting such harsh comments from people. I am open minded and passionate about this book club. So I don't understand why so many of you would jump on what I've written and imply otherwise especially when you don't even know me. I'd love to be able to read each month's book but I know that it's not always going to be possible for me. I don't have to share my reasons in detail why I had to make this decision. Even with not reading this book, I still am contributing to discussions, exploring what feminism is, examining feminist issues and that's what this book club is all about.

Thank you to Robin for what you wrote. I really appreciated hearing your words.

Tara wrote: "Robin Bo wrote: "I'm not reading this months book but that's because I'm currently in the middle of about three different books.
I've said this once and I'll say it again. I don't think it matters ..."

It shouldn't come as a surprise that some people like to pass judgement no matter the context, but silly me, it still surprises me. I like to think of it as an inability to place oneself in the shoes of others, and instead walk through life as were there only one way to do it. And of course that one way is the only, correct way. That's also why we see so many panacea presented even here, in a group claiming to be pro equality in various contexts.

I joined this bookclub yesterday and I was pretty excited about it. I was planning on picking up the book at the library today and starting it immediately to be able to join the conversations as soon as possible.

I had never joined a bookclub before as I don't usually like having a schedule for when I should read what book.

After reading this thread I think I will go back to reading books on my own. It is amazing to me how mean spirited people can be and how we like to quarrel for the least of things.

Couldn't this be a space of sharing and understanding instead of being an arena for the fight of egos? Remember that behind the avatar lies a real human being: with feelings, with a complicated and unique life, and with many ideas and thoughts.

Make peace not war.