THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB discussion

I am currently reading 'Women of the Silk'. My friend and I have the same reading likes. She gave this one and the one after it (The Language of Threads) five stars. So far Im halfway done with WotS and I really do like it. :)

Rick wrote: "I can already tell I will become a major Terry pratchett fan- love his "humor"- ordered..."

Glad you're enjoying them! I think they're terrific. I enjoyed Good Omens, too.

Kiri wrote: "Thanks to goodreads I have discovered Connie Willis, and have recently read "Doomsday Book" and am now in the middle of "To Say Nothing of The Dog". She's awesome! Also amazing to read these two ..."

Doomsday Book is still on my top-ten ever list, and it's been 10 years since I read it. That's saying a lot, as my top-ten seems to change depending on what I read most recently.

as a programmer, I'm a multi-tasker, and that goes for books too! I'm reading "The Dream of Perpetual Motion" by Dexter Palmer (from across the way in Princeton, NJ) It's Steampunk/Fantasy and is very interesting, both in content and in perspective. I've just finished "Tinkers" by Paul Harding (won the Pulitzer this year) The book is small, and I almost didn't bother (you avid bookers out there know small isn't worth it!) But, I was surprised what a gem the book is. I highly recommend it. I've got Mark Mills' "The Savage Garden" on my mind as the next one.

Gail wrote: "I am currently reading Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell. I chose this book as is set in a period I love (early 1800's) combined with my favourite fall back genre when I am stuck for som..."

Gail- I am quite interested in how you find Jonathan Strange...it also seems like a book I would love!

Tomw wrote: "as a programmer, I'm a multi-tasker, and that goes for books too! I'm reading "The Dream of Perpetual Motion" by Dexter Palmer (from across the way in Princeton, NJ) It's Steampunk/Fantasy and is v..."

I know exactly whatyou mean Tomw - if a book is too short- I feel the author cannot really create a fully populated "world" with characters that are multi-dimensional- alot of times when I am ordering old classics on Amazon- book length is often the deciding factor!!

I am currently reading When We Were Gods: A Novel of Cleopatra and have just downloaded and can't wait to get to Matterhorn: A Novel of the Vietnam War to my kindle. My husband was in Vietnam for 18 months during 1969 and 1970, he does not talk about his experience there very often.

Pam wrote: "I am currently reading When We Were Gods: A Novel of Cleopatra and have just downloaded and can't wait to get to Matterhorn: A Novel of the Vietnam War to my kindle. M..."

Hi Pam- I certainly can understand your husband's reluctance to talk about the war- many of my friends who were there are the same way- and one must respect them for that- I Know I do.

They Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien. One of our most powerful authors. Cannot recomment him enough!

Rose wrote: "They Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien. One of our most powerful authors. Cannot recomment him enough!"

Thanks for the recommendation Rose- here is some info I found on him- facinating!

Tim O'Brien (born October 1, 1946 in Minnesota) is an American novelist who mainly writes about his experiences in the Vietnam War and the impact the war had on the American servicemen who fought there. He has held the endowed chair at the MFA program of Texas State University-San Marcos several times, from 2003 to 2004, then from 2005 to 2006, and a third time from 2008 to 2009

“ Though it’s odd, you’re never more alive than when you’re almost dead. ”
—Tim O'Brien


He was born in Austin, Minnesota,[2:] a city of about 20,000 (a setting which figures prominently in his novels). When O'Brien was twelve, his family, including a younger sister and a brother, moved to Worthington, Minnesota, a place that once billed itself as "the turkey capital of the world." Worthington had a large influence on O’Brien’s imagination and early development as an author. The town is located on Lake Okabena in the western portion of the state and serves as the setting for some of his stories, especially those in the collection titled The Things They Carried. He earned his BA in Political Science from Macalester College in 1968. That same year he was drafted into the Army and was sent to Vietnam, where he served from 1968 to 1970 in 3rd Platoon, A Co., 5th Batt. 46th Inf., as an infantryman. O'Brien's tour of duty was 1969-70. He served in the Americal Division, a platoon that participated in the infamous My Lai Massacre. O'Brien has said that when his unit got to the area around My Lai (referred to as "Pinkville" by the U.S. forces), "we all wondered why the place was so hostile. We did not know there had been a massacre there a year earlier. The news about that only came out later, while we were there, and then we knew."[4:]

Upon completing his tour of duty, O'Brien went on to graduate school at Harvard University and received an internship at the Washington Post. His writing career was launched in 1973 with the release of If I Die in a Combat Zone, Box Me Up and Ship Me Home, about his war experiences. In this memoir, O'Brien writes: "Can the foot soldier teach anything important about war, merely for having been there? I think not. He can tell war stories."

While O' Brien insists it is not his job or his place to discuss the politics of the Vietnam War, he does occasionally let fly. Speaking years later about his upbringing and the war, O'Brien called his hometown "a town that congratulates itself, day after day, on its own ignorance of the world: a town that got us into Vietnam. Uh, the people in that town sent me to that war, you know, couldn't spell the word 'Hanoi' if you spotted them three vowels."[5:] Contrasting the continuing American search for U.S. MIA/POWs in Vietnam with the reality of the Vietnamese war dead, he calls the American perspective "A perverse and outrageous double standard. What if things were reversed? What if the Vietnamese were to ask us, or to require us, to locate and identify each of their own MIAs? Numbers alone make it impossible: 100,000 is a conservative estimate. Maybe double that. Maybe triple. From my own sliver of experience — one year at war, one set of eyes — I can testify to the lasting anonymity of a great many Vietnamese dead."[6:]

One attribute in O'Brien's work is the blur between fiction and reality; labeled "verisimilitude," his work contains actual details of the situations he experienced; while that is not unusual, his conscious, explicit, and metafictional approach to the distinction between fiction and fact is extraordinary: In the chapter "How to Tell a True War Story" in The Things They Carried, O'Brien casts a distinction between "story-truth" (the truth of fiction) and "happening-truth" (the truth of fact or occurrence), writing that "story-truth is sometimes truer than happening-truth." Story truth is emotional truth; thus the feeling created by a fictional story is sometimes truer than what results from reading the facts. Certain sets of stories in The Things They Carried seem to contradict each other, and certain stories are designed to "undo" the suspension of disbelief created in previous stories; for example, "Speaking of Courage" is followed by "Notes," which explains in what ways "Speaking of Courage" is fictive.

O'Brien received the National Book Award in 1979 for his book Going After Cacciato.[3:] His novel In the Lake of the Woods won the James Fenimore Cooper Prize for Best Historical Fiction in 1995. His most recent novel is July, July.

O'Brien's papers are housed at the Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas at Austin.

O’Brien writes and lives in central Texas, where he raises his young sons and teaches full-time every other year at Texas State University–San Marcos. In alternate years, he teaches several workshops to MFA students in the creative writing program

THank you,Rick for the background. I am truly moved by this author's writing. I love the simplicity of his writing and minimal use of words, yet the pack a powerful punch that I tend to highlight and read over and over again. They are so strong, they sometimes hurt. The line you quoted from O'brien, “ Though it’s odd, you’re never more alive than when you’re almost dead. ”
Is from Things They Carried, is a perfect example of their power. If you have seen The Hurt Locker, it very much speaks to that place inside these men so when they come home, they are lost. If you have not read him, I encourage you to take a peek. Quite simply, amazing.

Not to "butt-in" I read Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell a while back. I'd say read it more for the overall experience of the book itself, the world, the society, all of it as a whole as opposed to following a story. I'm also interested in what Gail (and others) might think of it.

Mike wrote: "Not to "butt-in" I read Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell a while back. I'd say read it more for the overall experience of the book itself, the world, the society, all of it as a whole as opposed to..."

I read your review of Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell, Mike- and that prompted me to order it- especially the part about not starting it until one had somefree time to spare- it was a great review

Awwww, shucks, now I'm blushing..... :)

Mike, can you post a link to that review? (I tried finding it by searching your shelves by title, but the Goodreads search engine failed me! :-))

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14...

I'm not a master of computer tech...but I think that will do it.

Well, Mike, that takes me to the Goodreads entry for the book itself --but besides my friends' reviews and my own, there are 29,635 other reviews to scroll through. That makes yours a bit hard to locate quickly. :-)

A pointer (and I'm no master of computer technology, either, but I've picked this up by trial and error!): if you bring up your review, there will be a URL at the very top of the screen, in the window next to the forward/backward arrows. It will say "www.goodreads, etc. ....review/show/" and then a number. If you jot that down, and then reproduce it here, it should take us directly to your review; and you can do the same thing any time you want to share any review with a group, or with someone you're messaging. Thanks!

Okay...odd, I can go to the book and my review pops up for me, but if I search the book title under my books it couldn't find it...anyway, I edited the review (replaced a couple of typos) so it shows up first under my profile now and I believe (again) this page should take you to it.

http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

I am really loving Wyrd Sisters!!!! love Granny Weatherwax- who, though she was never able to obtain the skill to appologize, appreciated it in others. Nanny Ogg is hilarious too even though she does seem to hit the sauce a bit

Just started The Smithsonian Institution: A Novel by Gore Vidal - pretty strange (but compelling). Time travel novel from the author of Visit to a Small Planet.

Mike wrote: "Okay...odd, I can go to the book and my review pops up for me, but if I search the book title under my books it couldn't find it...anyway, I edited the review (replaced a couple of typos) so it sho..."

The link you posted takes me to your review, Mike, because I am on your friend list. If Werner clicks on your name to get to your profile and then clicks on the book title on your bookshelf, he should get your review. I tested it by going to look at Werner's reviews from his bookshelves. :) Hope this helps. (You always write interesting reviews, imo!)

Rick wrote: "I am really loving Wyrd Sisters!!!! love Granny Weatherwax- who, though she was never able to obtain the skill to appologize, appreciated it in others. Nanny Ogg is hilarious too even though she do..."

Nanny Ogg and Greebo! I love them! Wait until you get to "Witches Abroad" and "Lords and Ladies"!

Thanks, Mike! That link took me straight to your review, and I've just "voted" that I liked it.

Jeanette, the method you suggested was the first one I tried. Usually it would work; it didn't in this case only because, as Mike mentioned above, for some reason the Goodreads search function doesn't locate this book in his bookshelves (although it's there). But I've read some of Mike's reviews that my friends have liked, and I'll echo your comment: he does write interesting reviews!

Glad it worked, Werner, either way! Mike has a natural talent for writing reviews that are fun to read. Even about books that don't really interest me (like cooking wild game). :)

I'm reading Death and Burial in Medieval England: 1066-1550 and have added Doomsday Book to my TBR list; I guess I am just fascinated (obssessed?) with the Medieval period!

I am trying to complete two books by Wednesday:

Caligula: The Corruption of Power by Anthony A. Barrett

AND

Robert Frost's Poems by Robert Frost

Mary wrote: "I'm reading Death and Burial in Medieval England: 1066-1550 and have added Doomsday Book to my TBR list; I guess I am just fascinated (obssessed?) with the Medieval period!"

mary- sounds facinating
here is the capsule description for those so inclined

Christopher Daniell establishes the role that death played in the Middle Ages. It was a theme in medieval public life, finding expression both in literature and art. br br Daniell explains the procedures that were involved when a person died, and discusses the literary and artistic themes associated with death. He includes the very latest research, both his own and others working in the area, including assessing archaeological discoveries. The final chapter presents a uniquely detailed survey of death from the Norman Conquest to the Reformation in the 1550s.

Lyn M wrote: "I am trying to complete two books by Wednesday:

Caligula: The Corruption of Power by Anthony A. Barrett

AND

Robert Frost's Poems by [author:Robert..."

lyn - I'm quite curious if Caligula: The Corruption of Power is an easily accessable, readable history- after my experience with THE PRINCES IN THE TOWER- - with all its names and names ect ect ect- I long for a history book that tells a clear- easy to follow story- Princes was impossible to follow

This would not be the one, Rick. The names here are even worse than those in Medieval England, if that is possible. All of the players have the same or similar names, or go by someone else's names. To make it even harder to follow, they trade wives and raise each others children in such a way that your never sure who is related to whom, and what the true lines of ancestry are. In fact, there is a family tree in the beginning on the book, and even it is undecipherable.

I'll keep my eyes open for a better one for you though!

I'm reading All the Rage by F. Paul Wilson...because I've liked the Repairman Jack Books, I suppose. I'm getting ready to start The Bad Place by Koontz, because the Koontz group here is reading it this month...

So many still waiting to be read.

Mike wrote: "I'm reading All the Rage by F. Paul Wilson...because I've liked the Repairman Jack Books, I suppose. I'm getting ready to start The Bad Place by Koontz, because the Koontz group here is reading it ..."

I read a Repairman Jack novel about 5-7 years ago- it was great! it took place in a Hotel- a convention of sorts- and the Villian had a small monkey on his shoulder that could talk ect.. cant think of the title

Ya, that was the last one I read "Conspiracies". I'm trying to read them in order. "Conspiracies" is the third after "The Tomb" and "Legacies". They were recommended to me some years ago but I only got around to them a few months back. I have several in paperback, thus owning them, they tend to end up waiting while I read other books from reading groups or library books that I will have to return. But every now and then we all need to go back to our brain candy.

:)

Gail wrote: "I am currently reading Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell. I chose this book as is set in a period I love (early 1800's) combined with my favourite fall back genre when I am stuck for som..."

Oh, do let me know how you find it! It seems intimidating at first because it is such a thick book but i couldnt put it down.

Rick wrote: "Gail wrote: "I am currently reading Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell. I chose this book as is set in a period I love (early 1800's) combined with my favourite fall back genre when I am ..."

I've read Good Omen and i enjoyed it, too but i haven't read a solo Terry Pratchett book. Maybe about time i do...

Hi Lai. We Just had this discussion on another thread. Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell is an unusual book. It's in many ways more an experience in visiting it's world more than reading a story. Pretty good read I thought.

Lai wrote: "Rick wrote: "Gail wrote: "I am currently reading Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell. I chose this book as is set in a period I love (early 1800's) combined with my favourite fall back gen..."

Lai
I am finishing my first Terry Pratchett- Wyrd Sisters- and all I can say is that I now own about 25 of his books!! I am totally addicted to Pratchett! after just reading half of one book- I bombarded Amazon and ordered all the others- each day a few more arrive (Got 2 in mail today)

Kari wrote: "I am new to the group. I am usually reading three books at a time. Right now I am reading A Girl Like I by Anita Loos, The Road to Shalimar by Wells and 100 Little Crime Stories. All three are ver..."

Hi Kari,
I also read multiple books at same time - ussually a current thriller and a classic- and if I am brave- a history book- love the three you are reading- great trio- anita loos wrote Gentleman Prefer Blondes (I Believe)

Jo wrote: "I'm reading The Kult"

is it very scary?

My current read is In Cold Blood by Mr. Capote

Rose wrote: "My current read is In Cold Blood by Mr. Capote"

ROSE- IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS- ASK IVAN- OUR RESIDENT CAPOTE EXPERT!

Rose wrote: "My current read is In Cold Blood by Mr. Capote"

I remember reading this as a teenager and being scared to death.

Hey Kari - I do the same thing. I just finished two books, a history and a book of poems by Frost, and am now starting:

The Last Boleyn: A Novel by Karen Harper a book about Mary Boleyn, the sister of Anne. This book is a group read for the Tudor group I am in. In addition, I love the Tudor dynasty, and am really looking forward to this.

American Gods by Neil Gaiman. This is my third book by him. The first on I liked, the second I loved. Plus I am reading this one with a friend.

The Cross Gardener by Jason F. Wright. One of my closest friends just gave this book a five, and it seems like an inspiring story.

Lyn M wrote: "Hey Kari - I do the same thing. I just finished two books, a history and a book of poems by Frost, and am now starting:

The Last Boleyn: A Novel by Karen Harper a ..."

Lyn
first- congrats on finishing the two book BEFORE wednesday! quick question- I am now offically a Terry Pratchett addict- scooped up over 25 of his books in last week- Iknow he and Gaiman wrote Good Omens together- but their individual books seem very different- is this true?

Rick - I have never read any Terry Pratchett, so I don't really know. I was actually just thinking of looking some up since you liked it so much.

I just added The Color of Magic since I am a fanatic about reading books in order. I am so bad. Anyway, from looking at it, it looks like Terry Pratchett might be more satirical, where Gaiman's sci-fi has a more serious or sinister overtone?

Rick wrote: "Rose wrote: "My current read is In Cold Blood by Mr. Capote"

ROSE- IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS- ASK IVAN- OUR RESIDENT CAPOTE EXPERT!"

Thanks Rick, will do. Very creepy stuff so far.

I just finished Horns by Joe Hill. It was good, but I enjoyed his debut novel Heart Shaped Box more than his second novel. I'm currently reading Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. Will that get me kicked off the group? :( I'm also doing a side by side comparison with the original book as I listen to the audio. It's a rather good read thus far.

I am currently reading The English Patient. I am on a Man Booker award kick. I just finished Possession, a five star read (A.S. Byatt is a genius) and earlier in the year Wolf Hall. I guess I will also have to get to Life of Pi soon.

Lyn M wrote: "Rick - I have never read any Terry Pratchett, so I don't really know. I was actually just thinking of looking some up since you liked it so much.

I just added The Color of Magic sin..."

Pratchett is very satirical- but that doesnt even do him justice- its hard to describe his humor- expept perhaps if Woody Allen was British and mated with Margaret Rutherford!

That's an interesting idea, Rick. I think maybe Gaiman is "darker" in tone. I haven't read enough Gaiman, but he seems more serious, which is harder to apply to Pratchett. Pratchett skewers everything and everybody, but he has some very deep meaning behind most of it. He doesn't write anything "frightening" in the horror-novel sense, as I believe Gaiman does.

I just got back from the library picking up Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell because I am weak and the posts that I have read about this one intriged me. I have only read a couple of pages and realized that I will definitely want to continue reading, so I ordered my own paperback from bookins.com. JEEZ, I do not need another book group giving me book ideas.