Art Lovers discussion

Heather, I'm terribly sorry to hear about your troubles. Just to let you know, that almost exactly a year ago my husband told me that he wanted a divorce. As a result, I had to go and get a Spanish driver's license. I can't tell you how difficult that was!
I want you to know that I'm going through a similar situation and if you want, you can write me privately for a chat.
And your new photo is smashing! Pure elegance.
Many hugs,
Dvora
Heather wrote: "Hi Everyone!

I am not going to send a mass message because I know there are quite a few members who choose not to be involved with the next book read. I hope I can at least reach those of you who ..."

Oh, Heather - how sorry, and hang in there!

Heather, Don't worry about the book reads right now. Concentrate on what you need to accomplish. We all understand what you are going through right now. We will still be here:)

Wow, Heather, as if a closing is not hard enough. I hope you're doing ok :) Tis, true, a lot of us have been there, not that knowledge helps you, but if you ever need to chat I'm here.

Thank, Gianna. I really appreciate the offer. :)

Hmmm, I just posted a comment and it disappeared.

I am so touched by the care and concerned comments. It is so nice to meet friends here in the group and to know that we understand each other. Thank you guys. :)

We all care about you Heather, so if you want to post again, feel free. As for books, I know that when I'm very upset, I usually can't concentrate to read. That's what television is good for. So if we don't hear from you about books for a while, I'll know why.

Thank you...very much, Dvora.

You are in my prayers Heather.

Heather wrote: "Hi Everyone!

I am not going to send a mass message because I know there are quite a few members who choose not to be involved with the next book read. I hope I can at least reach those of you who ..."

No you are not letting anybody down by being human and living a life!

I think I speak for everybody in the GR group in expressing our heartfelt appreciation for all the energy that you have brought to the group.

Oh, I am so touched by all the care you all have shown me. I have such wonderful and thoughtful friends in this group. Thank you all...Robin, Connie, Ed, Susanna, Dvora, Gianna, and Carol. I know every one of us has a lot going on in our lives and from me to you all, I hope the best to you, too.

Wow -- may I add my thoughts that you take care for and of yourself at this point and not worry about the book discussions here -- unless they provide support which you deem nescessary.

And I too like your new profile image and MUST ask if you are reading or have recently read the book which utilizes that work on its cover -- Strapless? I just read it in a bit over two days time so it is qa page turner once you get going and for me it grabbed me immediately so it went fast.

Now for the serndipity of the whole here -- I was, in fact coming here to offer up the Davis book for a discussion read here on this group. So -- maybe this is a good option in the future even if not at this moment in a spontaneous decision -- though I personally find spontaneous readings lead to lively discussion at times.

Thank you, Dottie for your words. You brought up a good point, maybe when he is finished moving out and I get situated once again I will actually need to get into this group read and delve into the discussions.

I have been looking through the recent suggestions and am preparing a poll. I can't promise when it will be posted but you know, I am still kinda addicted to the group and I think I might need it right now. We sure have had some great recommendations! There are several books that I would be interested in.

Hmm, the book Strapless looks interesting. Thanks for the recommendation, I think I'll check it out! It just may take my mind off of things right now.

I've read Strapless and I Am Madame X and really enjoyed them both. She was an interesting character!

I should have also said, that any woman who is suffering from what she thinks is a broken heart should read about one of many French women, such as Madame X or stories by Colette (The Vagabond), to see a different and much freer attitude to love and love affairs.

I think we will begin with a little 'lighter' reading. Fictional books can be a welcome reprieve from daily life, don't you think?

I am aware that some people are not as interested in the fictional aspect of the October choice so maybe after the holidays we can move into weightier book matter. For me January is the dullest, uneventful and most boring month of the year *yawn*. Time to delve into a meatier book! I would like to keep the above suggestions for further reference when we begin our future non-fiction book read. We have had GREAT suggestions!

Thank you to everyone who submitted recommendations for the vote and welcome to all who have and will participate!

I will keep this poll posted until next Monday September 12, 2011. Unless there is a tie, we will read the book that received the most votes.

Please post suggestions, comments, feedback, etc. here. I always welcome your feedback!

Heather, Judgment of Paris isn't fiction, as I recall.

oh really? You know, going through all of the submitted suggestions, I had a bit of a hard time discerning which were fiction or non-fiction. Hmmm. Thank you, now that I go back and read the synopsis I can see that it isn't fiction. Let's see if it will be the one most voted for then together hopefully we can decide if we would like to proceed. Or we could actually have the two threads of fiction and non-fiction as was originally planned for those who would like to read Judgement and those who have voted for another book. Any comments? Anyone?

Heather wrote: "oh really? You know, going through all of the submitted suggestions, I had a bit of a hard time discerning which were fiction or non-fiction. Hmmm. Thank you, now that I go back and read the synops..."

I changed my vote to Judgment of Paris, as I really liked that book, and I think a lot of the folks will like it to. I could certainly participate and also read a fiction work too.

Ed wrote: "Heather wrote: "oh really? You know, going through all of the submitted suggestions, I had a bit of a hard time discerning which were fiction or non-fiction. Hmmm. Thank you, now that I go back and..."

I found that the fastest way to get a synopsis, is search for each book on Amazon, and then read the "most helpful" reviews.

I would love to participate in the group read, but I'm not sure if I will have the time as I've committed to other group reads. So, I won't vote, just in case. But I may join the read, once a book is selected.

Kristen, I totally understand. I have been invited numerous times to participate in other group's book reads. And they are all books that would really interest me! Because this happens to be my group, I feel that my first choice of reading would be an art book. I hope you will enjoy all the books you are and will be in to. If you want to just read along with the discussions, that is absolutely ok! Just glad to have you in the group!

I noticed that there are more comments posted on the poll that I would like to address. Thanks everyone! I have to be to work in 11 minutes so I must go for right now, but tonight I will catch up on the current book-reading subject. I'm getting really excited!

Heather,

You have never, ever let me down as Moderator of this fine group. Nor as a friend here on Goodreads. You will be in my heart so check in once in awhile.

Heather wrote: "oh really? You know, going through all of the submitted suggestions, I had a bit of a hard time discerning which were fiction or non-fiction. Hmmm. Thank you, now that I go back and read the synops..."

I like the idea of having two threads if "Judgment of Paris" wins. Any of the historical fiction books should be fairly quick reads, and "Judgment" would require more time. That way, there would be something for everyone. Actually, every book on that list looks like an enjoyable read.

Thank you, Jeannie.

I agree, Connie. I would love to pick up any one of those books. And you're right, the historical fiction books would be a light read. I think we should have a couple of threads going. We will decide on Monday who the 'winners' are.

Monday is here! (And almost gone for most of us).

Obviously The Judgement of Paris won as first place but there also were quite a few votes for Leaving Van Gogh. I have to say they all looked good!

I am very pleased at the turn out of participants interested in this fall group read! So I think we can start getting our hands on our chosen book(s) and get ready for some great discussions! For those of you who just want to follow along with the discussions, you are also welcome.

I will begin threads for each of the books. You may start reading whenever you want, but officially we will begin to comment on that which we've read October 1, 2011.

Let's do something different this time...I think that instead of putting a limit to the number of pages/week, we can just begin the post with letting us know to what page we have arrived and those who are to that page or beyond are welcome to read your post. What do you think? Any suggestions?

Heather, Here I am confused once more. I've ordered "The Judgement of Paris" based upon my instinct. What is the other choice selected? Is it "Leaving Van Gogh" and does this qualify for fiction/non-fiction?

I think with two books, your suggestion of listing the page/chapter is a great idea. Please let me know so I can order the second book.

Jeannie

Yes, it is Leaving Van Gogh. But my mistake once again, upon investigating more, I believe it is non-fiction. It seems well researched, but it is put in story form. I just think the 'story' aspect of the book makes it even more riveting!

Any one can choose whichever book they would like to read, or both! We will still have two threads going. Sorry about the 'fiction' poll that turns out to be more 'non-fiction'.

Heather, I am certain that Leaving Van Gogh is fiction. It is supposed to be well researched, but it is written as a story, from the perspective of Doctor Gauchet who was treating Vincent when he died. This is historical fiction.

oh, ok. Thanks, Dvora. I didn't know and I have heard both from different people. Well, at least we have a fiction and a non-fiction to choose from. I think this is going to be good!

Hi Heather and Dvora,

I've read Leaving Van Gogh: A Novel and it definitely is fiction. I thought it was an excellent book and extremely well researched. I think it's a great book for a group discussion, because there is so much interesting information in this book on Dr. Gauchet and his relationship with Vincent, and a lot on Vincent and Theo's relationship, and tons of wonderfully detailed descriptions of Vincent at work, and lots more. I'm looking forward to a group discussion on this book!!!! (I'm going to reread it, just to refresh my memory.)

Dvora wrote: "I should have also said, that any woman who is suffering from what she thinks is a broken heart should read about one of many French women, such as Madame X or stories by Colette (The Vagabond), to..."

I just noticed this post, Dvora, and thank you for reminding me of this. It's so interesting, because I always used to "fancy myself" as a woman with a very free-spirited attitude toward love and love affairs..... until I got married. And actually, even as a married woman I still had that free-spirit attitude (but only to a point -- my husband and I were very open and honest with each other and we would not have done anything that we couldn't tell the other.) BUT, after 12 years, our marriage fell apart, and lately I've forgotten about that free spirit attitude I used to have, and instead I decided to be completely broken hearted about the fact that my marriage didn't last.

BUT somehow I just saw your post, although I think you posted it a while ago, and it was a great reminder to me. YES -- to be like some of these French women!!! I've been wanting to read I Am Madame X and Strapless but haven't gotten to them yet. Maybe now (or soon) would be a good time to read these books.

Thanks Dvora!

Barbara, read The Vagabond by Colette!

I am presently reading "Judgement of Paris" and am finding it very readable. I do like Mr. Ross' method of painting a word picture about the lifestyle of the artist as well as the city, fashions, foods, and environment that surround him/her. Currently I'm meeting Manet and Meissonier. Both quite different but many things in common.

Dvora wrote: "Barbara, read The Vagabond by Colette!"

Thanks Dvora!! I just added it to my "to read" and "top priority" shelf!!!

Jeannie wrote: "I am presently reading "Judgement of Paris" and am finding it very readable. I do like Mr. Ross' method of painting a word picture about the lifestyle of the artist as well as the city, fashions, f..."

Hi Jeannie, I've been having a tough time staying focused on non-fiction lately. I have a lot on my mind (a lot of work-related stress, which is good because I do enjoy working) so when I have a hard time concentrating I find fiction to be much easier to read than non-fiction.

But I'm glad to hear that you're finding this very readable. I'll head over to Barnes & Noble (I'm sure they have it there) and flip through it to see if I think I'll be able to stay focused. I love that time period in Paris, and I'm glad to hear that Mr. Ross has done such a good job capturing the environment.

I finally got my book in the mail today. About an hour ago as a matter of fact. I guess I have some catching up to do!

Thank you for your comments, Jeannie!