Book Snails Book Group discussion

Feel free to pair up with a partner or a small group for buddy reads!

Took me awhile to find this thread (ultimately had to do a search), so I'm not sure if anyone will see this, but hopefully my new comment will attract attention via notifications.

Anyway, because I considered myself an introvert, I decided to check out the January BOTM nomination Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking. Since I was able to get it in eBook form from my library, I went ahead with it. I haven't gotten very far, and I noticed it currently has 3 votes in the poll, so I figured I'd see if anyone was interested in doing a buddy read.

Hi Kelsey, I've got it as an ebook, but haven't gotten around to it yet. I'm too busy hiding from all the extroverts.

Do you like what you've read so far?

It's certainly not a casual read. From the introduction alone, I learned that I'm likely an ambivert (a term I had never even heard before), as there are certain characteristics that define an introvert which I most certainly do not possess. Either that, or I'm a "shy extrovert." Either way, I'm not too sure how much more I'll ultimately take away from it, since I don't seem to be the introvert I thought I was.

It was interesting to learn the difference between being shy and being an introvert which are in fact two separate things (like hope and optimism ~ which I learned about in The Rainbow Comes and Goes: A Mother and Son On Life, Love, and Loss).

I am going to keep chipping away at it for now, though I doubt it's going to turn into a book I'm going to want to devour.

Erin wrote: "Took me awhile to find this thread (ultimately had to do a search), so I'm not sure if anyone will see this, but hopefully my new comment will attract attention via notifications.

Anyway, because ..."

This book has been on my TBR for a while now, would be interested in doing a buddy read when I get my hands on a library copy!

Erin wrote: "It's certainly not a casual read. From the introduction alone, I learned that I'm likely an ambivert (a term I had never even heard before), as there are certain characteristics that define an intr..."

If you're not too far ahead and can wait until I can grab a copy, we can do the buddy read. If you're not feeling it much, though, don't hesitate to let me know and we can drop the buddy read for this one.

I'm only about 13% done (and there were a lot of nothing pages at the beginning that I skipped). So I've read the introduction and chapter one. I'd like to finish by the end of the month so I can use it for a challenge I'm doing, and it's definitely not something I can read in big chunks. (It's almost like going to a college lecture, though I always liked learning, so I don't view that as a bad thing.) But I plan to read about 10 "pages" per day of my eBook version to finish in time (though I think there's a lot of "nothing" pages at the back with references and such).

Chapter one focuses on our transition from a society valuing character to one that values personality and I found it quite interesting. At this point, I do plan on continuing. And one nice thing about a book like this is that you don't really need to worry about spoilers, there's no plot to spoil! :-)

Erin wrote: "I'm only about 13% done (and there were a lot of nothing pages at the beginning that I skipped). So I've read the introduction and chapter one. I'd like to finish by the end of the month so I can u..."

I'm glad you've decided to continue. Unfortunately, I think I'll have to pass on this buddy read since you intend to finish by the end of the month! I don't know when I'll get a copy. Maybe next time, ok?! ;-) Good luck with the rest of the book!

Would anyone like to read James Joyce's "Ulysses" with me?

Brainstorm wrote: "Would anyone like to read James Joyce's "Ulysses" with me?"

Did you find anyone to read with you?

StarMan and I will be trekking the Pacific Crest Trail vicariously through Wild by Cheryl Strayed. All reading hikers are welcome to join. :)

Ev wrote: "StarMan and I will be trekking the Pacific Crest Trail vicariously through Wild by Cheryl Strayed. All reading hikers are welcome to join. :)"

Ev, how are you liking Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail? Is the narrator-author growing on you at all?

I've discovered recently that the author (Cheryl Strayed) is also an advice columnist -- which seems equally genius and horrible.

Ev wrote: "StarMan and I will be trekking the Pacific Crest Trail vicariously through Wild by Cheryl Strayed. All reading hikers are welcome to join. :)"

That sounds cool...hope you enjoy the book!

StarMan wrote: "Ev wrote: "StarMan and I will be trekking the Pacific Crest Trail vicariously through Wild by Cheryl Strayed. All reading hikers are welcome to join. :)"

Ev, how are you liking [book:Wild: From Lo..."

Some of her decision-making baffles me, but I am enjoying her journey, even though I think it's cheating when you're on a hiking trip and spend the night in a motel instead of outdoors. Are you liking the book and author?

I have that one (Wild) and have been tempted to read it, then un-tempted. Maybe I should just take the plunge!

Lupe: I say consider taking the WILD plunge, if you can keep an open mind while reading this true (or maybe mostly true?) memoir.

Ev wrote: "Some of her decision-making baffles me, but I am enjoying her journey, even though I think it's cheating when you're on a hiking trip and spend the night in a motel instead of outdoors. Are you liking the book and author?"

I agree on all your points.

The author-narrator (Cheryl Strayed) isn't exactly likeable. I'm tempted to say she exhibits symptoms of BPD (borderline personality disorder). To be fair, she had a slightly unusual childhood, and a death in the family really shook her.

If I suppress my sometimes-dislike/bafflement about the narrator or her actions/decisions/hippiness, the story of the hike itself is pretty interesting. Overall, I thought it was a book worth reading.

This book is also a good example of how to (view spoiler)[NOT prepare for an arduous and sometimes dangerous hike, and how NOT to pack a backpack. (hide spoiler)] On the plus side, Cheryl S. had no (view spoiler)[cell phones or GPS devices to depend on (1995), (hide spoiler)]which heightens the tension slightly.

I can see how some readers rated it highly. I just won't be one of them. If you're hoping for tons of character growth and good decision-making, you may be disappointed. But as a story about a flawed person (view spoiler)[half-a$$edly (hide spoiler)] trying to make sense of her life, it has a few moments.

Ev, how is "Wild" coming along? (I'm not rushing you!)

Here's a quiz question for anyone who's read or is reading Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail:

QUIZ: https://www.goodreads.com/trivia/show...

If anyone wants us to put up a dedicated Buddy Read topic for
The Martian or The Circle, please let us know here.

 

(these are the books that came in at #2 and #3 in the BOTM poll for Sept. 2017)

I'll join a buddy read on either of those, but I'm going to try to read Truthwitch first... I just can't read that fast, lol I'm a snail after all 😄

StarMan wrote: "If anyone wants us to put up a dedicated Buddy Read topic for
The Martian or The Circle, please let us know here.

  [bookcover:The..."

Dave Eggers (who wrote The Circle) will be visiting my campus on Sept. 12! Now I need to read it for sure ;-)

Jennifer wrote: "I'll join a buddy read on either of those, but I'm going to try to read Truthwitch first... I just can't read that fast, lol I'm a snail after all 😄"

Lol awesome...I'd like to be someone's buddy! ;-)

Ok! I finished Truthwitch so I'm ready to buddy or small group read the Martian or the Circle! Who's in?

Can we put up a dedicated buddy read on the circle? Allison and I are reading it (any anyone else can join!)

Jennifer wrote: "Can we put up a dedicated buddy read on the circle? Allison and I are reading it (any anyone else can join!)"
~~~~~~

Dedicated Bud Reads are up for

* THE MARTIAN
* THE CIRCLE

at https://www.goodreads.com/topic/group...

And thanks for reading TRUTHWITCH with us this month.

Since Stephenie Meyer's book The Host seems to pop up on several nomination discussions, and it narrowly missed being our BOTM for November '17, would anyone like a dedicated Buddy Read post for it here?

StarMan wrote: "Since Stephenie Meyer's book The Host seems to pop up on several nomination discussions, and it narrowly missed being our BOTM for November '17, would anyone like a dedicated Buddy R..."

I don't think it would hurt to post one for anyone who's interested! I'll vote for one!

Thanks, Allison. THE HOST is now available for Snail buddy reading :)

Direct link: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

In the spirit of Christmas, I'm going to start reading A Redbird Christmas by Fannie Flagg if anyone would care to join me for a buddy read...

The fall of giants by Ken Follet has been on my tbr list for quite a while now! I’m going to read it as my personal yearly read. Does anyone like to tackle this monstrous thing with me with a buddy read?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7...

Pien wrote: "The fall of giants by Ken Follet has been on my tbr list for quite a while now! I’m going to read it as my personal yearly read. Does anyone like to tackle this monstrous thing with me with a buddy..."

When were you planning to start this one? It looks pretty interesting and I’d be willing to give it a try. I’d kinda like to tackle several big books this year.

Pien, Erin, or anyone interested in Fall of Giants:

Dedicated Buddy Read discussion for this book is now up at:

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Glad to see people teaming up for this buddy read!

Anyone want to read Zorba the Greek? A buddy read maybe the only way I'll get through it, which does not sell it but...

Does anyone have an interest in buddy reading Stephen King's new book?
The Institute

Hi Vickie, if I can find a copy soon, will let you know.

StarMan wrote: "Hi Vickie, if I can find a copy soon, will let you know."

Great! And if not, no biggie. I think one of my other groups might read it in October.😊

I’m going to be starting My Cousin Rachel by Daphne du Maurier sometime in the next few days if anyone would like to buddy read it.

And I’ll be reading The Hating Game by Sally Thorne after that if anyone is interested.

Hey all. Do we have any interest in a buddy read of "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr? Keli and/or I will create a thread and set a start time.

Any fellow snails have an interest in reading World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War? I'd be up for that any time.😊

Keli and I are starting "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr soon, if any other Snails would like to join us!!

Wasn't there a buddy read for 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea? I can't find it. When does it start (if it starts)? Thanks!

Candace wrote: "Wasn't there a buddy read for 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea? I can't find it. When does it start (if it starts)? Thanks!"

It's not till June, so the post hasn't been created yet.

Vickie wrote: "Candace wrote: "Wasn't there a buddy read for 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea? I can't find it. When does it start (if it starts)? Thanks!"

It's not till June, so the post hasn't been created yet."

Ohhhh, lol! Sorry. I've already started reading it. :)

No worries, read away.☺️

Hello ; it's getting close to June. Keli , are you still interested in reading 20 Thousand Leagues ? Anyone else? Candace, I'll bet you've finished it , huh? I have been looking at the scientific discoveries and inventions that occurred in the 1800's. lots of things for a creative mind like Jules Verne's to turn into ideas for stories. :-)

Fred wrote: "Hello ; it's getting close to June. Keli , are you still interested in reading 20 Thousand Leagues ? Anyone else? Candace, I'll bet you've finished it , huh? I have been looking at the scientific d..."

Yes, I recently finished it and am ready to discuss it whenever y'all are.

I'll create a thread under the buddy reads folder for those that want to get started.😊

You can find the discussion here...

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Vickie wrote: "I'll create a thread under the buddy reads folder for those that want to get started.😊"

Thanks!

What's next for the buddy read?