Exceptional Books discussion

Here is our second short story pick. It is "International" right? And a short story, AND more importantly....chosen by more than one person and motion seconded by more than one.

I ordered it on Amazon Kindle for $4.95 and will put it on my Galaxy Tab or Nook. Barnes and Noble has it for $9.95.

Also...in searching libraries for "Always Available" literature in ebooks, I found they have the movie version of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead on Overdrive Media through most libraries.

Off to walk my dogs and get to reading.

First discussion question. Do you think it's important to have read or seen some version of Hamlet to appreciate this play? Why or why not?

I have not done either, so downloaded the movie for free from the library. Ditto for an ebook novel of Hamlet.

I haven't read Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead yet, but it seems to me you would need at lest some knowledge of their roles in the play. Any other feedback?

Terri wrote: "I haven't read Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead yet, but it seems to me you would need at lest some knowledge of their roles in the play. Any other feedback?"

That's what I thought. So I am picking up the 4 hour movie of Hamlet with Kate Winslet and other top billed actors from my library today and will watch it before I watch R&G are Dead movie (free download from library). Since they are both originally plays, I don't feel too bad about watching movies before reading the book.

Coming in late with an opinion as i just joined the group, but personally i don't like to watch video before reading the books. I feel it robs my own imagination and replaces it with someone elses preconceived notions. So i'm going to set aside Last Surviving Confederate Widow for a bit and start reading this. My only experience with Hamlet was from High School English so we'll see how it goes!

Well i'm up to the part where H. makes his first appearance. I must admit I am having difficulty with this book. I realized reading plays does not entertain me. I really rely on the author's ability to create a setting. For me, reading a play is like watching TV with your eyes closed; I am unable to pick up on the nuances.

Laura wrote: "Well i'm up to the part where H. makes his first appearance. I must admit I am having difficulty with this book. I realized reading plays does not entertain me. I really rely on the author's abi..."

Laura,
My apologies. I felt the same way when I looked online and all I could find was a play script. So I bought the "e-book" only to find out it too, is a play. For that reason, I decided that I needed to watch Hamlet first (I never have read or watched it, so I had no idea of the major, let alone the minor characters.

I've been a poor steward of this thread. Do you have other suggestions? I don't really want to read the play just for intellectual exercise either but was willing since it was my idea to start a book club. I will be more attentive to this thread but if it doesn't pick up.... Do you have any ideas for a shared read?

Can anyone think of any other books or movies that were modeled after this concept of sealed fate? The repetitive incidents called to mind "Groundhog Day" for me.

I'm still waiting for a library copy of Rosencranz and Guildenstern, so I'm really behind. Hope to get it Monday or Tuesday. I'm willing to consider something else if that's what the group wants.

I did find a critical note that said the author, Tom Stoppard, considered this a play to be experienced rather than studied.

After attempts at reading the first 30 pages followed by watching the first 10 minutes of the video with Richard Dreyfuss in in (available for free online thru library), I can see why the author would make this assertion. Others thoughts on this?

If I read any Saturday Night Live skit or the stage plans of any comedian, I would likely advise against it. Yet when experienced, it's quite entertaining.

Sounds like a lot of negatives on Rosencranz and Guildenstern. Are we ready to scrap it? I think I would vote yes, let's move on.

This is one of my favorite plays of all time, and I think it has outstanding literary value. However, I do not think this qualifies as the short story you guys are looking for. My advice: read this if you want an exceptional play, preferably after reading Hamlet and Waiting for Godot. But as far as exceptional books go, I don't think this is what any of you expected.

Meghanc wrote: "This is one of my favorite plays of all time, and I think it has outstanding literary value. However, I do not think this qualifies as the short story you guys are looking for. My advice: read this..."

Well stated Meghanc! I'll give it a few days for others to give the nod and close it up! Any ideas? For our short story or our "Big Read" we're hoping to start by May 1?

Kristina, even if we vote to scrap it (which i do), at least knowing something about R&G proved beneficial. I'm glad it was something i was introduced to. And my interest is peaked to see the play one day. Shoot, it took me years to like red wine, but you should see my cellar now!! :) How short does a short story need to be? And what's the topic we're trying to stick to?

Ladies and Gentlemen by Adam Ross was the best short story collection I read last year! I would highly encourage it--and the short stories come at varying lengths, for varying levels of time commitments!

Laura, you should definitely check out the movie version of R & G Are Dead; Gary Oldman is in it, and it is divine.

Laura wrote: "Kristina, even if we vote to scrap it (which i do), at least knowing something about R&G proved beneficial. I'm glad it was something i was introduced to. And my interest is peaked to see the ..."

No particular topic and I would say a short story would be something that can be read in under 3 hours maybe? I actually don't know. I have never done short stories until recently and have found most of the ones I have read to be collections of stories that take 45-90 minutes to read at a relaxed pace. I like the idea put forth by Meghanc. She's right about the movie too. I got it free downloaded from the library. Perhaps she would join us?? We also have an open thread under Book Club/Flannery O'Connor in right under Kristina's Section in here.

Meghanc wrote: "Ladies and Gentlemen by Adam Ross was the best short story collection I read last year! I would highly encourage it--and the short stories come at varying lengths, for varying levels of time commit..."

Hi Meghanc,

I don't believe we met before, but your input has sure been welcome and insightful. I hope you'll stay with us. We're just getting started. We have another thread under Flannery O'Connor right underneath Kristina's Section. The original idea was to have a few short reads and one big book going so that people would feel free to come and go as time and interest permits.

Actually quite relieved to see i was not the only one strugglung with R&G. E
I have not ben a big short story reader so dont have a lot of input on this to offer. I've always heard though that alice munro is one of the best and how to breathe underwater by julie orringer is in my tbr list.

I'd be glad to join!