Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Getting to know you...
New Book!
So, onto the matter at hand. This months book!
Here are the suggestions
Fablehaven
Bayern
The Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy
The Picture of Dorian Gray
The one that got picked (through the very scientific process of throwing names on the floor and choosing one) is
The Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy by Douglas Adams
Here is a snyopsis: Join Douglas Adams's hapless hero Arthur Dent as he travels the galaxy with his intrepid pal Ford Prefect, getting into horrible messes and generally wreaking hilarious havoc. Dent is grabbed from Earth moments before a cosmic construction team obliterates the planet to build a freeway. You'll never read funnier science fiction; Adams is a master of intelligent satire, barbed wit, and comedic dialogue. The Hitchhiker's Guide is rich in comedic detail and thought-provoking situations and stands up to multiple reads. Required reading for science fiction fans, this book (and its follow-ups) is also sure to please fans of Monty Python, Terry Pratchett's Discworld series, and British sitcoms.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
February and March Book
Here is the link from Amazon with a description of the book:
http://www.amazon.com/Hunger-Games-Suzanne-Collins/dp/0439023483
If you are trying to get it from the library there may be a wait, that is why I have put it in as the February and March book.
Talk to you soon!
P.S. I've set it up so that when people post comments, they will show up in your inbox. Let me know if you don't want that :)
Sunday, January 31, 2010
The Sweetness At The Bottom of the Pie
Thursday, January 28, 2010
February Book
Book Considerations
*Fiction, Non-Fiction, Children's, Juvenile, pretty much anything you think worth reading.
*Controversial issues are fine
*Excessive profanity, vulgarity, etc. are not fine
Some Thoughts To Get You Going...
1. With her high level of knowledge, her erudition and her self-reliance, Flavia hardly seems your typical eleven-year-old girl. Or does she? Discuss Flavia and her personality, and how her character drives this novel. Can you think of other books that have used a similar protagonist?
2. The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie falls within the tradition of English country house mysteries, but with the devilishly intelligent Flavia racing around Bishop’s Lacey on her bike instead of the expected older woman ferreting out the truth by chatting with her fellow villagers. Discuss how Bradley uses the traditions of the genre, and how he plays with them too.
3. What is your favourite scene from The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie?
4. With her excessive interest in poisons and revenge, it’s no surprise that Flavia is fascinated, not scared, as she watches the stranger die in her garden. In your view, is her dark matter-of-factness more refreshing or disturbing?
5. Flavia reminds us often about Harriet, the mother she never knew, and has many keepsakes that help her imagine what she was like. Do you think the real Harriet would have fit into Flavia’s mould?
6. Flavia’s distance from her father, the Colonel, is obvious, yet she loves him all the same. Does their relationship change over the course of the novel in a lasting way? Would Flavia want it to?
7. Through Flavia’s eyes what sort of a picture does Alan Bradley paint of the British aristocracy? Think as well about how appearances aren’t always reality, as with the borderline bankruptcy of Flavia’s father and Dr. Kissing.
8. Discuss the meaning (or meanings) of the title The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie.
9. What twists in the plot surprised you the most?
10. Buckshaw, the estate, is almost a character in its own right here, with its overlarge wings, hidden laboratory, and pinched front gates. Talk about how Bradley brings the setting to life in this novel — not only Buckshaw itself, but Bishop’s Lacey and the surrounding area.
11. What does Flavia care about most in life? How do the people around her compare to her chemistry lab and books?
12. Like any scientist. Flavia expects her world to obey certain rules, and seems to be thrown off kilter when surprises occur. How much does she rely on the predictability of those around her, like her father and her sisters, in order to pursue her own interests (like solving the murder)? Is Flavia truly surprised when Feely and Dogger come to her rescue?
Sunday, December 27, 2009
This and That
and those who matter don't mind.
-Dr. Seuss
1. We will read one new book a month. Comments and discussions can take place at any time.
It is well to read everything of something, and something of everything.
-Lord Henry P. Brougham
2. At the end of each month everyone can suggest a book. I will take all the suggestions and put them in a hat, then allow my 2 year old to choose one.
A man's character may be learned from the adjectives he habitually uses in conversation.
-Mark Twain
3. No profanity please.
The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing in the right place, but to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.
-Dorothy Nevill
4. Be nice.